
It’s about ALL of you: Whole Health finds you at the intersection of mind, body, and soul. Spirituality is part of the Circle of Health and studies show that a healthy spiritual life can improve mental and physical well-being and lead to a longer life. Spirituality involves connecting to something or someone bigger than yourself, religious or otherwise. A spiritual practice can give purpose and meaning to your life so you can Live Whole Health. Watch how spirituality is included in Whole Health.
Learn more about the link between spirituality and well-being in the Taking Charge of My Life and Health Group at VA Long Beach! This 6-week group will help you explore what matters most to you, identify ways to enhance your spiritual practice, and create a personal health plan. To enroll, 1) stop by the Veterans Resource Center (Building 165, Room C108, 2) Call (562) 826-8000, ext. 1-8670, and/or 3) Ask your healthcare team to place a Whole Health consult.

 Calling all enrolled Veterans! Got 15-20 minutes? Join us on campus Thursday, December 12 for Healing Touch. Meet us in building 166 (Blind Rehab) on 2nd floor, room F235. No appointment needed, just show up, sign in, and complete a brief questionnaire. We are here from 11:00 a.m. - noon. We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month and the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month.
This energy treatment is a relaxing, nurturing, heart-centered energy therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch that assists in balancing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It's complementary to standard medical care.
Healing Touch is beneficial in calming anxiety and reducing symptoms of depression, decreasing pain, strengthening the immune system, enhancing recovery from surgery, complementing care for neck and spine problems, deepening spiritual connection, supporting cancer care, creating a sense of well-being, easing acute and chronic conditions, and supporting resiliency in health care providers. Fifteen minute treatments are given as you sit in a chair.
 The Veteran Social Connection (VSC) provides Veterans with an opportunity to meet and socialize in a safe environment and provide resources for Veterans. The VSC is held on the last Friday of each month (with some holiday exceptions) from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on the Patriot Café Patio. Come by December 20!

 When: December 12, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual/Zoom - CalJOBS Event ID #1026609
Open to all job seekers. Learn about career opportunities and participate in a Q&A session
Attendees must have a CalJOBS account.
Email Moderator David Uyematsu or text 916-639-0457
RSVP
 When: December 13, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, Bldg. 258, Rm. 1281
 When: December 13, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: State Office Building, 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA
Join us for a magical evening with warm food, entertainment, and snow play area. Chat with Senator Menjivar about her legislative priorities and get a picture with Santa!
Please bring a unwrapped sports toy to be distributed to children across the district.
RSVP by calling: 818-901-5588
When: December 14, 2024 | 8:45 a.m.
Where: Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Join us for a brief ceremony, followed by laying of wreaths on our heroes' gravesites.
Breakfast to follow at nearby Coral Tree Cafe.
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 When: December 14, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Location will be provided closer to date and upon receipt of registration
Enjoy the final Saturday before Christmas in good company, making cards, gifts, decorations, ornaments, ugly sweaters, etc.
“Shopping” for free through Santa’s Village - for yourself & for others and wrapping up gifts with all materials provided.
Register
 When: December 14, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Veterans with their family members are invited as our guests to the Kristin Chenoweth Holiday Concert.
Register
 When: December 16, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System Campus, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, Wadsworth Theatre
On behalf of our grateful nation, thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your bravery.
For more information, contact CDCE/Voluntary Service at 310-268-4350.

The California E-Bike Incentive Project provides up to $2,000 of point-of-sale incentives to support the purchase of a new electric bicycle (e-bike).
The California E-Bike Incentive Project is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.
Please visit the California E-Bike Incentive Project website for more information:
We hope you find Health & Heroes a helpful resource to keep you informed about the many great resources and services available at VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS). We look forward to highlighting and sharing stories about our Veterans and the dedicated team members who are entrusted with your care.
We want you to have the information you need to manage your health and live your healthiest life. We're excited to bring you Health & Heroes and hope you enjoy our facility magazine!
 Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA? Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of all the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
Read more
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The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on.
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Find VA Long Beach Healthcare System jobs on USA Jobs.
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VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274 toll-free
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

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