Our veteran's 🇺🇸 How to thank & health status 🤔

We celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Today is Veterans Day and a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect.

The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of our communities. Today we’ll take a quick look at some interesting health facts about the current veteran population of the United States, and some benefits (such as free meals) Veteran’s qualify for today 🇺🇸🍽🤩

So grab the hand of a Veteran, and take them out for a meal and let them share their stories with you. While you’re at it, I’ve included (5) ways to say “Thank You” on Veterans Day 🥰

Oh, and if you missed last week’s blog on“Stimulate your Vegus Nerve to reduce STRESS”, you can use this link, Here.

OK, let’s get inspired by our Veterans!

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🤩 How to thank a Veteran 🇺🇸

Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who have served in the military for their sacrifices and dedication. It’s an important day to show appreciation.

You might consider spending time with a veteran, listening to their stories and sharing in their experiences. Volunteering at a local veterans' organization or donating to nonprofits that support veterans' health and well-being can also make a meaningful impact. Even simple acts like flying the American flag show respect and solidarity. 

Your efforts can help veterans feel valued and supported, not just on this day, but throughout the year.

Here are some ideas…..

Attend a Veterans Day event -- not just a get-together with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that.

🇺🇸 Fly the American flag 🇺🇸

Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag. Just make sure you're observing the proper rules for display. Here are a few of those important tips:

  • Never drag a U.S. flag on the ground or let it touch the ground.

  • Don't drape it over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.

  • Don't display the U.S. flag above any other flag, and keep it at the center when it's surrounded by other flags.

  • Don't display a tattered or torn flag. Flags that are tattered and torn should be disposed of in a respectful way, preferably by burning.

  • Never use the flag as apparel, bedding or drapery.


🤔 Ask someone about their service…

It seems like we all know someone who has served, and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Learning more about their service can help you appropriately say "thank you."

Here are some questions to get you started:

  • What did you do in the military?

  • How long did you serve?

  • What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?

  • Did anyone else in your family serve?

  • Why did you go into the service branch that you did?

Do not ask whether they've killed anyone. If you’re talking to a combat vet, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say much of anything; just listen and give them your full attention.

🇺🇸 Don’t confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day…

Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.

😎 Get outdoors with a Veteran 🤩

Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park; admission is free for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran.

🍽 Take a veteran to breakfast, lunch or dinner 🍽

Each year, tons of restaurants step up to the plate to say thank you, and although a free meal is just a small way to thank our veterans it really does mean a lot to them.

I know some people that love being able to eat out for every meal on Veterans without having to pay a dime, and it really does mean a lot to them. From Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Chipotle, Denny’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden to IHOP, there’s many to chose from. Check out this link for a partial listing.

Some interesting health facts that may surprise you!

There are more than 2.5 million (post 9/11/2001) military veterans that have served our nation, which is less than 1% of the population, and 80% of those spent some time in an overseas combat zone.

  1. Over 2 million served in Afghanistan and Iraq, spending 1 out of 3 years serving overseas.

  2. 60% are under the age of 34.

  3. 22 veterans commit suicides daily, with 1 occurring roughly every 80 minutes. The number is higher for Special Forces.

  4. 30% of vets have disabilities as a result of their service.

  5. About 30% of people who served in combat are dealing with PTSD.

  6. 22% are diagnosed with a Depressive Disorder.

  7. Since 2002, more than 200,000 service members have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries.

  8. Over 48,000 vets are homeless or at risk.

  9. 84% of veterans say that the American public has “little awareness” of the challenges facing them and their families.

  10. 71 % of Americans say that they don’t understand the problems faced by those who have served since Sept. 11.

  11. 88% Joined the Military to SERVE our Nation.

  12. 94% are PROUD OF THEIR SERVICE!

  13. Nearly one million veterans have attended college since 9/11.

  14. 83% are Male / 17% Female.

  15. 58% are Married.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.'

"Freedom is never free."

"To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you and thank you."

This Veterans Day and every day, honor the servicemen and women in your life and community by letting them know just how much you appreciate them. A simple “thank you for your service” sums it up, but if you're looking for more heartfelt actions to express your gratitude, I hope today’s blog gave you some helpful ideas.

From taking a veteran out to eat, to flying the American flag, your participation helps celebrate all those who have served.

As always, if you’d like to talk more about your family’s health, make an appointment with me using the link: HERE.

Or, you can give me a call at (973) 210-3838

I want to hear from you! What are some of your Veterans Day memories?Did you find this newsletter helpful?

Share your thoughts in the comments on our

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We bring tools such as these to you, our patients, by using proven cutting-edge therapies to extend the health-span, life-span and years of health for everyone (no matter their age)!

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Dr Derek Ferguson