VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Fall 2006

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Fall 2006

Free VA Wellness Programs

Ask the expert

This issue's expert:
Daniel Purnine, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Director, Quit Smart Program,

Q: I’ve been smoking for most of my life. Why should I quit now?
A: More than 1,200 people die every day from tobacco-related diseases. In addition to lung, oral and laryngeal cancers, smoking has been shown to cause acute myeloid leukemia, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, stomach and cervical cancers. It also causes coronary heart disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking remains the most preventable cause of death in our society. No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, quitting now could still save your life.

Q: I’ve tried to quit before and failed. How can I succeed this time?
A: VA can help you through the QuitSmart smoking cessation program. The program helps small groups of patients outsmart nicotine dependence through professional support and other proven tools to help you become smoke-free. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to a QuitSmart group or call your local VA QuitSmart program number:

Albany VA
(518) 626-5343

Bath VA
(607) 664-4319

Canandaigua VA
(585) 393-7252

Rochester VA Clinic
(585) 393-7297

Rome VA Clinic
(315) 334-7100

Syracuse VA
(315) 425-3470

VA Western New York Healthcare System Buffalo/Batavia
(716) 862-8588 or
(716) 862-8584

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York is dedicated to improving the health of our veterans. To help you stay healthy and informed, we are pleased to offer the following wellness programs designed especially for veterans. All programs are free. For more information including dates, times and locations, please call one of the numbers listed below between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Stress Management
Individual counseling is available to help you manage your stress. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5339
Bath (607) 664-4331
Buffalo (716) 862-8595
Canandaigua (585) 393-7252
Syracuse (315) 425-3485

Diabetes Management
This 12-month program helps veterans with diabetes develop self-management tools. The program provides tips on nutrition and exercise and how to reduce your risk of diabetes complications. For more information, call:

Albany, contact your primary care provider
Bath (607) 664-4614 or (607) 664-4626
Batavia (585) 297-1000, ext. 72555
Buffalo (716) 862-8844
Canandaigua (585) 393-7109 or (585) 393-7126
Syracuse (315) 425-2432

Understanding Your Medications
Individual counseling is offered for veterans who need help managing medications. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5780
Bath (607) 664-4413, then press 2
Buffalo (716) 862-8881 or (716) 862-3223
Canandaigua (585) 393-7122, then press 2
ROPC (585) 463-2697, then press 2
Syracuse (315) 425-4400, ext. 52026, then press 2

Depression and the Elderly
Individual and group counseling are available to help veterans deal with late-life depression. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5339
Bath (607) 664-4301
Buffalo (716) 862-8595
Canandaigua (585) 393-7250
Syracuse (315) 425-3485

Dementia Care Services
Held quarterly in Albany and monthly in Buffalo, the workshop covers a variety of dementia-related topics of interest to patients and caregivers. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-6051
Buffalo (716) 862-3237
Canandaigua (585) 393-7901

New Patient Orientation

Rochester Outpatient Clinic
Learn how the VA system works and how to access services. Includes information on pharmacy services, eligibility and mental health services. Can also be attended by existing patients for a refresher. Held every other Friday afternoon. For dates and times, call Geri Wiess at (585) 463-2747.

Reviewed/Updated Date: January 16, 2007