Health and well-being offerings

For complete diabetes education, both Diabetes 101 and Diabetes 102 classes are recommended. The classes do not need to be taken in any order.

You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

Diabetes 101: Take control

This 90-minute class is taught by a registered nurse (RN) and a physical therapist (PT). For the first 60 minutes, a RN discusses causes and complications of diabetes as well as ways to take control and manage it. For the last 30 minutes, a PT discusses ways of increasing movement and activity as well as demonstrating alternative ways of performing movements and exercises.

First Friday of each month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) and Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only

Diabetes 102: Medication and food

This 90-minute class is taught by a pharmacist and a registered dietitian. During the first 45 minutes, the pharmacist will discuss different types of diabetic medication and how they work with your body. The second 45 minutes a registered dietitian will discuss carbohydrates, sugar-free foods, serving sizes, meal planning, and how to make sense of food labels.

Third Friday of each month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) and Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only

This one-time class is led by a registered dietitian. Topics covered include general healthy eating guidelines, MyPlate, portion sizes, and more.

Second Tuesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

This 90-minute group education class, presented by a registered nurse, clinical pharmacist, registered dietitian and physical therapist, is designed to help you learn about blood pressure, how to manage high blood pressure, and how high blood pressure affects the body. We will discuss ways you can manage your blood pressure through activity, medication, food, weight management, and more.

We share resources like the MOVE! weight management program, Whole Health, nutrition, physical therapy, Telequit, Telehealth, the Veterans Health Library, and more in the group.

Anyone who would like to learn more about how to manage high blood pressure can join; family and caregivers are welcome.

The fourth Thursday each month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., via VA Video Connect (VVC) to Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in-person at the San Jose Clinic location only

You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

This 90-minute, one-time class provides an orientation to the MOVE! program and presents the opportunity to connect with further weight management options.

The group appointment is provided via VA Video Connect with a telephone dial-in option.

First Wednesday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Third Wednesday of the month, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To schedule, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

This 60-minute class introduces you to Whole Health and is facilitated by a health and wellness coach. It helps you start to identify what is important to you, and how you can start on your Whole Health journey.

Varies, call for class offering, via VA Video Connect (VVC)

To sign up, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

For more information, call 650-849-0131.

iRest

iRest™ is a version of an ancient yoga nidra (sleep) meditation developed with a military/Veteran population in mind. A recorded 8-session series was adapted from iRest meditation sessions offered by the California War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC).

These recordings are available 24/7 and posted here: Recorded sessions

Live weekly sessions are also offered by the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) via telephone.

Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. - call 833-558-0712, access code 433 794 55, to join.

Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. - call 833-558-0712, access code to join.

Call Louise Mahoney at 650-815-9463 for more information, or email louise.mahoney2@va.gov.

Tai chi (standing/seated/wheelchair)
In person or virtual

Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In person at Palo Alto VA, building 530, room 245, or virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

Qi Gong (standing/seated/wheelchair)
In person or virtual

Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In person at Palo Alto VA, building 530, room 245, or virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4.

COURAGE group

For women-identifying Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. Draws on cognitive and behavioral principles to promote healing, self-discovery, and self-efficacy.

Every Friday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.

Women's sexual health and intimacy group

For women-identifying Veterans interested in improving sexual health and satisfaction.

8-week series, meets Mondays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult for the next 8-week cohort (starts October 28, 2024).

This 60-minute educational lecture is part of an ongoing series that introduces Veterans to wellness, complementary /integrative health modalities, and providers within VA and the local community.

Second Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. to noon, via VA Video Connect (VVC)

Email michael.voigt2@va.gov to sign up and for more information.

Lactation breastfeeding basics

For people interested in learning more about breastfeeding and/or pumping.

Contact for time
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.

Prepared childbirth classes

Two-class series to feel better prepared for labor and birth. Learn comfort measures and relaxation techniques.

Contact for time
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult.

PT pelvic floor pregnancy group

For pregnant people interested in learning more about the pelvic floor, exercise, stretching, posture changes, and physical therapy interventions available during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Every first Wednesday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a CRH pregnancy PT consult to register for the class.

ROSE Program

Skills training for pregnant Veterans at risk for postpartum depression (not depression treatment)

Every Friday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult. The ROSE Program is also offered in individual sessions.

For women-identifying Veterans interested in improving sexual health and satisfaction.

8-week series, meets Mondays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
via VA Video Connect (VVC)

You must register prior to attending. Please ask your provider for a consult for the next 8-week cohort (starts October 28, 2024).

Advance Care Planning Group

This 60-minute workgroup is led by a VA social worker, in-person and virtually. In this workshop, you will learn about options and how to control your health care decisions, complete a health care directive that will share your personal values with your provider and family during a health crisis, and determine who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

This workshop is available to Veterans, spouses, family members, and VA employees. To register, call 855-632-8262, option 4, or ask your provider for a social work consult.

In-person locations and virtual presentations are on the same days and times:

Palo Alto: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. to noon, building 5, third floor, room A-354

Yoga is gentle movement that is accessible to all VA enrolled Veterans. Classes are 60 minutes, and can include mat or chair options.

Ask for a referral to WRIISC yoga wellness from your VA provider.

Daily yoga classes are offered via VA Video Connect (VVC).

Schedule: All times listed are Pacific Time (PT)

Monday, 3:00 p.m. - Chair yoga
Tuesday, 3:15 p.m. - Yoga Qi Gong meditation
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. - Yoga for women Veterans
Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - Mat yoga
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - Yoga for pain and chronic pain
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - Trauma-sensitive chair yoga
Friday, 10:00 a.m. - Chair yoga

View yoga flyer