Apr 29, 2013

Warrior Transition Battalion-Alaska staff members, both military and civilian, work hard to instill this confidence and earn the trust of the Soldiers who are assigned to their unit.

Apr 26, 2013

When service members deploy, their mentality is to stay focused with determination and courage to succeed in their given mission. However, when they are injured in combat -- to stay focused is not about the mission, it's about getting back confidence that is sometimes lost.

Apr 26, 2013

Good nutrition is a family affair, whether one member has a few pounds to lose or if everyone just wants to have good health and the energy to do the activities they love. There are a number of things you can do to engage your family in food-related matters so that meals and snacks can be both nutritious and delicious.

Apr 25, 2013

The week celebrates laboratory medicine and recognizes the professionalism of lab personnel and their efforts. Since the development of this field in the 1920s, the laboratory science professional has played a progressively more critical role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease.

Apr 25, 2013

Approximately 90 percent of acute mild traumatic brain injury patients and 80 percent of chronic mTBI patients display vestibular disorders, such as vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium. In addition, reports from occupational and physical therapists indicate that Soldiers recovering from mTBI experience balance-related difficulties with weapons utilization.

Apr 23, 2013

The "Mass Casualty" alarm could be heard over loud speakers throughout Forward Operating Base Gamberi in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, April 8, 2013.

Apr 22, 2013

Several wounded warriors suited up with pads, helmets and gloves, as they learned the ins and outs of adaptive lacrosse during a clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Md., April 11, 2013.

Apr 8, 2013

SONSONATE, El Salvador -- Joint Task Force Jaguar recently tested itself by conducting a mass casualty exercise here as it prepares for Beyond the Horizon 2013 mission.

Apr 5, 2013

FORT HOOD, Texas --The likelihood of a school-aged American child receiving a diagnosis of autism, Asperger syndrome or a related developmental disorder is on the rise. In 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated one in every 110 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. That number has risen to 1 in 50, according to an analysis of a phone survey of parents released in March 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Apr 5, 2013

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be observed locally and nationwide April 27. Sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the day is specifically set aside to allow an opportunity to empty medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers, purses and pillboxes of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs, and take them to authorized collection sites in local communities.

Apr 5, 2013

The Army launched its official recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the courtyard of the Pentagon, April 5, 2013, with the announcement of a new theme meant to convey how the service hopes to eradicate sexual assault within the ranks.

Apr 5, 2013

What do all of us have in common when it comes to children? Protecting them.

Apr 4, 2013

The Warrior Transition Command announced the Army team for the 2013 Warrior Games, April 3, 2013, in Alexandria, Va.

Apr 3, 2013

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

Apr 3, 2013

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the Army and is part of a national initiative that designates the month of April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

Apr 3, 2013

Sgt. 1st Class Josalette Simmons has been selected the Department of the Army Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) of the Year for 2013. Simmons, a Medic assigned to U. S. Army Forces Command, was one of several candidates to make it as a nominee for the DA title.

Apr 3, 2013

Do you want to get a cleaning with your annual dental exam? If you had a cavity, wouldn't you like to take care of it the same day, too?" In an effort to enhance the command functioning as an operating company model and create a consistent patient/employee experience, the U.S. Army Dental Command (DENCOM) continues the planning stages of the Army Dentistry Go First Class (GFC) Initiative.

Feb 6, 2013

Secretary of the Army John McHugh stepped into a high-tech world of psychology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Feb. 6, 2013.

Feb 5, 2013

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital command and staff joined Army Medicine worldwide in honoring patients during Patient Recognition Month.

Feb 5, 2013

Secretary of the Army John McHugh Feb. 4, 2013, directed that programs from resilience training to suicide prevention be part of a wide-ranging "Ready and Resilient Campaign" plan, which will launch later this month.

Feb 3, 2013

Children's Dental Health Month activities will be held by the Fort Leonard Wood Dental Activity staff for children at post elementary schools, child development centers, and libraries throughout the month of February. Dentists and dental healthcare workers across the country traditionally visit schools, daycares, and public healthcare centers to promote oral health to children during this annual observance, and it's no different on a military installation. DENTAC staff will be out in full force to reach as many children as possible and perform skits, read stories, and have classroom question-and-answer fun for both children and parents.

