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How the VA was Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Department of Veterans Affairs has never had the best reputation when it comes to delivering timely, high-quality care to America’s veterans. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the VA’s healthcare system took a massive hit, with millions of canceled or rescheduled appointments. More than a year after the start of the pandemic, the VA still hasn’t recovered.

Between March 15, 2020, and May 1, 2020, the VA canceled more than seven million appointments. Worse, the VA did not track the outcome of one-third of those appointments, so watchdogs do not know if the untracked appointments were rescheduled. In total, the VA has canceled or rescheduled almost 20 million appointments since the start of the pandemic. These appointments have caused a large ripple effect throughout the VA system as providers try to find a way to serve more veterans without sacrificing quality.

Due to geographic limitations, the VA system cannot provide necessary services to every veteran. Under federal law, the VA must pay for third-party care for any veteran who must drive more than 30 minutes for primary care and more than 60 minutes for specialty care. The VA does not always communicate these requirements to veterans, nor does the VA pay third parties in a timely manner: Over two million claims from non-VA community care providers have not been paid. Without timely payment to third-party providers, the VA may create a situation where veterans are turned away from private doctors, just like Medicaid patients.

The VA is mandated by law to provide primary care appointments within 20 days of a veteran’s request. Over the past year, veterans have waited 41.9 days—more than double the maximum allowable wait time—to receive appointments with community care providers. The VA’s metrics for tracking wait time also lag behind the legal requirements of the MISSION Act Community Care Program, making it hard to know exactly how far behind the VA is.

Currently, the VA has not communicated a clear plan to improve its services. While the VA deserves some flexibility due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, millions of veterans are anxiously waiting to know how much longer it will take for them to get the healthcare services they’ve earned.  

DIY Home Projects for the New Year

There are many things that a homeowner can do to create a new look for 2021. Creating a new look in their homes can help them to feel better about their homes and add value. The more improvements that they do, the better the home will look and feel.

Lighting

Having warm light in any room can help make it better. There are many different lighting options that homeowners can install to help their rooms look better. Adding fairy lights to the bedroom can create a magical appearance. Adding cabinet lighting in the kitchen can help improve the kitchen aesthetic and help to allow you to see better when preparing food on your countertops.

Adding a Bookshelf

Adding a bookshelf can create a place for the homeowner to display their favorite books, pictures and can create an added storage space. For example, if the homeowner has artwork that needs to stand up, a bookshelf is a great idea.

Adding a Corkboard Wall

A corkboard wall is easy to install and can create a unique look. A corkboard wall can be used to display fun photographs of family and travels. This can be done in a small area of the wall or the entire wall itself.

Accent Wall with Removable Wallpaper

Accent walls are very popular and can add to the color of the room. However, a homeowner may not want to paint the wall. A good idea is to use removable wallpaper. This can create a unique look on the wall without having to do any painting.

Make A Headboard for the Bedroom

Adding some things to the bedroom can make a real difference in the aesthetic of the home. If there is no headboard, one can be created easily out of wood and fabric. There are many ideas online about making a headboard.

Create New Window Coverings

Adding a pop of color to the windows can help brighten a room greatly. Window coverings can be changed out to better fit the home’s aesthetic. For example, if the homeowner is going for a light and bright feeling, sheer window coverings that allow the light in will help.

There are many things that a homeowner can do themselves in their home for 2021. These things will help make the home brighter and feel more like home to the homeowner.

Originally published to chuckschmalzried.com.

