Battling the Storm Within Blog

As the Author of the #1 Amazon National-International Best Seller War Memoir “Battling the Storm Within” about living 20 years undiagnosed with PTSD, MST and the GWI. My mission is to empower others to address their own personal traumas, be healed, restored and live again. I believe in telling the truth, living the truth and being the truth. I will share the truth for it sets you free. I have battled my storm that was within me and won, so can you! Peace and blessings Sgt. Stephanie J. Shannon

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Researchers find evidence of DNA damage in Vets with Gulf War illness

Researchers say they have found the “first direct biological evidence” of damage in Veterans with Gulf War illness to DNA within cellular structures that produce energy in the body.
The findings appeared in the journal PLOS One in September 2017.

A study that focused on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) included 21 Veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) and seven controls.

Read more...
https://www.research.va.gov/currents/1017-Evidence-of-DNA-damage-in-Vets-with-Gulf-War-illness.cfm#.WfdimTtK3Zs.facebook

Almost a Statistic: A Woman Vet Looks to the VA for Treatment

When he found his wife in their house, she asked for his forgiveness. She’d taken 50 pills in an attempted suicide. Pure chance that he found her so soon after she’d swallowed those pills. They would have killed her if they’d had time to metabolize.

Both husband and wife are Navy veterans. He called 911 immediately. The responding medics rushed her to the ER at the nearest VA Hospital. Pumping her stomach saved her life. That, and his quick action. She was admitted to the VA Hospital.

IAVA Survey Shows Troubling Gaps Between Male And Female Veterans

U.S. Army Spc. Rebecca Buck, a medic from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, provides perimeter security outside an Iraqi police station in the Tarmiya Province of Iraq, March 30, 2008.

On the heels of a far-ranging Military Times poll of active-duty service members, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has released its own annual poll of more than 4,000 members, and one pattern seems pretty clear: Men are from Mars, and women are exhausted by them.

Read more...
http://taskandpurpose.com/iava-survey-shows-concerning-gaps-male-female-veterans/?utm_content=tp-facebook&utm_campaign=community&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Pentagon advocates requiring women to sign up for military draft

The Pentagon says the country should stick with mandatory registration for a military draft, and it advocates a requirement for women to sign up for the first time in the nation’s history.

The recommendations are contained in a Defense Department report to Congress that serves as a starting point for a commission examining military, national and public service.

Congress ordered the Pentagon report, and the office of the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness completed it in the early months of the Trump administration.

Read more...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/oct/24/pentagon-advocates-requiring-women-to-sign-up-for-/

New VA hospital rankings: The worst still the worst

AP VETERANS HEALTH CARE COLORADO A USA CO

WASHINGTON — Many of the worst VA hospitals in the country last year remain among the worst this year, according to internal rankings released Wednesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nearly a dozen of the medical centers who received one out of five stars in quality ratings this year received the same low score in 2016.

Unstoppable Paralyzed Veteran Walks Again!

Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck is a super-mom, a woman who laid down her life for her country and a self proclaimed “adrenaline junkie.” But looking at her you wouldn’t know that she’s also a 22-time national wheelchair veterans gold medalist!

But that’s not the amazing thing about Ce-Ce. She is a survivor and defied all odd against her to walk again.

In 1994, Mazyck was enrolled at Bauder College in Atlanta, taking classes to become a fashion stylist. But one year into her two-year program, she realized that she wanted more — so she joined the Army Reserve.

Read more...
http://blackdoctor.org/513776/unstoppable-paralyzed-veteran-walks-again/

All Rise: Veterans Treatment Courts Provide Valuable Help

Years before Tim began working for a Veterans Treatment Court, he woke up in a jail cell, questioning whether he wanted to live anymore.

He had just been charged with his second DUI. He was devastated and wondered where his life went from here.

“At that point, I just said, ‘God, either let me get this, or I don’t want to be around,” Tim remembers. “And I think that’s what it took for me, to break that ego, to thinking I had to fix this [alone]. … I had to get help.”

Read More...
https://maketheconnection.net/whats-new/all-rise

In Debate Over Military Sexual Assault, Men Are Overlooked Victims

Sexual assault has emerged as one of the defining issues for the military this year. Reports of assaults are up, as are questions about whether commanders have taken the problem seriously. Bills to toughen penalties and prosecution have been introduced in Congress.

