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Health Promotion Disease Prevention Resources for Veterans
 Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730
Telephone: 781-687-2000
1-800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331)
Introduction
The Veterans Health Administration is committed to helping Veterans choose healthy behaviors to improve and maintain their health. Nine "healthy living" messages have been identified to guide Veterans in their health improvement efforts. The messages focus on key prevention areas:
- Be Involved in Your Health Care
- Be Tobacco Free
- Eat Wisely
- Be Physically Active
- Strive for healthy Weight
- Limit Alcohol
- Get Recommended Screening Tests and Immunizations
- Manage Stress
- Be Safe
Community resources exist to help Veterans make healthy lifestyle choices. This resource guide
is intended to provide information about some of the resources available at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital and in the local and national community. This guide was developed by the ENRMVH health promotion disease prevention program committee and will be updated periodically.
VHA Mission Statement: "Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."
Disclaimer: This is not an all inclusive list of all community health resources. There are no endorsements from the VA for these community resources.
Health and Wellness Resources
ENRMVH
Topic
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Program
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Location
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Community Reintegration Program
781-687-3341
781-687-2055
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The Community Reintegration program is a program for Veterans interested in increasing their connection to the community either through volunteer activities, recreational activities, or support and clinical groups in the community. Increasing community connections can help Veterans learn or develop a new skill, feel more comfortable in their community, develop motivation and a sense of achievement, improve self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
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Bedford VAMC
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Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program
781-687-2342 or
781-687-2602
Helping Veterans establish or maintain healthy behaviors.
www.prevention.va.gov
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HPDP services focus around nine Healthy Living Messages, integrated into clinical care delivery.
- Be Involved in Your Health Care
- Be Tobacco Free
- Eat Wisely
- Be Physically Active
- Strive for a Healthy Weight
- Limit Alcohol
- Get Recommended Screening Tests and Immunizations
- Manage Stress
- Be Safe
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Individual counseling by the Veteran's
Health Care Team.
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Healthy Eating
Nutrition Services:
781-687-2685
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Referral by Physician, NP
Individual nutrition counseling
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Bedford VAMC and Community Based Outpatient Clinics
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Immunizations
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No formal education program
Annual seasonal flu clinics.
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Information available in clinic areas, displayed during flu season.
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Management of Diabetes
781-687-2259
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Referral by Physician, NP
Diabetes Self Management Education Program
4 weekly 2-hour classes -Thursday, 10am -12pm
Building 78, third floor classroom 311A
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Bedford VAMC
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Managing Stress
Mental Health Service:
781-687-2377
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Mental Health Clinic
Clinic services include: Mental Health Evaluations and Psychological Testing; Individual, Group, Couples, and Family Therapy; Medication Therapy; Grief and Loss Therapy; Gambling Assessment; Insomnia Evaluation; and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Counseling.
Refer to Mental Health Service Line information on the
Bedford VAMC intranet and Internet websites. (http://vaww.visn1.va.gov/intranet/Bedford)
( http://www.bedford.va.gov)
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Bedford VAMC
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Managing Stress
Primary Care Behavioral Health:
781-687-2420
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Group and individual treatment for stress reduction using relaxation training and mindfulness-based approaches with biofeedback.
Consults may be sent to primary care behavioral health specifying mindfulness stress reduction individual or group sessions
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Bedford VAMC
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MOVE! Weight Management Program
781-687-2342
TeleMOVE:
781-687-3363
www.move.va.gov
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MOVE! weight management program features:
- Focus on health and wellness through healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior change.
- Support to help you reach your initial goals and ongoing maintenance
- Lifetime and lifestyle focus
Ready to get started?
- Ask your primary care team to refer you to MOVE!
- You will be scheduled to attend an orientation session to learn about the participation options including group classes, individual Nutrition and Behavioral Health Psychology appointments, and a home based, self-management TeleMOVE! Program.
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Bedford VAMC
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My HealtheVet
781-687-2981
www.myhealth.va.gov
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About My HealtheVet
My HealtheVet is VA's award-winning online Personal Health Record (PHR), located at www.myhealth.va.gov. It offers users anywhere, anytime access to health care information, resources and tools online 24/7. To get the most out of your My HealtheVet Personal Health Record, visit your local VA facility to get an upgraded account, known as In-Person Authentication (IPA).
