Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

VA New England Healthcare System

 

Veterans' Healthy Living, Spring 2016

VHL Spring VHL cover
Print | Web

Using the Arts for Healing

Health care is more than tests, treatments, and medications. VA facilities in VISN 1 and across the country, have found that the power of artistic expression also helps our Veterans with wounds— both visible and invisible.

Veteran's artwork, a main playing guitar, and the U.S. Air Force seal

Recreational Therapists and Creative Arts Therapists across VA provide Veterans with an outlet to express their artistic side. The results have been remarkable. Research shows that creative arts can not only help alleviate pain and stress, but can help Veterans work through their emotions, enhance their cognitive abilities, and provide unique opportunities for Veterans to connect socially.

“We have seen art, in all of its various forms (music, dance, painting, photography, writing, etc.) help some of our most hurt and wounded Veterans find peace and heal,” says Courtney Oliver,Certified Recreation Therapy Specialist, VA Maine Healthcare. “Art has the ability to give our Veterans a sense of purpose and meaning again. It can provide an outlet that our Veterans previously did not know existed for them.”

Whether you’re a skilled artist or are brand new to your creative side, your Recreational and Creative Arts Therapists can help you reap these benefits. Talk with your therapist about your interest, and you can start finding new ways to heal through your own powerful channels of creativity. Veterans can enter their creative talents into their VA’s local Creative Arts Festival. If you’re interested in this, contact your local Recreational or Creative Arts Therapist. For more information, visit www.va.gov/ opa/speceven/caf.

Wheelchair Games
MORE THAN SPORTS

Wheelchair race

The 36th National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Salt Lake City, UT, June 27-July 2, 2016. It is the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. More than 500 Veterans participate each year.

But the thousands of Veterans who have been a part of the Games over the years will tell you it’s about much more than winning or losing. It’s about camaraderie with other Veterans and being a part of something that gives them hope, motivation, and a deep sense of pride.

If you’re interested in being a part of the Games, talk with your VA Recreational Therapist. Registration closes on April 15th. If you’re not ready to compete this year, you can volunteer or just attend to cheer on your fellow Veterans! For more information, visit www.wheelchairgames.org.

return to top go