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Providing a Little Backup
A new program aims to provide police officers with a second line of defense.
Looking for a way to help our "boys in blue"? Then join the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program - the newest volunteer opportunity to have emerged through the recently launched U.S. Freedom Corps and Citizen Corps initiatives.
Administered through the U.S. Department of Justice, VIPS seeks to provide support for resource-constrained law enforcement agencies by tapping civilian volunteers to perform routine, non-sworn duties (i.e., answering phones, compiling crime data, facilitating crime prevention programs, and preparing incident reports) in order to free up more officers for frontline duty.
"The efforts of these volunteers enable officers to stay on the front lines where they are needed most," says Attorney General John Ashcroft. "Through programs such as [VIPS], volunteers can assist police in performing routine duties, which are necessary to the efficient operation of their departments. Though the work may not be glamorous, it is essential."
For more information, visit VIPS' Web site via TROA's links page, www.troa.org/magazine/links.asp.
Gulf War Medical Site
If you are a veteran or a family member seeking more information about Gulf War-related medical conditions, the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched a searchable Web site just for you.
Medsearch, a central repository of Gulf War-related medical research, is designed to serve the needs of both researchers and the average person. The site is indexed with plain-language topic headings - such as "pesticides" and "depleted uranium" - that may not be available on other sites.
"This Web site, a cooperative effort in support of Gulf War veterans and their families, reflects the commitment of all three agencies to learning more about deployment-related illnesses and sharing what we learn," says Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Medsearch is available via TROA's links page, www.troa.org/magazine/links.asp.
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An Emotional Journey
Seeking to connect with the land where their fathers perished, members of Sons and Daughters In Touch (SDIT), the national organization representing children of American servicemembers lost during the Vietnam War, are planning a two-week trip to Vietnam in March 2003.
The trip will begin in Ho Chi Minh City, will include stops in Bien Hoa, Hue, Da Nang, China Beach, and the central highlands, and will end in Hanoi. Participants will visit battlefields and meet Vietnamese veterans and their families. Teams will be assigned to key areas, and team leaders, comprising American Vietnam veterans and native Vietnamese guides, will be appointed to help members make their travel arrangements and find the sites of their fathers' deaths. The cost of the trip is $3,500.
While this trip may not be for everyone, many participating SDIT members are hoping to find a connection with their fathers and some emotional closure. Says one participant in the upcoming trip to Vietnam, "My father was [killed in action] Nov. 20, 1966, [when] I was only 11 months old. ... I felt like no one understood why I've always wanted to go to Vietnam. I have never been able to afford to go there, but I hope to save enough money to go when SDIT [takes its] trip in 2003. I feel like it will help me understand more about why my dad gave his life for the freedom of all who desired it."
For more information about the trip to Vietnam or about SDIT, call (800) 984-9994, or visit SDIT's Web site via TROA's links page, www.troa.org/magazine/links.asp.
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HEALTH BEAT
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Hot news for you on medical care benefits
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Communication Is Key
One of the greatest barriers to communication between you and your physician is limited time. However, the following tips can make the time you spend in your doctor's office more effective.
Listen to your body. Take time to make a self-assessment before your appointment, and write down your symptoms. Focus on descriptive terms, such as "intense," "dull," or "pulsating." Try to relate the symptoms to your activities, time of day, and past experiences.
Bring a list. A list of questions or concerns also is helpful during your visit. As a patient, you may feel rushed or your train of thought may be interrupted; a list can help you be accurate and stay focused. A list also can be helpful if you are seeing several different physicians. Communicating consistent information will keep everyone current on your health care. Always keep a card in your wallet with a list of your allergies and current medications you are taking in case of an emergency. Make sure the list includes all the supplements you are taking. Vitamins, herbs, over-the-counter medications, and diet pills can interact with your prescription and may even cause your symptoms. Double-check the prescription list with your clinician, and check with your family members about family medical history.
Don't believe everything you read - especially on the Internet. Anyone can post information on the Internet without backing it up. While bringing in articles may facilitate a discussion with your physician, don't be surprised if he or she is cautious about the information's source. Your doctor may have more insight into your particular case.
Give yourself time to heal and stay healthy. The best physician plan in the world will not work if a patient is too busy to comply. Taking time off for prescribed rest can be difficult - ask for additional assistance whenever you can. Scheduling time for lifestyle changes is just as important. Any change takes time, especially if it involves exercise.
Keep the plan simple. A physician may provide you with a lot of information. Ask questions to clarify any instructions. If you have any problems or concerns, request a telephone consult or schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
Good communication with your physician is critical in determining which treatments you may need and how to maintain your good health.
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