WELLNESS BULLETIN

FALL 2023

As summer draws to a close, we hope you have had an amazing season and took advantage of the long days and warm weather. With the changing seasons, it's a perfect time to reflect on the past few months and anticipate all the excitement the upcoming months will bring. We can't wait to welcome the crisp, refreshing autumn days, marvel at the beauty of the changing leaves, indulge in all the delicious pumpkin spice treats, root for our favorite football teams, get dressed up for Halloween, and express gratitude during Thanksgiving.

At The Fund, we want to express our sincere appreciation for you and your loved ones. We exist because of you, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our veteran community.

If there is anything we can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to contact your Semper Fi & America’s Fund Case Manager, Visiting Nurse, or Veteran Lead. If you have misplaced their phone number, please contact us at 760-725-3680 or https://thefund.org/contact-us.

Inside This Issue:

Self-Care Highlight
Recovery Support
National Recovery Month
SF&F Program Highlight: Visiting Nurse Program
Tricare and Medical Open Enrollment
Kids Health Highlight and Kids Corner
Important Announcement: A.R.T. Institute of Washington
Additional Resources, and more!

SELF-CARE HIGHLIGHT

“Self-care is not selfish." – CDC

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete”. – Jack Kornfield

Our love for our family and friends and the need to ensure they are cared for often leads to neglecting our physical and mental health. Though challenging at times, it is important to remember that our well-being matters, and engaging in practices that preserve that well-being is paramount to our ability to continue providing the best care for our loved ones.

Self-care is crucial for all of us, whether we're caregivers or on our own recovery journey. Neglecting self-care makes things that much harder. Practicing therapeutic self-care across five areas empowers us to achieve balance and overcome challenges.

Physical
Mental & Emotional
Social
Spiritual
Lifestyle

YOUR SUPPORT TEAM

RECOVERY SUPPORT

Recovery is often associated with negativity, but in reality, it represents strength, courage, and perseverance. No matter what challenges you face, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, or moral injury, embarking on the recovery journey requires a support network. Below, you will find options that may be available to you and your loved ones.

* If you or someone you care about is in any stage of recovery, we are here to help. Our visiting nurse team is available to provide support and assist you with any resources you may need. Please do not hesitate to reach out or ask to be connected with our visiting nurse team.

COMING UP THIS SEASON

Click image for additional information

NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

September marks National Recovery Month in the United States. During this time, we want to remind everyone of the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services for those who are facing challenges. We understand that the journey towards recovery can be difficult, but you don't have to go through it alone. The Fund family is here to support you every step of the way. We firmly believe that with the right treatment, support, and resources, anyone can achieve recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or substance use, please don't hesitate to reach out.

TRICARE AND MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

DON’T MISS OPEN ENROLLMENT!

Open enrollment for Tricare and Medicare goes from Oct-Dec. If you need to make adjustments to your medical plan or get dental coverage, this is the time to find a plan that’s right for you!

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TRICARE, MEDICARE, OR OPEN ENROLLMENT?

The Veteran Lead and Visiting Nurse team will host an informational webinar to answer some of the most frequently asked questions on

16 November 2023

10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

6:00pm PST/ 9:00pm EST

More information and sign-up for webinar to follow

KIDS HEALTH HIGHLIGHT

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT RECOVERY

Talking to children about a loved one's recovery journey can be overwhelming. You may be unsure of where to start or what to say. You may even consider avoiding the conversation altogether to protect them from the situation. However, research suggests that being honest and open with children can help them deal with the recovery journey of someone close to them. Never hesitate to seek professional assistance if you need help with these conversations.

Thoughts for Consideration

Share age-appropriate facts
Lock up medications to limit ease of access and keep kids out of harm's way
Let them ask questions and be honest
Not talking about it still sends kids a message
Let them know it’s not their fault
Teach them healthy ways to deal with their emotions

RESOURCES TO HELP EXPLAIN ADDICTION/RECOVERY

Click images for more information

KIDS CORNER

Making memories and breaking up a typical at-home routine can be fun! Here are some ideas for activities to do at home!

Click each image for more information and directions

SF&AF PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

VISITING NURSE PROGRAM

At The Fund, our Visiting Nurse team provides lifetime support using a collaborative approach to provide assistance that enhances the well-being of each service member and their families. Our goals include helping each veteran develop the skills to achieve and maintain independence and their highest state of well-being. The Fund’s Visiting Nurse Program creates a framework to improve the overall health and wellness of our service members, veterans, and military families. Our visiting nurses provide support and assistance throughout the recovery journey.

WHAT WE DO ...

Advocate

For SM and/or Family
Self-advocate Coaching

Collaborate

Health Teams
Insurance
MTF's
VA

Educate

Diagnosis
Medication
Plan of Care
Treatment

Navigate

Benefits
Community Care
Insurance
Referrals

Connect

Caregiver
Mental Health
Case Manger
Pharmacies
Whole Health

The visiting nurse will conduct a holistic assessment to determine resources for the service member's wellness journey. The team also:

Provides evidence-based education/information related to the Service member’s (SM) physical, mental, and emotional process of illness and associated complications
Conducts in-person and virtual/video meetings with SM and family members
Knowledgeable and up-to-date with VA Healthcare and Veterans Health Administration
Utilizes VA Whole Health
Networks and collaborates with inpatient and outpatient facilities and local healthcare providers
Refers to appropriate resources and agencies for SM’s needs
Five areas of Care: Advocate, Collaborate, Educate, Navigate, and Connect to care

If you would like to be connected to one of our nurses, please reach out to your case manager or contact us at 760-725-3680 or https://thefund.org/contact-us/

ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FORMER PATIENTS OF A.R.T. INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON

The IVF Program at the Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility Division of the OB/GYN Department is located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. After 22 years, A.R.T. Institute of Washington's (A.R.T.) government contract to operate the IVF laboratory ended, and a new operator assumed operations.

If you have frozen specimen with A.R.T., please contact bryan@embryos.net to discuss transfer.