Veterans' Healthy Living, Spring 2016
Dear Veterans
A Message from the Network Director
Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H.
Network Director
After a long winter, many of us look forward to the warmer days of spring. As the seasons are changing here in New England, we’d like to tell you about some of the exciting things that are happening in VISN 1 and throughout the VA that will change VA health care for the better.
On page 3, you’ll learn more about the groundbreaking Million Veterans Program. You might already know about it, and may have even stopped in to become one of the Million! But whether or not you’re familiar with it, we think you’ll be excited to learn why we’re doing this, and its potential to change the future of medical research—and health care—as we know it.
So much hard work is being done to help Veterans effectively use the Choice Program. We want to help our VISN 1 Veterans learn how and when they can take advantage of the Program—as well as to tell you how it continues to grow and evolve to better serve you. Check out our feature on pages 4 and 5 for this important information.
Pain is a battle that is, unfortunately, too familiar to many of our Veterans. That’s why the VA Healthcare System is implementing new and innovative ways to manage pain. Does pain take over your daily life? Find out more on page 6, and look for our in-depth article about pain management to be included in the upcoming Summer issue of Veterans’ Healthy Living.
Last but not least, we know that finding a passion through the arts can help with healing both emotionally and physically. If you’ve never been a part of the Creative Arts Festival, check out page 7 for information about how it may benefit you. In addition, the amazing National Veterans Wheelchair Games will take place this summer in Salt Lake City, Utah, and we hope some of our VISN 1 Veterans are able to participate and join in the fun.
Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you!
Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H.
Network Director
