Skip to Content

Wellness Wednesday: Providing Education and Broadening Men’s Health Awareness

Two men smiling, promoting Wellness Wednesday event.

By Gloria Hairston, Director of Public Affairs

Your DC VAMC health care team is looking to help men and families live longer and healthier lives. Men’s physical health depends on healthy diet, exercise, emotional support, and routine screenings with your VA or Primary Care provider.

June is Men’s Health Education and Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive men's health care, covering physical, mental, and sexual health, along with whole health and wellness programs. Your local Washington DC VA Medical Center emphasizes preventive care, early detection, and specialized treatments for conditions prevalent among male veterans, such as prostate cancer, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and other conditions. 

Your VA team is prepared to support you with care coordination because the team understands that family, work, and other responsibilities are present in your life. However, prioritizing your physical health is very important and VA has made it easy for you to access care. Go ahead, make yourself and your wellness a priority. Schedule a Primary Care appointment. Veterans enrolled for VA care, living in the District of Columbia, and commuting areas of Maryland and Virginia, may schedule a Primary Care appointment by calling press 2. 

Key Men's Health Areas Covered by VA Primary Care:

  • Preventive Care Services & Routine Primary Care Exams: Regular check-ups to assess overall health and track changes over time.
  • Immunizations: Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other necessary preventative vaccines.
  • Mental Health: Offers specialized treatment for PTSD, depression, stress management, and suicide prevention.
  • Heart Health: Screens for and manages high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease.
  • Cancer Screening: Provides early detection and treatment programs for prostate, colon, and lung cancers.
  • Hormonal Care: Evaluates and treats testosterone deficiency and other hormone imbalances.
  • Sexual Health: Covers treatments for erectile dysfunction, including the prescription of sildenafil (Viagra) for eligible veterans.
  • Whole Health Approach: Integrates conventional medicine with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and complementary therapies.
  • Health Education: Guidance on nutrition, weight management, and quitting tobacco.

Enroll for VA Health Care

Veterans may enroll for VA care by accessing the following link: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

Whole Health emphasizes mindful awareness and Veteran self-care along with conventional and integrative approaches to health and well-being. A Whole Health approach to men’s health focuses on a variety of self-care approaches. Some studies have also showed success with certain complementary approaches, particularly supplements, when prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, testosterone deficiency, and other problems arise.

Start Your VA Whole Health Journey

The VA Whole Health Program is accessible to you. There is information online and in-person programs that you may be right for you. 

To start your whole health journey, visit the following link: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/recharge.asp

Visit the VA Whole Health Library on Men’s Health: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/overviews/mens-health.asp