Search Results

In just 10 minutes, you can get the benefits of acupressure! Simply follow along with Laurieanne Nabinger, registered nurse, in this Acupressure self-care for Neck Pain video. 

Have you ever had any aches or pains in your lower back? If so, you are not alone! Low back pain is a very common complaint, including among the Veteran population.

In this episode, host Pearl McGee-Vincent discusses mindfulness with Dr. Timothy J. Avery, clinical psychologist and readjustment counselor.

Self-care takes many forms, including nourishment, which makes us think of healthy food and drink. Have you considered other ways that you nourish your body such as vitamins and nature?

Register for the Annie app to receive automated text messages that empower you to play an active role in your care and achieve your health goals.

VA social workers offer tips for Veterans and their caregivers to stay well. Many people are struggling with guilt about missing family gatherings. Allow yourself to realize this is a challenging time.

Dr. Sharon Weinstein, chief of holistic medicine at the Salt Lake City VAMC, offers a 20-minute self-care head and neck massage video that you can use over and over to help you relax and feel the benefits of massage.

Studies indicate that we spend 80-90% of our waking hours in communication, and almost half of that time involves listening. Despite all this practice, it turns out we’re not very good listeners. One study suggested that only 10% of us are considered “effective listeners,” and other research indicates that we forget up to half of what we hear.

Breath--something we do 20,000 times a day--is one of the body’s most important functions, and one that we can notice in every moment. 

A mindful body scan makes us aware of how our body is feeling and bring us into the present moment. This is a type of mindfulness that connects our breath to the sensations of our body. We acknowledge parts of the body that might be experiencing pain and discomfort and learn to relax areas where we might be holding tension. The body scan can allow us to let go of some of the things causing us stress, even if only temporarily.

Facing adversity is a natural part of the human experience. When situations arise and we find ourselves feeling fear, worry or anxiety, we often focus on those thoughts and lose sight of the people, places and things we are grateful for.

One of the best things we can do for our health is to allot time to rest and relax. Regular periods of relaxation decrease our heart rate and blood pressure, improve our sleep, help maintain normal blood sugar levels, reduce stress hormones, improve our concentration and mood, and so much more.