Desert Messenger

28 www.DesertMessenger.com February 21, 2018 RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER thank you! • Birth • Obituary • Anniversary Place it FREE in the: Desert Messenger! 928-916-4235 Got something to share? Veterans meet and greet update By Jackie Deal Friday morning's Veterans meeting was a whopping success. Forty veterans listened to an informative talk by Debbie Verzella, Veteran's Service Offi cer. Afterwards over coffee and cookies there was an oppor- tunity to chat with fellow veterans. Debbie stressed, "The paperwork system of the VA is very compli- cated." If inquiring about benefi ts, her advice was to contact a Veteran's Service Offi cer at a VA hospital or clinic but "go to more than one," as one may be too busy or not really interested in helping and getting help from more than one may be necessary. Don't give up! Claims are "date stamped" and you have one year to complete them and then you need to start over. Apply--denied--re-apply. She admitted that most claims are automatically denied the fi rst time. The most important word seemed to be "document." When you go to your home doctor "whine loudly!" Most men hate to complain but if something is bothering you, it needs to be documented if you are going to get the assistance you are entitled to. Agent Orange has now been recognized to be implicated in at least 14 medical conditions. Google "presumptive conditions" for your war era. (I tried it and it works!) If you have any of the listed conditions, get documentation from your doctor. Debbie encouraged seeking compensa- tion for Agent Orange, "If there are not enough claims, congress will cut the budget." PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a real condition and with documentation is automatically 70% disability. Again go to your doctor and document! Wartime dates apply as long as you were in the service during that pe- riod. "Boots on the ground" are not required. Korea= June 27, 1950 to January of 1955 Vietnam= Feb. 2, 1961 to May 7, 1975 Gulf War= August 2, 1999 continuing There are programs called "Traveling Veterans" and "VA Choice Pro- gram" if you live 40 miles from the closest VA clinic or Hospital. (I Googled both of them and again it worked!) After numerous questions the group broke up for coffee (provided by QIA) and cookies (provided by Carole Johnson) and chatting began. Any questions about further meetings etc., please contact Keith Tyree at 719-688-4970. (StatePoint) Want to make improve- ments to your health and wellness? Think simple, sustainable changes. Follow these four steps for a health- ier you, inside and out. Stick to Your Workout Incorporating an exercise routine into your life requires commitment. After the novelty of a new gym mem- bership wears off and life gets in the way, how do you continue to moti- vate yourself to keep at it? Instead of jumping from no routine to a seven-days-a-week commitment, intro- duce workouts to your schedule in small doses. Dread cardio or weight machines? Find something that you'll look forward to, like a cycling class, yoga or outdoor pursuits. Choosing activities that you enjoy will increase your chances of stick- ing to your resolution. Eat Smarter According to the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, most Americans are falling short of their fruit and vegetable intake goals, and most eat only half the recommend- ed amount of fi ber. To increase your consumption of essential nu- trients, create a grocery list packed with fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains. Plan meals for the week to ensure you stick to a whole-food menu. Keep ingredients on hand for meals you can make in a pinch so you're not tempted by fast food on a busy day. Try frozen salmon fi llets, which you can cook without thawing, or eggs, low-fat cheese and veggies for a quick-baking frittata. Freeze individual servings of chopped fruits and vegetables in resealable bags to create quick and delicious smoothies each morning in a high-powered blender, such as the Vitamix E310 Explorian Series machine. For a satisfying, energy- 4 steps to a healthier you boosting snack, use your blender to pre-make Dried Fruit Chia Bars or White Chocolate Peanut Butter En- ergy Balls. Stress Less Stress can have adverse effects on minds and bodies, as insomnia, weight gain, anxiety and depression are all potential related risks. While it isn't always avoidable, simple changes will help you manage ten- sion. Sometimes, stress can be solved with some "me time." Treat yourself to a massage or manicure, soak in a hot bath, or unwind with a nature walk. Connecting with others can help, too Plan a brunch with your best friend or a date night with your signifi cant other. Feeling overwhelmed with work and family life? Build out a to-do list or calendar to feel more in control of your busy schedule, then cross items off the list when completed. Practice Positivity A sunny outlook can affect your wellbeing. Keep a gratitude journal by writing down something good that happens each day. On bad days, you'll be forced to focus on the posi- tive aspects of your life. One of the best ways to improve your own happiness is by giving others a boost. Volunteer with a charitable organization or donate to a favor- ite cause. Practice doing something kind daily. To make positive, long-term chang- es to health and wellness, consider small steps.

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