Welcome to the
Military & Veterans Connect Group
Military & Veterans
270 Members
This online group serves active and retired military/veterans of our arthritis community from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and camaraderie to connect and meet others who understand.
Live Yes! Connect Groups offer connections, education, and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from our community come together for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on a variety of topics, as well as fun group activities.
We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills, and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis but to thrive.
Upcoming Events
-
Wednesday, May 8th, 20247:30 PM ET1h 30m
-
Virtual Event
- 4 people attending
Join us on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:30 pm Eastern / 6:30 pm Central / 5:30 pm Mountain / 4:30 pm Pacific for our next 90-minute event.
Join us for an introduction to Qi Gong and Tai chi movements, with Kirsten Benson. Both Qi Gong and Tai Chi are gentle practices which help to improve:
- Balance & Stability: Reduce falls & move with confidence.
- Strength & Flexibility: Build resilience & move with ease.
- Stress & Pain Relief: Find inner peace & manage discomfort.
Connect with fellow Connect Group members and discover the benefits of Tai Chi! No experience needed! Open to all ages and abilities. Comfortable clothes recommended and a chair without casters. Join us and rediscover the joy of movement!
Kirsten Benson has a BS in sports management and health. She has been an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2007 and AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer since 2008. She upgraded her PFT to NASM. She has been a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor since 2017 through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. She is also a Reiki Master and is completing her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Her biggest passion besides fitness is gardening! Kirsten was diagnosed with Sjogrens in 2017 and has found that staying active has helped manage her symptoms.
After our presentation, there will be time to connect with others. Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings.
We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required, nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration with the Zoom link. If you do not receive the registration confirmation, please check your spam folder. Please plan to log in a few minutes early.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Donna Olsen (They/Their), Connect Group Facilitator
- Event List
-
Wednesday, May 8th, 20247:30 PM ET1h 30m
-
Virtual Event
- 4 people attending
Join us on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:30 pm Eastern / 6:30 pm Central / 5:30 pm Mountain / 4:30 pm Pacific for our next 90-minute event.
Join us for an introduction to Qi Gong and Tai chi movements, with Kirsten Benson. Both Qi Gong and Tai Chi are gentle practices which help to improve:
- Balance & Stability: Reduce falls & move with confidence.
- Strength & Flexibility: Build resilience & move with ease.
- Stress & Pain Relief: Find inner peace & manage discomfort.
Connect with fellow Connect Group members and discover the benefits of Tai Chi! No experience needed! Open to all ages and abilities. Comfortable clothes recommended and a chair without casters. Join us and rediscover the joy of movement!
Kirsten Benson has a BS in sports management and health. She has been an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2007 and AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer since 2008. She upgraded her PFT to NASM. She has been a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor since 2017 through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. She is also a Reiki Master and is completing her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Her biggest passion besides fitness is gardening! Kirsten was diagnosed with Sjogrens in 2017 and has found that staying active has helped manage her symptoms.
After our presentation, there will be time to connect with others. Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings.
We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required, nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration with the Zoom link. If you do not receive the registration confirmation, please check your spam folder. Please plan to log in a few minutes early.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Donna Olsen (They/Their), Connect Group Facilitator
Facilitators [1]
Members [270]
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Connect Groups - Military & Veterans
Comment
Comments [19]
Here is the Zoom link for this evening's Connect Group (Nov 9th) at 7:30pm Eastern Time, 6:30pm Central Time, 5:30pm Mountain Time, 4:30pm Pacific Time.
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdOivpzsvHdzFmLdY1AQePOLq8gsIVf7r
See You Soon!!
Hello Again!!
I don't want to create any confusion. My earlier email gave the wrong topic for tonight's event. Tongihts's event topic is: Emotional Coping Strategies with Arthritis.
Pain Management Strategies will be the topic for our Oct. 11th event.
The link to join tonight's event, however, is correct: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfu-gqD4jGdxR5ud1WTMFgaGoLnuoMZhD
Hello Everyone!!
Here is the link to join tonight's event: Pain Management Strategies
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfu-gqD4jGdxR5ud1WTMFgaGoLnuoMZhD
Hello Everyone!!
