VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Summer 2006

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Summer 2006

Free VA Wellness Programs

Ask the expert

This issue's expert:
George H. Knight, pharmacy manager for VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York,

Q: What types of prescription medications can be addictive or habit forming?
A: Any prescription drug that’s classified as a controlled substance may be habit forming. If your medication is labeled, “CAUTION: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed,” it’s a controlled substance.

Q: What precautions should I take when using these medications?
A: Always take medications as prescribed. Read and follow all directions on the label and information sheet, and heed warnings, such as avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking the medication.

Q: I don’t feel comfortable taking medication that may be addictive, but my doctor prescribed it. Do I need to take it?
A: Talk to your doctor who can help you weigh the benefits and risks of the medication. If you’re still uncomfortable, your doctor may offer other alternatives.

Q: What should I do if the dose my doctor prescribed is not meeting my needs? Is it OK to take more?
A: Take medications exactly as prescribed. If it doesn’t seem to meet your needs, talk to your doctor, who may change your dose or medication.

Q: If I run out of medication early and am in a lot of pain, will VA pharmacy refill it?
A: By law, we’re not allowed to refill controlled substance prescriptions more than seven days early. If you need more medication, you must speak to your doctor.

Q: What should a family member do if he or she suspects a loved one is abusing prescription drugs?
A: If a loved one has repeated problems getting refills from the pharmacy or visits different doctors and fills prescriptions at multiple pharmacies, he or she may have a prescription pill problem. The best approach you can take is to address it with your loved one, making sure he or she understands your concern for his or her welfare. Like other addictions, the patient must first accept that he or she may have a problem before it can be resolved.

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