Each of our nation’s Veterans has a story… and their physical health is only one chapter. That’s why VA pursues a personalized Whole Health approach that addresses the full range of factors impacting Veterans’ health, well-being and overall quality of life.
But for nearly five million Veterans in rural communities, several challenges, such as travel limitations and provider shortages, make it difficult or impossible to access the preventive care crucial for Whole Health.
On National Rural Health Day, learn about Whole Health initiatives developed by VA’s Office of Rural Health (ORH), which enhance rural Veterans’ wellness through stress reduction, nutrition, health coaching, mindfulness and more.
Easing return from service with “Veteran’s Best Friend”
Beginning active duty is a significant adjustment for millions of Veterans and their families. But far fewer expect to struggle with the return home.
Yet more than half of Veterans experience challenges after transitioning into civilian life. This period can be particularly difficult for rural Veterans due to the isolated nature of their communities.
VA’s Whole Health “Circle of Health”
In collaboration with community partners, ORH developed the Rural Veteran Wellness and Community Engagement Initiative. It’s a program that leverages the benefits of community service to help rural Veterans strengthen interpersonal connections, find a renewed sense of purpose, and enhance their overall quality of life. The initiative matches participants with local volunteer opportunities, helping improve mental and physical health.
One such volunteer opportunity is a therapy animal program organized by Tomah VA. This program brings trained therapy animals to medical clinics in the local community such as rehabilitation centers and hospice units.
“The way that I look at it, the dog is a conduit to get the Veteran to start to open up and to talk and to feel comfortable,” said a program volunteer. “You put a dog in between the two of you and all of a sudden, you have something in common.”
Breathing new life into rural communities with TeleYoga
Many Veterans experience challenges with their mental and physical health. While practices such as yoga can improve the mind-body connection, Veterans in rural communities are often unable to attend in-person classes.
TeleYoga helps bridge this gap by providing rural Veterans with virtual access to techniques that have been shown to improve chronic pain, mental health and quality of life.
Veterans discuss their individual goals before attending a virtual orientation to set up technology and activity space in their homes. With travel obstacles removed, rural Veterans are able to attend yoga classes up to four to six times per week.
For many Veterans, yoga’s greatest benefit is its comprehensive approach to improving daily life.
“I was a combat medic with lots of memories, PTSD, anger, and all of that is assuaged and helped by yoga. It’s wonderful that it’s body, mind, emotion, all in one place,” said one participant.
Dialing in to a healthier lifestyle
We all want to lead healthier lives but it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin.
Telephone Lifestyle Coaching (TLC) removes the guesswork by connecting rural Veterans with health coaches in one-on-one consultations. Coaches help Veterans set realistic goals to improve their overall health and well-being across the following areas:
- Managing weight
- Increasing activity
- Reducing stress
- Eating wisely
- Limiting alcohol
Participating Veterans have benefited from increased physical activity as well as decreased stress levels and alcohol consumption.
Threefold reduction in opioid use
Whole Health programs such as these can help Veterans achieve everything from shedding unwanted pounds to feeling more connected to their family, friends and community. Additionally, Veterans with chronic pain who used Whole Health services had a threefold reduction in opioid use compared to those who did not.
With the advent of telehealth, ORH and its partners are bringing these benefits to more rural Veterans than ever before.
To learn more about VA’s Office of Rural Health, please visit: www.ruralhealth.va.gov. Learn more about VA’s Whole Health approach to care.
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The VA closed the local CBOC and for the last 4 years it’s been near impossible to keep healthcare. Community care can’t treat with out records from the VA and they VA won’t send them. 8 months waiting. I have a few medical issues that needs to be monitored like Heart Failure, Thyroid. History of High PSA. High Iron level in the blood. COPD, Chronic fatigue, Sleep apnea, and I can’t get a blood test with out driving 90 miles one way to the VA. Driving the 180 mile round trip is dangerous because of the fatigue. I’ve blacked out a couple times. I sent pictures of the results , bleeding cuts and swelling, . Bradycardia diagnosed years ago and I think is worse. Chronic heart failure also diagnosed years ago. Complaining gets you put on the Disruptive Vet list. “ostracize” may be the correct description or retaliation for complaining that you don’t want to die for lack of healthcare. That’s my 2 cents worth and experience.
How get to my records?
I am satisfied with being a Rural Vet since being able to access County provided LIFT transportation services in the 29 Palms area. They serve the Coachella area, also, perhaps others might give them a ring if they need to see a VA doctor. They take me to see my PCP and other providers at the ACC & VALLMC for my appointments since there are no local doctors signed up with the Mission Act Comm Care Network.
I have served in the Navy for 25 years. I have use the VA clinic at Eglin Air Force Base from when I retired in 2014. For the last two years I have been unable to get an appointment at the VA clinic for routine physical and labs due to the fact They no longer have a doctor that can see me. This is not only disappointing but a complete lack of care for our veterans. I have since left the VA and have sought medical care out on the economy. I would assume I am not the only veteran Who has been unable to receive care at the VA clinic. On a more serious and depressing note I recently had a close friend openly admit that he had thoughts of suicide. I asked him if it was OK for me to call the VA crisis line and ask them to provide assistance to him. He agreed and I called that day and spoke to someone at the VA crisis line. They told me they would call and assist this veteran. The next day I called to check on my friend and ask about the phone call he had with the VA and he said it was OK and that they would send him a letter . When someone is in crisis and have thoughts of suicide I would assume you would provide immediate assistance. I fear every day that I will lose my friend to suicide. Every time I read an article about the VA or see a new hospital being built like the one in Louisville Kentucky I often wonder why? Why do you keep posting articles on Health, veterans, and all the assistance and programs that you offer when actual veterans that call for appointments or require immediate assistance get nothing. The VA has been an incredible disappointment not only to myself, but also to family members and friends who have also served and retired from the military. I rarely comment or post anything on any website but this topic is Personal to me. And I doubt anything will ever change with the level of care of the VA provides its veterans but feel free to contact me if you would like some more specific information on the lack of care or consideration I have received from the VA.
Who is considered a “rural” veteran?
Rural health for me a Vietnam Veteran in the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert Clinic, CA is lacking doctors, nurses and staff . My communication with my overworked, new and never seen primary doctor either by phone or Secure Messaging is not being answered. I was referred to my nearby hospital emergency room for sinusitis and rash after suffering for weeks.