November 16, 2009

Fort Hood's Spiritual-Fitness-Center

While Fort Hood is where the Army comes home and leaves for deployment, the Army is trying to help soldiers wounded in spirit - and having an uphill battle. [Washington Post]

November 12, 2009

Ft. Hood shooting raises dark memories for some veterans

Veterans who have undergone PTSD treatment are having a hard time with the shootings at Fort Hood.That the shooter was an Army doctor has troubled many of them. The VA and Army are doing what they can to help. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]

November 11, 2009

A final tribute: Goodwill Industries makes flags for veterans' funerals

Congress orders the flag, and Goodwill Industries in Florida makes them for the funerals of veterans. 'Each year, the Goodwill workers, most of whom have some sort of disability, make about 80,000 individually boxed flags.' [Miami Herald]

November 09, 2009

Caregiver bill for veterans under 'hold' in the Senate

Whatever compromises for the veterans bills will probably be rolled into the omnibus legislation at the end of the year. But Senator Tom Coburn (OK) has put a hold on a bill that would give support to caregivers taking care of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The caregivers would be paid 'a stipend based on hours and level of care.' [Military Update via Biloxi Sun-Herald]

Mental health service for veterans under strain

After the shootings at Fort Hood, a closer look at the mental health stresses facing the VA and veterans. At Washington D.C.'s Walter Reed Army Medical Center the strain is showing for both doctors and patients. [Washington Post]

November 04, 2009

PTSD is equal opportunity for men and women

More women veterans than ever before are showing signs ofPost Tramautic Stress Disorder. With the number of women serving in the armed forces, the number of female veterans seeking care has increased. Many are reluctant to seek care, but do well when they are in therapy. [New York Times]

October 27, 2009

Prosthetics allow some to be as good as they were

Major A.J. Tong lost the lower part of one leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq. Last Sunday, he participated in his second Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on his prosthetic and normal limb. [Tacoma News Tribune]

October 22, 2009

Male veterans file reports on pain more than female veterans

An interesting, if a bit dry, medical article.

"Researchers from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and the Yale University School of Medicine found women Veterans had a lower prevalence of pain than male counterparts returning from the conflicts."

[Science Dailey]