Sept. 6, 2012 Cholesterol – A silent killer September is National Cholesterol Education month and the 65th Medical Group is helping Lajes Airmen understand how cholesterol affects them and how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a substance that's found in your blood and is actually a good thing that helps your body build
Sept. 5, 2012 Relationship breakups may trigger suicidal thoughts Recognizing the warning signs of suicide can help save lives, but sometimes this alone is not enough. Some common indicators of suicide are depression, substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), financial distress and unexpected or uncharacteristic rage or anger.However, the majority of service members
Sept. 4, 2012 Many servicemembers overdue for Tdap vaccine As of July 11, 2012 at least 1,558 active duty personnel were due or overdue for a Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis, or Tdap, vaccine according to their Individual Medical Readiness reports. The pertussis component in the vaccine is commonly known as "whooping cough." Whooping cough is
Sept. 4, 2012 Langley Airmen to raise suicide awareness through community walk In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 15 minutes, which claims more than 36,000 lives each year. Suicides among U.S. military members have spiked this year, and according to Pentagon figures, it is the highest rate so far during a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.According to
Sept. 4, 2012 Flight surgeon busts lightning myths The Italian peninsula is no stranger to thunderstorms. The ancient Romans believed Jupiter hurled bolts of lightning and issued thunderclaps from his throne on Mount Olympus. Near Aviano Air Base in northern Italy, large storm cells sweep down from nearby mountains with little or no warning. Injury
Aug. 28, 2012 AF senior leaders stress safety over Labor Day weekend Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to all Air Force personnel:As our Nation pays tribute to American workers during Labor Day weekend, we thank all Airmen for your
Aug. 28, 2012 Medical staff offers course for sleep deprived A study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly a third of American workers are chronically sleep-deprived by sleeping less than six hours. This CDC-dubbed "public health epidemic" spells potential health problems for the Air Force's active-duty members as well
Aug. 27, 2012 Medical professionals recommend year-round immunizations August is National Immunization Awareness Month, the time of year when many parents rush their children to the doctor's office or clinic for their shots because of school requirements.However, emphasizing the importance of a regular immunization schedule is part of the everyday mission of health
Aug. 23, 2012 Fight the flu: keep vaccines current Incirlik's allergy and immunization clinic is encouraging Airmen, their families and all Department of Defense employees to raise their personal awareness during National Immunization Awareness Month in August.Vaccines protect people from dangerous diseases and play a key role in maintaining unit
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. 6, 2012 Whooping cough -- early intervention is the key By The death of a 4-week old infant in Enid, Okla., has heightened awareness and concerns about the prevention and treatment of whooping cough.The 71st Medical Group is dedicated to providing beneficiaries with all the tools they may need to protect themselves from this disease.Pertussis, a
Aug. 6, 2012 Physical therapy treats Airmen’s aches, pains Everyone has been through something in life where they needed a helping hand to get them back on their feet.Whether it's recovering from a broken bone or surgical procedure, a sprain or strain, runner's knee, sore feet or a bad back -- physical therapy can help.A physical therapist's role is helping
Aug. 3, 2012 NHCC preps for major inspection Naval Health Clinic Charleston is scheduled to undergo a rigorous on-site survey from the Joint Commission between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9, 2012. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors will evaluate NHCC for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection
July 26, 2012 Physical therapy heals and prevents The 20th Medical Group, physical therapists work every day helping Airmen and Soldiers at Shaw Air Force Base restore mobility and strength so they are able to continue doing their jobs to their fullest ability and accomplish the mission."The purpose of therapy is to restores long-term function and
July 19, 2012 Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 On 10 July 2012, President Obama signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 into law. This new law makes the use, possession or distribution of certain synthetic drugs illegal. Specifically, this Act added fifteen synthetic cannabinoids, which are commonly known as "Spice," and eleven
July 18, 2012 Staying active keeps heart healthy, prevents disease Staying active doesn't just help get or keep weight off; it helps lower the chances of getting weight-related diseases. It also can improve one's sleep, self esteem and ability to handle everyday stresses. Unfortunately, not everyone leads an active lifestyle and the consequences of an inactive
July 12, 2012 A nurse's story from Afghanistan In the darkness of the night a helicopter on a medevac mission flew across the hot, dry land of Afghanistan carrying a wounded Afghan in critical condition.U.S. Air Force Capt. Jennifer Mitchum, of Shaw's 20th Medical Operations Squadron a clinic nurse and flight chief at the Family Health Clinic,
June 8, 2012 Mold mitigation can prevent health problems As summer approaches and humid weather settles in, mold will make its annual appearance in homes and buildings.Mold that is normally in the air becomes challenging when it settles on moist surfaces and begins to grow, causing structural damage as well as occasional symptoms such as allergies and
May 29, 2012 C-130 crew delivers medical aid to Yemen The U.S. military has provided emergency medical aid to Yemen that's being used to help treat Yemeni soldiers and others who'd been wounded in a May 21 terrorist suicide bombing attack in the country's capital, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today.A U.S. Air Force C-130
May 14, 2012 Military HIV/AIDS conference promotes awareness, prevention The 2012 International Military HIV/AIDS Conference concluded here today after four days of sharing insights into new ways to re-energize military HIV/AIDS prevention programs.Presentations by subject matter experts, interactive discussions and workshops were among the ways participants shared