VETERAN BENEFITS - VCS Blog

National Immunization Awareness Month

8/10/2020

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of healthcare professionals to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination.

During NIAM, we encourage you to ensure that you are up to date on recommended vaccines. If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, getting sick with vaccine-preventable diseases like flu and pneumonia can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Protect yourself – get vaccinated. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xwga2external icon

Every year, thousands of adults in the United States become seriously ill and are hospitalized because of diseases vaccines can help prevent. Many adults even die from these diseases.
Adult vaccination rates are low in the United States. Most adults are not aware that they need vaccines.

Adults with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are at greater risk for severe complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Some vaccine-preventable diseases, like flu, can make glucose control more difficult for diabetics or increase the risk of another heart attack for those with heart disease.

Five Reasons You Should Join an Online Veteran Network

7/20/2020

Networking, while not a new concept, has become a significant component of modern life. Commonly associated with career advancement, the evolution of online social platforms has extended networking far beyond just opportunities to further one’s career.
While networking can be important and beneficial to anyone, it may be even more so for military members, Veterans and their spouses.
Former service members are aware of the difficulties that can come from adjusting to life outside of the military. Whether it’s acclimating to a new job title and company or understanding the inner workings of today’s corporate culture, Veterans often face obstacles not well-understood by those without similar experiences.
Given this reality, it makes sense for any Veteran to start forming connections and building relationships with those who understand their unique point of view.
Here are several ways joining a Veteran network can help a service member, Veteran or their spouses.

Why You Should Join an Online Veteran Network

1. It’s where your battle buddies hang out.
Every service member knows that there will be a transition to civilian life, but it impacts everyone differently. Your experiences while in the military, how long you served, where you served, your circumstance upon returning to civilian life – these all come together to form a unique set of circumstances.
For some Veterans, leaving the military means leaving a way of life and community behind. Their housing or homes may have been on base or provided by the military. Their food, alcohol, home furnishings, jewelry, or even their car shopping might have been on base, as well as their place of work, socializing and recreational events. The support network is built into each military installation.
There’s also a substantial difference in which attitudes and behaviors are appreciated and sought after in the military versus in the civilian community. The more conversations a member can have with those who have been through or are going through a similar situation, the more they can learn what behaviors from the military should be kept and what should be shed, what’s to be amplified and what’s to be silenced.
Humans are social, relational creatures, meaning the friendships and personal connections we create and foster matter. The difficulty transitioning to civilian life is an all-too-common story. But through the empathy and shared experiences of other Veterans in your network, this challenging transition can be made smoother.

2. You’ll get a better understanding of the civilian work culture.
There aren’t any first shirts, no XOs, no squad leaders, no platoon guides, or section chiefs outside the military. The daily language is practically a foreign language in corporate America and one that’s not easily understood. No one’s reporting at o’dark thirty for required PT, let alone in cadence while double timing. Instead, there’s an entire new lexicon and lingo in the civilian workplace, and mastering it soonest means connecting with new colleagues, with your new tribe, in valuable ways.
Trying to make the switch from the military to a role in a company can be one of the greatest and most critical challenges a Veteran will face. With a network of fellow Vets who have been through comparable situations, it’s likely someone has directly applicable words of wisdom or experiences to offer.

3. You’ll find a place to build your community and network.
Many service members spend years training and mastering their skills, and even longer using them throughout the world. Their next job and career might not take advantage of those skills. The earlier a member can connect with their future community and learn the culture, terminology and ways of dress and business practice, the better.
Within a wide network, there will be plenty of firsthand advice specific to your new role. Beyond the commonalities of military service and transition, a refined network of individuals in the same position and industry offers a valuable resource that you likely won’t find on the job.

4. They have access to resources and information.
Where a military member is from, where they served, and where they’re going after the military may all be different places. Building an online network means developing real relationships and local knowledge for your next chapter of life – wherever it may take you.
Having a vast network of peers available to connect with makes it easier to gain firsthand knowledge about a community that might be a potential next home. It can also provide you with actual connections in that very community, offering an invaluable support system upon arrival.

5. You get the opportunity to make an impact.
Joining a Veteran’s network isn’t only about gaining advice and knowledge. It’s also about giving it. You never know how your experiences might be helpful to someone else. As an advisor or mentor, or potentially even as just an acquaintance or connection, you could be an excellent guide for how someone can best succeed within a new company, school district, soccer league, church, or even a homeowner’s association.
The bonds you make during military service are unique. The unity, camaraderie and shared experience can extend beyond your service and play a role in helping yourself and fellow Veterans make the most of life outside of military duty. It just takes a little networking.

Written by Paige Brown and Veteran David Tenenbaum, director of Heroes Linked.

Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud:

7/15/2020

It’s a nightmare come true; the realization that you were scammed, and your finances have been wrecked. According to the NCOA, “1 in 10 Americans age 60 and up experience some form of financial abuse”. That accounts for as many as 5 million seniors and $2.9 million monetary loss annually due to financial fraud. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from falling prey:

Shred all banking information and receipts with your credit card number
Never give credit card number, banking information, social security number, Medicare number, or any other personal information over the phone.
Use direct deposit when possible
Block solicitations
Order copies of your credit report to check for suspicious activity
Check references and credential before hiring anyone. Don’t allow workers to have access to information about your finances.

Veteran unemployment shows slight Improvement:

7/8/2020

Veteran unemployment saw another small decrease in the month of June, from 9% in May to 8.6%. However, that number is still double the rate of 4.1% of unemployed veterans in March. Older veterans fared better in their job search then their younger counterparts. The rate of unemployment has held steady at 10.3% for Iraq and Afghanistan veteran while the unemployment rate for Gulf War era veterans is 6%. Improving veteran employment has been a concern and given priority by lawmakers recently. However, “employment experts have said that most of the recent troubles with veterans employment are tied to the country’s overall economic downturn, and can’t be fully reversed until those underlying national problems are addressed”.

