Call 618-993-4147 Wellvets /marion

Marion VA Health Care System Whole Health Groups 2023 To Schedule a session call 618-993-4147 wellvets.com/marion

Meet the Team Charity Will, MSN, ACNP-BC Clinical Director Sarah Sanders, MSN, RN Program Manager Nancy Messamore Medical Support Assistant 618-993-4147 to schedule a session Health Coaching & Veteran-Led Groups Janell Holbrook, LPN Health Coach Nancy Messamore Peer Facilitator Amanda Lyle Volunteer Peer Facilitator Wellness Groups Jasmine Cave, MSEd, MPA, CTRS Recreational Therapist Ethan Blumhorst, MSEd, CTRS Recreational Therapist Jasmine currently holds certifications in horsemanship instruction, qi gong, adaptive sports, yoga, fitness, mobility, nutrition, and is a certified USA Archery instructor. She is an advocate for therapeutic outdoor recreation and adaptive sports. Ethan is a former combat medic with the 173D Airborne Brigade. He currently holds certifications in yoga, tai chi/qi gong, mindfulness, guided imagery, cognitive behavior therapy, mantram repetition, and iRest yoga nidra. He is an advocate for outdoor activities and is the Team River Runner Southern Illinois (SOIL) chapter coordinator and a scuba SDI scubility buddy diver. Williams Martinez Yoga & Boxing Instructor Nancy Messamore Adapted Tai Chi Instructor Willy is a USMC combat infantry Veteran that has fused boxing and yoga to create a powerful way to take care of one's body. He is the head coach for the Pharaoh Boxing Club and a certified USA Boxing coach & yoga instructor. Nancy is an Army combat veteran with a passion for empowering other veterans to take charge of their own health. She is a certified health & wellness coach and is certified by Dr. Guo as an adapted tai chi instructor. Julie Hertz, BSN, RN, RYT Yoga Instructor Carrie Perkins-Schnicker Volunteer Art Instructor Julie is a certified yoga instructor and nurse for the Marion VA. She also teaches yoga classes in her local community. Julie enjoys helping others tap into their body’s rest and relax systems using the breath and movement of yoga practice. Carrie has an Associate of Arts degree from Rend Lake College and is the founder of the non-profit Carrie Leigh’s Arts for Kids. She enjoys helping others through the power of expressive arts.

CREATIVE ARTS (Recreation Therapy) ART VIRTUAL DRAWING (90 MIN) This once per month group will teach the basics techniques of drawing. No previous drawing experience needed. VIRTUAL PAINTING (120 MIN) Come enjoy the company of other veterans while exploring your inner artist. This once per month group will teach the basics techniques of painting. No previous painting or drawing experience needed. MUSIC GUITAR 1 & 2 (50 MIN) Ever wanted to learn to play the guitar? Well, this is your chance! Phase 1 will teach basic cords, tuning, and reading music. Phase 2 picks up where Phase 1 left off. All equipment is provided. No previous experience necessary. PERCUSSION (50 MIN) This group offers exposure to different percussive instruments from around the world using different structured and improvised elements through various exercises to build a foundational knowledge of techniques/dynamics. No previous experience necessary. WRITING VIRTUAL CREATIVE WRITING (50 MIN) Express yourself with the written word. Classes will cover elementary principles of composition such as structure, plot, dialogue, and style with the primary focus being placed on self-expression. Principles will be practiced through short story, essay, and poetry with various prompts.

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 1300Guitar 2 @ Marion Campus With Ethan 1300Percussion @ Marion Campus With Ethan 1200-1400 1400Guitar 1 @ Marion Campus With Ethan 1500Creative Writing @ Virtual With Ethan Third Thursday of the MonthWomen’s Painting with Carrie @ Virtual First Thursday of the monthDrawing with Carrie @ Virtual VA’s National Veterans Creative Arts Festival- www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov

HEALTH & WELLNESS INDIVIDUAL HEALTH COACHING Whole Health Coaches work with you on identifying your motivation for change, determining goals, and assessing and supporting existing treatment plans to reach those goals. Coaches provide support and information on the relationship between lifestyle and health outcomes. Your coach will guide you in exploring behaviors that influence your health and goal attainment. VETERAN-LED GROUPS Intro to Whole Health (2 hours) This group introduces Whole Health concepts, and the Whole Health opportunities available to you. Whole Health goes beyond your illnesses, injuries, or disabilities. In Whole Health, you are a more active partner with your health team. Whole Health recognizes you as a whole person and helps support your unique answers to questions like, “What really matters to YOU?” and “What do you want your health for?”. Taking Charge of my Life and Health (6 weeks) Following the Introduction to Whole Health, you can participate in a 6-week Taking Charge of My Life and Health peer-led course. This group provides an opportunity for more self-exploration, self-care, and goal creation around what matters to you.

