Start Your Journey With Whole Health
Overview
Whole Health means thinking about and approaching your health in a new way. Through conversations and courses, VA staff and Veteran peers will get to know you. They will work with you to set health and well-being goals based on your needs and what matters to you.
Whole Health puts you, not your symptoms, at the center of your care decisions.
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Whether you want to wake up with less pain, change careers, reduce stress, or move more, you can start by talking with your health care provider or participating in a Whole Health course.
Build Your Personal Health Plan and Complete your Personal Health Inventory
Once you talk to your health care provider, our team will work with you to build your Personal Health Inventory and plan using SMART goals and a combination of clinical care and well-being programs to fit your needs.
Personal health planning involves really looking at your personal hope, desires and goals. Many people start the process by completing a Personal Health Inventory, setting goals, and using various resources to take steps to work towards achieving your goals. The Personal Health Plan can also be connected or supported by education, peer support, and self-care practices that support your overall health and well-being.
The Personal Health Inventory walks you through the Circle of Health and explores areas of your life that affect your health, and your Personal Health Plan will identify self-care that fits with your health and well-being priorities.
Take a Veteran-Led Course
There are currently two Veteran-led Whole Health courses: Introduction to Whole Health and Taking Charge of My Life and Health. During these courses, other Veterans will teach you about Whole Health practices and help you take steps to create your Personal Health Plan.
Introduction to Whole Health
Introduction to Whole Health is offered twice a month at VA facilities. This 2-hour, peer-led session explains the Whole Health approach to care. The group explores the Circle of Health and how to create a Personal Health Plan.
Taking Charge of My Life & Health
Following the Introduction to Whole Health, you can participate in a 9-week, peer-led course, Taking Charge of My Life and Health. This group session provides an opportunity for more self-exploration, self-care, and goal setting based on what matters to you.
Explore the Circle of Health
The Circle of Health helps you explore connections between important aspects of your life and your health and well-being. Improving one area can benefit other areas and influence your overall physical, emotional, and mental health.
