Vets With PTSD More Prone to Heart Risk Factors

Young Vets With PTSD Are More Prone

to Heart Risk Factors!!!

Researcher suspects mental health issues may lead

to unhealthy habits...By

Kathleen Doheny, Health Day Reporter

TUESDAY, Aug. 4 (Health Day News) -- Veterans

of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts who have

mental health problems such as post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD) are also at higher risk for

having cardiovascular disease risk factors, a new

study suggests.

While previous studies have found that those

with PTSD, a common mental health problem

among veterans who have seen combat, are at

increased risk of developing and dying from

cardiovascular disease, risk factors for heart

attack and stroke have not been evaluated in

this group, said Dr. Beth E. Cohen, an assistant

professor of medicine at the University of

California San Francisco and staff physician at

the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Cohen led the study, published in the Aug. 5 issue

of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"Our main finding was that vets with mental health

issues -- both PTSD and others -- had a

significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with

a variety of heart disease risk factors," Cohen said.

Cohen and her colleagues looked at national data

from veterans who sought care at VA facilities,

comparing more than 267,000 male vets with

and without mental health diagnoses and nearly

36,000 female vets with and without mental

health issues.

In PTSD, the sufferer "relives" the trauma

via flashbacks or in other ways, such as

becoming hyper-vigilant to everyday sounds.

Other mental health issues seen among vets

include depression, anxiety disorder,

adjustment disorder and alcohol and

substance abuse.

Cohen's team looked at doctors' codes in the

records for cardiovascular risk factors,

including tobacco use, high blood

pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels,

obesity or diabetes. "Because their average

age is 30, they are typically too young to have

already developed heart disease," Cohen said.

"So, we looked at risk factors."

---------------part 2 coming soon------------------

SOURCES: Beth E. Cohen, M.D., assistant professor,

medicine, University of California, San Francisco,

and staff physician, San Francisco VA Medical Center;

Mark Kaplan, Dr.P.H., professor, community health,

Portland State University, Oregon; Aug. 5, 2009,

Journal of the American Medical Association;

Aug. 7, 2009, presentation, American Psychological

Association annual meeting, in Toronto.
Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

--------------------------------------------

"I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In Sleep"

Amazon.com

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Listen to the "Veterans Voice" Every Wednesday

at 3:30 PM EST

ANOTHER HERO REMEMBERED

Cpl Michael B. Presley U.S. Marine Corps


Cpl Michael B. Presley, 21, of Batesville, Mississippi, died
December 14, 2005 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
in Germany of wounds sustained from a suicide, vehicle-borne
improvised explosive device while conducting combat
operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq, on Dec 12.

Presley was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion,
2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N. C.
Brandon joined the Marine Corps in 2003. He graduated from
Parris Island in Dec of 2003 and continued his training in Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri. Then he served one year with the 1st
Marine Aircraft Wing at Okinawa, Japan.

After Japan, Brandon reported to the 2nd Combat Engineer
Battalion for duty as a Motor Transport Operation in March of
2005 at Camp Lejeune. Cpl Presley deployed to the theater of
operation in Sept of 2005 and supported numerous combat
operations in support of the 2nd Marine Division, 8th Marine
Regiment in Fallujian, Iraq.

On Dec 12th, 2005, while conducting a logistical convoy to
the civil military operations center to deliver ballots and voting
supplies in support of the Iraqi national election, the convoy
that Cpl. Presley was participating in came under attack from
a suicide vehicle borne improvised device (SVBIED).

Cpl. Presley was the vehicle commander for the second
Medium Tactical Replacement in the convoy. As the convoy
passed, a taxi that had pulled off to the right side of route Fran,
the taxi pulled out and into the path of Presley’s vehicle.

When Cpl. Presley observed this, he immediately started to
initiate escalation force procedures. Due to the fact that the
taxi was non-responsive, Cpl Presley drew his M16A4 and
was preparing to engage the lone occupant of the taxi. As he
did this, the SVBIED initiated its device early, before it
had actually impacted the MTVR.

