Veteran News

January 2024, Vol. 18, Issue 01

Time to set your New Year’s Intention

VA.gov – Another year, another chance to think about what really matters in your life. But this year, instead of resolutions, how about setting intentions?

Intentions are different from a specific goal or resolution, coming from the heart while also reconnecting you to your true mission, aspiration, and purpose. We know what they say about “good intentions,” but without them, we may end up living out the same patterns year after year.

Before setting your intentions for the year, take a few minutes to answer two questions, either by writing them down or just thinking about them in your mind:

1. What really matters to you in your life?
2. What brings you a sense of joy and happiness?

There is no right or wrong answers for these questions and the answers to both may be similar. For example, you may consider setting an intention to live a healthier lifestyle versus a resolution to go to the gym.

Do your 2024 intentions include making changes related to your health and well-being? The VA’s Live Whole Health mobile application is a free, easy-to-use tool created for anyone ready to take the next step in their Whole Health journey.

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JAN

What You Need to Know

All the VA Medical Centers are focusing on Fire Safety this quarter and with winter’s arrival, new fire dangers can appear in patients’ homes. As space heaters, electric blankets, candles, lamps, and other items are introduced to help patients stay warm, these new additions increase fire hazards in a home environment. Heating elements, no matter the size, can ignite oxygen on and around patients using oxygen. This includes smoking and vaping.

The VA Medical Center recommends that you practice oxygen safety before you engage with open flames, heating elements, sparking items, or any heat source. Their safety guidelines state that patients should take-off and turn-off their oxygen, wait 10 minutes, and move 25 feet away from their oxygen before interacting with open flames, heating elements, or sparking items.

Remember that the Fire Triangle requires

• Oxygen, which is found on you and in your residence,
• a Heat source, and
• a Fuel source; e.g. hair, clothing, furniture, and other combustible items.

If you remove one of these three elements from the Fire Triangle, you cannot start a fire, that is why we always instruct patients to turn off their oxygen, move out of the area, and then engage with heat sources.

If you would like to download a print-version of this or previous month’s newsletter, including additional content, monthly calendar, word search, recipes, etc…

Military Mental Health and
The Brandon Act

VA News – The year 2023 has seen increased access to mental health evaluation and treatment across the military and more emphasis on reducing stigma associated with seeking mental health support.

To improve service members access to mental health services and honor U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018, the Department of Defense implemented the Brandon Act in May 2023. The three military departments rolled out their implementation of the Brandon Act following the publication of DOD’s guidance, and their message to service members is mental health is health.

Working together to ensure all service members can seek support by requesting a referral for a mental health evaluation, the Defense Health Agency and the military services have collaborated to implement training for commanding officers and supervisors so that they will reply in an appropriate and timely manner.

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“Freedom isn’t free. We will remember all those that have given their lives for our country. Thank you for your service.”

Stay Safe Before, During, and
After Winter Storms

FEMA – Taking the time to prepare for a winter storm can mean the difference between comfortably riding it out or barely surviving, and it is highly recommended that you know how to prepare yourself before, during, and after winter storm hits.

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services and icy roads.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms, listening for emergency information and alerts. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio can provide vital emergency alerts and early warnings of dangerous weather.

Don’t get stuck in the cold!

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Mid-Cities Medical has partnered with local, regional and national providers to assist individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers in order to have the services and supports that meet your individual strengths, abilities, priorities, and needs.

3017 Red Hawk Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

(888) 450-6676 Toll Free (TX)

Patient Care: 24/7/365
Emergency: Call 911

(833) 986-4267 Toll Free (AZ & CA)