MarchFocus:ColorectalCancerAwareness
MarchisnationallyrecognizedasColorectalCancer AwarenessMonth,makingitanimportanttimeto emphasizescreeningandprevention.
Colorectalcancerisoneofthemostpreventablecancers whendetectedearlythroughroutinescreening.Veterans aged45andolderareencouragedtodiscussscreening optionswiththeirprimarycareprovider.Earlydetection significantlyincreasestreatmentsuccessrates.
Screeningoptionsmayinclude:
CARDIOVASCUL AR DISEASE REMAINS ONE OF THE LEADING HEALTH CONCERNS AMONG VETERANS. THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
EMPHASIZES THAT LIFESTYLE CHOICES PL AY A MA JOR ROLE IN PREVENTION.
RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
SMOKING
DIABETES
SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
HEALTHY TIP: THE “30-MINUTE RULE”
AIM FOR 30 MINUTES OF MODERATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT LEAST 5 DAYS A WEEK. ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BRISK WALKING, CYCLING, OR SWIMMING CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK.
VETERANS ENROLLED IN VA HEALTH CARE CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE IN WELLNESS PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGH LOCAL VA FACILITIES.
TYPE 2 DIABETES AFFECTS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE VETERAN POPUL ATION. PREVENTIVE CARE AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS CAN HELP REDUCE RISK AND IMPROVE OUTCOMES.
KEY PREVENTION STRATEGIES INCLUDE:
MAINTAINING A BAL ANCED DIET
ACHIEVING AND SUSTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT
STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
MONITORING BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS REGUL ARLY
HEALTHY TIP: FOLLOW THE “PL ATE METHOD”:
HALF THE PL ATE WITH VEGETABLES
ONE QUARTER WITH LEAN PROTEIN
ONE QUARTER WITH WHOLE GRAINS
THIS SIMPLE APPROACH CAN HELP REGUL ATE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND SUPPORT HEALTHY NUTRITION.
QUALITY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL FOR PHYSICAL RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, AND IMMUNE FUNCTION. VETERANS MAY EXPERIENCE SLEEP DISTURBANCES REL ATED TO STRESS, IRREGUL AR SCHEDULES, OR CONDITIONS SUCH AS SLEEP APNEA.
HEALTHY TIP: BUILD A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE
AIM FOR 7–8 HOURS OF SLEEP PER NIGHT
AVOID SCREENS 1 HOUR BEFORE BEDTIME
MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT SLEEP SCHEDULE
LIMIT CAFFEINE L ATE IN THE DAY
VETERANS EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT FATIGUE OR SNORING SHOULD CONSULT THEIR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER FOR POSSIBLE SLEEP EVALUATIONS AND TREATMENT.
PREVENTIVE CARE: STAY UP TO DATE ON SCREENINGS
ROUTINE PREVENTIVE CARE PL AYS A KEY ROLE IN MAINTAINING HEALTH AND DETECTING CONDITIONS EARLY.
RECOMMENDED PREVENTIVE SERVICES INCLUDE:
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS
CHOLESTEROL SCREENING
CANCER SCREENINGS
VACCINATIONS
ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS
VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SCHEDULE REGUL AR APPOINTMENTS WITH THEIR VA PRIMARY CARE TEAM TO STAY CURRENT ON PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES.
TEXAS CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION IN VA HEALTHCARE ACCESS, DRIVEN BY POPUL ATION GROWTH, FORCE TRANSITION NEEDS, AND A NATIONAL PUSH TO DECENTRALIZE CARE. ONGOING INVESTMENTS IN OUTPATIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ARE IMPROVING ACCESS, REDUCING TRAVEL BURDEN, AND ENHANCING CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR VETERANS ACROSS THE STATE.