This quick action saved not only his driver, but also the cargo
that they were carrying, the Iraqi ballots. He valiantly put his
fellow marines and mission accomplishment ahead of his own
safety.

Presley was wounded by shrapnel in the blast and
later died of his wounds.

Cpl. Presley will be remembered for his broad smile, love of God
love of life, love of his country and his devotion to duty.

Submitted by Pamela Cousar,
Proud Mother of CPL. Michael B. Presley (Brandon)


Semper Fi, Brother
Doc E. Everett McFall

Vietnam Class of 1966-1967

Laptops for the Wounded Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Laptops for the Wounded has set the date for it's
Annual Charity Golf Tournament. It is October 9th
at Hawk's Landing Golf Course in Southington, CT. If
you would like to play at the outing, please follow the
instructions on the attached registration document.
Laptops for the Wounded Golf Outing Event - 2009.doc
(63KB)

Since last years event, they attainment of the federal
recognized 501c3 charity status. This has opened up
considerable doors for the advancement of the charity
to aid our wounded service members. Another change was
the redesign of the www.laptopsforthewounded.com website
by 2 Brothers Web Design in Branford , CT. This allowed
our mission statement and pertinent information to be
presented in a more intuitive, professional manner.

A new and greatly appreciated supporter of
Laptops for the Wounded comes in the form of the
NJVC Company out of Vienna, Virginia www.njvc.com. Over
the Christmas season, NJVC had a fundraiser for our charity,
the results raised $20,000. Another NJVC fundraiser was a
golf tournament recently held in Chantilly, Virginia that raised
an additional $13,000! 20-laptops have been purchased and
built by Laptops for the Wounded and 16 laptops delivered
to Walter-Reed Hospital, and 2 being sent to the Richmond
Virginia VA hospital for spinal cord injured troops.

50+more laptops are going to be ordered within the next
couple-weeks to bring Fort Stewart, Haley VA in Tampa and
new military hospitals up to a comfortable level of laptops, as
well as further supporting Walter-Reed.

The 8th Grade class of the Woodstock CT Middle School also
had a fundraiser to raise their own money for buying laptops
for the wounded troops. They were able to raise the money
to purchase 3-laptops and I was honored to be able to assist
in their build up as well as being able to personally deliver
those laptops with Viziflex Vision Aid keyboard stickers to
Walter-Reed on June 25th.

Thank you for thinking of our wounded troops health and well-being,

Phil Drouin - President / CEO
Laptops for the Wounded
Acworth, New Hampshire
ALL Donations are WELCOME!!
www.laptopsforthewounded.com
---------------------------------
"Freedom Isn’t Free…..Someone Paid the Bill"
---------------------------------
Doc E. Everett McFall,
Host of “The Veterans Forum” Talk Show.

JBVAMC Farmer's Market

Today’s Guest on the VETERAN'S FORUM were Dr. Sarah Catanese, Coordinator for the MOVE Program at JBVAMC Chicago, IL and Jenny O’ Donohue, NP, Coordinator for the MOVE Program for VISN 12. Move stands for: Managing Overweight/Obesity for Veterans Everywhere (http://www.move.va.gov/)

They announced the launching of the First Annual Illinois Medical District Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

Excess weight is a major problem for US citizens (64%), but an even greater problem for Veterans (72.7%). This is particularly alarming because the consequences of being overweight or obese include increased mortality, greater cost of care, and decreased quality of life. Not to mention other health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, blindness, lost of limbs, etc,etc… The MOVE program at the VA focuses on losing weight for health and wellness of its Veteran clients.

The Market will run from July 10th until October 2nd, it will take place every Friday from 7 am until 1 pm on the Arthington Mall, on the UIC Medical School Campus across from the Jesse Brown VAMC (820 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago 60612) off of Damen between Taylor and Polk. Although JBVA’s patients are Veteran’s, their dependants, and Military personnel, the Farmer’s Market is open to the public.
This project would provide access to healthy food and education about the benefits of fresh produce, provide a pleasant oasis in a busy urban environment and serve to reduce stress, and establish the VA as a partner with the adjacent medical centers in promoting healthy eating habits.

