Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Friday, June 5, 2026

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Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Friday, June 5, 2026


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VA Couples Coach App

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Have you downloaded our Couples Coach App?

Couples can improve communication and build trust in their relationship. Try exercises to practice active listening so you can navigate conflict better with your partner.

To learn more visit the VA Couples Coach App webpage. 


PTSD Coach App

PTSD coach app

During PTSD Awareness Month, you don’t have to manage PTSD alone.

The PTSD Coach app offers tools to help you manage symptoms, including grounding exercises, guided breathing, positive imagery, and mindful meditation.

To learn more, check out the VA Mobile PTSD Coach webpage. 


local news

Choose VA Webinar

Find out more about enrolling in VA Health Care and the high-quality healthcare at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

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Join us on Thursday, June 25 starting at 5:00 p.m. for a Choose VA Webinar. 

During the webinar, participants will learn about the high-quality services offered at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and how to enroll in VA Health Care.

Click on the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Choose VA Webinar link to register for the event. 


Drinking Enough Water 

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Living in Arizona means lots of sunshine and heat. Staying hydrated is very important for your overall health, especially as we get older or if you take medications. Drinking enough water is important because when it’s hot outside, your body loses water through sweat. If you don’t drink enough fluids, you can become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps, fast heartbeat, and feeling tired. Severe dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which are medical emergencies.

Why It Matters

When your body does not have enough water, some medications may not work like they should or may cause more side effects. It’s important to drink enough water when you take these medications:

  • Water pills/diuretics
    • Examples: furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone
    • Effect: may make dehydration worse making you feel dizzy or lightheaded
    •  
  • Blood pressure medications
    • Examples: lisinopril, losartan
    • Effect: may cause dizziness or weakness
    •  
  • Diabetes medications
    • Examples: insulin, metformin, empagliflozin
    • Effect: dehydration can increase your blood sugar levels, making you urinate more and worsening dehydration
  • Lithium
    • Effect: dehydration can cause lithium levels to rise, leading to tremors, shaking, nausea, and vomiting
    •  
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen
    • Effect: these drugs can be harder on your kidneys if you are dehydrated

The list above includes many common drugs, but it is not a complete list. Always be sure to check your prescription bottle for ‘warning’ stickers or ask your VA pharmacist.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

To make sure you are properly hydrated, it is recommended that adults drink at least 8 cups of water a day. You may need more water if you work outside in the heat, exercise, or are over 65 years old.

Some tips to stay hydrated include carrying a water bottle with you, drinking water before you feel thirsty, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and eating fruits and vegetables with high amounts of water (such as watermelon or cucumbers).

When to seek medical attention

Call your doctor or go to urgent care as soon as possible if you experience very little or no urine, confusion, fainting, or fever as these can be signs of serious dehydration.


June is Men's Health Month

Incorporating antioxidants into your diet

colorful foods

June is Men’s Health Month, and foods like blackberries, rosemary, and spinach are a simple way to support healthy aging. These foods are rich in antioxidants, natural compounds that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by stress, aging, and everyday lifestyle factors.

Antioxidants can help support energy, overall wellness, and long-term health. Other antioxidant-rich foods include cinnamon, dark chocolate, cherries, and even coffee. Adding a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices to your meals is an easy way to give your body extra support.

 Here are three easy tips to maximize antioxidants in your diet

Keep it Colorful

Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure you are getting a variety of antioxidants. Foods that are especially dark in color (think spinach over iceberg lettuce) is a good indicator that it has more antioxidants.

Pair it with Oil

Using healthy fats such as olive oil over butter or margarine is not only good for your heart health, but it helps your body absorb more nutrients. Cooking breaks down plant cell walls, making antioxidants more bioavailable.

Add Some Spice

Utilizing herbs and spices such as oregano, cinnamon, garlic and ginger adds a potent, antioxidant-rich punch to your meals and bonus points for the extra flavor!


community events

Douglas Arizona Claims Clinic and Veteran Resource Fair

You can now pre-register  

Douglas AZ Claims Event Graphic

Join us July 14–15, 2026 for a Veteran Claims Clinic and Resource Fair at the Balar Entertainment Center  located at 1703 9th Street, Douglas, Ariona. This is your opportunity to file a new claim, check the status of an existing one, and connect with valuable resources—all in one place.

You can pre-register at Pre‑Registration Questionnaire link or scan on the QR code below. 

Need help getting there or want more details?

Contact Norma Galindo at 520-439-3596 or Maria Valles at 520-439-3599. You can also visit the Arizona@Work office on East 7th Street in Douglas for additional information.

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DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.


Resources

VBA Appointment Scheduler 

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Need to speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)? Check out the Veteran Engagement Reporting Application to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. 


VA Resource Navigator 

VA Resource Guide

Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?

Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.


VA is here for you

1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number. 

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Sent to Esdek@podam.pl on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)