Feb 1, 2013

Officials with PEO Soldier reviewed and discussed the improvements of the new female specific tactical vest with Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Jan. 31, 2013.

Feb 1, 2013

Handwashing with soap is an affordable "do-it-yourself" vaccine that effectively prevents disease.

Jan 31, 2013

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, awarded a $648 million contract, Jan. 29, 2013, for the construction of the Fort Bliss, Texas, replacement hospital.

Jan 16, 2013

It's easy to wash your hands, but also easy to do it wrong, or ineffectively. Proper hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Documented studies show that normal human skin is colonized with two types of bacteria. One is the resident germ that works to keep you healthy; the other is the transient germ that's picked up from others and can cause you to get sick. Performing hand hygiene removes germs through friction. You can perform hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol hand sanitizer.

Jan 14, 2013

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick changed command Jan. 11, with Maj. Gen. James K. Gilman turning the reins over to Brig. Gen. (promotable) Joseph Caravalho Jr., in a ceremony at the Odom Fitness Center.

Dec 20, 2012

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Medical Department Holiday Ball was held on a cold, blustery and magical Dec. 15 evening full of tradition and ceremony. Ball attendees ranged in rank and title from flag officers to privates and civil servants accompanied by family members and special dates.

Dec 13, 2012

FORT LEE, Va. (Dec. 13, 2012) -- A deep commitment to wounded warriors and a growing concern for suicide prevention has led to a first-time Army Logistics University event that serves to raise awareness for both.

Dec 13, 2012

If you fear weight gain this holiday season, surviving your holiday spread may be easier than you think. In fact, if it's your goal, you can even lose weight with a few simple steps!

Dec 13, 2012

The staff at Madigan Army Medical Center gathered to collect gifts to spread some holiday cheer to deployed Madigan team members, filling boxes to be sent to deployed Soldiers with items like baby wipes, books, snacks, movies, gift cards and decorations that vendors and others had generously donated.

Dec 13, 2012

Madigan commander, Col. Dallas Homas, helps 7-year old Amber Marie Simmons light the hospital Christmas tree on Dec. 7.

Dec 11, 2012

Army Flight Medic Receives Distunguished Fyling Cross

Dec 10, 2012

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash.--For service members, Department of Defense contractors and civilian visitors on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, available places to smoke will become more limited after the new year.

Dec 6, 2012

The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set is a tool used by more than 90 percent of America's healthcare plans to measure performance on important dimensions of care and service, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance. "HEDIS is a tool used to reduce the need for future reactive care," said Cindy Huff, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital HEDIS nurse. "An ounce of prevention is still better than a pound of cure," added Huff. "Benjamin Franklin's famous quote is as true today as it was long ago."

Dec 3, 2012

The Mother-Baby Unit at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital was honored for providing a higher satisfaction rate than at any other obstetrical unit in the Army in 2012. This prestigious U.S. Army Surgeon General's office recognition was based on almost 3 years of accumulated satisfaction surveys. Specifically, hard work and dedication, friendly, effective communication with patients, pristine facility, and excellence in care were categories evaluated by the Surgeon General's office.

Nov 30, 2012

Wounded warriors to compete for Commander's Cup bragging rights in Heidelberg next week.

Nov 2, 2012

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- In November the military services observe Warrior Care Month, commemorating the sacred obligation and enduring mission to care for the Nation's most wounded, ill and injured Service Members and to support them as they transition back to the Force or leave military service.

Nov 2, 2012

As part of Warrior Care Month the Army Surgeon General directed an Army-wide Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Stand Down focusing on 'Begin with the Basics' customer service training for leaders, cadre and staff. Senior leaders will participate in a VTC and then take the training to other WTU staff members. Events will be held on Monday, November 5, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. Eastern across Army locations where there are WTUs and Community Based Warrior Transition Units (CBWTUs), as part of Warrior Care Month observances.

Oct 30, 2012

More than 60 Army medics faced a range of obstacles during the Army's Best Medic Competition, Oct. 26-28, 2012.

Oct 11, 2012

Brad Bellas has worked since he was 11 years old. He's worked for family-owned businesses, performed odd jobs to put himself through school and enlisted as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. So when the former sergeant was forced to leave the military due to medical issues last year, he faced the daunting task of securing a job in the civilian workforce.

