Nudge, Nudge: 'Activity' Reminders from Annie
Get motivational text ‘nudges’ from health reminder program
Living an active lifestyle can help prevent and treat dozens of issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. It can improve not just your physical health, but also your mental health and emotional well-being. Walking your dog or gardening are activities you might not think of as exercise. But daily movements like these can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and minimize chronic pain.
Starting a movement routine may seem challenging. To help, VA’s Moving the Body and Annie programs teamed up. Now you can get motivational text messages that can help you start with Whole Health and stay on track. These messages offer suggestions and resources on how to stay active.
What is ‘Annie’?
The Annie program for Veterans can help you take charge of your health, one text message at a time. This automated program sends you text messages with helpful information, health-related reminders, and motivational messages. But Annie’s messages can’t be used to communicate with your provider. You can sign up for Annie’s Move the Body tips with just a few simple steps.
How to start moving
During this 3-month program, Annie will send you movement reminders and resources 3 times a week. Annie will say: Make a plan for moving this week. Some messages you might get include:
The key to starting a movement routine is understanding what activities are right for you. Whether you like gardening, dancing, or something else, pick movements that you enjoy.
Register and subscribe to messages from ‘Annie’
To start receiving Moving the Body reminders, you’ll need to register with Annie first. You can start the Annie program by following these instructions. Your VA health care team can also help you sign up.
Once you’re registered, text SUB BODY to 75338 from your mobile phone. You can also use the camera on your mobile phone to scan the QR code in the image below, and a pre-filled text message will appear.
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