U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CWV - News Update

Those who are able to find rest and relaxation are often able to ponder and act on life’s biggest questions: What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you want more than anything in life? Why are you here? What do you want to achieve? Most importantly: What really matters to you? [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Christy Myers, who served as a services apprentice at Langley Air Force Base from 1994 to 1998. Christy Myers served in the Air Force from June 17, 1994, to June 17, 1998, as a services apprentice. [From VAntage Point]

We honor your service, Christy!

Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music for a therapeutic purpose. It can help promote relaxation, reduce depression and anxiety, and even help with pain management. [From VAntage Point]

Thirteen percent of couples in the United States have trouble getting pregnant. Infertility is when a couple doesn’t get pregnant after 12 months of regular intercourse. As a result, trying to have a baby can result in stress and uncertainty. [From VAntage Point]

Whole Health focuses on what matters most to each of us. Mindful awareness and self-care empowers you to take charge of your health and well-being, and to live your life to the fullest. Cultivating this awareness with meditation helps us find what really matters. [From VAntage Point]

VA is sending text messages to its 7+ million Veterans enrolled in VA health care. The texts deliver VA’s latest information, resources and guidance. VA’s next wide-scale VEText message will be on how Veterans can access virtual mental care. [From VAntage Point]

Staying active during this time is very important for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical activity, like Tai chi, increases your stamina and improves your strength, flexibility, or balance. [From VAntage Point]

For women Veterans who may be feeling isolated, online communities offer a great place to connect–especially now while we’re all social distancing. The Military Sisterhood Initiative, or MSI, is one such community for women Veterans and female active duty service members. [From VAntage Point]

Physical distance is important for everyone’s health right now, but it can also impact our mental, emotional and physical health. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay connected to ourselves. Meditation is a tool that can cultivate present moment attention and awareness, allowing us to take steps toward creatively connecting with others. One way to increase connection with ourselves or with others is through a Loving Kindness Meditation. [From VAntage Point]

VA’s Women’s Health Transition Training (WHTT) is underway. Women have attended more than 15 training sessions at military bases in the U.S. and overseas. Locations include Norfolk, Va.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Okinawa and Yokosuka, Japan; and the Pentagon. The biggest turnout was at Kitsap-Bremerton, Wa., with almost 30 class participants [From VAntage Point]

VA has always been here for Veterans, and we will continue to be here for you during the COVID-19 crisis. We will see and treat any Veteran — even if you are not yet enrolled in VA health care — but please call us first. Here is a message from Dr. Richard Stone, Executive in Charge of the Veterans Health Administration and a former U.S. Army combat physician. [From VAntage Point]