Vendors will be selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, tomatoes, salsas, pasta sauces, and preserves. There will be music, recipe ideas, and contact information for the MOVE! Program at JBVA. "We are also looking into offering short 'soothing massages' to help relieve stress for a small fee,'' Dr. Catanese said.

JBVA is one of four large medical centers within an economically under served area just southwest of downtown Chicago. Each of three other Medical Centers (UIC, RUSH, and John Stroger Hospital of Cook County) will share a mutual benefit with JBVA. The Farmers Market will provide a chance for the local community and the medical district to enjoy the benefits of social gathering and community activity in a serene and healthy environment.

Tables and booths still available Vendors should contact: Megan Richardson 312-569-6561 or Dr. Catanese 312-569-8505. ----------------------------------------------------- Doc E. Everett McFall, HostThe Veteran’s Forum http://internetvoicesradio.com/
To listen to previous broadcast shows click on “Archives”, then click on E. Everett McFall.
"I CAN STILL HEAR THEIR CRIES, EVEN IN MY SLEEP'' ISBN: 9 781432 704575 Amazon.Com and book stores everywhere! Author Autographed copies available only $14.95 including shipping: E. Everett McFall, PO Box 11557, Merrillville, IN 46411

Would You Want A President With PTSD?

WHEN MIGHT A MAN [A WAR HERO A POW SURIVOR)
have a PTSD EVENT...A flashback? A outburst of anger?}



P.T.S.D. is no joking matter. This is an illness that is profound
and and can be lifelong, usually requiring medications to keep
(it) under control! ARE THE PEOPLES nominated for
Leadership of this Great Nation required to disclose any
and ALL Prescription MEDICATIONS They are taking?

I NEED TO KNOW THIS Answer? I believe we all know drugs
can alter mood anxiety,...and if not taken can, CAUSE very
unpleasant episodes. I would not want anyone in this position to
have rely on these types of medications for optimal performance,
because without them they become less efficient and think in a
different manner!

My reason! I know that all medications can stop working for any
number of reasons and before a replacement can be found the
person in question may not be in there right mind as we know it!

I feel Senator McCain, has does his best to keep it under control,
or at least, keep the knowledge of it out of the Public View. Why?
It is also my understanding he has released Medical information
which is required for a Presidential nominee. However, we know
very little about His Psychiatric History and medications which
should also be required. As a Vietnam Veteran, with PTSD,
and on several medications, I feel this is also justifiable.

Remember the way he clenched hid jaw so often when debating
Obama, his inability to look at him with respect in his face, I feel
has a deeper significance then just trying to win. I feel that was
the only way he could maintain control of his emotions. PSTD
manifests itself in many ways, uncontrollable anger and many
other ways and has many different features> More info on
PSTD, best source I am aware of:
(the DSM VI American VERSION)

In addition to all of this there's his nasty sense of humor aimed
as hurtful humor that jokes of rape, bigotry or prejudice or the
fact that that McCain twice attempted suicide as he
reported to his doctors in his recently disclosed medical reports.
All of this really begs the question IS John McCain really
mentally fit and rational enough to be president?

This is a difficult question that voters need to seriously answer.
Plus should the McCain Campaign be more forthcoming with
any mental health records, as this information is just as
important if not more so, than the health records they have
so far released.

The U.S. needs a president who seriously weighs when to
actually use military power only when necessary and not one
who sings a song parody of a Beach Boys song,
"Bomb,Bomb, Bomb Iran" when asked a question about
the Iranian nuclear program. The U.S. has the most
powerful military and nuclear arsenal in the world.
Voters need to be darn sure that the person with their
finger on the "red" button has good mental health and
anger management.

How DO WE KNOW ; THAT HE WON'T HAVE A POST
TRAUMATIC EVENT AT A CRITICAL MOMENT IN
TIME! WHAT IF HE HAD A FLASHBACK BACK
TO THE ATROCITIES HE LIVED THROUGH?

