Photograph: A view of B-500 with the newly completed pool on the left and building 4 on right
Construction crews of the new Polytrauma and Blind Rehabilitation Center (B-500) have completed installation of the membrane coating on the exterior of the building. The new center will overlap the original WBRC footprint on the Palo Alto VAPAHCS campus. This will be the VA's first and only Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center to be combined with a Blind Rehabilitation Center.
Photograph: The front of B-500 with the blue membrane coating installed.
At 174,000 square feet, this new facility is the largest consolidated rehabilitation center in the VA and will include 24 beds for the polytrauma program, 32 beds for the blind rehabilitation program, and 12 beds for the polytrauma transitional rehabilitation program. The center will also have an outpatient physical therapy/occupational therapy clinic, an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, and clinical programs for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans.
Photograph: Construction Workers begin to install siding on B-500.
Photo: A man in military uniform and woman make a heart shape with hands
February is American Heart Month.Heart disease is a major problem nation wide. Every year,
about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from
heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.To learn more about heart disease, care, and
prevention continue reading the information from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) that follows below: The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart
conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease
(also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called
plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart
disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Heart Attack Symptoms The five major symptoms of a heart attack are:
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
Shortness of breath.
If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 immediately.
Plan for Prevention The situation is alarming, but there is good news—heart disease is preventable and controllable. We can start by taking small steps every day to bring our loved ones and ourselves closer to heart health. Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people
at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart
disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may
have.As always, check with your doctor
before making any major lifestyle changes.
Eat a
healthy diet.Choosing healthful
meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its
complications.Be sure to eat plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each
day.Eating foods low in saturated fat,
trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high
cholesterol.Limiting salt or sodium in
your diet also can lower your blood pressure.
Maintain
a healthy weight.Being overweight
or obese can increase your risk for heart disease.Check with your health care provider to determine
whether your weight is in a healthy range.
Exercise
regularly.Physical activity can
help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood
pressure.The Surgeon General recommends
that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes
on most days of the week.Be sure to
check with your health care provider before starting any new fitness regime.
Monitor
your blood pressure.High blood
pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular
basis.You can check your blood pressure
at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office.Talk to your health care provider about a talking
blood pressure machine if you have vision loss.
Don't
smoke.Cigarette smoking greatly
increases your risk for heart disease.If
you don't smoke, don't start.If you do
smoke, quit as soon as possible.Your health
care provider can suggest ways to help you quit.
Limit
alcohol use.Avoid drinking too much
alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure.Men should stick to no more than two drinks
per day, and women to no more than one.
Have your
cholesterol checked.Your health
care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5
years.Talk with your doctor about this
simple blood test.
Manage your
diabetes.If you have diabetes,
monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about
treatment options. Talk to your health care provider about a talking glucometer
if you have vision loss.
Take your
medicine.If you're taking
medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow
your doctor's instructions carefully.Always
ask questions if you don't understand something.
One Step at a Time As you begin your journey to better heart health, keep these things in mind:
Don't become overwhelmed.Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart.
Don't go it alone. The journey is more fun when you have company.Ask friends and family to join you.
Don't get discouraged. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good night's sleep and do what you can tomorrow.
Reward yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress.Round up some friends for a walk, join a singing group, or have a healthy dinner with your family or friends.
Use Your Resources
The Veterans Health Adminstration has launched the MOVE!® weight self-managment program for Veterans who want to improve their health. The first step is to let your VA primary care team know that you are interested in participating.
Your VA Primary Care Team will encourage you to complete the MOVE!23 Questionnaire. You can complete this at the VA, or you can do this now at www.move.va.gov/mov23.asp.
The MOVE!23 produces a report based on your answers to help identify your specific needs. Print your report and take it with you to your next primary care visit.
The team will help you set some initial goals such as how much total weight you want to lose, how much you want to lose each week, and your plans for increasing activity and decreasing calories.
With your teams's guidance, you will choose from the support options available at you facility. Support options may include group classes, telephone support, and specialty consultations.
Click on the image below to play a brief VA video on the MOVE weight mangment program
