 Is dip or chew holding you back? Prepare for the Great American Spit Out by talking to your VA health care provider about small changes you can make today for a healthier tomorrow.
Learn more: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/why-quit.asp
Download: Smokeless Tobacco Facts
THE BASICS ABOUT SMOKELESS TOBACCO
- Smokeless tobacco products are noncombustible. The main types are chew, dip, and snuff.
- Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive.
- Smokeless tobacco can cause oral, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer as well as other health problems such as heart disease, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, or oral lesions.
- Veterans and active duty service members use smokeless tobacco at higher rates than the general population.
- According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.2 percent of military Veterans used smokeless tobacco in the years 2010 to 2015, while only 2.3 percent of the general U.S. adult population reported smokeless tobacco use in 2015.
- The Millennium Cohort Study found that 20 percent of OEF/OIF service members reported smokeless tobacco use following combat deployment.
VHA Helps with Tobacco Cessation
The Stay Quit Coach App that is offered for both Apple and Android Smartphone users for free. This is a source that is available to help support and give information for those who are ready to quit using tobacco. It guides Veterans through creating a plan to help with reach their goals of quitting and provide motivational messages.
ANNIE program is also an option for Veterans who are wanting to quit using tobacco to provide motivation messages and help Veterans to create a plan and set a quit date. These messages are sent to your phone via text messages, you do not have to have a Smartphone to use ANNIE.
A Veteran can use both the Stay Quit Coach App and the ANNIE Program for Tobacco Cessation with or without their health care provider or counselor.
These are great resources that are available to help Veterans with Tobacco Cessation.
VHA Quitline counselors are standing by to talk to you. Are you ready to make the call?
If you're ready to quit, call 1-855-784-8838 to speak to a counselor.
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At this time, VA Black Hills is scheduling appointments for Veterans 75 years and older and high risk Veterans. The response has been overwhelming! It is important to know that all Veterans must have an appointment to receive the vaccine. We are not able to accommodate walk in appointments.
Stay up to date with all things vaccine on VA's COVID Vaccine Response Visit VA's COVID-19 Vaccine Website
Keep Me Informed is a tool for Veterans to stay up to date about the vaccine!
VA Black Hills COVID-19 Vaccines local VA Black Hills vaccination information
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We’re excited to announce that 211 Helpline resources are now available in the 211 App! During a time when many individuals and families are experiencing challenges, we hope this additional option provides an ease to accessing resources.
The 211 Helpline app connects users to community resources in South Dakota. From quick questions to serious concerns, the free and confidential app brings resources to your fingertips.
You are not alone. Every day people turn to 211 for information and support – whether financial, family, health, or disaster-related. The call or text is free and confidential.
You can choose your location to find resources available in your area. From health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and government programs, the 211 Helpline app is a one-stop source of information. Categories listed include food, housing, financial assistance, employment services, healthcare, volunteer/donate and more.
To find out more or download the app, click here.
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If COVID-19 is causing you concern, Annie may be able to help. Annie is VA’s automated text messaging app that
sends health information and reminders to Veterans. Any cellphone with texting capabilities can receive Annie
messages.
Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol messages can help you monitor viral symptoms and know when to
contact your VA care team or a nurse triage line for additional care. The messages also provide general wellness tips
and education on precautions you can take to help prevent the contraction of the coronavirus.
For more information on Annie App for Veterans:
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 Whole Health Library Website Address has Changed. Please visit the upgraded library and update any bookmarks you have to the new site, located at: https://www.va.gov/wholehealthlibrary/
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AS NEW HEALTH RISKS EMERGE, VETERANS CAN RELY ON THE VHL
During this unprecedented time, Veterans can count on the Veterans Health Library (VHL) for reliable, evidence-based health information. Visit the VHL home page for the latest information about COVID-19, including links to:
- VA Public Health Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Maintaining and Enhancing Your Mental Health and Well-Being During the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
- VA Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans Need to Know
- CDC Video: What Can I Do to Protect Myself from COVID-19?
The VHL is Veterans’ source for health information.
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 It’s important to remain engaged with your health care team during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether through virtual care or an in-person appointment. Learn more about some of the ways you can take an active role.
• Be Involved in Your Health Care: A Healthy Living Message
• For the latest information regarding VA health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, see the VA Coronavirus FAQs webpage.