Oct 11, 2012

Clinical symptoms of depression, while important in diagnosing depression, do little to explain the true anguish felt by people suffering from depression.

Oct 11, 2012

Depression and anxiety can feel like a misery that will never end.

Oct 11, 2012

Christine Hutchison was 22 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. No family history, no knowledge of the bright pink ribbons that adorn store fronts and shirt lapels. Hutchison had no connection to breast cancer. "It was a shock," said the young Fort Bliss military spouse as she sat at a Power of Pink kick-off event Sept. 21 at Del Sol Hospital in El Paso. Hutchison's picture was proudly displayed among a row of other survivors -- she being the youngest member of the project. "You don't think about cancer when you're under 40," Hutchison said. "But it can happen to anyone."

Oct 10, 2012

Spc. Hope Clark calls herself a broken Soldier. The Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Bliss, Texas, just calls her a Soldier -- with goals, candor and an understanding of what transition opportunities for wounded warriors is really about.

Oct 5, 2012

As autumn brings cooler temperatures and thoughts of holiday activities, I ask you to pause for a moment to reflect on how depression can wreak havoc in people's lives. Most of us know a relative, a loved one or a friend who struggles with depression. Sometimes, you or I might be the one experiencing an inner anguish. There are numerous factors that cause depression, including biochemistry, genetics, family history, substance abuse, being ill, diet and experiencing a difficult life event.

Oct 4, 2012

The Medical Recruiting Brigade has enjoyed success in a very difficult mission for the Army: recruiting medical professionals -- including physicians, dentists, veterinarians and nurses, as well as chaplains, warrant officers and Special Operations Soldiers.

Oct 4, 2012

Battling with glasses and contacts are common tasks that many Soldiers are subjected to when their vision isn't perfect. Fortunately for Soldiers on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the opportunity to rid themselves of steamed up glasses and lost contacts is as simple as a visit to their local on post hospital.

Oct 3, 2012

The profession of pharmacy is more than a "lick, stick, and pour" dispensary role. Pharmacists are often seen as the pill dispensers -- handing your prescription to you across the counter with instructions on how to take your medicine. Pharmacy professionals take great pride in giving their best to Soldiers, retirees and beneficiaries. The professionals review medication profiles for potential drug interactions, counsel and understand biochemical mechanisms of actions of drugs, drugs' uses, therapeutic roles, side effects and monitoring parameters.

Oct 2, 2012

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. There are two vaccination options available for the flu virus. The inactivated (killed) vaccine is administered as an injection and can be given to people from six months of age and older. The live (weakened) vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils and is recommended for people between the ages of two through forty-nine, who are not pregnant, and in healthy condition. Both methods are effective in protecting against the virus for a year.

Oct 1, 2012

Congratulations to the 2012 Wolf Pack of the Year Award winners, the Rabies Response Team (RRT) from Public Health Command. Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Surgeon General and Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Command, and the AMEDD Civilian Corps Chief, Gregg Stevens, presided over the award ceremony held on September 28, to acknowledge winners of the first ever Wolf Pack of the Year (2012) award. The Wolf Pack Award recognizes exceptional teamwork by an integrated group of military and civilian team members focused on excellence in support of Army Medicine.

Oct 1, 2012

The U.S. Army Medical Department Museum (AMEDD Museum) is now the home of the nation's first monument recognizing AMEDD recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Surgeon General and Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Command, spoke of the bravery and legacy of these "Army Medics" during the official dedication of the AMEDD Medal of Honor Walk held on Friday, September 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. on the grounds of the AMEDD Museum.

Oct 1, 2012

Lt. Gen Patricia D. Horoho, Surgeon General and Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Command, presided over the Change of the Regiment held at Fort Sam Houston's AMEDD Museum on Friday, September 28, 2012.

Sep 28, 2012

Thirty-four medic Soldiers from Western Regional Medical Command put their skills to the test Sept. 17-20, 2012, during the Top Medic Competition, hosted by Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Madigan Health Care System.

Sep 27, 2012

In the dust and heat of Afghanistan, an idea that will change the face of Army medicine took root in the heart and mind of Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army surgeon general. It was transplanted to home soil and cultivated at a workshop held Sept. 18--21 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. As it matures, the idea will shift the focus of U.S. Army Medical Command from "a healthcare system to a system for health."

