At VA, every role plays a part in our mission to care for those who served our country—and that includes the dedicated individuals who work in food service. From preparing nutritious meals for patients, visitors and staff to supporting hospital kitchen operations, VA food service workers help ensure that Veterans receive high-quality care and comfort…
Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Marìa Inéz Ortiz
Marìa Inés Ortiz was born in 1967 in Camden, New Jersey, but she grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in 1990, she joined the Army Reserve as a Wire System installer. By 1993, she transitioned to active duty, embarking on a career that would take her…
Breastfeeding support for women Veterans
If you’re a woman Veteran who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you’re likely thinking about what’s best for your health and your baby’s health. An important part of that is figuring out the best way to feed your baby. While it’s a deeply personal journey, VA is here to help you understand the…
Houston VA provides top pancreas care
A new program at Houston VA is changing the lives of Veterans in southeast Texas and beyond. The facility has been designated as the first Center of Excellence for pancreas care within the VA system by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). The hospital’s innovative new Pancreas Clinic aims to provide comprehensive care for Veterans suffering from…
Network like a pro
Whether you’re actively job searching or simply looking to grow in your field, networking is a powerful tool for advancing your career. But effective networking is more than just handing out business cards or adding people on LinkedIn—it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships. Here are some simple dos and don’ts to help you network…
Therapy changed how I think about my chronic pain
Air Force Veteran Ed Lucero started having severe abdominal pain while undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. Even after a kidney transplant in 1987, his pain didn’t stop. At the time, doctors couldn’t explain why. The surgery was successful. There was no sign of new damage, yet Lucero was in constant discomfort. Decades later, Lucero learned…
Live Whole Health #280: Mobility through movement
As I age, I notice that it takes longer for my body to recover from intense activity, such as playing in my co-ed, recreational soccer league, lifting weights or carrying my growing toddler. And if I go too many days without exercising and sitting at the computer too long, I notice joint stiffness and tightness…
Food as medicine: Your diet can promote health & well-being
We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Can a delicious, nutritious meal serve as medicine? Yes! It’s true that specific foods can have beneficial effects and support overall health and well-being. When John, a Veteran who receives his care through the VA Maryland Health Care System, had a hard…
How one caregiver transformed her life
For more than 16 years, Vicki has been the primary caregiver for her 77-year-old husband, an Air Force Veteran living with dementia, congestive heart failure and recurring blood clots. As his physical and mental health declined, Vicki became more and more stressed, tired and isolated. Like many caregivers, she struggled to keep going. “I managed…
New app helps Veterans recover from stroke
Recovering from a stroke can be challenging. Someone who was independent and active may find themselves struggling with basic tasks. Managing appointments and medications can add to their stress. Now there’s a tool designed to make the recovery process easier and more effective: the Stroke Recovery App. Developed by VA, the Stroke Recovery App provides…
VA Research wrap up: New findings on biological 3D printing, menopause and PTSD
This week, VA’s Office of Research and Development published three News Briefs highlighting research advances in 3D printing biological material, menopause and military exposure, and how PTSD affects aging. Biological 3D printing provides hope for tissue repair A Chicago VA researcher teamed with a trio of national and international universities to develop a biological 3D printing technique…
Honoring Veterans: Air Force Veteran James R. Nichols
James R. Nichols was born in Los Angeles, California, in February 1943. He played football at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he met his wife. Graduating from pilot training in 1966, he flew F-100, F-4 and F-16 fighter aircraft in the Air Force. In 1967, Nichols began his first of two…