Health and well-being offerings
At VA Palo Alto health care, we offer a variety of programs to support your health and wellness goals. Click on each topic below to see a description of current offerings.
Diabetes education
For complete diabetes education, both Diabetes 101 and Diabetes 102 classes are recommended. The classes do not need to be taken in any order.
You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Diabetes 101: Take control
This 90-minute class is taught by a registered nurse (RN) and a physical therapist (PT). For the first 60 minutes, a RN discusses causes and complications of diabetes as well as ways to take control and manage it. For the last 30 minutes, a PT discusses ways of increasing movement and activity as well as demonstrating alternative ways of performing movements and exercises.
First Friday of each month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) and Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only
Diabetes 102: Medication and food
This 90-minute class is taught by a pharmacist and a registered dietitian. During the first 45 minutes, the pharmacist will discuss different types of diabetic medication and how they work with your body. The second 45 minutes a registered dietitian will discuss carbohydrates, sugar-free foods, serving sizes, meal planning, and how to make sense of food labels.
Third Friday of each month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) and Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only
Healthy eating group
This one-time class is led by a registered dietitian. Topics covered include general healthy eating guidelines, MyPlate, portion sizes, and more.
Second Tuesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) education
This 90-minute group education class, presented by a registered nurse, clinical pharmacist, registered dietitian and physical therapist, is designed to help you learn about blood pressure, how to manage high blood pressure, and how high blood pressure affects the body. We will discuss ways you can manage your blood pressure through activity, medication, food, weight management, and more.
We share resources like the MOVE! weight management program, Whole Health, nutrition, physical therapy, Telequit, Telehealth, the Veterans Health Library, and more in the group.
Anyone who would like to learn more about how to manage high blood pressure can join; family and caregivers are welcome.
The fourth Thursday each month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) to Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only
You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Introduction to MOVE! weight management
This 90-minute, one-time class provides an orientation to the MOVE! program and presents the opportunity to connect with further weight management options.
The group appointment is provided via VA Video Connect with a telephone dial-in option.
First Wednesday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Third Wednesday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To schedule, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Introduction to Whole Health
This 60-minute class introduces you to Whole Health and is facilitated by a health and wellness coach. It helps you start to identify what is important to you, and how you can start on your Whole Health journey.
Varies, call for class offering, via VA Video Connect (VVC)
To sign up, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
For more information, call 650-849-0131.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
COURAGE group
For women-identifying Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. Draws on cognitive and behavioral principles to promote healing, self-discovery, and self-efficacy.
Every Friday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.
Women's sexual health and intimacy group
For women-identifying Veterans interested in improving sexual health and satisfaction.
8-week series, meets Mondays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult for the next 8-week cohort.
Sleep and meditation
iRest
iRest™ is a version of an ancient yoga nidra (sleep) meditation developed with a military/Veteran population in mind.
This ongoing class is offered live twice per week except for federal holidays.
Some sessions have been recorded and posted here: Recorded sessions
The live weekly sessions are offered by the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC).
Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. via telephone: Call 833-558-0712, access code 433 794 55, to join.
Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. via telephone: Call 833-558-0712, access code
Call Louise Mahoney at 650-815-9463 for more information, or email louise.mahoney2@va.gov.
Tai chi and Qigong
Tai chi (standing/seated/wheelchair)
In person or virtual
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In person at Palo Alto VA, building 530, room 245, or virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Qigong
In person or virtual
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In person at Palo Alto VA, building 530, room 245, or virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.
Wellness education series
This 60-minute educational lecture is part of an ongoing series that introduces Veterans to wellness, complementary /integrative health modalities, and providers within VA and the local community.
Second Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. to noon, via VA Video Connect (VVC)
Email michael.voigt2@va.gov to sign up and for more information.
Women's health pregnancy and post-pregnancy
Lactation breastfeeding basics
For people interested in learning more about breastfeeding and/or pumping.
Contact for time
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.
Prepared childbirth classes
Two-class series to feel better prepared for labor and birth. Learn comfort measures and relaxation techniques.
Contact for time
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.
PT pelvic floor pregnancy group
For pregnant people interested in learning more about the pelvic floor, exercise, stretching, posture changes, and physical therapy interventions available during the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Every first Wednesday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a CRH pregnancy PT consult to register for the class.
ROSE Program
Skills training for pregnant Veterans at risk for postpartum depression (not depression treatment)
Every Friday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult. The ROSE Program is also offered in individual sessions.
Women's sexual health and intimacy group
For women-identifying Veterans interested in improving sexual health and satisfaction.
8-week series, meets Mondays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult for the next 8-week cohort (starts October 28, 2024).
Work group for advance care planning
Advance Care Planning Group
This 60-minute workgroup is led by a VA social worker, in-person and virtually. In this workshop, you will learn about options and how to control your health care decisions, complete a health care directive that will share your personal values with your provider and family during a health crisis, and determine who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
This workshop is available to Veterans, spouses, family members, and VA employees. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4, or ask your provider for a social work consult.
In-person locations and virtual presentations are on the same days and times:
- Palo Alto: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. to noon, building 5, third floor, room A-354
- San Jose: First Friday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., second floor, room 204
- Fremont: Fourth Thursday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mental Health, room 105
- Monterey: Second Wednesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., group room 2
- Livermore: Third Wednesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., building 88, second floor, room 223
WoVeN (Women's emotional and social support group)
Emotional and social support for women-identifying Veterans who are at home experiencing loneliness or new in town, and looking for a way to build up their social support.
Every Tuesday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)
You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.
Yoga
Yoga is gentle movement that is accessible to all VA enrolled Veterans. Classes are 60 minutes, and can include mat or chair options.
Varies, call for class offering, via VA Video Connect (VVC)
Call the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) for more information at 888-482-4376. You will need a referral from your Primary Care Team.
Health and wellness resources for Veterans
-
Watch a variety of well-being videos
-
Helping Veterans stay well and well-informed
-
Learn about VA's approach to whole health
-
Health care resources for Veterans and the public