Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System

Women Veterans Program Newsletter
June 2024

Rest and Recharge

Recharge refers to sleep, rest, and relaxation, which give you energy. Our bodies need to have enough of these each day so that we can live well and enjoy life. Just as our electronics would not continue to function if we did not recharge them, our bodies would not either. Rest and relaxation can lower stress and give you peace. Sleep gives your body time to fix itself and heal, allows your brain to grow and learn, and affects hormone levels needed by your body and mind.

Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours a night for adults aged 18-64 and 7-8 hours a night for adults aged 65 and over. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person. Not only does sleep assist our bodies in healing and our brains in learning and growing, it also impacts our performance. People who do not get enough sleep are more likely to cause car accidents. They have a hard time doing well at school, work, and sports. People who are sleep deprived have trouble remembering things and have more trouble focusing. They are more likely to feel irritable and grumpy and have less emotional balance.

Good Sleep Hygiene

• Get up and go to sleep at the same time every day. This helps build a routine.
• Move your body often. Regular exercise helps people to feel more rested after sleep.
• Eat fresh foods. Your brain needs nutrients so that it can make the chemicals and hormones that help you sleep well.
• Keep the temperature in your bedroom comfortable. Many people sleep

Rest and Recharge

Rest and relaxation are things you do while you are awake to help refresh yourself. There are many ways to rest and recharge. Choose things that fit your interests and lifestyles. Some ways to rest and recharge include:

• Meditate, pray, or make a habit of having a quiet moment.
• Allow yourself time for leisure, creativity, and hobbies or other interests outside of work.

Women Veterans Recognition Day

Women Veterans Recognition Day is June 12

This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, the law that made it possible for women to permanently serve in the regular Armed Forces. Today, there are more than 2 million women Veterans living in the United States, and VA is honored to provide you the best care anywhere.

Learn more about health care for women Veterans.

#WomenVetsRecognitionDay

Maternity Care

Oh, Baby!
Maternity Care Services Available Through the VA

Let VA exceed your expectations. Every VA facility has a designated MCC to assist in coordinating your care, both within and outside VA, providing a seamless maternity care experience. Connect with your local MCC to access these resources and to get answers to any questions you may have about services and coverage throughout your pregnancy.

VA covers a wide range of maternity care services throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Maternity care services available through VA include:

• Local Maternity Care Coordinator
• Prenatal care
• Full physical exams and lab tests
• Prenatal education and screening
• Obstetrical ultrasounds
• Genetic tests and specialty consults
• Prescription drugs and prenatal vitamins
• Lactation support
• Support and services in case of miscarriage or stillbirth
• Social Work and Mental Health Services

VA provides pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation supplies such as:

• Nursing bras
• Nursing pads
• Breast/chest pumps
• Pregnancy and postpartum support belts
• Nipple cream
• Milk storage bags

Eastern Oklahoma Maternity Care Coordinator and Certified Lactation Counselor
Makyla Clark, MSN, RN, CLC
918-577-4240

Military Sexual Trauma

MST Overview

VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no. Examples include:

• Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment if you refuse to cooperate or with promises of better treatment
• Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated
• Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex
• Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during “hazing” experiences
• Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening
• Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening

Impact

People of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and branches of service have experienced MST. Like other types of trauma, MST can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, even many years later. Things you may experience could include:

• Disturbing memories or nightmares
• Difficulty feeling safe
• Feelings of depression or numbness
• Using alcohol or other drugs to numb or escape from negative feelings
• Feeling isolated from other people
• Difficulties with anger, irritability, or other strong emotions
• Self-doubt, self-blame, or decreased self esteem
• Issues with sleep
• Physical health problems

If you are having any current difficulties related to MST, VA is here to support you in whatever way will help you best — from learning more about how MST affects people, to treatment that helps you cope with how MST is impacting your life currently, or if you prefer, treatment that involves discussing your experiences in more depth.

For questions about treatment and health care options related to MST, talk with an MST Coordinator at a VA health care facility near you.

