Autumn harvest: Rediscovering spaghetti squash As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, I find myself drawn to local farms and markets in search of seasonal treasures—apples, pumpkins and spaghetti squash. While apples and pumpkins often steal the spotlight, spaghetti squash quietly offers its own magic: a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and a…
TeleRheumatology helps a Veteran get faster, easier access to care
How one Army Veteran received faster treatment through VA TeleRheumatology After leaving the Army in 2001, James Quick relied on private health insurance for years. When he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, he managed his care the best he could, but it wasn’t easy. Due to issues navigating private insurance, he went without the medication…
From health research to healthcare
Early risk detection with MVP data Every Veteran who joins the Million Veteran Program helps advance a shared goal: using research to improve healthcare for Veterans. Today, MVP research is beginning to inform new approaches to care. Thanks to more than 1 million Veterans who are part of the Million Veteran Program, we are advancing…
Once overwhelmed, now a mentor at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Orlando Perez was rappelling down a climbing wall during PT when he lost his grip, fell, and struck his spine on his rucksack. Weeks later, after he kept stumbling during runs, he sought medical attention. The fall caused a tumor to develop on his spinal cord, and the surgery to remove it left him unable…
Planning ahead helps Veterans take control of future care
Bay Pines VA offers advance care planning workshops Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is helping enrolled Veterans take control of future healthcare decisions through Advance Care Planning workshops designed to ensure their wishes are known and respected if they are ever unable to speak for themselves. The workshops, offered at the C.W. Bill Young VA…
WWII Veteran’s major makeover and a ‘day of beauty’
World War II Veteran Fannie Griffin-McClendon received a beauty surprise when her Phoenix VA’s Community Living Center nurse brought her into one of the center’s common areas. Griffin-McClendon—one of the center’s most beloved residents—was presented with three handmade wigs from Veteran-and woman-owned small business, Wigs Plus Vets, through a partnership with VA. The store exclusively serves service members…
On a mission to care: Meet VA Nurse Joey Straw
Registered Nurse (RN) Joey Straw knows every patient interaction is an important one in a Veteran’s care journey. Now in his fourth year at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Nashville, Tennessee, he didn’t always have his eyes set on becoming a nurse. Keep reading to learn more about how he got his start…
Fraud Alert: Watch out for phishing scams
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where malicious actors send fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate and trusted sources. These scams target Veterans to steal benefits, healthcare information, and other personally identifiable information. VA urges Veterans, their families and advocates to be aware of phishing, including signs and prevention strategies. Types of phishing…
Support after suicide loss: TAPS resources for military and Veteran survivors
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month reminds us to consider risk factors, recognize warning signs, begin honest conversations and connect people who are struggling with the help they need. It also reminds us to support people grieving after a death by suicide. A military or Veteran suicide loss can affect families, friends, colleagues and battle buddies.…
Simple planning turns leftovers into healthy meals
Turn last night’s dinner into this week’s easiest healthy meals You don’t have to cook a brand-new meal each day to eat well. Leftovers make it easy to have healthy options even on busy days. With a bit of planning, you can give last night’s dinner a fresh new twist. Leftovers are your built-in backup…
VA’s national Customer Experience Symposium recognizes the best in a Veterans-first culture
VA’s eighth annual Customer Experience (CX) Symposium, held Sept. 15-17, 2026, shared CX best practices and tools with 1,700 VA public servants across the country. Centered on earning Veterans’ trust and advancing a Veterans-first culture, the three-day event focused on turning Veteran voices into Veteran experience improvements. The symposium opened with a two-day virtual learning…
281.2 miles for MS: One Veteran’s journey from legally blind to Ironman
A Veteran’s fight against MS, one mile at a time My diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) came with nearly every symptom imaginable – my neurologist called me a textbook case. I experienced bowel issues, severe balance problems, slurred speech, memory loss and numbness so profound that I would walk out of my shoes without realizing…