Sep 27, 2012

Injured Soldiers dread the uncertainty. Am I medically fit to stay in the Army? If I get out, what disability do I qualify for? What if I don't want my career to end? A few years ago, these questions would have consumed Soldiers and their time as they shuffled between the medical board appointments of the Army and later the disability exams offered by Department of Veteran Affairs -- a process that could stretch as long as 540 days. Today a new system has shortened the overlap between the two agencies giving injured Soldiers a streamlined approach to determining fitness for duty and a proposed VA disability rating all before leaving military service. The Integrated Disability Evaluation System is a collaboration between Department of Defense and the VA to make disability evaluation seamless, simple, fast and fair.

Sep 24, 2012

As part of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Madigan Army Medical Center held a somber POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 21. Madigan's Sergeant Audie Murphy Club hosted the event. The ceremony honored the service and sacrifices of POWs and to help never forget those missing in action.

Sep 24, 2012

The 250th Forward Surgical Team performed minor surgical procedures during a field training exercise Sept. 21 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Throughout the week-long exercise, Soldiers of the 250th and 102nd Forward Surgical Teams performed patient care in an austere setting.

Sep 6, 2012

It's not always about recruiting for four Sacramento recruiters who usually spend their time looking for Future Soldiers. In early August, the recruiters volunteered at the annual "When I Grow Up" event for children with heart conditions.....

Sep 6, 2012

Col. Peter Nielsen, chief of clinical operations for Western Regional Medical Command, was the guest speaker at a private opening reception of a special exhibition at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. La.

Sep 5, 2012

It's no guarantee that they won't need glasses. But laser eye surgery has Army Soldiers lining up for a chance to leave behind their gas mask inserts and enjoy a day at the range without glasses sliding down their sweaty noses. "There's no such thing as perfect vision," said Frances Sanchez, clinic supervisor of the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. And so a laser eye operation is no guarantee of a life without spectacles -- especially as patients age. "But a large majority of laser-eye surgery patients go on to function without glasses," said Lt. Col. Daniel Washburn, chief of the WRESP at William Beaumont. WBAMC is in the process of opening its own Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Clinic -- one of a dozen offered to Army personnel throughout the country.

Sep 5, 2012

The Spc. Hugo V. Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center has become the first outpatient primary care facility on Fort Bliss to transition to a formal command structure. Col. Marc Caouette, a former enlisted Army medic and now a 27-year Army commissioned officer, was named the first commander of the Mendoza clinic during an Aug. 30 ceremony. The command structure is expected to eventually expand to include all empanelled primary care facilities and services offered at Fort Bliss. "Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be entrusted with the command of a medical treatment facility," Caouette said, "certainly not (commander of) the largest freestanding primary care clinic in the Army."

Sep 4, 2012

The Army has designated September as Suicide Prevention Month and joins the nation in observing National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 10-14, 2012, and World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10.

Aug 30, 2012

See how the U.S. Army is learning to diagnose and treat Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Aug 16, 2012

Carla Hawley-Bowland stands outside an operating room in the Labor and Delivery Department at William Beaumont Army Medical Center here. The 60-year-old doctor is clad in green scrubs. Bright red shoes -- a gift from the staff at Walter Reed Medical Center -- are hidden beneath a pair of blue booties. She is a surgeon waiting for her patient. Hawley-Bowland is also a retired Army maojr general, and the first female general officer in the Army Medical Corps.

Aug 1, 2012

U.S. Army South and U.S. Medical Command conducted an annual cataract medical readiness training exercise in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 10-27, 2012.

Jul 27, 2012

Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Brady assumed the responsibilities of the senior enlisted advisor July 13. Brady will advise the commander about enlisted and NCO matters and will be responsible for the standards, morale, welfare and training of all military personnel. He replaces Sgt. Maj. Chris Jenkins, who served as the Madigan senior enlisted advisor for the past year.

Jul 27, 2012

Soldiers and civilians with the Fort Riley Medical Department Activity bid farewell to Col. Michael Heimall and welcomed Col. Barry Pockrandt during a change of command ceremony July 13 on Cavalry Parade Field here.