Starting this September, veterans and their family members will be able to participate in a free online health promotion program called MissionVAV.

This program, sponsored by the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Fund, is a fun way to improve wellness in different areas such as fitness, decreasing stress, improving sleep, eating healthier and losing weight.

The program sets up missions, which include physical activities that can be measured. The missions last approximately six weeks and each one has a different wellness goal. Start a team, join a team or do it on your own, there are many ways to take part whenever you want and wherever you are.

Because the program is online, anyone with access to the internet using a computer, tablet or smartphone can join a mission. The objective of each mission is to collect points by completing tasks that help change wellness behaviours. This includes evaluating risk factors, setting goals, tracking behaviour (e.g. physical activity), reading daily tips and connecting with teammates. Points from each team member move the team along virtual routes in interesting parts of the world. Whose team can be first to the finish line?

This program has been proven to improve physical activity and reduce stress and fatigue among active CAF personnel, health-care workers and corporate employees. The results have been presented at the annual forum of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research and published in leading health journals (publications are available at MissionVAV.com).

The MissionVAV research team, affiliated with the McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program, has adapted the program to meet the needs of Canadian veterans and their families. Based on the input and feedback received over the next four years, this online health program will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the veteran community.

You can join by signing up at MissionVAV.com.

Serving You is written by Legion command service officers. To reach a service officer, call toll-free 1-877-534-4666, or consult a command website.