Health

doctor examining patient

Lung cancer screening can be a lifesaver

VA News – Lung Cancer affects almost 8,000 Veterans every year and the VA encourages you to discuss lung cancer screening with your VA health care provider today. If you want to talk to your VA provider about lung cancer screening, call your VA care team or visit My HealtheVet. You may qualify for lung cancer screening if you: Are 50- to 80-years old Smoke cigarettes now or quit within the

exercisig

Ignite a healthier future with physical fitness

VA News – Supporting overall health and mental well-being, staying physically fit after serving in the military is essential for Veterans and can help with the transition to civilian life. Remember, your fitness journey is unique to you! It’s important to consult with your primary care doctor or health team to develop a personalized fitness plan that accommodates your specific needs and challenges. Get started on the road to a

CHAMPVA

How CHAMPVA can help your family

VA News – If you’re a Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability, your family members may have access to VA-covered care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA). What is CHAMPVA? CHAMPVA is a health care benefit program for family members of Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability, provided they don’t qualify for TRICARE. CHAMPVA is not an insurance policy, but it shares the cost

telehealth services

Don’t let winter woes weigh on your wellness

It’s easy to feel like hibernating all winter, when a seasonal change can trigger significant mood shifts. It’s important to continue your health care during the winter months, however, and the VA’s many virtual care options can help. You can have video telehealth visits for physical health concerns or meet with a mental health provider, which can be especially important during winter months. learn more  

older veteran with doctor

VA ready for growing population of older Veterans

The VA is continuing to build on its recent efforts to become the largest specialized geriatric emergency care provider in the U.S., with more than half of all VA emergency department visits involving a Veteran over the age of 65. Since starting this initiative in 2019, VA now has 67 accredited geriatric emergency departments (GED) spread out across the country, meaning that staff are dedicated to the unique needs of an

suicide and crisis lifeline

Don’t hesitate to have those difficult conversations about suicide

Suicide behavior is universal, and it knows no boundaries. It is not a personal issue, it’s a societal issue, and it’s everyone’s business and responsibility. If you know someone who is suffering, be there. Be a good human. Put them ahead of yourself. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 calls, texts and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, mental health crisis,

reducing injuries

Are you injury prone?

Injuries are rarely completely unavoidable accidents and you can prevent injuries by understanding the various types of injuries and knowing which ones pose a risk to you. Some injuries are easily recognized, like broken bones, cuts, bruises and concussions – but did you know that pain, pulled muscles, stress fractures, sunburn, animal bites, poisonings and electric shocks are all also injuries? learn more  

traveling

VA is with you when you travel or relocate

If you plan on traveling or relocating this year, Veterans enrolled in VA health care receive the same standard of care while traveling as they would at home. It’s as simple as coordinating with your VA health care team to ensure you have a plan before you leave. Discussing current prescriptions and the plan for getting refills is also essential when talking with your health care team before travel. Need

suicide prevention

Suicide prevention: Staying in touch with friends and family

It’s easy to get caught up in everyday life and put yourself last, especially around the holidays. In fact, Veterans were trained to put others’ needs ahead of their own. Everyone faces struggles in life, and no one can get through them alone. To stay mentally and physically healthy, you can’t wait until everything piles up. You can’t wait for a crisis to happen. You have to reach out for support

hearing therapy

Hearing Injury Therapies Help Doctors Improve Patient Outcomes

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, hearing loss can impact readiness and is a serious issue for service members but advancements in hearing health care may lead to better outcomes for those impacted by hearing issues. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) occurs rapidly over a 72-hour period and is often very difficult to diagnose and treat. Patients with SSNHL may not present with a complaint of hearing loss at first