Enhancing health and independent living for veterans with disabilities by leveraging community-based resources.

The number of US veterans with disabilities has increased in recent years as service members have returned home with extensive injuries and veterans from previous wars acquire functional limitations as a consequence of aging with chronic diseases. Veterans with severe disabilities need assistance and support to maintain independence at home and to avoid institutionalization. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) strives to network with community organizations to achieve the best possible outcomes for veterans. Key community resources in the US for individuals with disabilities are Centers for Independent Living (CILs) that provide a wide range of services, promoting independent living and well-being for people across disabilities. The widespread availability and services of CILs nationwide suggest their potential as a community-based resource for veterans, particularly for those with limited access to VA care. In this article, we discuss long-term needs of veterans with disabilities, efforts to address veterans' rehabilitation needs at the VA and opportunities for leveraging the strengths of community-based organizations for veterans. More research is warranted to investigate CIL services and potential for CIL-VA partnerships.

Relationship between frequency and intensity of physical activity and health behaviors of adolescents.

BACKGROUND: While studies have determined the importance of physical activity in advancing health outcomes, relatively few have explored the relationship between exercise and various health behaviors of adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between frequency and intensity of physical activity and both health risk and health promoting behaviors of adolescents. METHODS: Data were collected from 822 students attending a large, diverse suburban high school in northeast Florida using a self-administered survey. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests examined differences on mean health behavior measures on 3 exercise frequency levels (low, medium, and high) and 2 intensity levels (vigorous physical activity [VPA] and moderate physical activity [MPA]). RESULTS: Results showed adolescents engaged in high levels of VPA used marijuana less frequently (p = .05) and reported heavy use of marijuana less frequently (p = .03); consumed greater numbers of healthy carbohydrates (p < .001) and healthy fats in their diets (p < .001); used stress management techniques more frequently (p < .001); and reported a higher quality of sleep (p = .01) than those engaged in low levels of VPA. Fewer differences were found on frequency of MPA and health behaviors of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that adolescents who frequently participate in VPA may be less likely to engage in drug use, and more likely to participate in a number of health promoting behaviors. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to determine what role frequent VPA may play in the onset and maintenance of health enhancing and protecting behaviors among adolescent populations.