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A mindful step in the Whole Health journey

Recreation Therapist leads a Veteran through Tai Chi exercise.
U.S. Army Veteran Bill Seelaus (right) performs Tai Chi with instructor Ellen Barnes (left), Recreation Therapist, on April 11 at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. This beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis class is part of his personal health care plan developed using the Whole Health model of care.
By Michael Hamill, Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Army Veteran, Bill Seelaus, strengthens his mindfulness and awareness, tenants of Whole Health, on April 11, by incorporating Tai Chi classes into his personal health care plan.

Whole Health is the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) approach to care that supports health and well-being for Veterans and centers care around what matters to the Veteran by putting each person at the center of their own health care.

Regularly taking part in activities like Tai Chi is credited with contributing to each participant's Whole Health because it helps with energy, flexibility in motion, relaxes and heals the mind and encourages their personal development.

Mindful Steps
Completing this beginner's Tai Chi class offered by recreation therapy at the Coatesville VA Medical Center is just one of many small steps in Seelaus' Whole Health journey that started in 2006, long before he knew anything about Whole Health.

Walking away from a civil service job as a heavy equipment operator in Tacoma, Wa., Seelaus ended up in the desert where he said he took the first step on his Whole Health journey.

"I walked out into the desert of Utah and lived on water for 27 and 1/2 days. One day I got up and I said, 'this is the day that I'm either gonna get help or I'm gonna die.'"

That day he took a single step toward living and has continued to take steps that, over the course of the last 18 years, have carried him through overcoming his homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues.

"Whole Health care planning allows each person to discover their own mission, aspiration, and purpose," said Angela Shaffner, Whole Health Program Manager for Coatesville VA. "The idea is to inspire commitment from the Veteran to their own health and well-being."

Finding His Inspiration
After trying, failing and restarting many times, Seelaus' efforts to build a productive life, began to take hold in 2016. Following an assignment from his mental health provider, he realized one of his inspirations to improve his health. Seelaus found value in helping fellow Veterans.

"What I learned from being in service is there is always that soldier who is looking at you to help him figure things out. That's why I live. That's where I am."

Coatesville VAs Whole Health approach connects a network of healthcare resources allowing Seelaus to access homeless Veteran programs, primary care, specialty care, mental health, nutrition, and fitness programs.

Feeling Really Good
Seelaus identified two reasons to be better. The first was there are other Veterans out there counting on him to help them figure things out. His second reason was that he didn't want to be a burden to his family any longer.

"The relationship with my family is much better because they don't have to be concerned for my well-being all the time and that feels really good."

Learn more about Whole Health care at Coatesville VA Medical Center by contacting Angela Shaffner, Whole Health Program Manager for Coatesville VA by email Angela.Shaffner@va.gov or call at 610-384-7711, then dial extension 6813.