How to Help the Senior Veterans in Your Community

 Many seniors are struggling these days – and that goes double for veterans. Whether their troubles are due to a lack of funds, problems with mental health, or simple loneliness, the fact is that there are probably seniors in your community who could use your help. Today, American Legion Department of Connecticut shares a few pragmatic insights to help you make a positive difference in the lives of seniors in your community.

 Help With Daily Activities

 If you know a senior who struggles with transportation, consider lending them a helping hand by doing chores, such as going to the grocery store or taking them to their medical appointments. In fact, depending on how close they live to the store, you could leave the car at home and get a little exercise while you help them run their errands. You might also help to coordinate volunteer activities, like having the local youth group help with landscaping or simply write letters to veterans thanking them for their service. You might also consider helping them clean their home, which can give them a cozy and comfortable environment to live and relax. A clean and decluttered space is not only safer for seniors with mobility issues, but it’s also a healthier and more positive environment.

Assistance With Income

Quality of life correlates with income. Unfortunately, many seniors, and especially veterans, struggle to make ends meet each month. But you can help by connecting those in your community with resources that can help. A few examples, according to the National Council on Aging, include VA benefits for rehabilitation, home hospice, or community care. There are also programs that can help with housing, food, and even home repairs. You can look up information on financial assistance for the elderly by state to find out more about help that may be available based on age instead of veteran status.

 Entrepreneurship With Age?

 Even with income assistance, some veterans may need a bit of extra cash to make ends meet. Many turn to entrepreneurship as a way to not only meet their financial obligations but also for personal fulfillment. Help them get started by researching local LLC formation rules. You can even help them file online so that they don’t have to pay for an attorney. Your local Chamber of Commerce may be an additional resource that can help your senior entrepreneur get up and running.

 Share Fellowship

 Sometimes, one of the best things you can do for a senior is to simply sit with them during service or share fellowship in some other way. Invite them to family night (or another event) or even have them over for dinner after church. Other ways to help your senior friends enjoy their church community are to pray together, read the Bible together, or simply share words of encouragement when they are down.

Other Ways To Get Involved 

If you do not have a specific veteran that you’d like to help, there are still plenty of other ways to get involved. You might, for example:

• Teach music classes to veterans for free
• Set up a nonprofit to help those less fortunate
• Offer a senior discount at your place of business
• Volunteer at your local veteran food pantry
• Plan fun events with seniors as the guests of honor
• Help with their four-legged companions

There is no right way or wrong way to offer a helping hand to the seniors and senior veterans in your community. However, those ideas listed above are a great start. Whether you choose to sit down and share a meal, help them get their business started, or offer a helping hand with house cleaning, every gesture will have positive benefits. If you’re still not sure what you can do, just ask. There are many seniors in your community and congregation that would likely welcome the attention and assistance. 

American Legion Department of Connecticut is proud to serve America’s veterans. If you have any questions or you’d like to participate, call 860.436.9986.

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Advice for Veterans Who Live With Chronic Illness

There has been a lot of research and funding that has gone into medical advances for chronic illnesses. This is because there are more people living with chronic conditions than ever before. These conditions can often be debilitating and require constant care. But the advances in living with a chronic illness that has occurred over the past twenty years are quite remarkable. Doctors can now diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease, osteoarthritis, and Parkinson’s disease with much more accuracy than they could before. These improved diagnostic tools give doctors a better understanding of what is going wrong inside the body and how to fix it. Thanks to services like telehealth, doctors are seeing an increased success rate in treating chronic illnesses.

Veterans Suffer a Higher Rate of Chronic Illness

The Department of Veterans Affairs has found that up to 20% of veterans are impacted by a chronic illness. These illnesses are often associated with PTSD, cancers, and injuries sustained in combat.

These veterans have seen a higher rate of chronic illnesses than the general population. It is important to note that it is not just the combat veterans who are impacted by these illnesses, but many other veterans as well.

While the exact number of these illnesses is unknown due to the difficulty in measuring them, we know that they can be devastating for those who suffer from them.

If you’re a veteran and looking for support, your local American Legion can be a wonderful resource for you to get information and help with a variety of veteran-related issues like health care, career advice, and education. According to The American Legion Department of Connecticut, The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation, and volunteerism. Reach out here to join, volunteer, or donate.

Managing Your Own Care

Being chronically ill means having to deal with the double-edged sword of managing your condition on a daily basis and also having to manage it as a part of your work life.

You may not realize it, but managing a chronic illness can be exhausting. You need to manage your own emotions, manage doctors, take care of your children, and you also need to find time for yourself. Find a support group, focus on small successes, get enough sleep, exercise, and practice self-care through hobbies, interests, or activities.