The Veterans Health Library (VHL) offers Veterans, their families and caregivers access to comprehensive, Veteran-focused health information consistent with national VA clinical practice and guidelines.
Items within the VHL on Be Involved in Your Health Care include:
• Be Involved in Your Healthcare: Taking Medications
• Be Involved in Your Healthcare: Family and Friends Can Help
• Be Involved in Your Healthcare: When You’re Having Surgery
• Preparing for a Visit with Your Healthcare Provider
• Whole Health: It Starts with Me
The Veterans Health Library also offers new interactive tools to help Veterans manage their chronic health conditions, such as six “Go-To-Guide” workbooks and three decision aid tools for managing Type 2 Diabetes. Check out these tools today and learn how to manage your chronic condition by eating healthy, being physically active, taking needed medications and working with your health care team.
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 Upcoming VVC MOVE! groups
- Monday February 1, 2021 @ 9am
- Wednesday March 1, 2021 @1 pm
- Thursday March 11, 2021 @ 0830 am
This is group is 16 sessions focusing on nutrition and exercise behavioral changes. Evidence shows people who attend and use the information that will be provided will stop gaining weight and/or begin losing weight.
The best part about this program is that it is absolutely FREE and you can be in the comfort of your own home attending a group meeting!
Please tell your PACT team or contact the MOVE! Program @ 605-718-1095 ext 33054 to register!
New VVC (VA Video Connect) WOMEN only MOVE! group
- Tuesday February 16 from 3-4 pm
This is group is 16 sessions focusing on nutrition and exercise behavioral changes. Evidence shows people who attend and use the information that will be provided will stop gaining weight and/or begin losing weight.
The best part about this program is that it is absolutely FREE and you can be in the comfort of your own home attending a group meeting!
Please tell your PACT team or contact the MOVE! Program @ 605-718-1095 ext 33054 to register!
MONHTLY SUPPORT GROUP
This group is the 4th Wednesday of the month from 9-10 am via VVC. Great for people who have reached weight management goals and want monthly group support.
All groups are VVC.
For more information call (605) 718-1095 ext 3-3054 or visit https://www.blackhills.va.gov/services/MOVE.asp
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Don't miss our Facebook Live Yoga sessions on Thursday's at 1:00 p.m.
This program can be done from your own home and is specialized for people with disabilities and movement restrictions.
Yoga Experiential Resources:
Note: These resources have been identified by the VA Integrative Health Coordinating Center as options for your consideration, but items in this category are not endorsed by VA.
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Veterans Yoga Project - Mindful Resilience-Home Practice Library is a collection of mind-body practices to be used to further develop practices related to Breath, Meditation, Mindful Movement, Guided Rest, and Gratitude. These tools help us breathe easy, focus clearly, move freely, rest deeply, and remember what is working in our lives. As a result we become more resilient in the face of both ordinary and extraordinary challenges. In this library you will find downloadable audio files of each of the five tools of Mindful Resilience Training. We invite you to explore various practices all led by Veterans Yoga Project Ambassadors and Teachers.
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Kula For Karma The Yoga for Veterans Video Series is a 6-part guided yoga and meditation practice, designed specifically for Veterans. These 30-minute videos guide viewers through asana, adaptive yoga, restorative practice, easy flow, power yoga level I & II and meditation.
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Yoga Journal - Yoga Journal offers a unique offering of free online yoga videos. These videos offer sequencing., tips and tutorials for beginners and advanced participants.
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Warriors at Ease- Explore meditation, breathing techniques, iRest Yoga Nidra and more yoga. This resources offers a guided iRest Yoga Nidra session, experiential breathing techniques, and yoga demonstrations.
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Mindful Yoga Therapy- Free downloads, includes a series of short breathing practices that are part of the Mindful Yoga Therapy Program and a Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra resource.
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Comeback Yoga - Free yoga classes to help military personnel, their families and supporters develop resiliency in response to their experience.
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Glo - Temporary free trial due to CIOVID19. With over 4,000 online yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes on demand, you can experience the benefits of your practice at home or on the go, on any device. You can even download your favorite classes so they’re always available to you.
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Connected Warriors Virtual Yoga Classes - Join live and recorded zoom yoga classes, or explore posted YouTube virtual yoga classes made possible by the Connected Warriors.
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