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.
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This issue's expert:
Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D.,
President, Senior Fitness, in Penfield, N.Y., and
author of "How to Prevent Falls — Better Balance,
Independence and Energy in Six Simple Steps"
Q: As I get older, I lose my balance more frequently. Why is
this happening?
A: Unfortunately, many factors can contribute to loss of
balance, including muscle weakness, limited vision, innerear
problems, medication side effects, impaired circulation,
poor nutrition, poor flexibility (especially ankles) and diabetes
and other diseases.
However, you can enhance balance!
Q: How can I improve my balance?
A: Here’s an exercise you can do at home:* Place your
hands on the back of a chair. Lift up your right knee (keep
the foot a few inches off the floor). Hold this position for a
slow count of five seconds. Lower your knee, relax and
repeat with your left leg. Alternate legs. You’ll feel your balance
improve.
Q: I get scared when I hear stories about people my age
falling and breaking a hip. What can I do if I’m afraid I’ll fall?
A: It’s OK to be scared. Fear is a big bully. But you can
meet your fear head-on. Whenever you sit down to watch
TV or lie down in bed, practice falling. Relax your body
completely and slowly slump into a comfortable chair or
mattress. This will train your body to be on “automatic
pilot.” Remember, a stiff body breaks; a limp body bends.
For more tips to improve balance and prevent injury
from falls, visit www.senior-fitness.com.
*Before you begin any exercise program, you
should check with your VA health care provider or
primary care team.
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