Another way to manage your health is by keeping your medical files and documents organized. If you need to share files with doctors, family, and caregivers, PDFs are often the preferred format over Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. You can use an online tool that allows you to convert to a PDF document by simply dragging and dropping them into the tool.

Help With Home Ownership

Many people who suffer from a chronic illness have trouble earning enough income to buy their own home and can be subject to the whims of the landlord and market with their monthly housing expenses.

However, if you’re a veteran, you can take advantage of some of the many VA Home Loan benefits such as no down payment on home purchase loans, lower interest rates, and no monthly mortgage insurance premiums that will help keep your monthly payments low. To make homeownership more attainable for servicemembers and veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs established the VA Home Loan, which guarantees a portion of the loan and enables them to provide you with more favorable loan terms. This guarantee allows lenders like Pennymac to offer home loans to service members and veterans who may otherwise not be able to qualify for a conventional loan. Contact them to learn about VA interest rates today. And check out this link for some of the best cities for veterans to buy a home.

The future of chronic illness looks more hopeful than ever before. It seems that the diagnosis of chronic illnesses is not as bleak as it used to be. Though there is still a long way to go, we are seeing progress and hope for a better chronic illness future.

The American Legion Department of Connecticut is proud to work side-by-side with our friends in The American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders. Contact us today for more information! 860.436.9986

How Veterans Can Practice Self-Care and Live a Happy Life

While veterans are true American heroes, they don’t always think of themselves that way. Most are glad that they served, but they often see many terrible things during their years of service and they can often bring that stress back to their lives once their tour has ended. In order to live a happy, satisfied life, veterans need to practice self-care. Here at the American Legion Department of Connecticut, we try to do everything we can to help those who served our country, so we have some tips on how to care for yourself post-service.

Get Enough Sleep

If you feel stressed throughout the day then you need to put your mind at ease, and the best way to do that is to get enough sleep at night. Doctors recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep at night because doing so will allow you to wake up well-rested and ready to take on a new day. The American Psychological Association explains that sleep helps us to fight stress because it helps to calm and restore the body while also regulating our mood and sharpening our judgment.

After some of their military experiences, it can be difficult for veterans to fall asleep. If you have issues, then you may have to adjust your schedule. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, even on weekends. Avoid looking at your cell phone or other screens as you lay in bed because the blue light they emit can keep you awake. Reading before bed is a great way to doze off.

A Peaceful Home Environment

Once you wake up, you can continue to feel stress-free by creating a healthy and peaceful home environment. In many cases, a messy and cluttered house can cause anxiety because we feel like we don’t have control of our surroundings. For many veterans, minimization may be key but don’t feel like you need to clean your entire house in one day. Instead, you can put an hour aside every day to fill a box with stuff you no longer need, and over time, you will have a clean house that is good for your body and mind.

In addition to helping our mental health, a clean and organized house also makes life easier overall because when we can find what we need right away, we save time and we can move on to more productive tasks.

You also add to the comfort and vibrancy of your living space by sprucing up a few walls. Room colors can have a surprising influence on mood. You can always put on a new splash of paint with soothing colors like blues or soft greens, or if painting isn’t your thing, you can try this peel & stick wallpaper. This type of wallpaper makes application super easy and non-messy, and because it’s removable you can either reposition it or replace it and use in another room. You also have plenty of colors, designs and textures to choose from.

Connect With Others

Sometimes the best way to deal with hard memories and anxiety is to talk to someone who will understand, and this is especially important for veterans. The best way to go is to search out veteran-specific support groups like the American Legion Department of Connecticut where you can talk to people that are going through the same thing and can offer advice. If you feel that talking about your issues in an informal setting is not providing the help that you need, then it may be time to get professional help by talking to a therapist or other mental health expert who can give you great advice and provide additional resources.

Exercise Is Key

Another great way to fight stress and stay in shape is to exercise every morning for at least 30 minutes. Exercising as soon as you wake up is a great way to infuse your body with natural energy and you will get your mind right so you will be ready to take on a new day. Exercise can include cardio, weight lifting, or a mix of the two. Just try to stay active for that full half-hour. In addition to the physical benefits, Mayo Clinic points out that exercise also helps us to fight stress by boosting our brain’s production of endorphins which are the feel-good neurotransmitters that help to keep us in a positive mood.

While it may not seem like your cup of tea, other forms of exercise including yoga can also be a great way to relax and put your mind at ease. Meditation can help as well.

In the end, veterans deserve the chance to relax and enjoy their lives, and these self-care tips can help them live every day to the fullest.

Innovation has often been referred to as the hallmark of entrepreneurship. Hence, it comes as no surprise that various prominent organizations were born during times of low economic growth and difficulty. To name a few, Airbnb, Uber, Venmo, and Slack were founded during or just after the great recession of 2009 and have grown to become global market leaders in their respective domains.

