As part of VA’s Whole Health approach to care, qualified instructors teach veterans new skills and help them manage their health issues in a variety of creative ways both virtually and in-person.
“We empower and equip veterans to take control of their health and well-being,” said Jennifer Allen, VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA) Whole Health Program Manager and Nurse Practitioner. said. “We’re trying to give them tools for self-care.”
Virtual classes held via VA Video Connect or by phone greatly increase access for Veterans who are unable to physically attend. There are also some classes specifically aimed at people with disabilities, such as chair yoga and tai chi for visually impaired veterans.
A holistic approach to health
VA’s Whole Health Initiative focuses on what matters most to veterans and prioritizes their health. Personal health plans are created based on a patient’s values, needs, and goals rather than more general clinical measures.
The Whole Health program is structured according to the Circle of Health. This diagram focuses on the “me” at the center and surrounds it with important areas of self-care. surroundings; self-development; food and drink; recharge; family, friends, colleagues. spirit and soul. And mental strength.
The GLA Class Calendar (available online) is a collaboration between Whole Health, Integrative Medicine, Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program (HPDP), and Mental Health.
Classes are taught by a variety of professionals, including whole health coaches, social workers, and preventive medicine physicians.
During the Healthy Teaching Kitchen class (held Fridays at 11 a.m. outside Building 220 in West Los Angeles, Virginia), veterans will be treated to nutritious dishes such as freshly picked figs, goat cheese, and arugula flatbread. Learn how to make delicious meals.
Pain management with acupuncture
Another session on Friday at 11 a.m., the Walk-In Battlefield Acupuncture Clinic (held in Building 220 in West LA, Virginia), will feature many veterans, including a 100-year-old World War II veteran. participate.
During treatment hours, the room is quiet and serene, with a reclining chair and table covered in white sheets, where the veteran can lie while a trained practitioner pierces his ear with a tiny needle. can. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body to activate the flow of energy, thereby treating a variety of symptoms.
Harris Johnson, an Army veteran, said acupuncture helped with the pain he experienced after three combat tours. He has been in this program for his 3 years. “Acupuncture works,” Johnson said. “Thank God for this clinic.”
Healing touch, which uses the hands to balance the body’s energies, can also be performed on veterans during sessions.
Another of the most popular classes on the calendar is “Whole Health for Anger Management” at the Sepulveda VA Outpatient Care Center. This class is run by his health coach, retired Army Captain Tim Pennix. “This group has formed a community and has been going to this class together for a really long time,” Allen said.
“Many veterans have been very isolated over the last few years,” Allen said. “It’s the community that ties everything together. It’s great to see that coming back again. [following the pandemic]”
Relax with Tai Chi
Tai Chi, another popular class, is offered on Mondays at 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Thursdays at 8:30 a.m., and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (reserved for visually impaired veterans) and 1 p.m. (reserved for visually impaired veterans). Classes are held in person or via VA Video Connect.
During a recent Tuesday morning video class, instructor and whole health coach Terrence Brotherton led veteran participants into a soothing, meditative experience.
The gentle music helped set the tone for the slow, deliberate movements of Tai Chi. Brotherton’s easy-to-follow instructions are suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
“If you can stay relaxed and calm when a problem arises, you will make better decisions,” he told the class. He added that people should imagine themselves fully healed.
Brotherton has been practicing Tai Chi for over 20 years. “I have the luckiest job in the world,” Brotherton said. “I love what I do and I love being able to share it.”
The option to join classes by phone or via VA Video Connect expands Whole Health’s reach and allows instructors to reach more veterans in need.
working together
At the Veterans Garden on the West LA VA campus, Whole Health collaborates with Recreational Therapy. Recreational therapy focuses on improving a veteran’s quality of life, optimal functionality, and daily independence by utilizing a range of prescribed experiential therapies, including aquatic therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Masu. , adaptive sports, etc.
In the garden, veterans are working on growing a variety of plants in 20 raised beds.
“We incorporate crops grown at the Veterans Garden into recreational therapy and whole health programs,” said Brenna Partridge, a recreational therapist who is co-leading the garden project with Allen. Vegetables grown in the garden are used in health guidance kitchens and other facilities.
New Whole Health classes are being added all the time, including the “Gardening for Whole Health” class.
“The message really is that it takes a village,” Allen said. “We all need to work together to realize what Whole Health looks like.”
Veterans can find Whole Health class schedules and sign-up information here.