My HealtheVet Mission
The mission of My HealtheVet is to improve health care for all Veterans, independent of where you receive care. My HealtheVet provides one-stop, online access to better manage your overall health, make informed health decisions, and record and store important health and military
history information.
My HealtheVet Features at a Glance:
'' VA Prescription Refills '' Healthy Living Centers
'' VA Wellness Reminders* '' VA Benefits & Services
'' VA Appointments* '' Personal Health History
'' Secure Messaging* ' Tracking & Graphing Vitals
'' VA Allergies and Adverse Reactions* '' Military Health History
'' VA Chemistry/Hematology* '' Activity & Food Journals
'' VA Blue Button '' Trusted Health Information
* Requires In-Person Authentication (IPA)
IB
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Bedford VAMC
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New Patient Orientation
781-687-2418
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For Veterans new to the VA health care system.
Every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm
Building 78, third floor classroom
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Bedford VAMC
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Peer Services
781-687-3249
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Peer Services at Bedford VAMC are specifically designed to offer hope for recovery and role models for successful management of mental and chronic health issues. Peer Providers are Veterans with histories of persistent health issues who are actively engaged in their own recovery and wellness. They are trained to use their lived experience with recovery and the VA system to help other Veterans with similar health issues identify and achieve meaningful life roles.
Individual or group activities are coordinated with and compliment other Bedford VA services. Peer services exist in inpatient programs, outpatient programs and the Primary Care Behavioral Health Clinic. Call for more information
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Bedford VAMC
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Physical Activity
781-687-3146
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Personal training, fitness classes, orientation tours, and more are available for all Veterans and staff of the Bedford VA. Available equipment includes state of the art free weights, nautilus machines and cardio equipment.
GYM:
Sunday 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday -Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
POOL:
Sunday Closed
Monday - Saturday 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
**** (hours subject to change)****
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Bedford VAMC
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Polytrauma, and
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support
Clinic
Coordinator:
781-687-2705
Director of Rehabilitation Services:
781-687-3053
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Polytrauma and TBI Support Clinic
Veterans and healthcare professionals are encouraged to contact the Polytrauma and TBI Support Clinic team to discuss potential referrals of any OEF/OIF/OND combat and active-duty service injured Veterans.
Healthcare professionals may send an electronic consult to the Polytrauma and TBI Support Clinic team for evaluation.
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Bedford VAMC
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Preventive Amputation Clinic
781-687-2348
Best time to call is after 4:30pm. All calls will be returned.
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The Preventive Amputation Clinic provides foot screenings for individuals with high risk feet, such as those with diabetes. Treatments and referrals are individualized.
Thursday 10am -11am
A consult from a primary care provider is required for the first visit.
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Bedford VAMC
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Screening Tests
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No formal education program
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Individual screening counseling by providers in all primary care clinics.
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Smoking Cessation Program
781-687-3317
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Referral by providers -send consult to SMOKING CESSATION
OR
Veterans may be self- referred
Several options for individual, group, or telephone counseling:
Smoking Cessation Services in Primary Care Behavioral Health
Smoking Cessation Group -Mondays, 1-2:30 pm
Building 78, room 358
Individual Counseling
Telephone Counseling
Medication Coordination
Smoking Cessation Peer Support Group -Wednesdays, 4-5 pm
Building 2, room 245
Smoking Cessation Services in MHICM
Smoking Cessation Group for Veterans with SMI
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:15 am Building 6, 1st floor conference room
Smoking Cessation Services in the CLC
CLC Smoking Cessation Group
Wednesdays, 10 am, Building 4 ,first floor family room
Psychoeducation on Tobacco Use Group in the DOM
Wednesdays, 1-2 pm for all Phase 1 residents
Employee Smoking Cessation Group
5 sessions of counseling
Free nicotine replacement
781-687-3208 or 781-687-3317
Smoking Cessation Services in the Veterans Center for Addictions Treatment
Individual counseling and medication coordination for smoking cessation
Smoking Cessation Intensive Group Intervention
An intensive 4-session group protocol and smoking medications provided by smoking cessation program staff.
Groups currently meet Mondays, 1-2:30 pm in Building 78. New groups start every month.
Indicated for Veterans with:
An interest or preference for groups and intensive treatment
Significant health problems necessitating timely smoking cessation
A history of co-morbid psychopathology and substance abuse
Multiple failed treatment attempts at smoking cessation
Smoking Cessation Intensive Individual Intervention
Individual treatment along the same lines as the group intervention, for patients who:
Cannot make the group
Prefer individual treatment
Smoking Cessation Telephone Counseling
Individual smoking cessation counseling by phone (with medication coordination) for Veterans who cannot make in-person appointments.
