 
 There are updated temporary hours of operation for Release of Information:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
MyHealtheVet (MHV) premium account holders have the option of obtaining medical records from MyHealtheVet. For questions regarding MyHealtheVet, please contact 562-826-8000 x12563.
ROI is located in the Veterans Resource Center - R, C108. Bldg. 165.
 Between March 10-14, 2025, the Beneficiary Travel Department will be limited for customer service.
We are dedicating this week to processing a high volume of paper claims.
For questions or concerns, call 562-826-5888, option 4.
Why do I eat? What do I want out of my dietary choices? These are questions we need to ask ourselves if we want to eat and drink mindfully. After all, food and drink choices affect the way you feel, both physically and emotionally. Learn how eating and drinking right can benefit your Whole Health, helping you manage your weight, increase your gut health, and maintain or improve your mood and behavior.
There are many ways to take a mindful approach to food and drink! Learn more about all of the different options available at VA Long Beach through the Introduction to Whole Health Class. To enroll, 1) stop by the Veterans Resource Center (Building 165, Room C108, 2) Call (562) 826-8000, ext. 1-8670, and/or 3) Ask your healthcare team to place a Whole Health consult.
The Healthy Living Message for March is ‘Eat Wisely’. Here are a few tips you can you do to eat wisely if you are at a fast food restaurant.
These days it’s hard to go anywhere without spotting a fast food restaurant nearby. They offer simple, inexpensive, and convenient meal choices. But there are drawbacks to this convenience. The more often you eat fast foods, the more likely you are to gain weight. This can lead to increased health risks over time. Does this mean you have to give up eating fast food altogether? No. But, you can start making healthier fast food choices. This includes choosing more nutrition-packed items and eating smaller portion sizes. When you place an order, ask if you can make special requests. Most places will be glad to work with you. Here are some tips to make your fast food order healthier:
- Choose the medium- or small-sized choices when you order. If an adult meal is too large for you, try a kids' meal. Or split a meal with a friend.
- Order your burger on whole-wheat buns or your sandwich on whole-wheat bread.
- Don’t add salt. Fast foods can be high in salt. Too much salt raises your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Ask for dressings, ketchup and mustard on the side, skip the mayo and sour cream.
- Ask if you can substitute a salad for fries.
- Ask for fresh fruit or yogurt for dessert. Pass up ice cream, pies, and pastries.
- Don’t overeat. If you’re full, ask for a takeout box and save the leftovers for later.
- Look at the calorie counts. Take this into account when choosing your meal.
Practicing some of these tips can make a big difference when you eat fast food. For more information, go to Eat Wisely - National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
 
 Join us to welcome home our Vietnam Veterans during our Vietnam War Veterans Day Event!
March 28, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Patriot Park
Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center
Food and drinks will be provided.
Live music by the Long Beach Blues Society from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
 When: March, 14, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Golden West College (MPR 100)
Join the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and the Coast Community College District in an event that brings together numerous organizations from across the region who can help you get in touch with the different programs, benefits, and services available to you and your family members.
Food will be provided to all who register.
For more information, call 714-892-7711 ext. 55144 or email.
Register
 When: March, 29, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - noon
Where: Sid Goldstein Freedom Park
The city of Westminster will host a commemoration event to formally honor and thank all American Veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
- Light refreshments
- Guest speakers
- Ceremonial certificate presentations
For more information, call 714-895-2878 or visit the City of Westminster website.
 
 The Long Beach Veterans Banner Program is accepting nominations until March 31, 2025. Nominate a Veteran to be honored with a light pole banner.
Veteran honoree must have:
- served honorably
- a connection to Long Beach
For more information, call 562-570-4035
Download the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook online or pick up a printed copy at your local medical center, regional office or Vet Center for free.
 Veterans: Make the dream of home ownership a reality.
Homebuyer program qualifications:
- Have a steady and verifiable source of income
- Be credit worthy and have low debt
- Meet income requirements
- Have a valid need for improved housing
- Live or work in Santa Ana, CA
Attend a FREE orientation:
The orientation will provide valuable information on the Habitat program including what you need to qualify, what it means to be a Habitat homeowner, how we make homes affordable and what is required from our homeowners.
Online Orientation (Approximately 30 minutes)
Screening Form (Approximately 10 minutes)
We hope you find Health & Heroes a helpful resource to keep you informed about the many great resources and services available at VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS). We look forward to highlighting and sharing stories about our Veterans and the dedicated team members who are entrusted with your care.
We want you to have the information you need to manage your health and live your healthiest life. We're excited to bring you Health & Heroes and hope you enjoy our facility magazine!
 Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA? Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of all the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
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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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