Happy Independence Day!

7/3/2020

On July 4th, we celebrate the freedom and independence gained by the United States. It is a day for Americans to unite in their love of their country and pride in democracy. The original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and July 4 has been designated a national holiday to commemorate the day the United States
Some interesting Independence Day facts:

56 People signed the Declaration of Independence.

John Hancock was the first signer and famously had the largest signature.
The oldest signer, at age 70, was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.
The youngest signer, at age 26, was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina.
In July 1776 there were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the Colonial United States.
The Declaration of Independence was revised 86 times.

The first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the Fourth of July, 1826.
The U.S. population of in the 13 colonies was 2.5 million in 1776. It is more than 130 times larger today at 330 million.

PREVENTS - The Plan

7/1/2020

In June, President Trump released the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS). This 53-million-dollar plan includes a public messaging campaign to raise awareness and awarding grants to community projects in an effort to aid those at risk. “My administration is taking steps to ensure that the men and women who bravely fought for us when they were called will be given the care and attention they need during some of their darkest hours,” said President Donald J. Trump. More information about the projects, as written in the VAntage Point, follows:

National Suicide Prevention Activation Campaign
This summer, the PREVENTS Office will launch a nationwide public health campaign aimed at educating Americans that suicide is preventable. It creates awareness of mental health and suicide prevention best practices with a call to action for ALL Americans to take the PREVENTS Pledge to Prevent Suicide.

Improving Suicide Prevention Research
Too often, we focus on a one-size-fits-all approach to suicide prevention that fails to take into account an individual’s specific risk factors. As a key element of the roadmap, PREVENTS will launch the National Research Strategy to accelerate the development and implementation of effective solutions to help prevent suicide among Veterans and all Americans.

Building Partnerships
The PREVENTS Office has built relationships with dozens of organizations across the country. These include Veteran and military service organizations, faith-based groups, universities, non-profits, corporations, small businesses. It also includes state and local governments to share best practices for promoting mental health, to ensure awareness of and access to federal, state, local and tribal resources.
“The release of the PREVENTS Roadmap is a critical step in advancing the national priority of preventing suicide in this nation, but it is only a first step” said PREVENTS Executive Director Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. “With our Veterans leading the way, we will engage all Americans as we fully implement the PREVENTS Roadmap. Together we will prevent suicide.”
For more on PREVENTS, please visit: https://www.va.gov/prevents/.

Tech Savvy Seniors

7/1/2020

Lock-down is tough for everyone; especially for those who are immune compromised and/or alone, quarantine can be even more difficult. Couple that with lack of technology and the loneliness become nearly intolerable. For many seniors, technology awareness and proficiency were not necessarily a part of their skill set.
The Coronavirus crisis, however, has motivated them to lean and expand their knowledge of technology. Video chats, Zoom classes, and access to other resources, such as news, shopping, or tele-medicine options, can be key to surviving the lock-down. A survey by TheSeniorList.com found that those above the age of 60 are using technology more frequently now. Grocery shopping, app downloads, and financial transactions are all on the rise with seniors. Technology is a tool to navigate the new reality and seniors are embracing this change.

Accept the 1776 Challenge!

6/18/2020

Team Red, White & Blue’s 1776 Challenge is an epic physical series of goals that brings Veterans, supporters, and Team RWB partners together to focus on service, personal growth, and the joy that comes from doing something hard with others.
Take the challenge each day from June 17, 2020, to July 4, 2020. Together, we will perform up to 100 daily repetitions of various exercises such as lunges, squats, push ups, or crunches. Alternative exercises will be provided to ensure participants at all ability levels are able to complete the challenge.
New exercises will be shared through the Team RWB App every day, featuring demonstrative videos hosted by Team RWB’s corporate and nonprofit partners. Demonstrations will include modifications for various fitness levels and mobility. Additional adaptive exercises will be demonstrated by retired Army Sergeant First Class and and Paralympian Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck, a recipient of TrueCar’s DrivenToDrive program.
Up for the challenge?If you’re up for the challenge, join Team RWB as we tackle 1776 reps and break down barriers for Veterans. Click here to sign up for reminders and daily inspiration straight to your inbox. Participants to complete every exercise and check-in through the app will receive a free 1776 Challenge patch.
You must be a member of Team RWB to check in and participate. Membership is free and Veterans get a free Nike shirt!

Get ready for COVID-19 now

3/16/2020

Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sickIf you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

Stock up on supplies.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Have supplies on hand

Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Take everyday precautions:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Take everyday preventive actions:

Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community:
Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.

Stay home as much as possible.
Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks

If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.

Have a plan for if you get sick:

Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.

Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs

Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

What to do if you get sick:

Stay home and call your doctor.
Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
Know when to get emergency help.
Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.

What others can do to support older adults:

Community support for older adults

Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
- Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence.
Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. Information for long-term care facilities can be found here.

Family and caregiver support:

Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Brain Injury Awareness Month

3/4/2020

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Research, treatment, and support speed recovery for the 5.3 million Americans who sustain brain injuries each year. The Brain Injury Association is here to assist individuals and families who experience the life-changing, sometimes devastating, effects of brain injury. Call 1-800-444-6443 to speak with a compassionate, knowledgeable brain injury expert who can assist you in locating supports and services critical to recovery.

Our military members are at greater risk for traumatic brain injury due to their training and service. The Defense Department provides awareness as well as resources for those dealing with traumatic brain injury.

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