01/27/2022
Connecting with others plays an important role in physical and mental health, and getting Veterans and their supporters together regularly – whether for a chat over food, a bowling night or volunteer activity – can build social connections and improve attendees’ mental well-being. VOICES events are designed to foster interpersonal connections and social support among community members, including Veterans of all ages and service branches. Developed with input from Veterans,
01/25/2022
The Armed Services Blood Program says donations are down and is encouraging volunteers to step up and donate blood to replenish the supply. Adequate blood supplies are a critical part of a ready medical force and medical providers must have everything they need to complete their mission, including blood. A donation can be done in as little as one hour and yield lifesaving blood products for surgical procedures, traumatic injuries, chronic
01/20/2022
With the Omicron variant dominant in the U.S., there has been a lot of talk about booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines. Hear Dr. Vivian Vega, Tampa VA attending physician, Infectious Disease, answer the most asked questions about the vaccine and booster. While the vaccines have been shown to be safe and highly effective at both preventing the disease and lessening the effects in breakthrough cases, the data is becoming clear just
01/18/2022
Copayment collections and statements for medical care and pharmacy services might seem overwhelming, especially this time of year, but debt relief programs are available and accessible to Veterans. Debt relief options such as repayment plans, waivers and compromises are available: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/revenue_ops/Financial_Hardship.asp or call 866-400-1238, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 8PM ET to learn more. learn more ‣
01/13/2022
During your time in the service, you gained the tools needed to live an active, healthy lifestyle, but the demands of life after leaving active duty may have gotten in the way of these healthy habits. The VA is here to help. The first step is to meet with your VA health care provider. They can help you make a customized health plan with realistic and achievable goals. learn
01/11/2022
Ideally, adults should get between 7-8 hours of sleep each night. However, being deployed may not always make it possible for service members to get proper sleep, but experts recommend they try to adopt healthy sleep practices as much as possible. Long-term sleeping problems can affect your mental health, relationships, quality of life, and performance at work. learn more ‣
01/06/2022
The worst mistake you can make in wintertime is to underestimate what challenges nature is capable of and overestimate your own abilities. Never forget the power of nature and its effects, especially if exploring outdoors during the coldest months of the year. Two crucial aspects of retaining readiness in winter climates are nutrition and liquids uptake, and the same safety tips apply to hikers, skiers and campers. learn more
01/04/2022
Holidays can be stressful for Veterans and caregivers – a reminder of loss, trauma and grief, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – and the VA offers tips on how to manage added #stress this time of year. If the holidays bring on painful reminders of trauma or loss, make time for yourself and know your limits. Do things you enjoy. This will build your resilience and act as a buffer
Overnight fasting no longer required for most VA blood testing - VA News
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VA policy shift will allow most to no longer need overnight fasting for most VA blood tests.