Bozho (Hello),
I would like to address something that has troubled me for several years: our veterans’ health. As we age, we get older — trust me, it happens whether you like it or not. I know. I woke up one morning, and I was 78 years old… and looked it… and felt it, too. There are things I can’t do anymore and don’t want to. Most of us living veterans have experienced a war era, whether in combat or in support of combat. Whether you experience actual combat or not, you are affected by it. I have been through two war eras without any combat. That is over a 22-year period. During my 22 years in military service, I experienced loss and hardship, and it has given me a bond with fellow troops of each branch that cannot be broken. I care about the well-being of my fellow veterans. I want to share with you the help that you have earned: the health help that is available to veterans with the Veterans Affairs Department. I use them for many of my health issues. And at 78 years old, I have them. I have received friendly and efficient care. I have selected a few health issues that some of you may have and could use help with.
Vision
How would you feel if, due to poor eye health, you could no longer see clearly or perform routine tasks that you have been doing your entire life? For veterans who may be functionally blind and losing their vision due to age-related macular degeneration, having virtual eye care services has made adapting to a different lifestyle a little easier. You may have an option of working virtually with a Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH) TeleEye optometrist and an in-person certified low-vision therapist to regain your independence. Ask your local VA about the TeleEye Virtual Eye Care System (TEVES) pilot. You can access from a community living center or a community-based outpatient clinic.
Life without tobacco
No matter how long you have been smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco, the time is right to consider stopping. The VA has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to establish and maintain two highly successful and effective tobacco use treatment resources: the 1-855-QUIT-VET telephone quitline and the SmokefreeVET text messaging program. Treatments include individual or group counseling, prescription medications and nicotine replacement products like gum or patches that treat withdrawal symptoms and help manage cravings. Call the VA national quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET (784-8838).
Remember, our monthly meeting of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Veterans organization is the fourth Tuesday of each month, July 25 (unless otherwise notified due to weather or conflicting events) at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) in the North Reunion Hall on the CPN Powwow Grounds. All CPN veterans and spouses and their families are welcome. Membership in the veterans organization is not required; come and visit us and enjoy our socializing. For more information, you can contact Daryl Talbot.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Daryl Talbot, Commander
daryl.talbot75@outlook.com
405-275-1054