Aug. 23, 2012 Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle The Air Force Spice Testing Lab became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air Force's ongoing efforts to deter use of "spice," the common name for synthetic cannabinoids. The
Aug. 22, 2012 Updating your DEERS information helps your healthcare team Whatever your military status; active duty, Reservist, retired or dependent, your registration in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is an integral part for many aspects of military life and especially necessary with respect to establishing your TRICARE eligibility. Without your
Aug. 22, 2012 Knowing where to request records saves time, money In an effort to save time and money, the master personnel records branch staff at the Air Force Personnel Center wants retirees and former Airmen to know the correct procedures for requesting medical and personnel record information."Knowing the correct procedures can not only cut down on the
Aug. 21, 2012 Overcoming PTSD: MICC contracting officer gets back in fight to help fellow Soldiers A trip to today's military hospitals reveals American warriors afflicted with many different ailments, including battle injuries, missing limbs and severe scars. Time and medical care eventually heals all physical wounds, but some wounds leave no physical scars. Stress and anxiety can take its toll
Aug. 21, 2012 Team Andrews ceremonial guardsmen respond to car crash, help save lives Their job that day was to provide final honors on behalf of a grateful nation for a retired master sergeant who had come to the end of his life journey in West Virginia.While on their journey home from the funeral, however, six-members of the Andrews Base Honor Guard used their skills to preserve
Aug. 20, 2012 AF addresses use of 'bath salts' with zero tolerance A dangerous designer drug with an innocuous name is growing in popularity, causing concern in the military and in the civilian world.Marketed as "bath salts," these retail products contain chemicals that are synthetic derivatives of cathinone, a central nervous system stimulant, and are known to
Aug. 19, 2012 U.S. Air Force Spice Testing Lab goes full throttle The Air Force Spice Testing Lab became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air Force's ongoing efforts to deter use of Spice, the common name for synthetic cannabinoids. The
Aug. 17, 2012 Showcasing America's Airmen in New York City Air Force Week returns to New York City this Sunday, Aug. 19, providing flyovers, concerts and opportunities to meet Airmen serving in the U.S. Air Force.The purpose of Air Force Week is to build relationships outside the local base community, reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Air Force
Aug. 16, 2012 North Carolina ANG, Botswana defense force find common ground The C-130 Hercules is a versatile aircraft that serves several different roles depending on the need and location.In addition to missions like transport, airdrop, airlift support, resupply and natural disaster relief, the C-130 can also be configured for aeromedical evacuation missions.As part of
Aug. 14, 2012 Laboratory Developed tests covered under TRICARE demonstration may help guide cancer treatment decisions Some TRICARE beneficiaries will soon be able to take advantage of new technologies aimed at helping patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions regarding treatment options for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for some types of cancer.On May 22, 2012, two laboratory
Aug. 14, 2012 Keesler medics bring expertise to Peruvian towns Members of the 81st Medical Group recently returned from nearly two weeks in Peru where they participated in a medical readiness training exercise.Led by Maj. Ronald Eller, 81st Medical Support Squadron Medical Logistics Flight commander, 17 dragon medics provided medical care to citizens of three
Aug. 13, 2012 How to recognize a heat–related illness During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from ones that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. The following checklist
Aug. 13, 2012 Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air
Aug. 8, 2012 Many missions, one goal: HAWC staff devoted to health Commonly confused as part of the 325th Force Support Squadron or the individuals who run physical training tests, the Health and Wellness Center was established in 1995 as part of each base's medical group.Their mission is to assess health risks of individuals, families and groups of the Tyndall
Aug. 8, 2012 U.S., Botswana open MEDLITE 12 Airmen from units across the U.S. and members of the Botswana defense forces kicked off MEDLITE 12, a two-week aeromedical evacuation exercise, here today.The goal of MEDLITE 12 is to enhance U.S. and Botswana capabilities to work together by introducing the U.S. aeromedical evacuation system of
Aug. 8, 2012 779th Medical Group essential to Vibrant Response 13 The "walking wounded" arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Group. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum
Aug. 7, 2012 Bath Salts: Not a way to relax Recently the dangers of "bath salts" have been in the news, though these bath salts are not the kind that promote relaxation, but the ones that destroy lives.According to information on the Drug Enforcement Administration's website, www.dea.gov, synthetic cathinones, better known as "bath salts,"
Aug. 7, 2012 A shot to health A new Air Force policy mandates servicemembers to receive a vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis.Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases. Tetanus causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness, usually all over the body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in
Aug. 7, 2012 Make immune system healthy, strong The body's immune system has many jobs including fighting against bacteria, parasites and fungi. It is also essential in keeping the body healthy from infection.The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that together prevent and defend against attacks to the body,