Countries like Iran are always going to do nonsense things
to anger the U.S., however this cannot be used as some
justification to take some bold step from which there is no
easy return. Sticky situations like Vietnam and Iraq are
very easy to get into, but famously difficult to exit from.
There's no "I'm just kidding" excuse once U.S. troops or
even worse, nuclear missiles are sent off to answer
something.

Kennedy was famous for the nuclear war that he avoided
with the Soviet Union over the Cuban Missile Crisis in
1962. From what we know of John McCain's reasoning,
judgment, TEMPERMENT and poor anger management
skills, who could really say that McCain would be able to
get the same positive outcome if he had been in the same
position as president.

Would the other presidential candidate be
treated with the same indifference if he had an
attempted suicide in HIS biography?
---------------------------------------------------
National Suicide Hot-Line, 24 hours a day...
1-800-273-8255
---------------------------------------------------

ED FREEMAN - MEDAL Of HONOR RECIPIENT

Ed Freeman

You're an 18 or 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying
in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965. LZ Xray , Vietnam .

Your Infantry Unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so
intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry
Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you
know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the
world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again.

As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of
a helicopter, and you look up to see a Huey, but it doesn't seem
real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is
coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's
flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the
Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in, lands his Huey Helicopter and sits there in the
middle of heavy intense machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of
you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire,
to the Doctors and Nurses.

And, he kept coming back...... 13 more times..... and took about 30
of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman died last Wednesday at the
age of 80, in Boise , ID ......

Thank You Ed Freeman...for YOUR SERVICE and
YOUR SACRIFICE...
May God Rest his Soul...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
Journey Into PTSD: by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on ourweekly radio
show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

VA Grants Disability to Military Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease

The ALS Association Michigan Chapter's

678 Front St ------- 675 Big Beaver Rd
Suite 159 ------- Suite 207
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 ------- Troy, MI 48083
Fax: 616.459.4522 ------- Fax: 248.680.6541

Contact:
Stacey Chase, Executive Director
866.927.CURE
Stacey@alsa-michigan.org

VA Grants Disability and Health Benefits to Military
Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease; The ALS Association
Michigan Chapter Calls New Policy a Historic Victory for Veterans

Troy, MI (September 25, 2008) - The Department of Veterans
Affairs published groundbreaking new regulations today that grant
military veterans diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease full access to
health and disability benefits, regardless of where or when they
served in the military. The new rules take effect immediately.

The decision to establish a presumption of service connection for ALS
(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a tremendous victory for veterans
living with the disease and is the culmination of years of work by The
ALS Association to expand benefits for those diagnosed with the fatal
neurodegenerative disease made famous by baseball legend Lou Gehrig.

The Association has been the leading organization advocating for this
policy change at the VA for many years. In 2001, The Association
strongly supported the VA’s decision to grant benefits to veterans of
the 1991 Persian Gulf War and has championed legislative efforts to
build on that policy so that it applies to all veterans with ALS.

“We are so pleased to see the efforts of so many ALS advocates
realized. We have many Veterans in Michigan with ALS that will
benefit from this legislation.” – Stacey Chase, Executive Director

According to studies, military veterans within the last century such
as Tom Franz, 62, of Flushing and Eric Fox, 38 of West Michigan are
nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as those with no history of
military service, regardless of where or when they served in the
military.

Most recently, The Association advocated for legislation (H.R. 5454)
introduced by Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC) that would have
established ALS as a service connected disease. Thanks to the
combined efforts of the VA Secretary James Peake, members of
Congress, The Association and veterans across the county this
legislation no longer is needed.

"Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general
population, and it was appropriate to take action," VA Secretary
James Peake said. "ALS is a disease that progresses rapidly, once
it is diagnosed. There simply isn't time to develop the evidence
needed to support compensation claims before many veterans
become seriously ill. My decision will make those claims much
easier to process, and for them and their families to receive the
compensation they have earned through their service to our
Nation."

