We would like to welcome you to our new newsletter created especially for our Veterans.
Inspired by you
The VA Women’s Health program strives to meet your diverse and special needs. We offer specialist women’s health clinics, timely health care, outreach programs and events.
We are inspired to serve you every day as part of our mission. Read also : Men’s Health Month: Encouraging Men to Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle. We honor them as a diverse, courageous and resilient community of veteran women.
We asked several members of our team, “What inspires you most about our veteran women?” Their answers couldn’t be more favorable:
“I am inspired by your strength and resilience. They encourage me to be strong in the face of adversity… to keep moving forward.”
“They are hardworking, strong, brave and selfless.”
“What inspires me is their ability to do everything. Stand by the men and do the same work.”
“I like the excitement of taking control of your healthcare.”
They are “2 stronger than the average woman”.
“They had the courage to fight for their country and what they believe in.”
“Women are now just as valued as our male veterans. They go through the same training and can now hold higher positions. Some experience sexual trauma and move forward with their heads held high.”
“Veteran women show the same bravery and strength as men. Incredible!”
“Although they have suffered trauma, they still come here with a positive attitude.”
They have “strength and courage… They are our heroes”.
New Women’s Health coordination team
“Hearing about your experiences inspires me to be my best self. To see also : Michigan’s major health system restores abortion status. It motivates me to keep working hard for our veteran women.”
Our Milwaukee VA Women’s Health team, from left, Santos Olmo, Ericka Johnson, Jessica Klink, Kathryn Dilkey, Katie Wisniewski and Erin Rourke. No photo: Christina Helms
Gynecology Services
We are your new health coordination team. Our focus is on a seamless transition from your inpatient care to community service. Read also : 6-24-22 Second Annual “Fill the Food Cruiser” July 1 in Kona. The team works with providers to address all aspects of their care. This includes patient education, chart updates, consultations and follow-ups on abnormal test results.
We help you navigate a sometimes complex medical system. From mammograms to coordinating maternity care, our goal is safe, high-quality, and effective healthcare.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Our comprehensive gynecology clinic offers help for a wide range of health issues:
Veterans interested in gynecology services should contact their VA care provider.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that create a sling at the base of the pelvis. These muscles stabilize your pelvis, control bowel and bladder movements, improve sexual function, and support your pelvic organs.
More than half of us will have pelvic health problems in our lifetime. The pelvic floor may be weak or stretched. Muscles may be tight, tense, or malfunction. Any of these problems can cause pelvic floor dysfunction.
Women’s Health Primary Care Services
The good news is that physical therapy can help!
Milwaukee and Green Bay VA have pelvic health physical therapists specially trained to treat you. The physical therapist can:
Discuss any symptoms you may have with your doctor. Be sure to ask for an appointment for pelvic health physical therapy.
Women’s Primary Health Care (PACT Team) allows you to see multiple health professionals in one visit. A provider, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, medical service assistant, pharmacist, nutritionist, social worker and mental health professional manage your health care. Primary Care serves Milwaukee, Green Bay, Union Grove, Cleveland and Appleton.
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic
Primary Care includes general medical care and preventive care.
General medical care treats urgent illnesses and chronic conditions.
Preventive care includes early measures to prevent disease or conditions. Examples:
Primary Care offers VA Video Connect (VVC) online and telephone visits. Interact with your provider from your own home using a smartphone, computer or tablet.
Regular Breast Cancer Screening and Testing
We know these exams can be difficult for you. We’ll make you as comfortable as possible. Our team can provide the care you need if it is not available on site.
Mammograms
My name is Dr. Amy Farkas, and I run our breast cancer risk assessment clinic in Milwaukee VA. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. The good news is that we have great treatments. Women diagnosed with early breast cancer have excellent survival and cure rates. You can take steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer in several ways:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Maternity Care
We know that being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer.
Exercise
New Pregnancy Education Group
We also know that exercise can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Even one glass of alcohol a day has been shown to increase a woman’s risk.
Tests help detect the disease at an early stage when it is most easily treated:
Mammography exams are very important. The VA does not offer on-site mammograms, but they are covered under your VA benefits. Talk to your doctor about a testing schedule that’s right for you. Community Care can help arrange an appointment at a facility near you!
Questions? Please contact our mammography coordinator at 414-384-2000 ext. 45004
Female Veteran Baby Shower
Your VA now has a Maternity Care Coordinator to guide you through your maternity care. Services range from conception to postpartum and community care.
VA maternity services include:
Contact your VA primary care provider or maternity care coordinator for more information: 414-384-2000 ext. 46365
The VA offers a new four-session group for pregnant women called Healthy Beginnings. It prepares you for the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and having a baby.
