Bozho
(Hello),
According to a recent release from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA is partnering with the American Physical Therapy Association to support veterans by providing new physical therapy resources.
“The partnership coordinates strength of both organizations to benefit all veterans and their families, physical therapists and physical therapist assistance by helping to raise awareness of physical therapy and create new employment and practice opportunities,” noted the release.
This is an important resource for improving veterans’ health and well-being. This new agreement allows both organizations to develop additional best practices in treatment of veterans in both the federal and private sector.
A blog post from the VA recently discussed an affliction impacting many vets: Glaucoma — Why Veterans need regular eye exams.
According to U.S. Veterans Health Administration writer Hans Petersen, glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. However, some forms of glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, even when the eye pressure is in the normal range during the eye exam. This can happen when the eye pressure becomes high at other times of the day, and you don’t feel the pressure elevation. It can even happen when blood flow to the optic nerve becomes reduced below a critical level, which can happen during periods of very low blood pressure, even during sleep.
For those taking hypertension medications right before bedtime, it can cause the blood pressure to drop too low during sleep, Petersen continued in the blog post. Another risk factor that can adversely affect glaucoma is obstructive sleep apnea, which may reduce delivery of oxygen to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in veterans over 60 years old. This blindness can often be prevented with early detection and treatment.
Read the full article at cpn.news/VHA.
We are beginning a new year, so, why not start it off right by joining the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Veterans Organization? We would love to have you join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the North Reunion Hall located at the CPN Powwow Grounds south of FireLake Discount Foods. We have a meal and social time, and begin at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there). Be sure to bring your family. They are welcome.
Migwetch
(Thanks),
Daryl Talbot, Commander
talbotok@sbcglobal.net
405-275-1054
CPN VA Representative: Andrew Whitham
CPN Office Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Phone: 918-397-2566