GALVESTON VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC (2026)
MODERN REPL ACEMENT FACILITY IMPROVING ACCESS FOR COASTAL VETERANS
ENHANCED PATIENT FLOW, PARKING, AND CLINICAL CAPACITY
ROUND ROCK VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC (TARGET 2027)
FULL-SERVICE OUTPATIENT SITE (PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL HEALTH, REHAB, IMAGING)
SUPPORTS RAPID POPUL ATION GROWTH NORTH OF AUSTIN
BEAUMONT VA CLINIC EXPANSION
SIGNIFICANT SCALE-UP TO INCLUDE SPECIALTY CARE, CT IMAGING, PROSTHETICS, AND REHAB SERVICES
TRANSITIONING FROM BASIC CLINIC → REGIONAL CARE HUB
COPPERAS COVE / KILLEEN VA CLINIC (NEAR FORT CAVAZOS)
L ARGE-SCALE PROJECT SUPPORTING ONE OF THE HIGHEST VETERAN DENSITY REGIONS IN TEXAS
DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ACCESS FOR UP TO ~200,000 VETERANS
BOERNE / HILL COUNTRY VA CLINIC (PL ANNING PHASE)
REFLECTS CONTINUED DECENTRALIZATION FROM SAN ANTONIO CORE INTO SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
THE VA IS EXPANDING COMMUNITY-BASED DENTAL CARE ACCESS, IMPROVING AVAIL ABILITY OF PREVENTIVE AND SPECIALTY SERVICES. OPERATIONAL IMPACT:
INCREASED RELIANCE ON CIVILIAN CARE PARTNERSHIPS
GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR REGIONAL MEDICAL LEADERSHIP
IMPROVED ACCESS TIMELINES FOR SPECIALTY SERVICES
“10,000 STEP MISSION”
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASES SUCH AS HEART DISEASE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES.
CHALLENGE GOAL
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE 10,000 STEPS PER DAY THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MARCH.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
TRACK DAILY STEPS USING A PHONE OR WEARABLE DEVICE.
WALK OUTDOORS, ON A TREADMILL, OR AT A LOCAL PARK.
INVITE FELLOW VETERANS, FRIENDS, OR FAMILY MEMBERS TO JOIN.
BENEFITS
REGULAR WALKING CAN:
IMPROVE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STRENGTHEN MUSCLES AND JOINTS
REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY
EVEN SHORT WALKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY CAN ADD UP TO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH BENEFITS.
JOIN IN AND USE THIS HASHTAG #STEPPINWITHTXVFW TO SHOWCASE YOUR MOVES!
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICESENDEAVORS®
WE PROVIDE A RANGE OF TOOLS AND SERVICES AIMED AT ASSISTING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN LEADING FULFILLING LIVES. OUR OFFERINGS INCLUDE FREE AND LOW-COST COUNSELING, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, LIFE SKILLS COURSES, FITNESS CLASSES, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND MUCH MORE.
THE VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT (VMHD) IS FOCUSED ON ENSURING ACCESS TO COMPETENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HTTPS://WWW.MENTALHEALTH.VA.GOV/
VA HAS A VARIETY OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, INFORMATION, TREATMENT OPTIONS AND MORE ALL ACCESSIBLE TO VETERANS, VETERANS’ SUPPORTERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
MILITARY COUNSELING FOR STRESS | MILITARY ONESOURCE
MILITARY ONESOURCE IS YOUR FREE 24/7 GATEWAY TO INFORMATION, ANSWERS AND SUPPORT. AS A DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-FUNDED PROGRAM, WE PUT EXPERT CONFIDENTIAL HELP TO WORK FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND SURVIVORS WHO NEED A LITTLE EXTRA GUIDANCE FOR ALL THINGS MILLIFE.
THROUGH OUR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS, MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS, AND A BROAD OFFERING OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, VETERANS CAN BUILD RESILIENCE TO HELP OVERCOME MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PTSD, MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST), TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI), AND MORE.
FREE COUNSELING FOR VETERANS | INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP TREATMENT OPTIONS
U.S.VETS OFFERS FREE COUNSELING AND TREATMENT SERVICES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EACH CLIENT IN A SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU NEED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES.
THE HEADSTRONG PROJECT - 501C3 NONPROFIT FOR VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH
THE HEADSTRONG PROJECT IS A NON-PROFIT MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PROVIDING CONFIDENTIAL, BARRIER-FREE, AND STIGMA-FREE PTSD TREATMENT TO OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, AND FAMILY CONNECTED TO THEIR CARE.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS & FAMILY
ENTERSTONE’S MILITARY SERVICES EXISTS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO CARE OFTEN EXPERIENCED BY OUR NATION’S SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR OUR HEROES INCLUDING ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS, MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OR RESERVES, VETERANS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY AND FAMILIESGIVE AN HOUR
GIVE AN HOUR IS POISED TO STEP IN AND PROVIDE CONFIDENTIAL, NO-COST MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY, RESERVISTS, GUARD, VETERANS, AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, SPOUSES AND CAREGIVERS.
VFW POST 4709 POST SURGEON, TIFFANY PEREZ ABLE TO SECURE AND GIVEAWAY A 1 YEAR FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP AT CRUNCHFITNESSINCONROEFORAFELLOWVETERAN!