MEDITATION VIRTUAL GUIDED MEDITATION (30 MINUTES) Guided Meditation will introduce various scripted relaxation and guided imagery meditations. These scripts are designed to create changes in physiology, emotions, or mental state for the purpose of increasing healing response or relaxation. It is recommended that you complete this practice while lying in a comfortable space or reclining in a chair. VIRTUAL MEDITATION 101 (50 MINUTES) Each week this group will cover a different meditation or breathwork technique to help you cultivate your personal meditation practice. Regular meditation practice is associated with feelings of peacefulness, compassionate awareness, emotional balance, and harmony. Each session will provide instruction on the underlying theory and science of a particular practice, followed by doing the practice Wednesday Thursday Friday 1000Meditation 101 @ Virtual With Ethan 1100Guided Meditation @ Virtual With Jasmine 1100Guided Meditation @ Virtual With Jasmine Saturday 1000Guided Meditation @ Virtual With Jasmine

QI GONG & TAI CHI VIRTUAL ADAPTED TAI CHI (45 MINUTES) This adapted Tai Chi form was developed by Dr. Guo for individuals who have limited mobility or need to remain seated. This group will exclusively use the Dr. Guo adapted Tai Chi Form. VIRTUAL QI GONG FOR HEALTH/MEDICAL (50 MINUTES) Qigong for health/medical is an ancient Chinese healing art using gentle movement. Qigong involves the coordination of breath, awareness, and focused movements. First 20-30 minutes consists of basic qigong movements, warm-ups, and meditative forms. Second 20-30 minutes covers common forms such as: 5 elements, 8 brocades, 18 forms, 5 animal frolics, and the muscle tendon changing classics. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1100Adapted Tai Chi @ Virtual With Ethan 1100Qi Gong @ Virtual With Jasmine 1000Qi Gong @ Virtual With Jasmine 1300Adapted Tai Chi @ Virtual With Nancy 1300Qi Gong @ Virtual With Jasmine 1300Qi Gong @ Virtual With Jasmine

SPORTS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE (120 MINUTES) This group will explore the sports and activities of the National VA Rehab Events. This group takes place at various community locations in Southern Illinois. Activities selected each week are based on weather/time of year and upcoming National events. A brief assessment (phone) with a recreation therapist is required prior to participation with the Sports groups to address any specific needs or concerns for participation. Tuesday 0930- Outdoor Adventures @Various Southern Illinois Locations With Ethan & Jasmine Learn about the VA’s National Rehab Events: https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/ National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Veterans Golden Age Games, National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, National Sports4Vets Throwdown

YOGA VIRTUAL FLEXIBILITY (30 MINUTES) This yin-style group focuses on improving flexibility and range of motion. This is a great group for anyone looking to improve their pain free range of motion and connective tissue health. The movements are primarily done seated on the floor, with some standing exercises. Equipment: yoga mat, yoga blocks, yoga strap, and easy access to a chair or couch VIRTUAL SLOW FLOW YOGA (50 MINUTES) Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines breath, movement, and meditation. This group is primarily Hatha style yoga with each pose held for 3-5 breaths. No previous experience in yoga is necessary. Equipment: yoga mat, yoga blocks, yoga strap VIRTUAL YOGAFIT (50 MINUTES) This group is a blend of Vinyasa flow style yoga and core exercises to provide a moderate intensity workout. Equipment: yoga mat YOGA FUSION VIRTUAL BOXING BASICS (50 MINUTES) Boxing basics is a low-impact, equipment-free class, intended to teach the fundamentals of boxing and yoga. The class will cover boxing stances, footwork drills, core building, as well as combination punches. This class is open to all ages and experience levels. Equipment- yoga mat VIRTUAL FITNESS (30 MINUTES) This group is a combination of high intensity functional fitness and deep stretching. This is a great option for anyone looking to improve their fitness. All movements are scaled/adapted to the needs of the individual. Equipment- yoga mat Optional Equipment- dumbbells, kettlebells

Monday Tuesday Wednesday 0900Fitness @ Virtual With Jasmine 1000Slow Flow @ Virtual with Willy Thursday 0900Fitness @ Virtual With Jasmine 1000Slow Flow @ Virtual with Julie 1300Slow Flow @ Virtual With Ethan 1400Boxing Basics @ Virtual With Willy 1400Flexibility @ Virtual With Jasmine 1400Flexibility @ Virtual With Jasmine 1700Fitness @ Virtual with Jasmine 1700Flexibility @ Virtual With Jasmine Friday Saturday 0900YogaFit @ Virtual with Jasmine 0900Flexibility @ Virtual with Jasmine

workout. Equipment: yoga mat YOGA FUSION VIRTUAL BOXING BASICS (50 MINUTES) Boxing basics is a low-impact, equipment-free class, intended to teach the fundamentals of boxing and yoga. The class will cover boxing stances, footwork drills, core building, as well as combination punches. This class is open to all ages and experience levels.