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

The just released VA coronavirus chatbot is available 24/7 to quickly triage COVID-19 symptoms and answer your questions on testing options, stimulus payments and telehealth, and even how to reschedule VA appointments. With chatbot, you can send a My HealtheVet secure message and call VA311 or your local VA medical center. [From VAntage Point]

It is with heavy hearts that the National Museum of the American Indian announces we are revising our plans for the dedication celebration of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in November. The safety and well-being of our Veterans, their families, and our staff come first. Read the full announcement. [From Smithsonian]

Twisting at the waist creates mobility in the spine, energizes the body, and aids in digestion. These are just a few of the many benefits this simple movement offers. In this four-and-a-half-minute standing twist video, Mary Horne, Yoga Teacher from Central Arkansas VA, guides a moving meditation practice that is gentle enough for everyone. [From VAntage Point]

Navy Veteran Prince Taylor believes that military service develops perseverance and discipline—traits that are useful for Veterans even after they the military. But transitioning out of the Navy wasn’t easy for Taylor. [From VAntage Point]

Have you ever been told to “stand up straight” or “sit up straight?” Our posture can have an impact on how we feel physically and even emotionally, whether we are sitting or standing. Good posture and proper body alignment can sometimes help reduce pain by preventing or decreasing strain on your spine, muscles, and joints. [From VAntage Point]

The Veterans Benefits Administration knows that the transition from military to civilian life can be stressful and complex. Men and women from diverse backgrounds, ages and circumstances may face barriers and challenges to accessing VA benefits and programs and services eligibility. [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Jennifer Moreno, a San Diego native and cultural support team member killed in Afghanistan in 2013. Jennifer Moreno was born in San Diego and graduated from San Diego High School. [From VAntage Point]

We honor her service.

When Charles Franklin created the Veterans Employment Rideshare Initiative (Rideshare) in 2018, he wasn’t thinking of how it could help in a global pandemic. However, when COVID-19 came to America, he did what any good innovator would do: he adapted. [From VAntage Point]

Acupressure is the applying of pressure to specific points on the body, often used to help relieve tension and pain. It has been used for thousands of years to provide comfort and to help our bodies heal. Rubbing our temples during a headache or stressful moment is an example of how we naturally choose to place our hands on specific areas of our body for relief. [From VAntage Point]

The memories are more than 75 years old now: Cooking red beans and rice halfway around the world from the place in Louisiana that first made the recipe. Cleaning uniforms and shining shoes for three officers. Hopping in foxholes when his trained ear could tell the approaching warplanes were not American but Japanese. [From National Geographic]