“We are extremely grateful to Secretary Peake, Congressman
Brown and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for standing on the
side of veterans with ALS across the country,” said Gary Leo,
president and CEO of The Association. “Thanks to their
leadership, veterans with ALS will receive the benefits and care
they need, when they need them. Thanks to their efforts, no
veteran with ALS will ever be left behind.”

Veterans living with ALS across the county also played a vital role
in advancing this critical policy change, which was first identified
as a priority by The Association’s Veteran’s Affairs Issue Team.
Jeff Faull, a Navy veteran from The Association’s Greater
Philadelphia Chapter, Brigadier General Tom Mikolajcik (USAF Ret.),
who helped found The Association’s South Carolina Chapter and Jim
Thew, a Navy veteran from the Greater Chicago Chapter, all
testified to Congress and helped lead the effort to improve
benefits for all veterans with ALS.

“Veterans living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease now have one less
hurdle to face on an already difficult road,” said Steve Gibson,
The Association’s vice president of government relations and
public affairs. “Our heroes who have served in the military and
those serving today can now be reassured that our government
will fight for them just as they fought for us.”

ALS, a fatal progressive, neurodegenerative disease, is striking
at this nation’s heroes the hardest
(ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service);
however, the reasons are not known at this time.

The ALS Association is a leader in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. The mission of the organization is to lead the fight to cure
and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to
empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to
live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and
support.

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep

Wow! We made the front page, and without a big
Post Office "WANTED" Style Poster- LOL
Thanks to Clairice Still and the Staff of the ...
The Veterans Voice Newspaper
www.theveteransvoice.com

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

If You Value Your FREEDOM-
Thank A VET!!!

Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide

VA Oversight Update:
Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide Among
Veterans on July 9
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House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Jul 02, 2008
Related Articles: At War on the 4th of July - Dialog Between Vietnam
War and Iraq War Veterans
Major League Baseball Honors Veterans on July 4,
July 4, VCS in the News: Vets Mull Wins and Losses in Benefit Fight,
Veterans Celebrate Independence Day in Illinois,
War Photo Brought Dwyer an Unwelcome Fame

News Archives
July 3, 2008 - Why Does the VA Continue to Give a Suicide–
Inducing Drug to Veterans with PTSD

Chairman Bob Filner and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Schedules New Hearing on Suicide and PTSD.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 10:00 a.m.
334 Cannon House Office Building

Comment here (2 comments).
Veterans for Common SensePost Office Box 15514 Washington, DC 20003
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741

Google PTSD ALERT

Google PTSD Alert: 07-06-08

Hidden Casualties: Suicides, PTSD Haunt US Veterans
By Signs of the Times: A year and a half ago, Scott Eiswert, a
specialist in the Tennessee Army National Guard, returned
from Iraq, only to face an escalating battle with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). When he learned that his unit would
deploy again... Signs of the Times - http://www.sott.net

Re: Soldier in Nationally Published Photo Dies After
PTSD Struggle
Stories like this make my heart hurt. I have never seen combat, but
I can only imagine the horrors these men and women see in the war.
To have their brothers and sisters in arms falling around them, and
yet they can find it in their...
MyDeathSpace.com - http://mydeathspace.com/smf/index.php

Question: How best to help a loved one with PTSD/Depression?
By Langdon- My question is this: As a carer, what types of creative
things do you do that help encourage a PTSD sufferer who is
dealing with depression? A very important person in my life suffers
from PTSD and has had reoccuring depression at...
PTSD Forum - http://www.ptsdforum.org

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
By Guest - Many people associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) with the military, and that is a valid reason to have the
disorder; however, there are many other traumatic experiences
that can cause a person to experience PTSD...
Romow Health & Beauty Blog-http://www.romow.com/health-blog

Virtual War Zone on 4th of July (PTSD)
By Kilong Ung - Unfortunately, the (celabratory use of) fireworks
can easily trigger terrible fear, anxiety, loneliness, horrible
memory, depression and insomnia for those who have lived through
combat zone and now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)...Blog - http://kilong-ung.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741