Live Whole Health Episode #248: Don’t fight the feelings

Our first instinct when dealing with challenging emotions in ourselves or others is to brush them away. You may say, “Not today, sadness, today is going to be a good day!” Or you may tell a loved one, “It’s all going to be okay,” when they are in the grips of fear or worry. Managing…

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VA houses nearly 48,000 homeless Veterans

No Veteran should be homeless in the country they fought to defend. At VA, we are committed to ending homelessness among Veterans because it is our nation’s duty to ensure all Veterans have a place to call home. In March 2024, VA announced its goal to place at least 41,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness into permanent…

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VA optometrist for 25 years

VA’s optometry service has grown into a global leader for eye care and vision rehabilitation since its creation in 1976. The early years, however, proved to be challenging. Limited involvement and insufficient support hindered VA optometry from reaching its full potential. Despite the hurdles, VA optometry services gradually evolved into today’s one-stop-shop for Veteran eye…

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Free online boxing, kickboxing workouts

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. FightCamp is a Blue Star Families Perks Partner that enhances physical and mental fitness while encouraging individuals to build strength, resilience, and focus—all from the comfort of their homes. Why FightCamp? FightCamp uses cutting-edge…

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VA Whole life insurance: Protecting those who matter most

VA is proud to be a trusted life insurance provider, offering financial security and peace of mind to Veterans, service members and their families.  Whole life insurance provides funds to cover expenses after your passing, such as funeral costs, income replacement for loved ones or paying off outstanding debts. With the right whole life policy,…

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Meet Native American Veterans where they live with a VA career

This month, we celebrate the heritage of the Native American and Alaska Native Veterans who deeply enrich the quality and character our country, and who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation. National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It’s a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of…

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Navigating diabetes care at VA

World Diabetes Day sheds light on the impact of diabetes worldwide. This day is observed on November 14 each year and raises awareness about well-being and management. A blood test called A1c tells you your average blood glucose (blood sugar) over the past three months. The sooner diabetes or prediabetes is identified, the better it…

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Veteran finds a home after sexual trauma

This article contains themes of sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or another Veteran you know is in need of assistance, reach out for help through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838), or Dial 988 then Press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. In…

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VA’s Million Veteran Program: One year since one million

Last fall, on Nov. 8, 2023, the millionth Veteran joined VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP). With that, MVP reached a milestone set more than a decade ago when the program was just an idea.   MVP is now the world’s largest and most diverse genetic research program within a health care system. Thanks to more than…

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Explore the resources available to Veterans who want to work at VA

When planning for your future outside of the military, consider a career with VA, where you can join thousands of other Veteran employees who build unique connections with our patients and Veterans just like you who can benefit from your shared experiences. “Because I am a Veteran, I want to do my best to do…

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Veterans continue brotherhood as peer specialists with VA

For Marine Corps Veterans Noe Tejeda and Robert Hernandez, the brotherhood that began in battle more than 20 years ago continues to this day. As lead peer specialist and peer specialist at Greater Los Angeles VA, the two had each other’s backs while in Iraq and still have each other’s backs as they “continue the…

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Celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week with VA

As we celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week from Nov. 10–16, 2024, join us in recognizing the contributions of nurse practitioners across VA. We have embraced this week—and every week—as an opportunity to recognize these valuable team members for their clinical expertise as full practice providers and the critical role they play in increasing access to…

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