Planting the Seeds of Whole Health
Lamanda Blackman, VA Whole Health pathway coordinator and coach, explains to Arkansas National Guard members about VA benefits and eligibility.
Planting the Seeds of Whole Health
Wellness and readiness go together, and members of the Arkansas Army National Guard had an opportunity to focus on both during this year’s 2-week field training at Camp Robinson. Soldiers learned how to enhance their well-being with the support of staff from the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.
During the annual field training, soldiers of the 871st Troop Command learned about Whole Health and how it can improve their well-being. The event informed soldiers about how to improve their current well-being and offered guidance about Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits for the future.
Whole Health is VA’s approach to Veteran health care that focuses on the whole person, not just their individual medical needs or diagnosis. Whole Health empowers Veterans to take charge of their own health. The areas of self-care under Whole Health align with some aspects of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness-Soldier Readiness System.
National Guard trainees participate in a short yoga class, led by Chuna Rai-Nelson, yoga instructor, Central Arkansas VA.
According to Maj. Amanda Condery, administrative officer for the 871st, the National Guard leadership has tasked troops with increasing soldier retention, and showcasing Whole Health was part of that. “Most Guard members hold civilian jobs and aren’t as aware of VA benefits [as other service members] and how they could qualify for them,” she said.
Condery developed the event with help from Lamanda Blackman, health and wellness coordinator, and Mandia Johnson, health system program manager for the Central Arkansas VA. Together, they created a 4-hour workshop that started with an introduction to Whole Health and VA eligibility information. From there, soldiers could visit different stations, each focusing on a different aspect of Whole Health.
Stations included SMART goals, sleep hygiene, mindful awareness, financial wellness, a healthy teaching kitchen display, tai chi, massage therapy, yoga, and even a drum circle! The event ended with a pulse check. Central Arkansas VA staff managed the stations.
Participants lined up for massage therapy from TriQi Davis, licensed massage therapist, Central Arkansas VA.
Trainees shared positive feedback and expressed that, for future events, they would like more time at each station and recommended scheduling the wellness activities at the end of the training instead of the beginning.
Johnson noted that aside from the goal of boosting soldier retention, the wellness event also furthered an understanding of VA Whole Health. “We are working really hard at Central Arkansas VA to bridge the divide for active military and Veterans. Prevention [of illness or injury] does not start at discharge from the service. Whole Health culture needs to be seeded as soon as possible,” she explained.
Blackman added, “Most soldiers’ experience with the VA is after they have served in the military and when they are experiencing injury or illness. Our engagement with the soldiers during this event is a proactive approach, sharing that awareness so that they are able to understand how to take charge of their own health and wellness and potentially avoid serious injury or illness.”
Learn more about how National Guard and Reserve members can qualify for VA benefits.
