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The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Group is a coalition of Veterans, state agencies, leaders, and mental health professionals committed to raising awareness and implementing programs aimed at Veteran suicide prevention.

Every month, we will highlight a national health or awareness theme, providing brief information and resources to help Veterans, families, and communities stay informed and connected to important issues affecting their well-being.

 

Move More Month

This month, the Governor’s Challenge team is highlighting Move More Month.

Did you know that physical inactivity contributes to 27 percent of deaths from heart disease annually? Around 10 percent of deaths among adults aged 40–69 and eight percent of deaths among adults 70 and older in South Carolina can be attributed to physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is a major health concern among U.S. Veterans, with inactive Veterans facing higher risks of chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. While Veterans often have more active lifestyles than civilians, that activity can significantly decline after separating from the structured military environment.

Physical inactivity, or living a sedentary lifestyle, can increase the risk of negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and premature death. Increasing physical activity, meanwhile, has been found to reduce mortality from all causes and can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases.

 

Connection Between Physical Activity and Mental Health

Both physical activity and overall health status play meaningful roles in supporting mental well-being. Research suggests that people who are physically inactive tend to experience higher levels of emotional distress compared to those who engage in regular movement. Physical activity can improve mental well-being, boost self-esteem, reduce stress, reduce chronic pain, and lower the risk of anxiety and depression. In fact, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs researchers from Durham, Salt Lake City, and Connecticut found that Veterans engaged in higher physical activity had lower odds of suicidal ideation and less risk for suicidal behavior.

Mental health is physical health. The brain is part of the body. The same systems that influence heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, dementia, chronic pain, stroke, and metabolic illness also influence mood, behavior, and regulation. We may separate them in conversation, but they are not separate in biology.

Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help you feel more energized and able to participate in the activities you enjoy. Regular movement also supports the prevention and management of many chronic conditions. Overweight and obesity are linked with low energy, pain, poor sleep, and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Even modest weight loss—about 5 to 10 percent of your current weight—can lower these risks and improve overall health.

In South Carolina, about half of adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults aim for:

  • At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking.

  • At least 2 days per week of muscle-strengthening activities.

Moderate-intensity activity can be as simple as doing 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

There are resources available to help you get moving, adopt healthy habits, and work toward reaching your health goals.

South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) offers state employees comprehensive health and wellness programs at no cost to State Health Plan primary members. These initiatives include Personify Health (digital wellness), Hello Heart (blood pressure management), Wondr Health (weight loss), and Virta (diabetes reversal).

Nonprofits such as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Girls on the Run (GOTR), and Special Olympics South Carolina offer a variety of physical activity programs.

For Veterans, the VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program offers guidance, support, and tools to help build healthier routines and encourage exercise. The VA also provides weight-management medicines and surgery when appropriate and used alongside lifestyle changes. Talking with your healthcare team can help you explore the options that best fit your needs and goals.

 

 

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