The VA is encouraging veterans to start making healthier choices.

The VA observed public health week in April and will be observing National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, National HIV Testing Day in June, World hepatitis Day in July and National Immunization Awareness Month in August.

“VA promotes these events because they raise awareness and encourage people to take action to improve their individual health, which ultimately improves the health of the whole community – veterans, veterans’ families, employees and employees’ families,” said Dr. Victoria Davey, chief officer of VA Public Health.

“The two most important actions people can take are to stop smoking and to keep their vaccinations current,” she said.

Smoking is a leading cause of illness and premature death. Veterans have higher smoking rates than the general U.S. population.

In terms of vaccinations, “Everyone from young adult to senior citizens can benefit from them,” Said Davey. “Vaccines can play an important role in keeping veterans and [VA health care] employees healthy.”