The VA2K Walk and Roll at Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center

In addition to some good exercise on a clear day, the participants helped raise donations for homeless Veterans by bringing in donations specifically needed for Veterans in the Phoenix area.

“It is VA2K day, and it is an excellent day to get out here,” said Michael Welsh, the Medical Center Deputy Director. “We can’t just work. We’ve got to take care of ourselves.”

Participants were encouraged to stop at the midway point to take part in some of the exercises, activities, water and snacks provided. The participants could show their skills with the hula-hoop, take part in a short Tai Chi class, use the sound bowls, or just refuel with some healthy snacks and water.

Tai Chi, while a martial art, is provided at the VA as a mindfulness practice and for the health benefits it provides. Rick Weaver, Tai Chi Instructor and volunteer at the Phoenix VA said those who regularly participate in his class find themselves in a state of mind where they are fully engaged with the activity, so their problems vanish, if at least for a little while.

“The VA2K is an annual event to promote a healthy lifestyle for VA employees and Veterans by encouraging employees to walk, move your body, or otherwise be active during the workday,” said Tianca Breedlove, VA2K Co-coordinator.

Dr. John Buterbaugh, the Medical Center Chief of Staff, participated in the VA2K, which made him think about how the VA employees can sustain themselves, and take care of themselves, so they can take care of their patients.

“When I’m whole and I’m healthy then I can give more of myself, and I can serve better,” said Dr. Buterbaugh.

The VA2K also helps promote activities that those in the VA community, employees and Veteran alike, can do to benefit them, said Kris Leon, Recreation Assistant with Whole Health at the medical center. It also gives the Whole Health team an opportunity to make sure that employees know about what Whole Health has to offer to employees. There are classes provided for employees on Teams every day except Thursday.

“They are just 15-minute energy breaks that I do Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.,” said Kris.

To access these energy breaks, go to Whole Health for Employees on SharePoint to find this schedule and other programs available to employees. For more information on these program and activities, just click on the “Whole Health for Employees” link on the bottom right of the SharePoint homepage, of call the Whole Health main number at ext. 1281.