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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
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August 2008 - Embarrassed by psoriasis? Don’t be!
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Did You Know? |
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Psoriasis isn’t the only thing to be aware of in August. It’s also:
Cataract Awareness Month.
Don’t forget to wear your UV-
blocking sunglasses!
National Immunization Month.
Make sure your and your family’s shots are up to date.
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If you suffer from skin patches that look red, thick and scaly––and that often burn or itch––you may be experiencing psoriasis. It often affects the elbows, scalp, knees and lower back, but it can strike anywhere on the body. Some people get outbreaks in winter, when air is drier and sun exposure minimal. It can also be provoked by stress, infections, alcohol use and some blood pressure medications. If you have psoriasis, talk to your VA health care provider
about your treatment options before your condition develops into painful arthritis.
Fact: 125 million people worldwide have
psoriasis. [World Psoriasis Day consortium]
Fact: Between 5.8 and 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. [National Institutes of Health]
Fact: In 2006, more than 1,200 veterans were diagnosed with psoriasis in upstate New York alone. [VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York]
Fact: Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, which is painful stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. [National Psoriasis Foundation]
“A strong positive mental attitude will create
more miracles
than any wonder drug.”
—Patricia Neal, Academy Award–winning actress
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To print, download the full "Veterans Wellness 2008 Calendar " in Acrobat PDF Format 
| Keep yourself summer trim as fall approaches. Track your changes to keep motivation strong: |
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Starting weight for August: _________
Goal weight for August: _________
Exercise goals: __________________________
What special memory did
you
make this month? _____________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
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Don’t let psoriasis
get under your skin!
Get facts and
figures from the
National Psoriasis Foundation,
www.psoriasis.org*
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| * Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked web sites. The link will open in a new window. |
Fall 2007
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday!
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December
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Websites |
Recipes
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: January 17, 2008 |
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