Smoking Cessation Brief Individual Intervention
A one-time visit with smoking cessation program staff, with telephone follow-up as needed.
The goal is to help Veterans to prepare to quit and set a quit date, as well as coordinate with medication providers to obtain smoking medications.
Indicated for Veterans who are relatively "uncomplicated" smokers:
Motivated to quit
Low level of nicotine dependence
No history of co-morbid psychopathology and substance abuse
A history of long periods of abstinence
A history of recent prior quit attempts with few or no withdrawal symptoms
Smoking Cessation Peer Support Group
This group is for veterans who are thinking about quitting smoking or who have already quit smoking and are looking for emotional, social, and practical assistance from peers who have successfully quit smoking.
Wednesdays, 4-5 pm in Building 2, Room 245 - anyone is welcome to drop in.
781-687-3249 or 781-687-3317.
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Bedford VAMC
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Substance Abuse Treatment
Detoxification/Intensive Day Treatment Program/Rogers House-
Request screening:
781-687-2354
Aftercare/Outpatient, relapse prevention and Over 50 Substance Use/Abuse Program-
Request screening:
781-687-2580
Alcoholics Anonymous
Compulsive Gambling
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Veterans Center for Addiction Treatment (VCAT)
The Veterans Center for Addiction Treatment believes that the disease of addiction is chronic, progressive and treatable.
Programs
Intensive Day Treatment Program-offers a multidisciplinary approach which focuses on all aspects of substance abuse treatment involved in early recovery for both males and females.
Aftercare- provides individual counseling and group work to clients who have completed the Intensive Day Program or other substance abuse program.
Rogers House - provides temporary housing up to 14 days to clients who are homeless and need a safe environment while engaging in the Intensive Day Program.
Relapse Prevention Track - An eight week series of groups tailored to the client who wants to learn how to stop the pattern of relapse.
Services
-Group and individual treatment and education
-Family counseling and education
-Self help groups are advocated
-Referrals and healthcare needs for female
Veterans
-Referrals as necessary for other needs
Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
Sunday evening 7pm
Building 5 Dayroom
All welcome.
Compulsive Gambling Education Group -in Aftercare- Tuesdays 12 to 1pm-all Veterans welcome.
Gambling Anonymous- run by Veterans, Wednesday 1-2 pm, building 5 solarium,
room 145 - an open meeting - any Veteran may attend.
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Bedford VAMC
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Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST)
Coordinator:
781-687-2705
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The Visual Impairment Service Team Program helps legally blind and severely visually impaired Veterans and their families adjust to vision loss. The program objectives are to identify and inform eligible Veterans about services and benefits; to ensure that health care and rehabilitation services are made available; and to help Veterans cope with the devastating loss of vision.
Referrals may be made to the VIST program by any professional, individual, family member, Veteran, or community agency representative.
http://www1.va.gov/blindrehab
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Bedford VAMC
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Women Veterans Program
781-687-3021
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Call the Women Veteran Program Manager for assistance and how to enroll in the following programs:
Health promotion and disease prevention in primary care, immunizations: Flu Vaccine, Pneumovax, HPV series, women's gender-specific health care, e.g., hormone replacement therapy, contraception, breast and gynecological care, pap smear, Colposcopy, Leep, Bladder related issues, maternity and limited infertility (excluding In-vitro fertilization), acute medical/surgical care, telehealth, telephone Triage, emergency and substance abuse treatment, mental health, Intimate Partner Violence Counseling, Military Sexual Trauma Counseling, homebound, rehabilitation, Domiciliary Program for homeless or at risk for homelessness and long-term care.
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Bedford VAMC
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Women Veterans Psychotherapy Study
857-364-6181
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Concerned about your drinking or substance abuse?
We invite you to participate in a research project. If eligible, you can receive up to 12 free sessions of psychotherapy to help you reduce drinking or drug use. You will be asked to fill out some questionnaires at the beginning and end of treatment, and during the study.
You may be compensated up to $315 for your time and travel.
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Bedford VAMC
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Other programs:
- Health fairs
- Lunch and Learns sponsored by various programs
- Relevant health education displays related to National Health Observances
National, State, Community Wellness and Health Resources
Disclaimer: This is not an all inclusive list of all national and local community resources. There are no endorsements from the VA for these community resources.
