By Patty Sheats Navigating the transition from military to civilian life can be a daunting challenge for many Veterans, especially when it comes to accessing essential health care services through the VA. Despite the benefits available to them numerous barriers can complicate the enrollment process. From confusing eligibility requirements and lengthy paperwork to long wait…
Are spider bites more prevalent in the fall? The answer is yes, they can be and there are a few reasons why: Seasonal Behavior of SpidersMating Season: Many spider species become more active in late summer and fall because it’s their mating season. Males in particular tend to wander in search of females, which increases…
According to recent surveys, about half of all US adults report experiencing loneliness or social isolation. These feelings of disconnect can affect anyone of all ages and backgrounds and are far more widespread and common than we realize. Human beings are biologically wired for connection. Over many years, our brains have adapted to expect being…
Against the Grain aims to spark thought, challenge thinking, and encourages each reader to be the best version of themselves possible. Some discussions may be mildly uncomfortable; some may be enlightening. We’ll approach each with an open mind and willingness to explore what we may not always understand, for it’s in being uncomfortable that we’ll…
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects Veterans more disproportionately than the general population, affecting roughly 23% of VA patients. Many of these patients experience significant challenges in their daily lives. What is PTSDPTSD is a mental health complication someone may experience after experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event. While stress reactions are normal in these…
Don’t lie to me — you started singing that first line, didn’t you?The fact is, while sunshine blesses us with much-needed vitamin D, it also brings something we don’t need — harmful, damaging, cancer-causing rays.Did you know that skin cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 5% of all…
An old friend of mine from my Broomfield Chamber days recently posted this on Facebook and I’ve received her permission to share it. She lost her son Alex several years ago and just had to put his dog Rocky down this past week. She said it felt like losing another part of Alex. Her perspective…
By Patty SheatsVA Medical Center The Mission Act for VeteransUnderstanding options available to Veterans for care is confusing and complicated. The Mission Act was enacted in 2019 to help to improve access to healthcare for Veterans. Prior to this bill, Veterans saw long wait times, experienced struggles with outside care, and had limited healthcare services…
Adults in the Boomer generation have likely experienced moments of forgetfulness from time to time, and have wondered if it’s something to be concerned about. Or maybe their children have noticed a cognitive decline in their aging parents and are worried. Alzheimer’s disease is the first thing that comes to mind, but there’s another recently…
In recent years, therapy has undergone tremendous growth, both in how it’s delivered and how it’s perceived. But even as conversations around mental health become more common, many Coloradans—especially those in rural communities—still face the same question: How do I find the right therapist, and how will I know if it’s the right fit? Unlike…