But in a debate that has focused largely on women, this fact is often overlooked: the majority of service members who are sexually assaulted each year are men.

VA hospitals are struggling with staffing shortages, workers say

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin reported that "some 49,000 positions in VA medical facilities nationally were unfilled in May."

Dozens of New Yorkers rallied in Brooklyn last week as part of a national effort to get the federal Veterans Affairs Department to fully staff VA medical facilities.

Shortages are found in numerous job titles, from housekeepers to physicians and nurses, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represents many Veterans Affairs workers.

Some 49,000 positions in VA medical facilities nationally were unfilled in May, according to Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin.

Read more....
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/va-hospitals-struggling-staffing-shortages-workers-article-1.3563554

Why so many veterans go hungry — and VA’s new plan to fix it

When Greg Stegall left the Navy at 30 years old, he found himself utterly adrift: a single dad with no degree, no clear plans for the future and a short résumé in a down job market. Struggling to find work, Stegall put his son in a boarding school for poor children and asked his parents for money and food.

Nearly 30 years later, Stegall — now 58 — oversees a program at a Pennsylvania food bank that delivers meals to hungry veterans. But he still regularly sees other vets in similar situations.

Read more...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/10/09/why-so-many-veterans-go-hungry-and-the-vas-new-plan-to-fix-it/?utm_term=.6801ffa16ee2

Veteran decides to commit suicide and goes for last smoke, then hears rustling in bushes

Most have heard the phrase “who rescued who?” in the world of pet adoption, but in one war veteran’s case a cat he took into his home actually save his life.

Like many who have served in the armed forces fighting what our country tells us are our foreign enemies, Army Sgt. Josh Marino was left permanently scarred from his service in the military.

He suffered a brain injury in Iraq and had severe post-traumatic stress disorder. He was in so much mental anguish that he decided to take his own life.

“I did not want to deal with it anymore,” Marino said. ““I took out

The Anthrax Vaccine and Gulf War Illness

In the early nineties, the United States speculated that Iraq’s Saddam Hussein had the capability of using biological weapons against military coalition forces in the Gulf War.¹ In response to this potential threat, military personnel from the U.S. and other countries were given several non-traditional vaccines, including anthrax vaccine, in addition to yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis B, pertussis and other vaccinations routinely given to soldiers.²

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) officials considered anthrax to be a likely organism that could be weaponized and a licensed anthrax vaccine had been stockpiled for emergency use since 1987.³Military personnel from the United Kingdom also were given vaccines for anthrax, the plague and pertussis and Canadian military personnel received similar combinations.

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http://www.thevaccinereaction.org/2017/04/the-anthrax-vaccine-and-gulf-war-illness/#.WVPDujtZNxY.facebook

Saturday, October 14, 2017

What is Occipital Neuralgia? How Is It Related To Fibromyalgia?

One of the worst things about fibromyalgia, besides the chronic pain and fatigue, has to be the way that people who suffer from fibromyalgia are at risk of so many other conditions like autoimmune diseases and especially, chronic headaches.

It’s estimated that up to forty percent of people with fibromyalgia suffer from migraines or some other form of a persistent headache. But like fibromyalgia, it’s hard to get to the bottom of what’s causing your headaches. And like fibromyalgia, migraines are often misdiagnosed. In fact, some people who suffer from persistent headaches aren’t actually suffering from migraines, but from a related condition called occipital neuralgia. So, what is occipital neuralgia? How is it related to fibromyalgia? And what can you do to treat it?

Read more...
http://usmedicares.com/2017/10/02/what-is-occipital-neuralgia-how-is-it-related-to-fibromyalgia/

How the VA Fueled the National Opioid Crisis and Is Killing Thousands of Veterans

Late one summer night in 2014, Kevin Keller broke into his best friend’s home. Keller was a U.S. Navy vet wracked with constant pain, and because his right arm had been crippled by a stroke, he had to use his left hand to scrawl a note of apology to his buddy:

“Marty, Sorry I broke into your house and took your gun to end the pain! FU VA!!! Can’t take it anymore.” He then drove to his nearby Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Wytheville, Virginia, and pounded on the locked doors of the medical office, probably out of frustration or as a final protest, since the facility had been closed for hours.

