Health
Veterans deserve 'national moment of gratitude' on Veterans Day to help heal 'unseen wounds'
It’s easy to say “thank you for your service” to an American veteran and move on a moment later.
But what about true and meaningful connection that really lasts?
For Veterans Day this year, a prominent company is hoping that Americans, no matter where they are or who they are, will go beyond the simple words of “thank you” and become “intentional in showing appreciation for our nation’s servicemembers” through a healthy act of connection.
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USAA — which serves more than 13.5 million members of the U.S. military, as well as veterans who have honorably served, plus their families — is calling for a “national moment of gratitude” on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. local time.
The effort is part of the Texas-based company’s larger “Go Beyond Thanks” campaign. As more veterans in America struggle with mental health issues, “connecting with our veterans is becoming more important,” the company told Fox News Digital.
USAA has had the opportunity to host Medal of Honor recipients at the company’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. Employees are shown gathered to send them off. (USAA)
And younger veterans, in particular, often feel uncomfortable or awkward when people just say “thank you,” the company has found.
Matt Shifrin, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who is USAA’s executive director and CEO chief of staff, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview, “There are over 17 million living veterans in the United States today. And while that sounds like a lot, there are over 300 million people living in the U.S. So there’s a bit of a divide sometimes between those who have served and those who haven’t served.”
“You might ask veterans how they’re doing.”
To bridge that divide, “we’re asking people to try to ‘go beyond thanks’ this Veterans Day and make a connection with veterans in the community,” he said — “whether it’s with teachers, police officers, or people you work with who have served.”
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One way to do that, he suggested, is by asking a veteran to share the details of his or her service.
Sgt. William Pekrul, a World War II veteran, is shown gesturing during the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 17, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
“You might ask them where they served, what they did for the country — and how they’re doing.”
In turn, veterans can reciprocate, he said — and ask others about their work, their lives, their own contributions both locally and nationally whatever those contributions might be, “even what keeps them up at night,” he said.
“I think we’re going to find that there’s a lot of similarity between the two groups,” he said.
“This is one team — and this effort can bring us together as a country.”
Another way to show gratitude: Stop by a local American Legion or VFW post or event. Drop by a VA hospital. Check in with community centers about veterans events. It’s about being intentional, said USAA.
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Still more ways are to send a text, make a phone call or visit a veteran one on one.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Richardson and fellow USAA employee veterans lead over 400 USAA employees at an event in October, in which participants gain a better understanding of the military community they serve. (USAA)
Either way, the goal is to “create a meaningful and supportive connection with our veterans.”
Shifrin added, “America doesn’t work without those who decide to serve and without those who are back home doing the hard work, generating the economic engine that makes us so capable, providing support to veterans and bringing them together. This is one team — and this effort can bring us together as a country.”
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He added, “It is worth the time to engage in a little bit more than just, ‘Thank you.’ Serving is a defining moment in people’s lives and most people, we’ve found, are generally willing to talk about their service.”
He said the interaction and connection can help heal “the unseen wounds” that many veterans carry around with them.
“We’re really hoping to start building those relationships between people.”
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Added Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob LaBrutta, vice president of survivorship and claims at USAA, “As Veterans Day parades and celebrations dwindle compared to years past, besides thanking us for our service and providing sales discounts, we’ve found that many Americans aren’t sure how to show their appreciation for our nation’s veterans,” he noted in a statement.
Another way to show gratitude, advises USAA: Stop by a local American Legion or VFW post or event. Drop by a VA hospital. Check in with community centers about veterans events. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
He said no matter how busy, people can take a bit of time for veterans who have served the nation.
“It’s a mantra that runs deep in the military – look to the left and look to the right to make sure your battle buddies, shipmates, devil dogs, wingmen, guardians or coasties are OK.”
More information about the campaign can be found on various social media platforms at #GoBeyondThanks.
A coalition created by USAA, Face the Fight, is also charged with raising awareness and support for veteran and military suicide prevention.
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Founded in 1922, USAA is a leading provider of insurance, banking and retirement solutions in the United States.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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