Sessions are led by a physical therapist and mental health professional who help you learn skills for this special time in life. This includes exercises and simple strategies to manage common pregnancy symptoms.
Whole Health
You will learn proper body mechanics, labor and delivery positions, and ways to help with recovery after childbirth.
The program also includes mental and emotional support through the ROSE program. ROSE stands for Reach Out Stay Strong Essentials. Builds self-care and community care. It teaches communication skills and goal setting. ROSE has been shown to reduce rates of postpartum depression.
Classes meet once a month online. Pregnant women can call the maternity care coordinator if they are interested.
Now offering Women Only groups
Women’s Health, in conjunction with Volunteer Service, will be holding its second Veterans Baby Shower on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 2pm to 3pm. on Lake Wheeler (weather permitting).
Our first baby shower was last year. The community came together and donated over $27,000 in cash and baby items. Milwaukee VA provided a huge bag full of new gifts for new and expectant moms.
Women’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen
The team loaded the women with treats as they passed the checkpoint. The mothers were also given photos in a photo booth and also indulged in sweets. The event was a great success!
Mothers who were unable to attend picked up their gifts from the staff later.
If you would like to participate, RSVP by Friday, July 1st to katie.wisniewski@va.gov.
My HealtheVet
Whole Health is a veteran-oriented approach that puts you at the center of your health care. The process empowers and equips you to take care of your health and well-being. Whole Health uses eight wellness areas:
Are you looking to make a change in any of these areas? Then Integral Health programs are for you. Please join us in any of our WH health and wellness groups such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, skill building, path and
Intimate Partner Violence
more to start living your best life!
For more information, contact 414-384-2000 ext. 43611.
Only Women – Taking Care of My Life and Health (nine-week group):
For Women Only – Group or individual health coaching (eight weeks):
Your Opinion Matters
The Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) is a series of cooking classes that provide nutrition knowledge, cooking skills and guided practice. Its goal is to build Veterans’ confidence in cooking healthy meals at home.
The Milwaukee VA offers two different series of HTK grades. HTK Basics is open to all registered veterans, while Women’s Health HTK is for female veterans only. Both series are performed online with VA Video Connect (VVC). The HTK supports hands-on practice while veterans cook together with the instructor. Learn new cooking techniques or improve your old skills. Prepare and enjoy delicious and healthy recipes. Veteran Women who complete the full four-week series of HTK Women’s Classes can receive a Healthy Cooking Toolkit (while supplies last).
To register, contact:
Sandy Raguse414-384-2000, ext. 47387
Tell Us About Your Experience
My HealtheVet is an online site that gives you 24-hour access to your essential military and health records. Uploaded records can be securely shared with providers, family members, or caregivers.
To set up your account or have questions, please contact:
My HEALTHeVET coordinator 414-384-2000, ext. 42141www.myhealth.va.gov
The VA is concerned about veterans affected by intimate partner violence. Intimate Partner Violence is a public health problem that affects Veterans at a high rate. The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) serves veterans, family members, and VA employees affected by intimate partner violence.
What is optum VA CCN?
IPVAP promotes relationship health and well-being. The program helps with the healing and growth of veterans dealing with IPV. IPVAP aims to reduce conflict, support health and improve health and quality of life. All this is necessary for good physical and mental health.
We encourage Veterans, their partners and VA staff to speak with their local IPVAP Coordinator for available resources and services. Together we can make the difference.
What is optum with the VA?
Contact Andrea Knowlton, LCSW, for more information: 414-384-2000 ext. 43874
When did VA CCN optum start?
Partner with us to shape the Women’s Health program for the future. Join us for our focus group held every three months.
Does VA disability last for life?
Your opinions, ideas and feelings are important. We value your feedback to help us improve the program to better meet your needs.
Email us to be added to our mailing list if you would like future notifications: IAMAFEMALEVETERAN@va.gov.
Can your VA disability be taken away?
Stay on top of the latest news
What VA disabilities are considered permanent?
The VA provides quality healthcare to our national veterans and we are committed to taking the time to make every encounter a positive patient experience! Your feedback is essential to helping your VA serve you better. You may receive a short survey from the VA asking about your experience if you provided your email address.
What is procuration Offence?
You can receive surveys for your expertise in the following areas:
Have questions about your experience? Our Milwaukee VA has an Office of Patient Advocacy that can help with:
What is procuration in law?
Attorneys are available by phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, 414-384-2000 or (toll free) 1-888-469-6614 ext. 42604
How do you spell procuration?
The Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA CCN) consists of community providers who ensure that veterans receive the excellent care they deserve. With their support, we can provide excellent healthcare services to meet the needs of veterans in every community.
