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

VA has good news for Veterans who need same-day urgent care for a minor illness or injury during the coronavirus pandemic: VA and its in-network community urgent care clinics are rapidly adapting their care practices to include video and phone options to ensure Veterans have access to their providers, while reducing potential exposure. Veterans who need urgent care may have the option to use telehealth (phone- or video-based visits) instead of in-person visits at VA or in-network community clinics. [From VAntage Point]

On March 27, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, into law to help Americans economically impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to help homeowners avoid home foreclosure. As the country rallies together to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, VA’s Loan Guaranty Service is working to assist Veterans. [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Clena Abuan, who served in the signal corps and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Born in 1985 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Clena Abuan lived in the Philippines until she was five when she came back. [From VAntage Point]

We honor your service, Clena!

Living busy lives can sometimes mean that we prioritize ourselves last. When we make our lists of activities, chores, work tasks, and family obligations, we often neglect our own self-care. Being able to pause and find a few moments for ourselves may sound like a luxury, but the science behind these mindful pauses is compelling. [From VAntage Point]

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which offers a chance to look back on Veterans honored through Congressional Gold Medals. [From VAntage Point]

Mindful breathing practices can help facilitate and improve the flow of oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body. Increasing the flow of oxygen to your brain allows your nervous system to promote a state of calmness. As your body experiences this state of calmness, you may learn to quiet your mind. [From VAntage Point]

Visualization—imagining yourself in a specific situation—has a long history of helping people both prepare for challenges and recover from them. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, said visualization was one of the techniques that helped him win 28 medals. [From VAntage Point]