COVID Vaccination Information for Veterans

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, including the Veterans. Due to this, the US Department of Veteran Affairs is continually working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal partners, and healthcare personnel to reach out and avail the vaccine to all veterans. Two pharmaceutical enterprises have won the Food and Drug Administration’s consent to offer COVID-19 Vaccines. Administration of the vaccines will be in phases due to their high demand.
According to the Veteran Affairs, the first phase of the vaccination is available to all Veteran Affairs health personnel as they are essential services providers. The vaccine is also available to veterans who reside within the designated long-term care institutions. According to the CDC and VA risk criteria assessment, the third group that qualifies for VA vaccination are members at high risk of contracting COVID-19, veterans above 75 years. If circumstances allow, designated family caregivers under the Comprehensive Assistance Program for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) will be eligible for the vaccine to qualify their veteran patients for the vaccine. Apart from the limited dose available, the strict handling and storage of the vaccine have made the Veteran Affair make tough decisions on who to get the vaccine first and who to get it last. The availability of vaccines and local needs will determine the decision made on those to receive the vaccine. The individuals’ chances of getting the virus, the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others, the existence of chronic illness, and harm to society if infected and unable to work are the data used in deriving the COVID-19 vaccination plan.
The Veteran Affairs has requested members to wait in their homes unless they get a call for the vaccination. Upon eligibility, veterans will receive the vaccination in their respective local Veteran Healthcare Facilities. Since some members are likely to visit their local facilities requesting a dose or reservation, the department asks veterans not to visit the facilities but wait for their appointment.
However, if veterans get contacted to visit their facilities to schedule the vaccination, they should avail themselves. The eventuality may arise since some Veteran Affair Healthcare Facilities serve many veterans, hence a bigger vaccination event. For more information on COVID-19 vaccination, veterans may visit their respective facilities’ website or send a secure message.

Originally published to chuckschmalzried.net.

Seven Foods That are Detrimental to the Heart Health

The number of people developing heart diseases is constantly increasing. As a matter of fact, heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in both women and men. In order to keep the heart healthy for a long period of time, it is imperative to avoid some foods and keep them out of the daily diet. On that premise, the following article presents a list of foods that are considered to be detrimental to the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Processed meats
Processed meats, such as deli, bacon and sausages, are foods that are high in saturated fats and salt. The latter may augment internal inflammation that could eventually lead to a narrowing or stiffening of the heart arteries.

Candy
Contrary to what a lot of people think, fat is not the main cause of heart disease; it is any form of added sugar. Added sugar contributes to inflammation, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, which can all eventually increase the risk of heart disease.

Deep fried foods
Another type of food that should be avoided to have a healthy heart is deep fried food. Studies have shown time and time again that these foods increase the risk of having coronary artery disease.

Margarine
Although margarine is usually portrayed as a healthier option compared to butter, it is actually high in trans fats that are known to increase an individual’s risk of having heart disease.

Soda and diet soda
Soda is a drink that is packed with sugar and that leads to an increased risk of both stroke and heart disease. Diet soda, on the other hand, is not the healthier alternative whatsoever. As a matter of fact, diet soda is just as detrimental for heart health as soda. Research shows that the chemicals in diet soda make individuals more prone to weight gain and diabetes.

Pizza
The high level of saturated fats and sodium in pizza makes it a very unhealthy type of food that is also harmful for the heart.

Cookies and pastries
Commercially produced baked goods, such as cookies and pastries, also contain high levels of saturated fats, trans fats and sugar, which can also have deleterious effects on the health of the heart.

Originally published to chuckschmalzried.org.

Military Family Support Organizations to Support

Military is known as armed forces and heavily guarded, highly systematic force generally meant for warfare. It is usually officially recognized and supported by a sovereign state. Following are some of the organizations that support military families.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA (ASYMCA)

Formed in 1861 during the civil war in the United States, ASYMCA has 12 branches, 200 program centers, and 93 military installations nationally. Programs and services are at a minimal cost or free for junior military troops and families’. No membership is required. The troops are in different armed services such as Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps. YMCA is the oldest organization working with the Department of Defense. The programs offered include hospital assistance, food services, childcare, holiday meals, computer training classes, and much more.

BLUE STAR FAMILIES

Blue Star has been in existence since 2009. Formed by military spouses, the primary objective was to empower military families to survive as they serve. Their dedication is to unify military families by associating them with the general public to effectuate spirited citizens of mutual support. They raise awareness to the public through innovative research about different quandaries of military family life. Blue Star Families help troops triumph over the separation and detachment of constant moves, disposition, and diminished support from the government with the neighbors’ assistance nationwide. It supports over 1.5 million families by providing free services, resources, and opportunities making life more endurable.

