 
Feel like working out is, well, work? Try moving to music to make it more enjoyable. Follow along with this video for a gentle workout guided by Matthew Lloyd, a VA neurologic music therapist, who plays classic country guitar while guiding you through warm-ups and gentle exercises. The routine focuses on improving core and lower body strength to help you increase strength, endurance, and motor control so you can Live Whole Health.
Explore different music programs available at VA Long Beach!
The Drum Circle is a drop-in group open to all Veterans every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Patriot Park.
To learn more about the Guitars4Vets program, email Ming Chen.
It May be Your Thyroid!
Women Veterans: Have you experienced a significant shift in your weight, mood, energy, temperature tolerance, periods, or skin and hair? It may be your thyroid. About 60% of people with a thyroid condition are unaware, but it’s a common issue among women (especially after pregnancy or menopause).
The thyroid gland is a small organ at the front of your neck that produces hormones which play a big role in the way your body functions. The two main types of thyroid disease are:
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Hypothyroidism: When your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones; also known as an underactive thyroid. This slows down many of your body's functions, like your metabolism.
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Hyperthyroidism: When your thyroid makes more thyroid hormone than your body needs; also known as overactive thyroid. These speeds up many bodily functions, like your metabolism and heart rate.
When your thyroid doesn’t work properly, it can impact your entire body, but proper medication or treatment can help. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, notice a mass or swollen neck, or experience significant changes in your mood, weight, energy, period, temperature tolerance, or hair and skin, it’s time to make an appointment.
Speak with your VA health care provider about your symptoms and start taking steps to improve the way you feel. Visit VA Women’s Health for more information or call 1-855-VA-WOMEN to speak to a real person and get connected to care.
 
When: Wednesday, June 5, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, The Learning Center, bldg. 165, rm. D101
Event will showcase VA innovation and ideas that have led to positive change throughout the VA hospital.
Projects will be displayed for viewing and will be graded with awards given to best projects.
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 When: May 18, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave., Artesia, CA 90701
For additional information, call 562-403-0488 or email Tanya.
 Save the date! Celebrate Pride and support our LGBTQ+ Veterans and employees by marching with the VA Long Beach Healthcare System in the annual Long Beach Pride Parade on May 19th, 2024. Additional details to follow over the next month. Please contact LGBVTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Megan Mortensen, LCSW with any questions.
U.S. Congresswomen Grace Napolitano and Judy Chu Veterans Forum
When: June 15, 2024 | 8:00 a.m.
Where: National Guard Armory, 1351 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Azusa, CA 91702
Contact: 626-350-0150
Free information and services available for Veterans and families
 When: Every 4th Tuesday of the month
Where: CERS Welcome Center, Community Partner Room
Contact Information: 800-399-4529, email Veterans Intake
 
 When: May 25, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 4505 Katella Avenue, Building B, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
RSVP with Chaplain Doreen Matsumoto for luncheon - 714-809-1658
 Honoring Our Heroes is a free, family-friendly citywide event that honors and celebrates military service members who have died in the line of duty, while also uplifting the local Long Beach Veteran community, which comprises more than 15,000 Veterans and their families. The program will include:
- Live patriotic music;
- Flyovers with historic aircraft;
- Exhibition drills by Lakewood High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps;
- An information fair and family-friendly activities featuring local, historical, and Veteran-led and veteran-serving community organizations;
- A brief program, starting at 6:45 p.m., with special guest speakers; and,
- At sunset, a flag ceremony and the playing of Taps to honor our fallen service members.
Honoring Our Heroes: A Sunset Ceremony complements Los Angeles Fleet Week, which takes place from May 24 through May 27 at the L.A. Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. As Sunday’s Fleet Week activities conclude for the day, Long Beach’s Memorial Day celebration begins. The Port of Long Beach is the lead sponsor for this event. Limited free parking is available at the Navy Memorial site. Overflow paid parking is available in the Queensway Bay/Aquarium parking garage (99 Aquarium Way).
If you are interested in attending Honoring Our Heroes: A Sunset Ceremony, please email Gina Overholt.
 When: May 26, 2024 | 4:00 p.m.
Where: Northwood Community Park, 4531 Bryan Ave., Irvine, CA, 92620
When: May 27, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Where: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA, 92606
For more information, see the City of Irvine website
When: May 29, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles County Office of Education, Ed Center West, 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, 90242
Register
Contact:
562-922-6765
Downey Job Club
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Hiring Spree LA Facebook
 When: May 31, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 1822 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247
For more information:
Grant Smith
310-680-3700
 When: June 5, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Pre-Register
  MyVA411
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.
Work with us!
Find VA Long Beach Healthcare System jobs on USA Jobs.
Find out how to work with us in other ways!
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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