In pursuit of VA’s commitment to providing high-quality and Veteran-first care, VA’s National Oncology Program recognizes the significance of a whole health approach to cancer care. Faced with the challenges of cancer, maintaining well-being is truly critical. VA has a wealth of resources, guidance and real-world perspectives that empower Veterans, protect Veteran well-being and foster…
VA Brings Thanksgiving to HUD-VASH Veteran Papa Wong
At 82 years old, Papa Wong is a man whose life story reflects resilience, service and deep gratitude. A young soldier looking for a new start Wong was just 18-years old and living in Hawaii when tragedy struck. His father figure passed away. The loss pushed him to make a bold decision of leaving home…
Community support brings Veterans early turkey time
More than 1,200 Houston-area Veterans received an early turkey dinner last week thanks to a special collaboration between the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, a group of area car dealerships and Combined Arms, a nonprofit organization that connects Veterans and their families with vital resources. Hundreds of Veterans lined up on a cloudy Monday…
GWOT 100: 1 mission. 1 month. 100 miles.
The sharing of non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should always verify information with the organization offering the program. The Global War on Terror (GWOT) shaped the lives of millions of service members, Veterans and military families. The GWOT 100 is a new…
Find your next career at a rural VA
Revisiting Clarksburg, West Virginia With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy…
How to get better sleep
Sleep isn’t an indulgence. Your body needs sleep—and plenty of it. In a hectic world where you’re already pressed for time, getting plenty of high-quality sleep can be a challenge. According to the National Institute of Health, at least 70 million Americans of all ages suffer from a sleep problem, with nearly 60% having a…
Live Whole Health #294: Count your blessings for Whole Health!
Are you ready to count your blessings? Even if you’re not feeling particularly grateful this year, this season offers us a chance to stop and think about what really matters to us. Taking “inventory” of your blessings can be good for your Whole Health. Gratitude has been linked to many psychological, physical and social benefits,…
Boy Scout gives back to Veterans
A new generation is rising through the ranks to serve Veterans. One of them is 16-year-old Haden Toenjes, an Illinois native and member of Boy Scouts of America’s Tinley Park Troup 385. Toenjes holds the second-highest rank in the organization, called a Life Scout, with hopes of earning the top-ranked title of Eagle Scout with…
Garden renewal for Veteran families at Fisher House
Offering a home away from home To help welcome families visiting inpatient Veterans at VA Boston Healthcare System, Kathy Johnson and Alisha Long volunteered for a mission to restore the raised bed gardens outside the Fisher House. “The planters needed some help,” said Long, a registered nurse. “We wanted to brighten up the patio for…
Whole Health care team transforms Veteran’s outlook
Veteran finds that and more in VA health care Every so often, we all need some encouragement—a pat on the back, a warm smile; a trusted, healthy source of comfort or inspiration—we can turn to during life’s trying moments. For Air Force Veteran Andre Long, he found that and more in VA health care and…
Adaptive sports: Healing in motion
Air Force Veteran Thomas Deaton never expected that recovery would lead him back into the world of competition. Yet earlier this summer, he took to the court and the field as part of the Air Force Team at the Warrior Games, carrying not only his athletic ability but also the resilience that has defined his…
Nutrition tips for exploring vegetarian diets
Small food choices can lead to significant health benefits. Whether you want to follow a strict vegetarian diet or add a few plant-based meals to your week, the benefits are undeniable. From improving heart health and boosting energy levels to supporting a more sustainable environment, a plant-based diet can have a profoundly positive impact on…