Menopause Basics

Menopause is when your periods stop permanently and you can no longer get pregnant. You have reached menopause only after it has been a full year since your last period. This means you have not had any bleeding, including spotting, for 12 months in a row.

After menopause your ovaries make very low levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These low hormone levels can raise your risk for certain health problems.

Perimenopause (PER-ee-MEN-oh-pawz), or the menopausal transition, is the time leading up to your last period. Perimenopause means “around menopause.”

Perimenopause is a long transition to menopause, or the time when your periods stop permanently and you can no longer get pregnant. As your body transitions to menopause, your hormone levels may change randomly, causing menopause symptoms unexpectedly.  During this transition, your ovaries make different amounts of the hormones estrogen (ES-truh-jin) and progesterone (proh-JES-tuh-RONE) than usual.

Your period may be heavier or lighter than before.

Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, usually starts in a woman's mid- to late 40s. On average, women are in perimenopause for four years before their periods stop.

What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Symptoms vary for each person. You may have sudden symptoms that occur only occasionally or that occur more often. In addition to irregular periods, you may have:

• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Sleep Problems, mood changes
• Vaginal dryness making sexual activity uncomfortable or painful
• Changes in in interest in sexual activity
• Weight gain, thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast/chest fullness
• Anxiety or depression

These symptoms could be worse for those who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Talk to your VA primary care provider if you are experiencing mental health concerns.

Treatment options are available and effective.

Every Veteran is different, with unique needs. Make an appointment with your VA health care provider to find the best therapies for your unique symptoms and concerns.

I am a Chaplain

A Poem by Jaime Martinez

I am a Chaplain.

I wonder if I’ll always have the privilege of reflecting light and love.
I hear people’s stories of where they are, where they’ve been.
I see people become vulnerable while telling their stories, acknowledging their brokenness.  I see hopefulness.
I want to walk with you in your grief.

I am a Chaplain.

I imagine what it’s like to be the person in the bed or the beloved at their side.
I feel great compassion and empathy.
I used to worry if I could help make a difference but I don’t worry about that anymore.  I just want to be present.
I cry with patients especially when they tell stories that align with my own.

I am a Chaplain.

I understand very little what you might be going through.
I say “you can’t make this stuff up.” The stories are profound and messy and beautiful.
I try to be present, focusing only on the patient’s need.
I hope for peace for all.  I hope my visits with patients renew their hope and bring comfort.  I hope you feel loved.  I hope to ease the loneliness.  I hope you feel God’s presence.

I am a Chaplain.

Shared by your Women Veterans Chaplain, Karen A. Markland, MDiv, BCC
918-537-0879
Karen.Markland@va.gov

Pride Counts at VA

Pride Counts at VA Because Everyone has a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Your sexual orientation and gender identity matter. We help you achieve your best health through high-quality, personalized support in an affirming and welcoming environment. As a result of stigma, stress, and discrimination, you may face increased risks and unique challenges in health care. VA is the only heath care system designed around you, the Veteran, and we understand your unique needs as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

VA is dedicated to being a leader in health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans by providing high-quality, personalized, comprehensive care including:

• Routine preventative care and screenings
• Reproductive health and gynecological care
• Mental health care and suicide prevention
• Family planning, fertility preservation, and lactation support
• Vaccines
• Sexually transmitted infections screening and treatment
• Substance or tobacco use treatment, Whole Health
• Military sexual trauma and intimate partner violence support
• Cancer screening, prevention, and treatment
• Gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy or prosthetics, hair removal, and Voice and communication training

VA encourages you to talk about all aspects of your life with your VA health care team, including your sexual orientation, gender identity, chosen name, and even sexual behaviors. Who you are matters in helping you achieve your best health, and knowing your health goals and needs helps VA serve you better.

Your Eastern Oklahoma
VA Women Veterans Program Team

Michele Reeves, BSN, RN
Women Veterans Program Manager

Email: Michele.Reeves@va.gov
Phone: 918-577-4277

Makyla Clark, MSN, RN, CLC
Mammogram Navigator, Maternity Care Coordinator

Email: Makyla.Clark@va.gov
Phone: 918-577-4242