With COVID-19 the world is facing similar challenges. While these may not be the most optimistic of times, it is the perfect moment for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to create businesses that can flourish in the years to come.

Let’s look at some reasons why now is the best time to turn your business dreams into reality:

Easier Access to Talent

The news of downsizing among organizations has been a constant during the pandemic. However, this has led to a surge in experts offering their services as freelancers online. According to research, more than 55 million people across the United States now work as freelancers. These include digital marketers, product managers, graphic designers, business consultants, finance professionals, lawyers, and more.

As an entrepreneur, you now have access to a pool of talent whose quality is much higher than before. Additionally, the cost of hiring freelancers is just a fraction of a full-time employee as you do not need to pay benefits, 401(k) contributions, etc.

Lower Costs

According to research, 1 in 4 workers in the US is currently working remotely, which is expected to grow further in the coming years. With the pandemic, workers have become accustomed to working remotely, making having an office or even renting a shared office space redundant. Not having to invest in furniture, equipment, insurance, and more office expenses will save you thousands which can be used towards investing in your business and fuel growth plans.

A Shift in Customer Behavior

Ecommerce sales have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic. Customers are now more open to making purchases online and use websites and social media as active tools to research and buy products. Additionally, as reported by Mckinsey & Company, 40% of customers have switched towards purchasing from brands that provide them more value. Factors such as promotions, discounts, and ease of buying were other prominent reasons.

By catering to this reformed customer behavior, your business can outperform competitors and even pull business away from existing players in the market.

To thrive in a pandemic market as a new business, it is important to utilize your capital and resources efficiently and effectively. Here are a few ways you can do just that:

• Emphasize Planning: Create a strong business plan and accurate financial predictions for at least three years. These documents will give you a concrete direction to follow and serve as a guide for allocating funds to essential activities.
• Create an LLC: A Limited Liability Company will establish your business as a separate legal entity, allowing you to protect your personal finances and assets from lawsuits. If you are based out of Connecticut, you will have to file for a Connecticut LLC and similarly for any other state. By using a formation service, you can significantly reduce the cost of filing, and time to process paperwork, and gain insights on reducing business costs using eligible tax benefits.
• Conduct Extensive Market Research: Above we’ve discussed a few factors regarding overall customer behavior. Before you start selling, it’s important to understand customers in your niche, analyze competitor strategies and learn about current and future market trends.
• Invest in Customer Experience: Make consumers the center of your business. Based on your research, create product features that resonate with customer demands, market your products heavily on digital platforms your customers use and provide exceptional customer service right from first contact to post-sales.

The pandemic has created a unique space for new businesses to enter the market. By taking advantage of shifting consumer trends and creating a strong online presence, your business can not only thrive during the pandemic but can grow tremendously in years to come.

This resource guide is just one example of the great content you can find on The American Legion Department of Connecticut website.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin processing disability claims Aug. 2 for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas — if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.

The process concluded that particulate matter pollution is associated with chronic asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis for Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990 to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001 to the present. VA’s review also concluded that there was sufficient evidence to presume that these Veterans have been exposed to particulate matter.

Additional info: Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures – Public Health (va.gov)

Essential Tips for Landing Your Dream Home

As a veteran who is accustomed to moving from place to place, you may be looking forward to putting down roots in a house you can finally call your own. Though exciting, the home-buying process can be difficult and overwhelming. The American Legion Department of Connecticut are a few ways you can simplify it and possibly make purchasing a home more affordable.

Start Saving Money

Regardless of a lender’s down payment requirements, you will need a good sum of money for things like closing costs, moving expenses, installation fees, etc. Closing costs are substantial, ranging anywhere from 3% to 6% of a home’s purchase price. For example, if you purchase a home for $200,000, you’re looking at paying between $6,000 and $12,000 in closing costs alone. At a minimum, you should have between $15,000 and $20,000 saved before beginning your search.

Boost Your Credit Score

Regardless of what type of loan you choose to go with, you will need a decent credit score to obtain approval. The most flexible lenders accept applicants with scores that are in the mid-500s, while conventional mortgage lenders require scores of at least 620. Most VA mortgage lenders require a 620 as well. If your score doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for the type of loan you want, you will need to improve it before applying. You may want to focus on bolstering your score regardless of what it is, as a better score can get you a lower interest rate.

Make Yourself More Attractive to Lenders

Though sizable savings and a good-to-excellent credit score can go a long way toward impressing lenders, you can do more to increase your borrowing power. Pay down your debts as much as you can without dipping into your closing savings, boost your income, find ways to save, and get preapproved.