MASSACHUSETTS RESOURCES
www.mass.gov/veterans
This site provides a wealth of information regarding benefits and services, employment and training, education, housing, health and well-being, peer services and more.
www.mass211.org
2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free telephone access to health and human services Information and Referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. There is a link to Veteran Services.
Acupuncture Without Borders - Military Stress Recovery (Veterans) Project
Website: www.acuwithoutborders.org
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) Boston Clinic - Member Clinic
Veterans Benefit Clearinghouse, located at Charlestown Yoga, 191 Main St. Charlestown, MA
For more information on the program, call Pathways to Wellness at 617-859-3036
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) - Boston/North Shore
Free community-style acupuncture for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and their families.
Vittori-Rocci Post #56
Italian American War Veterans of the United States
143 Brimbal Ave
Beverly, MA 01915
781-246-8588
978-846-0159
acupunctureandover.com
Near the Higgins Armory. Exit 1 off of 190 or WRTA bus route 30/31.
Enter through the rear entrance.
(508) 890-8899
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) - Supporting Clinic
St. Andrew's Church, 3 Maple Street Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 626-0896 or website: vac.anotherexample.com for more information
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) Worcester - Member Clinic
Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd., Worcester, MA 01606
Community Rowing, Inc. is a Paralympic Sports Club providing exciting and unique rowing programs dedicated to Veterans. The Harry Parker Boathouse is a fully accessible facility that allows able-bodied and those with disabilities to enjoy a healthy physical outlet that is both healing and therapeutic. A variety of programs for all levels are offered at no cost to Veterans.
www.communityrowing.org
Veterans and Adaptive Coordinator: 617-779-8277
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA Merrimack Valley is a peer- based self-help support group focusing on issues surrounding bipolar and depressed individuals and their families. They are affiliated with the National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Meeting: Thursday 6 pm -7:30 pm
Lowell First Church of Nazarene
1195 Varnum Ave.
Lowell, MA
Merrimack Valley:
888-280-7773
info@dbsamerrimackvalley.org
Nationwide:
800-862-3632
www.dbsalliance.org
Hanscom Fitness & Sports Center
Numerous amenities in the 50,000-square-foot facility, including an indoor running track, two gymnasiums, steam rooms, saunas, three aerobic rooms, a rock-climbing wall, a family/child workout area, group-fitness classes, a "Fitness on Request" system and much more.
The Fitness & Sports Center is open to Hanscom base ID cardholders, including active duty, reservists, DoD civilians, NAF employees, base contractors, retirees from the military or having served at least 20 years, and VA employees. For more details, call 781-225-6630/6631.
For questions about base access, call the Visitors Center at 781-225-6642.
Hanscom AFB, MA
Building 1548
180 Marrett St.
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There & Back Again................navigating life after war
Executive director: Sue Lynch phone: 617-216-4769
191 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129 phone: 1-800-311-0187
There & Back Again is a nonprofit organization that supports the well-being of service-members. Their mission is to provide reintegration support services to combat Veterans of all conflicts.
Website: www.thereandback-again.org
Veterans' Laws and Benefits
This publication is a compilation of resources regarding major state benefits in the areas of education, employment, housing, motor vehicles, property taxes, and medical assistance. Information regarding recent amendments to federal and state legislation on employment rights and federal burial benefits is also offered.
This guide provides references to appropriate agencies for information on eligibility and the application process as well as the responsibilities of local veterans' agents who assist veterans with referral and emergency assistance.
1-800-392-6090 (in MA only) www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisvet/vetidx.htm
YMCA of Greater Boston
Welcome Home Program
The program is open to all Veterans who have served since 9/11/01, who have service-related injuries, who would benefit from the type of exercise programs that can be provided at any of the 13 facility locations of the YMCA of Greater Boston. YMCAs are located throughout the city and in four suburban locations.
The program includes a full year of membership, free of charge, with funding provided by the Charlestown YMCA of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Participants must apply to the Charlestown YMCA regardless of which YMCA they wish to join.
Website: www.ymcaboston.org General information: 617-927-8040
Local Community Hospitals and Senior Centers are a great resource for community resources, activities, and education.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
AARP: a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.
Website: www.aarp.org Phone: 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: A source for trustworthy, science-based food and nutrition information.
