VA and Arthritis Foundation support Veterans’ health and wellness

Veterans and service members experience arthritis at higher rates than the civilian population. VA is committed to supporting Veterans with arthritis, ensuring they maintain a high quality of life.

In 2021, VA partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to increase access to care, education and support for Veterans with arthritis. The partnership, facilitated by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), increases access to valuable resources and initiatives to improve Veterans’ health and well-being.

“The collaborative efforts of VA and the Arthritis Foundation are designed to help Veterans with arthritis take control of their health and find relief from pain,” said Georgi Bady, HAP health systems specialist. “The partnership supports resources and programs that focus on health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies.”

Through the VA-Arthritis Foundation partnership, Veterans living with arthritis gain access to an extensive collection of Arthritis Foundation health and wellness resources to support their physical and emotional well-being.

Arthritis Foundation resources

Walking programs such as the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease (WWE) can help Veterans embark on a more active lifestyle. WWE is a community-based physical activity and self-management education program that helps Veterans with arthritis increase their physical activity.

Participants in the WWE program can opt for a self-guided approach, participate in in-person community sessions or take part in a self-directed enhanced format that includes coordinated communication and support. Last year, more than 15,000 people participated.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends following the FIT Formula for walking:

• Frequency: Try to walk every day. Start out with a length that is tolerable even if it’s only five minutes.
• Intensity: Aim for a moderate intensity with your heart and breathing rates higher than normal. It’s important that you feel like you can still carry on a conversation as you walk.
• Time: Plan for 30 minutes to an hour each day. You can build up to this as your bones and muscles feel stronger and you have less pain.

“Every walk, no matter the distance, can take you one step closer to better health and less pain,” said Nick Turkas, Arthritis Foundation senior director of health promotion and community connections. “Three 10-minute walks are just as effective as one 30-minute walk for improving overall health and fitness.”

The Arthritis Foundation also facilitates Live Yes! Connect Groups, virtual support groups designed to connect service members to a community that understands their experiences. The core mission of these groups is to foster connections, offer invaluable education and empower participants. 

VA resources

Coordinators at each VA facility provide Veterans with registration information that allows them to automatically enroll in virtual groups.

VHA also actively encourages Veterans to engage in the Arthritis Foundation’s WWE program. Walking is a highly accessible and effective way to increase physical activity for those dealing with arthritis and related challenges. Walking stimulates the release of natural painkilling endorphins in the body, providing a source of relief for those experiencing arthritis-related discomfort. It also plays a role in weight management, which alleviates stress on joints and contributes to the reduction of arthritis symptoms.

VA’s Veterans Health Library provides Veterans and their families with relevant information and tools on arthritis, including videos about the different types of arthritis and pain management resources. From educational materials that provide insights into managing arthritis to expert advice on how to cope with associated challenges, the partnership offers Veterans access to a myriad of resources tailored to their unique needs.

Get more information about the Arthritis Foundation.

Get more information about HAP.