 
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a budding painter, here’s your opportunity to show off your talent and use your artwork to honor Veterans. VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2024 Veterans Day Poster Contest. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 1, 2024.
This contest is open to all. Your art should reflect this year’s theme: “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.”
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Beyond the Table – Nutrition Supports Your Whole Health
With the shift to warmer weather, now is the perfect time to rethink old habits and begin some healthy changes. March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Beyond the Table.” It encourages Veterans to focus on how good nutrition can support their health.
Foods and drinks are important parts of your Whole Health. Choosing healthy foods and drinks can help you:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Manage weight
- Control blood sugar levels
- Increase gut health
- Reduce symptoms of disease
- Maintain or improve mood and behavior
- Influence sleep
The mission of VA Nutrition and Food Services is to care for America’s Veterans with complete nutrition care based on science. With the help of a VA Dietitian, Veterans can learn how to choose nutritious foods to meet their long-term health goals. For recipes, videos, podcasts, and other resources, visit the VA Nutrition and Food Services National Nutrition Month resource page.
The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention is VA’s primary source for healthy living education. In March, the focus is on the Eat Wisely message. Here are some ideas:
- Follow a healthy eating pattern that is right for you.
- Choose nutritious foods and drinks that you enjoy, reflect your culture, and fit your budget.
- Choose more vegetables and fruits and stay within appropriate calorie limits.
- Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium and limit alcohol. Watch this short video to learn more about how you can Eat Wisely, and check out fact sheets and more information here.
Veterans Canteen Service supports the well-being of Veterans, caregivers, family members, and employees through cafeterias, coffee shops, retail stores, and more. They care about what matters to you by offering a variety of food and beverage choices to meet your needs in a comfortable setting. To see what is in store this month, visit Food Courts - Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) (va.gov) or in person at your VA facility.
National Nutrition Month gives you and your loved ones a chance to practice healthful eating and physical activity habits, just in time for spring! Take advantage of all that VA offers to support your healthy eating habits, “Beyond the Table.”
You’re not alone. Half of women Veterans experience sleep issues, but treatment is available! You may experience sleep issues more often and differently than men due to hormonal changes unique to you, like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), pregnancy, or menopause. Difficulty sleeping could be due to medical problems, such as pain, mental health, a diagnosable sleep condition, and more.
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, VA can help:
- Frequent or chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking up gasping for breath (or your partner says you stop breathing when you sleep)
- Waking up to uncomfortable sensations in your legs (or your partner says you move your legs rapidly during sleep)
- Snoring loudly
- Getting up from sleep more than twice to urinate
- Waking up feeling like you haven’t slept enough or feeling exhausted during the day VA has several resources to treat insomnia, snoring or sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other issues that may keep you from getting your rest. You may be eligible for treatments such as sleep therapy, at-home devices, medication, and more advanced care.
Don’t snooze on your health! Speak with your VA health care provider about your concerns and listen to our She Wears the Boots podcast episode on insomnia for more information.
 
 Attention Women Veterans:
Join VA Long Beach in our virtual focus group. We want to hear your feedback on your VA health care experience.
Topic: Healthcare experiences as a woman
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Please RSVP to Participate:
Laurie Rudisill
Women Veteran Program Manager
562-826-5617
Laurie.Rudisill@va.gov
 When: Mar. 2, 2024 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831
The Women Veterans Higher Education Conference is hosted by the CSUF Veterans Resource Center, Women and Family Programs. This is a FREE conference open to all women Veterans, reserve, active duty, and retired service women. The conference is focused on connecting women to one another, empowering their personal journeys, and connecting to resources.
The Conference Includes:
- Women Veterans Panel & Discussion
- Workshops
- Quiet & Activity Rooms
- Networking Opportunities
- Resource Fair
- Women Veteran Owned Businesses
- Free Parking
- Continental Breakfast and Lunch
- Childcare Upon Request
The first 50 Women Veterans who register and attend the conference will receive a special gift.
 When: Mar. 13, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center, Irvine, CA 92618
 
The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on.
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VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274 toll-free
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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