Website: www.eatright.org Phone: 1-800-877-1600
ACE: American Council on Exercise, America's authority on exercise.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is honored to support Joining Forces, a national initiative that gives back to our service members and their families. We are committed to provide 1 million fitness service hours to activated reservists and National Guard members and their immediate families.
Website: www.acefitness.org Phone: 1-888-825-3636
American Cancer Society: A national non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major public health problem through education and advocacy to help people fight cancer.
Website: www.cancer.org Phone: 1-800-227-2345
American Diabetes Association: A national non-profit providing education and advocacy for diabetes.
Website: www.diabetes.org Phone: 1-800-342-2383
American Heart Association: A national voluntary health agency whose mission is "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke." Their website provides a wealth of information and resources for heart health.
Website: www.heart.org Phone: 1-800-242-8721
American Lung Association: Resources and educational information to improve lung health.
Website: www.lungusa.org Phone: 202-785-3355
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Provides information and tools for people and communities to protect their health - through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
Website: www.cdc.org Phone: 1-800-232-4636
Department of Agriculture: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was established to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans.
Website: www.ChooseMyPlate.gov Phone: 1-888-779-7264
Easter Seals: Provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. They also have a Veterans Count program.
Website: www.easterseals.com Phone: 1-800-221-6827
Military One Source:
***For Immediate Help 24/7 CALL: 1-800-342-9647
***National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Education, relocation, parenting, stress - you name it - Military OneSource is here to help you with just about any need. Available by phone or online, our free service is provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families. The service is completely private and confidential, with few exceptions.
Website: www.militaryonesource.com
National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity: A collection of organizations and individuals dedicated to developing a plan that will empower all Americans to be physically active every day.
Website: www.ncppa.org Phone: 202-454-7521
National Alliance on Mental Illness: America's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Website: www.nami.org Phone: 1-800-950-6264
National Institute of Health: NIH is the nation's medical research agency-supporting scientific studies that turn discovery into health.
Website: www.nih.gov Phone: 301-496-4000
NIH Senior Health - Provides a toolkit for senior health issues.
Website: www.nihseniorhealth.org
Outward Bound for Veterans
This is an opportunity for adventure and self-discovery for our Veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom).
Programs offer numerous wilderness adventures exclusively for war Veterans. Goals include helping participating Veterans build a supportive community with other war Veterans; facilitating discussions on readjustment and transition challenges; and re-energizing and reinvigorating spirits with adventures and challenges in the beautiful outdoors.
Website: www.outwardbound.org
Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud
This site is targeted to meet the needs of younger Active Military and Veteran populations by providing online tools to quit tobacco use, such as live chat services. Personalized quit plans and other interactive support systems. Available 24 hours/7 days a week.
Website: www.ucanquit2.org
SmallStep.gov: A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site that offers information in English and Spanish to help get you started to a healthier you. Resources include the activity tracker, recipes and newsletter. Play games and test your brain. Find great daily healthy tips.
Website: www.smallstep.gov
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation: A partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation to fight childhood obesity. Parents, teachers, companies, healthcare professionals, teens and kids all have a part to play in the movement.
Website: www.healthiergeneration.org
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: The HealthierUS initiative is a national effort to improve people's lives, prevent and reduce the costs of disease, and promote community health and wellness. Deciding to live a healthier life is easy; it's the follow-through that's hard. . On HealthierUS.gov you will learn how to: Make physical activity a part of your day, eat more healthy foods, protect yourself and your family from illness, and avoid risks to your health and the health of your loved ones. Bad habits are not easily broken. Good ones are not easily won. But you can do it!
Website: www.healthierus.gov
Write to: healthfinder.gov at P.O. Box 1133, Washington, DC 20013-1133
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: A wealth of information for America's Veterans.
Geriatrics and Extended Care VA web page: Guide to Long Term Care provides information on the full range of long term care services, particularly home and community based services. This is an on-line tool and there are worksheets available for Veterans and caregivers to assist in identifying long term care needs.
Website: www.va.gov
Veterans Crisis Line
The veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. www.veteranscrisisline.net
Wounded Warrior Project
Programs uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. Under each of these program areas, Wounded Warrior ProjectTM (WWP) offers a variety of programs to meet a range of needs.
All WWP programs are free. To participate one must have incurred service-connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses on or after September 11, 2001. Verification of service is required.
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