How your toothbrush can reduce your chances of pneumonia
VA is using a surprisingly simple life-saving weapon against disease and it’s not new, nor is it high-tech: It’s a toothbrush.
Poor
oral hygiene is associated with a greater chance of developing
pneumonia in hospitals. That’s because not taking care of teeth can lead
to plaque, which creates a bacteria-friendly environment in the mouth.
In turn, those bacteria can easily travel down the throat and into the
lungs.
The good news: proper brushing and good oral hygiene can help prevent that from happening.
Your patient advocates wants to hear from you
At
VA, we believe that patient advocacy is everyone’s responsibility. We
want your feedback, including compliments, concerns, complaints and
customer service-related issues. Sharing your concerns not only improves
your care but also the care for the next Veteran, too.
Our
patient advocates act as guiding lights for patients through the
complex health care system, mediating between patients and the health
care team. Many are Veterans who understand, respect and lend impartial
care.
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Fighting invisible battles & finding peace
US
Navy Veteran James Seddon learned about his grandfather's traumatic war
experiences when his grandfather finally sought therapy. And a year
after Seddon himself returned from deployment, he knew deep down that he
was not the same man who had left home. "My temper was far worse. My
family walked on eggshells around me. Hyperaware, I startled very
easily," he recalls.
"My
VA therapist listened to my skepticism but was convinced she could help
me. Her confidence in the outcome, if I followed the program, kept me
going. During my treatment, I mentioned my grandfather. She said she
wished she could have treated him."
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Veteran changes his life with support of Whole Health coach
“I was a walking billboard for pain before I met Ms. Dobson,” says Reverend James Mitchell of Bluefield, West Virginia.
After
several foot surgeries, sciatic nerve issues and 40 years of smoking,
Army Veteran Mitchell was using a walker, was stressed out and his
quality of life was at its lowest point. Then he started his Whole
Health journey with Nicole Dobson, Whole Health coach at the Beckley VA
Medical Center in West Virginia.
He
committed to the hard work of setting goals, weekly coaching sessions,
acupuncture and yoga. Mitchell has been 18 months smoke-free and no
longer uses a walker or even a cane.
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