Whole Health: “What matters to you?”

April is Whole Health month. It’s about what matters to you.

It might be hard to imagine your health care team asking, “What really matters in your life?” You are more accustomed to having your “problem list” reviewed or a doctor asking, “So what’s going on that brings you in today?”

Circle of Health

The shift to a Whole Health system of care in VA changes the conversation from, “What is the matter with you?” to “What matters to you?”

It’s time to consider what it is that makes your health a priority. Maybe you are thinking about getting the boat or camper out for the season or maybe you want to clean up on the volleyball court at the family reunion this summer. Perhaps you just want to be able to walk your dog every day.

When your VA health care team knows what your goals are, it is easier to work together to help you live your best life. The bottom line is that most of us care more about living a full and meaningful life than our glucose levels, blood pressure or our even our weight. What we really want is to be able to live the life we want for as long as possible.

Whole Health is an approach that focuses on what is important to Veterans. It’s about putting Veterans at the center of their care and letting their own mission, aspiration and purpose drive their commitment to health and well-being.

Why does your health matter to you?

Whether you want to wake up with less pain, change careers or reduce stress, you can start by talking with your health care provider or visiting our Whole Health website to complete a Personal Health Inventory.

Ta-Tanisha Randell

The Personal Health Inventory walks a you through eight self-care areas identified on the Circle of Health to help you determine how they affect your health. Based on your answers, this self-assessment tool will help pinpoint areas to work on with your VA health care providers.

Our Whole Health system of care works. It empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their health and to live their life to the fullest. Whole Health helped 80-year old Veteran James Canaday lose 140 pounds, which has greatly improved his health and mobility. He can now walk short distances unaided.

Pictured at the top, Canaday, 80, practices tai chi poses with Lydia Cox, tai chi instructor at Beckley VA.

Whole Health helped Veteran and VA employee Ta-Tanisha Randell change the course of her career from a job that was draining her to one that empowers her and the Veterans and employees she serves.

Whole Health also helps transform VA beyond the walls of our facilities. In partnership with the local YMCA in Indianapolis,  Whole Health provided an opportunity for Veterans to attend a weekend camp where they engaged in various recreational and therapeutic activities focused on the Circle of Health.

Whole Health is also for VA employees. Nationwide, VA health care facilities are offering employees opportunities to focus on their own health and well-being. A win-win for employees and the Veterans they serve.

Take a few minutes this month to think about what really matters to you, what you want your health for and share this with your VA health care team. Creating life-long health and well-being is a partnership, and it starts with you.