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Whole Health

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older man wear mask practicing tai chiVeteran Turns Things Around with Whole Health
At 80 years old, Veteran James Canaday has greatly improved his health and mobility with Whole Health and the support of Beckley VA staff. Canaday has lost 140 pounds and can now walk short distances unaided.
woman with back to camera fishing at lake and two others fishing in kayaksBetter than boot camp—Veteran camp offers respite
The Indianapolis VA Medical Center and the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA hosted 19 Veterans at a Whole Health camp. Campers got to focus on healthy cooking, indoor and outdoor sports, and connection.
Picture of Female VeteranFinding Her Way with Whole Health
Tammy's work in the Personal Development area of the Circle of Health has transformed her life. She says these efforts have helped her develop a relationship with herself; and today she loves the person she is.
A man wearing a graduation cap and gownVeterans Find Pain Relief Through Acupuncture
Battlefield acupuncture (BFA) provides pain relief for many Veterans and reduces the need for prescription painkillers. Unlike traditional acupuncture, BFA is performed only on the ear using 5 to 10 tiny needles.
Veteran holding robotic dog.Robotic Pets Benefit Veteran Patients
Robotic pets have moved into the Salisbury VA Community Living Center (CLC) in North Carolina. These pets have brought comfort, connection, and therapeutic benefits to Veterans with memory loss, dementia and depression.
Air Force Veteran Karen Williams smiles and poses playfully in a red dress next to an elephant statue in front of an indoor restaurant.Healthy Cooking Class Spices Up Life
A healthy cooking class at the Salisbury VA helps Veterans cook up fun and find new ways to live well. “Having this class was so great… it started giving me some choices,” Air Force Veteran Karen Williams said.
Veteran and Coach walking togetherSmall Steps Lead to Big Changes for Senior Veteran
Small steps lead to big changes for this Veteran. "It’s never too late to get active," says Marine Corps Veteran Fratarelli. Fratarelli and his Whole Health Coach, worked together to achieve his goals.
Man teaching Tai ChiA Heart for Service
Volunteer offers Tai Chi to Veterans; teaching them how to move in their bodies the way they were designed to move. Tai Chi can be very beneficial for physical and mental challenges Veterans face.
man with microphoneLaughter Heals: Veterans Comedy Boot Camp
A Comedy Boot Camp hosted in partnership with Arts Altoona and the Altoona VA Medical Center is helping Veterans live Whole Health through laughter and camaraderie, one joke at a time.
Women leaning against a wall smilingAmerican Legion Serves Healthy Food and Fellowship
Van Buren, Indiana American Legion kitchen manager supports Whole Health by serving food and fellowship. Karen Kirkpatrick offers healthy menu and a chance for Veterans to socialize and connect.
Image of a beach with palm treeRecharging through the Personal Health Inventory
Rest and recharge are just as important as fitness and food choices. Read how Army National Guard Veteran, David Meyer learned this when he completed the PHI with his Whole Health Coach.
Image of person practicing Tai ChiMoving with Faith and Purpose
US Army Veteran John Smith looks in the mirror and now sees he is living a life that reflects his faith. After spending much of his life, call a Veteran because he did not serve in a war zone, Smith now stands proud.
Army Veteran Rodolfo Barrios teaches Veterans photography skills outdoors.Veteran Peers Help Others to Aim Toward their Goal
Using personal experiences and training to help other Veterans explore their personal goals that support what matters most, Peer Facilitators have great influence on their colleagues' Whole Health journey.
US Army Veteran Dr. Gallimore shares his experience of healing from a stroke through Tai ChiUS Army Veteran Lives Whole Health Through Tai Chi
Years after suffering a stroke while in the military, US Army Veteran Dr. Gallimore has experienced positive changes in his physical appearance and overall well-being attending Tai Chi classes at his local VA.
Photo of USAF Veteran TaTanisha RandellTurning Pain into Purpose
Finding a new direction and giving hope to other Veterans, USAF Veteran TaTanisha Randell changes careers and creates affordable housing for Veterans after working on her Personal Health Inventory with a coach.
Veteran with his daughter.Veteran Hears the Call to Whole Health
“I find that the VA’s Whole Health model of care is the perfect way to address the physical, mental and emotional needs we all have and unlock the keys to achieve what we want most in life.”
Veteran Joe Morgan in his bowling pictureVeteran Credits Whole Health for Return to Living
NC Veteran gets back to the life he loves with Whole Health coaching. “When Mr. Morgan shared that he was again bowling and even made it to the championship as captain I could see that made him come alive.“
Vet and Husband on beach.Living His Best Life with VA Whole Health
Pandemic depression and a few extra pounds were preventing this Navy Veteran from living out his best retirement years in Florida. Whole Health changed that by helping him to lose weight and make new connections.