Read more...
http://www.newsweek.com/2017/10/20/va-fueled-opioid-crisis-killing-veterans-681552.html

Shero Women Veteran Hero - Custom Necklaces released at 2017 MIWVEC on Sat Nov 18 2017

So excited about our New line of MIWVE “Shero” Women Veteran Hero custom one of a kind handmade cooper and silver necklaces uniquely designed by Artist Annie Anglim of Anglim Art & Design in Fenton, MI. The jewelry will be available for purchase at the 2nd 2017 MIWVE Conference on Saturday November 18, 2017 “If you are brave enough to serve, you are brave enough to heal”

www.empowemiwomenvets.com

Veterans Affairs Department Doubles Down On Medical Marijuana Opposition

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs really wants the military veterans it is charged with serving to know that it isn’t going to do anything to help them access medical marijuana.

While longstanding VA policy has been to disallow government physicians from helping veterans qualify for state medical cannabis programs, a new update to the department’s website sends the message even more clearly — even though it misstates what the law actually is.

“Veterans should know that federal law classifies marijuana – including all derivative products – as a Schedule One controlled substance. This makes it illegal in the eyes of the federal government,” the department’s VA and Medical Marijuana webpage was updated to read this week.

“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is required to follow all federal laws including those regarding marijuana. As long as the Food and Drug Administration classifies marijuana as Schedule One VA health care providers may not recommend it or assist Veterans to obtain it.”

military heroes you’ve probably never heard of — and yes, they’re all women

History serves as a testament that, despite being barred from enlisting and being marginalized in the line of duty, women have continued to fight for their rights to serve their country.

A century has passed since women in the United States have been allowed to join the military in an official capacity, though many had served in unofficial roles historically. As far back as the Revolutionary War, they’ve provided much needed support during times of war as civilians and volunteers, some even disguising themselves as men in order to join the line of battle.

Read more...
https://mic.com/articles/184874/5-military-heroes-youve-probably-never-heard-of-and-yes-theyre-all-women?utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer27443&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com#.u7XL9Ozy7

Chief of VA health system steps down

WASHINGTON — The leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system unexpectedly stepped down from her position effective Saturday, leaving three top VA positions unfilled by permanent undersecretaries.

Dr. Poonam Alaigh, the acting undersecretary for health since May, sent a message to VA employees last week informing them she was resigning for family reasons.

Hiring new staff remains a problem for VA's suicide prevention efforts

WASHINGTON — Ending veterans suicide will require more mental health professionals, more research into prevention options, and more public awareness from all of America, the secretary of Veterans Affairs warned lawmakers on Wednesday.

“Every day I think about the number of Americans who are dying because we aren’t addressing the problem well enough,” David Shulkin said during a suicide prevention hearing before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

First black woman to lead West Point cadets 'humbled' by opportunity

Cadet Simone Askew -- the first African-American woman to be First Captain of West Point's Corps of Cadets -- cheers on members of the Class of 2021 at a checkpoint.

CNN)When Simone Askew was in fifth grade, she saw military cadets march in formation across the field at an Army vs. Navy football game.

At that time she didn't have a concept of what military academies were. But she was very attracted to what she saw that day from the stands. "I told my mom I wanted to lead (that formation) one day," she said.

Now 20-year-old Cadet Askew is doing exactly what she said she would. She is the first African-American woman to lead West Point's 4,400 member Corps of Cadets as its First Captain/Brigade Commander. In this role, she's the senior leader in her class, responsible for communicating between cadets and the administration and setting a class agenda.

VA selects providers for low cost dental insurance program

VA announced today that it has selected Delta Dental of California and MetLife to once again offer private dental insurance plans as part of the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).

The program was extended until Dec. 31, 2021, by the VA Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016.

“It is important to provide this care to eligible Veterans, especially those who need lower-cost insurance,” said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “VADIP underscores our commitment to support America’s Veterans and their family members.”

Read more....
http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/41797/va-selects-providers-low-cost-dental-insurance-program/

VA Photo ID Cards for All Veterans Coming in November

All honorably discharged veterans of every era will be able to get a photo identification card from the Department of Veterans Affairs starting in November due to a law passed in 2015.

The law, known as the Veterans Identification Card Act 2015, orders the VA to issue a hard-copy photo ID to any honorably discharged veteran who applies. The card must contain the veteran's name, photo and a non-Social Security identification number, the law states.

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http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/10/04/va-photo-id-cards-for-all-veterans-coming-in-november.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

Advocates warn war injuries could lead to Alzheimer’s disease

WASHINGTON — Veterans face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than civilians who never served in the military, presenting a major medical challenge to the country’s responsibilities for veterans’ health care, advocates said in a new report Monday.