VFW POST 4709 ALONG WITH OPERATION ZERO HOSTED A SUICIDEPREVENTIONCLASSANDRESOURCEDAY.
STATE SURGEON HOSTED A SURGEON SEMINAR FEATURING MEDICARESPECIALISTFROMADVOCATEHEALTH.
VFWPOST4709HELDTHIERMONTHLYCHAIRYOGA.
VAVS REP MIGUEL VALVERDE OUT OF WACO, TX ALONG WITH VFW/AUX MEMBERS HOSTED A MONTHLY COFFEE BAR/POPCORN GIVEAWAY AT THE DORRIS MILLER VA HOSPITALINWACO,TX.
SUBMIT MONTHLY POST SURGEON ACTIVITY
REPORTS
DISTRIBUTE VA HEALTHCARE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
SHARE LOCAL CLINIC HOLIDAY SCHEDULES AND CLOSURES
PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO UPDATE THEIR VA
MEDICAL RECORDS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Small daily health choices such as staying active, eating balanced meals, and prioritizing mental wellness can make a lasting impact on overall health and readiness. Preventive care and healthy habits are essential to ensuring veterans continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives after service.
In
Comradeship, VFW Department of Texas – State Surgeon Andrea Ortiz
VETERAN AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE OR BETTER KNOWN AS VAVS, IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S LARGEST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AND VFW HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1946.
AS A DEPARTMENT, WE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF VFW VAVS DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVES ACROSS THE STATE.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SIGNED UP AS A VAVS LEAD/DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE, AND YOU ARE SERVING IN THE CAPACITY OF A POST SURGEON/DISTRICT SURGEON, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN GET YOU INVOLVED.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING AND VOLUNTEERING AT THE VA, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ALSO REACH OUT TO SEE HOW WE CAN BEST GET YOU INVOLVED.
QUARTERLY FACILITY MEETINGS
ANNUAL JOINT REVIEW (NOV) MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
STAYING UP TO DATE ON YOUR VA’S UPDATES
ADVOCACY FOR CHANGE
(VFW Membership not required)
(In-person or Online) Compassionate Contact Corps Corporate Volunteerism Physician Ambassador Program Student Volunteer Program / James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship Volunteer Transportation Network Voter Assistance
Join a Legacy of Service Volunteer once, occasionally, or regularly your assistance and time are priceless to the VFW, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and our Nations Veterans. No Computer? No Problem. Call 1-800-VFW-1899 for assistance today!
DISTRICT 1 SURGEON: STEPHEN CARTAS| STEPHEN.CARTAS@VETERAN.ME
DISTRICT 2 SURGEON: DAVID SNAPP| SMOUSE77632@ATT.NET
DISTRICT 3 SURGEON: JOHN DIGGS| JOHNDIGGSKR@HOTMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 4 SURGEON: ARDEN PETERSON| KENDALL@CONSULTANT.COM
DISTRICT 5 SURGEON: RENE GERBERS| RENE.M.GERBERS@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 6 SURGEON: AMY RICHARDSON|ALYNCH118@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 9 SURGEON: JOSHUA SULLINS| JSULLIN3@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 10 SURGEON: JOSE MUNOZ| EZEKIEL62@AOL.COM
DISTRICT 12 SURGEON: CARY MILLER| SFCMIL@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 13 SURGEON: MIKE CHAVEZ| MIGUEL.A.CHAVEZ68@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 14 SURGEON: DAVID CARR| CARRMANN70@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 16 SURGEON: TED NUGENT| GPDOFC668@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 17 SURGEON: TINA SMITH| TINAMSMITH@DNTCOMPUTER.COM
DISTRICT 18 SURGEEON: AL VILLAREAL | ACVACE29@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 19 SURGEON: RICHARD LUNDIE| RICHARD.LUNDIE@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 20 SURGEON: AARON MIRELES| AMMIRELES1013@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 21 SURGEON: KOLTON KROTTINGER| ANXIETYHACKERS@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 24 SURGEON: GAIL HORN| GHORN1023@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 25 SURGEON: JOHN WOJTKUN| EVENTSBYJOHN@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 28 SURGEON: LEKA ROBINSON| LEKAROBINSON@GMAIL.COM
DISTRICT 29 SURGEON: BOBBY BAKER| CHIEF _1911@YAHOO.COM
DISTRICT 30 SURGEON: ELOY SANDOVAL| AIRSHIP2000@AOL.COM andrea.ortiz.vfw@gmail.com
@txvfwstatesurgeon