Category: VA

Many people think yoga is just the postures and movement (asana) part of the practice, but there are actually several additional components, including meditation (dhyana), breathwork (pranayama). Yoga is an adaptable practice, with both physical and mental/emotional benefits that can be suited to a wide variety of individuals and abilities. The various components of yoga…

Chocolate began its world travels in 1519 when Aztec ruler Montezuma of Mexico shared it with Hernán Cortés as xocoatyl, a bitter cocoa-bean drink. Cortés brought it back to Spain where the Spaniards sweetened it, added cinnamon and vanilla and served it hot. The Spaniards’ secret indulgence spread to France and, in the 17th century,…

For Army Veteran David Devaney, writing poetry has helped him express and reflect on his life experiences. He served from 1968 to 1971, including one year in Vietnam.  Writing daily, he uses the places he’s been and people he knows to create his poems. Devaney has lived in Florida, Washington, Texas and Arizona. While living in Texas,…

March is National Nutrition Month. As we celebrate this year’s theme of “Beyond the Table,” let’s all take a few minutes to look at our plate, starting with the newest Fresh Focus podcasts. Fresh Focus Episodes #77 – Sustainability Starting Tips For National Nutrition Month, the team at Fresh Focus Podcast partnered with the Green Environmental…

Dustin Winter’s voice still quivers when he recounts his battle with addiction. After years of darkness, all he wanted was to see the light. Joining the Navy as a submariner straight out of high school, Winter vanished into the dark depths of the ocean without a word, also leaving his family in the dark. From…

For Women’s History Month, the Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) and Center for Women Veterans (CWV) join forces to commemorate women Veteran Congressional Gold Medal recipients: the trailblazing Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). These courageous women broke barriers and proved that women were just as capable as men at serving as skilled military pilots. Highlighting…

As the largest health care system in the nation, VA’s human resources (HR) professionals manage numerous matters each day.  There are a multitude of ways you can contribute to the operations of your facility and, in turn, help us provide the care Veterans need. “It’s not just a job,” said Heriberto Muñoz, the chief of human…

Orlando VA’s vibrant and meticulously manicured grounds serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of its grounds crew. While their daily responsibilities primarily revolve around maintaining the lush landscape, the team has been investing time and effort into special projects, enhancing the facility’s environment for the well-being of the Veterans it serves.…

For the first time in nearly three years (due to the global COVID-19 pandemic), the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (ACMV) was able to meet in person. VA’s Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) recently joined the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) leadership and the National Association of State of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA)…

While almost everyone has their own idea of what an eating disorder looks like, the reality is much more complex and can be more difficult to treat than most people realize. Eating disorders exist on a spectrum based on the severity and the degree to which it interferes with everyday life. These range from mildly…

Military Veterans face complex challenges accessing VA benefits and services, and while there have been strides in support, many issues persist in 2024, like access to care, barriers to employment and education, transition, homelessness and housing, and other social, cultural, and policy hurdles. It’s important to remember that these are just some of the major…

It’s only once every four years that we get an extra day in the year, so why not take advantage of Leap Day and finish your VA application. In fact, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make sure you have everything in order before you click that “Submit” button. Have you read…