The analysis — compiled by the new group Veterans Against Alzheimer’s — note that post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and even more minor neurotrauma associated with military service all significantly increase the risk of developing the fatal disease.

Years after silently combating sexual trauma, female veterans seek help

Sheila Procella of Plano, Texas, is a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard. She was diagnosed with military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2014, nearly three decades after her service. Photo by Laura Buckman/Kaiser Health News

Sheila Procella joined the Air Force in 1974 to “see the Earth,” she said. She enlisted at the tail end of the Vietnam War, shortly after graduating from high school. Although she never left her home state of Texas during eight years of service, her office job proved to be its own battlefield.

Read more...
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/years-silently-combating-sexual-trauma-female-veterans-seek-help/

VA proposed rule would override state licensing restrictions to expand access to telehealth

The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a proposed rule that would allow VA providers to treat patients in any state via telehealth, regardless of where they are licensed to practice.

The proposed rule would override state licensing restrictions that the agency says are limiting its telehealth program and allow VA physicians to treat patients anywhere in the country using the VA's telehealth technology.

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http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/va-telehealth-practice-restrictions-state-law-proposed-rule

The VA Can’t Provide Cannabis to Veterans With PTSD, so This Group Gives It Out for Free

Once a month, staff members at the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA) fill more than 100 brown paper bags with high-quality medical cannabis and pass them out for free at a local community center. For the military veterans who receive it—many of whom struggle with PTSD—the medical cannabis acts as a lifeline to health.

The SCVA, which operates out of an old office in a Santa Cruz neighborhood, has been serving local men and women since 2011, when the organization was founded by military veterans Aaron Newsom and Jason Sweatt.

Watch Video/Read more...
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/santa-cruz-veterans-alliance-cannabis-ptsd

How the military handles sexual assault cases behind closed doors

As part of a sexual harassment and assault case, Air Force investigators recovered hundreds of text messages that Col. Ronald S. Jobo, left, sent to a female subordinate in 2015. (Mickey Welsh / The Advertiser and Obtained by The Washington Post/Mickey Welsh / The Advertiser and Obtained by The Washington Post)

Read more..
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/investigations/how-the-military-handles-sexual-assault-cases-behind-closed-doors/2017/09/30/a9df0682-672a-11e7-a1d7-9a32c91c6f40_story.html

What is Hypervigilance and How it is Connected to Fibromyalgia

Hypervigilance is a state of being constantly tense, on guard, and exceptionally aware of your environment.

A small but growing body of research suggests that hypervigilance is a feature of fibromyalgia and may contribute to the common symptom of sensory overload.

The idea is that our brains become overly aware of things, which can include painful stimuli, noises, bright lights, and general activity.

Read more...
http://ushealthpedia.com/2017/09/30/what-is-hypervigilance-and-how-it-is-connected-to-fibromyalgia

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KLOBUCHAR, VETS GROUPS PUSH BURN PIT BILL

Sen. Amy Klobuchar is co-sponsor of a bill that recently passed in the Senate to create a VA center of excellence to study and treat adverse health conditions that impact vets exposed to open air burn pits that the military used to dispose of waste.

Senator Amy Klobuchar and members of Minnesota’s veteran community are calling on Congress to pass legislation to help tens of thousands of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Klobuchar is co-sponsor of a bill that recently passed in the Senate to create a VA center of excellence to study and treat adverse health conditions that impact vets exposed to open air burn pits that the military used to dispose of waste.

Don't abandon our female veterans to staggering risk of suicide

Earlier this month, the Department of Veterans Affairs released an updated version of its “Veteran Suicide Statistics by State” report, the most comprehensive examination of veteran suicide in American history which analyzed over 55 million records from 1979 to 2014 from all 50 states and four territories.

Read more...
http://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/352728-dont-abandon-americas-female-veterans-to-staggering-risk-of-suicide

Top VA health official steps down as major reforms loom

WASHINGTON — The acting under secretary for health at the Department of Veterans Affairs abruptly stepped aside on Monday, leaving the agency with yet another leadership void as VA officials prepare ambitious reforms for veterans medical benefits.

Poonam Alaigh, who had served in the post since February, said in a letter to staff that she is resigning from the job for family reasons. When she started at VA in 2015, she had publicly told staff she planned on serving with the agency for only two years.