Army Veteran Jennifer Yarbrough and Chad Hunley, Whole Health Coach.Veteran finds support in Whole Health
Army Veteran finds support in Whole Health after three cancer diagnoses. Setting a goal to ride her motorcycle, this female Veteran regained her strength and enthusiasm for life with the help of a Whole Health coach.
Veteran Larry Reese and family.Moving the Body and Calming the Mind
“Motion is lotion. If you’re sitting still, you’re feeling the pain, but if you keep moving, it helps you to deal with it.” Veteran learns skills to manage pain through Whole Health.
Marine Corps Veteran, Christopher YoungVeteran Regains Confidence Through Whole Health
“I just feel happy to be alive and I feel much more outgoing now,” says Veteran Christopher Young, who has regained his confidence and strength through Whole Health coaching, exercise and acupuncture.
Veteran Reverend James Mitchell playing Pickle Ball.Praising God and Offering Thanks for Whole Health
“I was a walking billboard for pain before I met Ms. Dobson,” says Reverend James Mitchell of Bluefield, WV. “We need more Veterans to learn about Whole Health, and I will be the billboard for its success.”
Army Veteran Ricardo Martinez poses outside of an office at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.Combat Veteran Embraces Whole Health
One of the most successful battles of Combat Army Veteran, Ricardo Martinez’s life was attacking the enemy of PTSD and isolation. Learn how he healed with Whole Health.
Navy Veteran and Peer Support Specialist David Muniz on a hiking trip.Sharing Whole Health: Peer-to-Peer
What matters most to you? On the pathway to Whole Health, this is THE question. While the question may seem simple, for Navy Veteran David Muniz, it was life changing.
Woman is looking out of the window.Five Resources to Recharge This Holiday Season
As you prepare for the holidays and new year, fight the urge to tackle long to-do lists. Instead, take time to recharge and get the rest you need, so you have energy to do the activities you enjoy.
Veterans practice yoga poses outside in a gardenInspiring Hope Through Garden Yoga
When COVID-19 hit, Whole Health Coaches at the Fargo VA Medical Center came up with a creative solution for holding yoga classes outside in their Healing Garden, providing hope and inspiration.
Live Whole Health app shown on phone screen with smaller heart icon and man walking icons linked to phone.NEW! Live Whole Health Mobile App Now Available
Are you ready to take the next step in your Whole Health journey? It is now easier than ever for Veterans to Live Whole Health thanks to VA’s new Live Whole Health mobile app.
Circle of Health graphic showing a concentric circle with eight self-care areasWhat is the Circle of Health?
If you have read about Whole Health, you may have come across the term, “The Circle of Health.” But what does it mean? And how can it help? Find out how it can kickstart your Whole Health journey.
Doctor discusses treatment with woman patient sitting in an exam room with a Whole Health poster on the wall.Study Shows the Success of Whole Health
A new progress report shows improvement in the lives of Veterans who use Whole Health services. Veterans with chronic pain who used Whole Health services had a threefold reduction in opioid use.
Image of a Veteran practicing self-care through acupressure, by pressing one finger into the back of opposite hand in the soft spot between thumb and pointer finger.Discovering Self-Care Practices
VA's #LiveWholeHealth blog provides videos on a wide range of self-care topics. Explore from your phone, tablet or computer and find guidance on well-being topics such as acupressure, mindful breathing, yoga and more.
Woman sitting on bench looking at sunsetReduce Stress Through Mindfulness
Today’s world can be hectic and stressful. But what if there was an easy way to reduce stress? One simple practice might help Veterans live healthier lives: mindfulness. Discover how to be more present in your life.
Image of a veteran using mobile phone app for mindful breathingTake Whole Health With You
Digital technologies are easy, popular and frequently used. Explore some of these mobile apps and online resources that inform, equip, and empower you in achieving your best overall well-being and health.
Health coaching service encounter between a VA health coach and Veteran.Success with Health and Well-Being Coaching Codes
VA achieved a milestone in patient-driven health care with the creation of new AMA Health & Well-Being Coaching Codes. The codes provide a way that certified health coaches identify & report health coaching services.
Woman in “Discover What Matters” videoNew Whole Health Video Released
As VA medical centers and clinics across the country help Veterans to Live Whole Health, the stories of their experiences are spreading. Learn how they inspired the new “Discover What Matters.”
servicemember in yoga poseMedical Journal Features VA Whole Health Transform
VA is gaining recognition for its reimagined approach to health care. A March special issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine takes a look at Whole Health.

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