Explore Your Lending Options

Eventually, you will need to apply for a home loan, but the question is, who should you go through? As a veteran, the VA is the most obvious option. Per the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA home loans come with several benefits, including a zero down payment option, limited closing costs, loose credit requirements, and no PMI requirements. However, there may be instances when another type of loan is a better fit. Some additional lending options to consider are as follows:

• FHA Loans: Though not as cost-effective as VA loans, FHA loans are great for first-time homebuyers who have less-than-stellar credit and can only afford a small down payment. You may consider an FHA over VA loan if your score is less than 600.
• USDA Loans: USDA loans are those issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They require zero down and are to be used to secure mortgages for property in nonurban areas.
• Conventional Loans: Conventional loans are the most issued mortgage loans in the U.S. They are not backed by the government and, as such, have stricter lending requirements. However, if you meet them, you may be able to secure great terms and rates.

Regardless of the type of loan you choose, make sure that you clearly understand the terms. Carefully consider the APR, interest rate, terms, and payments before agreeing to anything. If you’re looking for a VA loan, carefully explore your options and familiarize yourself with current VA fixed mortgage rates. Rates may fluctuate based on your current credit score, home location, and type of residence.

Plan for the Move

Even when you have yet to find the perfect home, it’s wise to prepare a moving plan beforehand. Doing so allows you to pad your budget accordingly, and it helps make for a more organized move. If you plan to hire movers, reach out to professional moving companies to get an idea of what a move would cost. Now is also a good time to start packing up some of your belongings, even if it’s just items you don’t use all the time. Lastly, prepare a checklist that you can refer to as you get close to a moving date. Items should include

• Connect with utility and internet providers
• Log your change of address with the USPS
• Find a highly rated locksmith who can rekey your doors
• Checking out local schools

Buying a home is the epitome of the American dream. By referring to these tips, you can remove some of the hassle from such a major purchase and life milestone. In doing so, you will be closing before you know it.

This article is brought to you by The American Legion Department of Connecticut.

It can’t be denied that the world is on the cusp of monumental changes that can potentially improve the quality of life for the marginalized, minorities, those with disabilities, and the like. However, for change to come to fruition, representation is necessary. For this reason, it’s refreshing to see that more people with disabilities are seeking public office to push meaningful agendas in this day and age.

Of course, getting into politics can be quite challenging, in and of itself, and if you have special needs and physical and/or medical limitations, it can be downright grueling, even with the best intentions. That’s why it’s important to get to know what a bid for public office will entail and learn how to do it right with the least amount of hardship on your part.

Understand the challenges.

First thing’s first—know that there is definitely no law against a person with disabilities running for office; this is a political right. Despite this, you might find people around you, well-meaning or otherwise, opposed to such an undertaking, especially in consideration of the likely physical and mental toll of politics.

The fact is, many people with disabilities require empowerment to become leaders, which is where Time suggests the bulk of the challenges lie. Moreover, there’s also the fact of having to deal with stereotypes and stigma on the campaign trail. A prime example of this is how President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously hid his paralysis in his campaign and through most of his time in office.

Bring in the right people.

Unless you have a political pedigree, it goes without saying that breaking a trail in politics can be very challenging. Because of this, it’s smart to leverage all the help you can get. You might be surprised to find, however, NOS Magazine notes there are organizations that train disabled people to seek public positions, and these are unquestionably the folks you want in your camp.

At the most fundamental level, you’ll also need to understand the campaign process and, by extension, the campaign roles and responsibilities that will get the ball rolling for you. The fact is, a campaign is not a one-person show, and it’s truly in your best interest to populate a solid team.

Usually, campaign staff includes volunteers, but there’s really no rule against working with professionals like freelancers. Case in point, it’s more than wise to hire a social media marketing expert to help enhance your online presence as well as craft and regularly post on your social media sites. Thankfully, it’s simple enough to hire social media marketing services through online job boards, since you can check their experience and credentials easily.

Be inclusive.

Speaking of messages, it naturally follows that you’re running for office because you have an agenda close to your heart that you want to represent in the public arena. As a person with a disability, this will likely be more geared toward people with disabilities, which, again, is largely an under-represented sector.

While you can focus on your group’s issues and pain points, it’s also important to be more inclusive of society as a whole, as well—not only to get you the necessary votes, but to also be recognized as someone who is an ally to everyone. Be ready to explain why the community and society as a whole will benefit from your platform. People will be more inclined to rally at your side when they understand what’s in it for themselves.

It’s truly commendable that you’re considering taking on the challenges of public office, because the current political arena is in dire need of diversity. Surround yourself with the right people and keep your message clear. Ultimately, this is how societies are changed for the better, and with your political bid, you can help drive that change.