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.