FREEDOM ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Freedom Alliance was formed in 1990 by two Vietnam veterans. In July 1990, a war took place, and the organization instated Operation Homefront. It organized volunteers to fabricate and consign care packages to the troops. Each box had unique items to palliate boredom and resist desert heat. It provides services to wounded members, military families, and veterans. The organization supports children-troops with college scholarships. The purpose of the organization is to make the nation experience enthusiasm by supporting troops.

MILITARY FAMILIES UNITED

Military Families United is a non-profit organization founded in 2005. Their mission is to support troops and their families as well as Honor the fallen. It collaborates with Blue Star, Gold Star, Veterans, Patriotic American, and Next of Kin families who apprehend military troops. It provides different services, events, and programs to prove that Americans will not forget troops’ sacrifices.

These are a few of the organizations that support military troops. Please support the organizations as the troops ensure that the nation is safe.

Originally published to chuckschmalzried.net.

Ways To Make Your Home Look Bigger

Living in a small home is the reality for many individuals these days. Although the smaller home may be more ideal for convenience sense, for the home decor aficionado, it can feel restrictive. Living in a small house can be even more difficult for the decor junkie. The clutter starts piling up, and a small space can seem even more cramped. However, there are many simple ways to trick the eye into seeing a room as more significant than it is. 

Trick The Sight

There are many ways to trick the eye into making things look better. Although we always trust what we see, sight is often more about perception than objectivity. Here are a few simple ways you can alter the space:

  • Paint the woodwork, walls, and ceiling all the same color.
  • Place a large rug under the furniture instead of in the middle of the floor.
  • Leave the shelf space clear and remove clutter. Removing the clutter creates the presence of negative space that makes the area appear more than it is. 

Simple Is Key

When it comes to decorating, simple is key. Focus on a few pieces of simple furniture that isn’t flashy or too decorated. It’s a wise idea to stay away from bulky furniture that takes up too much space. Try to look for sofas or chairs with raised legs, that will provide more of the negative space effect that was previously mentioned.

De-clutter

It’s very easy to hold onto belongings that seem worthy to hang onto in the moment. Try to schedule a time to regularly de-clutter your area. Try to be objective about the things that you want to keep versus the things you need to keep. 

If you’re attempting to make a smaller space seem larger, it can be hard to rewire your brain. Try putting small habits into place, and the results will show. 

The Basics of Neurology

The brain is, by far, one of the most complex and fantastic organs in the body. Although those of other study areas may not agree, the mind should be studied steadily over a lifetime. If we were to look at another well known and complex organ, perhaps the heart can be an adequate comparison. Although the heart is fantastic, it can be boiled down to four valves, four chambers, and some electrical wire. Not only that, but the heart can be transplanted to another body. However, the brain has been studied for centuries, and the study is still barely in its infancy of research. Emerson Pugh spoke about the mysteries of the brain the best:

“If the human brain were so simple

That we could understand it,

We would be so simple

That we couldn’t.”

Neurology is simply the study of the brain. The title Neurologist refers to a medical doctor with specialized training in treating, diagnosing, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. A child (pediatric), neurologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders in children from birth through adolescence. Some of the conditions can overlap with those seen by adult neurologists, and some are solely unique to the pediatric range.  

To better focus on what is handled within neurology, we can break down the previously mentioned neurologists’ duties. A very significant role of the doctors is to diagnose any issues, illnesses, or diseases. Neurologists are highly trained specialists with the authority and knowledge to make educated diagnoses using a plethora of tests: 

  • Computed tomography (CT) or computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scans
  • Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG)
  • Lumbar puncture (LP) for cerebral spinal fluid analysis
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)

The study of neurology is a wonderfully vast and beautiful field. Committing yourself to the study of this field, or even an interest, is an excellent way to spend your time.