I hope this note finds you well. If you are new to the group Welcome!
Thank you for taking a moment to learn what's happening,
** Webinar: Arthritis Resolutions: Simple Changes, Big Results– Thursday, January 26th, 7PM Eastern, 6pm Central, 4pm Pacific, 5pm Mountain - In this webinar, a rheumatologist, life coach, and habit expert will offer solutions to help you to reset your health with arthritis. Register here
** Join us for our next Military & Vets Virtual Connect Group event -Benefits of Yoga on Thursday, Mar 16 at 7:30-9pm Eastern, 6:30-8pm Central, 4:30-6pm Pacific, 5:30-7pm Mountain. Visit the Group's event page today and RSVP.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming event!!
Donna Olsen (she/her)
Military & Vets Connect Group Facilitator
Phone: 612-404-9853
Email: i[email protected]
Arthritis Foundation Help Line 800-283-7800
The link posted here is for the Zoom Meeting on March 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcof-yrrT4tE9x-x4TDczzb8p0VkoED4NmH
On behalf of Donna and I we hope to see you there.
Al Silberstein, Co-Facilitator
Donna Olsen, Co-Facilitator
Absolutely no way to connect WTF
Mike, the link was in a comment below, but here is the link again. Sorry about the confusion. Copy and paste the link
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
Donna
Mike, the link was in a comment below, but here is the link again. Sorry about the confusion. Copy and paste the link
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
Donna
Mike, the link was in a comment below, but here is the link again. Sorry about the confusion. Copy and paste the link
https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
Donna
How do I connect to tonight's event?
Kerrie-Ann. Sorry about the confusion. Here is the link, please copy and paste: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
I can't get the Zoom link to work is there an ID and Password.?
Good Evening Everyone, RA is __________?
Is there a meeting id #
Donna, I replied directly to you but I don't think it went through so I'm going to try again here.
I was signed up and did my RSVP for the group starting today at 4:30 PST but I need to cancel as I cannot attend today. I apologize to you and the group.
sincerely, Sheryl B
No problem Sheryl. I understand things come up. Be well and hope to see you the next time.
Donna
Hello Everyone,
We are looking forward to seeing those who have RSVP'd for the event this evening (Nov 9th) at 7:30pm Eastern Time, 6:30pm Central Time, 5:30pm Mountain Time, 4:30pm Pacific Time. Here is the Zoom link for the event: https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqopzIrHNCzrlOCxHAwfMKJZdaZ0wEp
See You Soon!!
How do I register my husband for the event on March 10th?
Hi Mardi,
If you are going to share the same computer, you don't have to register. If not, you can share the sign up link that I just sent to the group in the reminder email, or share the link to the event when you receive it on Wednesday.
Donna
Hello Everyone!!
Please reply to this message with topics you would like to cover in our meetings. We want your input so we can choose content that will be important to you.
Thanks!!
Donna
Management of joint pain
When to exercise and when to choose rest for healing of joints
Sharing experiences with Agrability compensating mechanisms
Hello Everyone!!
I just became a co-facilitator of this group with Steve. I am living with OA in all of my joints and have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I look forward to meeting all of you!!
Donna Olsen
I'm a retired USAF MSgt. Have OA lumbar region being treated in community pain specialist. Just started asking VA for MOVE program and trying to get Whole Health to help pull together a team approach to treating pain.
Hello Mardi,
Thanks for joining the group!! I, too, have OA, in all my joints. I am glad you are being proactive in trying to put a team together. I went through the MOVE program several years ago at the Minneapolis VA. I learned a lot and am still using many of the ideas they gave me.
Donna Olsen
Thank you for letting me join, I look forward to learning from you all.
Thanks for joining, Patricia!!
Can someone please send me the flyer for the CG on 8/17? I have several military rheumatologists that would like to promote to their patients. Thank you!
Hi Angie,
I just joined as a co-facilitator. I hope you were able to get the flyer.
Donna Olsen
Check out this blog about Veterans living with Arthritis http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/virtual-veterans-live-yes-connect-group/