Formal Officer Portraits
 

The Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association has made arrangements with the CDC photographer to schedule special sitting times for formal Officer Portraits. The portraits will be taken of the officer in Service Dress Blue uniform, and will show the U.S. and PHS flags in the background. These formal portraits make excellent gifts for family and can also be used for agency-related print and electronic materials (e.g., professional presentations, media write-ups, retirement notifications, and recognition for awards). There is no cost to the officer for the photo sitting. Following the sitting, the officer will be provided with a free digital file of the photograph, which the officer can have printed at any digital photo processing vendor at their own expense.

Designated PHS officers will be on hand to ensure that uniforms meet all uniform criteria. Portrait sittings can be scheduled during the following times:

• Wednesday, April 23 from 0800 to 1200
• Wednesday, April 30 from 1200 to 1500
• Wednesday, May 7 from 0800 to 1200

Officers requiring an immediate APFT to maintain their Basic Readiness status may also contact LCDR Edward Dieser, 404.639.0757, to schedule a test at the Roybal Lifestyle Fitness Center. Additional dates for other venues may be added. Monthly reminder announcements will be provided. 2008 APFT Schedule:

• 17 May
• 21 June
• 19 July
• 16 August
• 20 September
• 18 October
• 15 November
• 13 December

Please note: These items are for personal use. The USPHS flag is not intended to replace official USPHS flags, as noted in Subchapter CC29.9 of the Commissioned Corps Personnel Manual.

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Shingles Vaccine and TRICARE Beneficiaries
Submitted by LCDR Anissa Davis

Shingles is a painful viral disease that affects more than one million Americans every year. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. The CDC recommends a single dose of shingles vaccine, Zostavax, which prevents shingles, for everyone aged 60 and older. TRICARE now also covers Zostavax for beneficiaries aged 60 and older.

Zostavax is covered under the TRICARE medical benefit and is not reimbursable under the pharmacy benefit. Vaccines are not apart of the TRICARE pharmacy benefit because they cannot be self-administered. Under the Medicare benefit, Zostavax is covered only as part of its prescription drug program (Medicare Part D). Beneficiaries who receive the shingles vaccine must have the vaccine administered in a provider’s office.

The vaccine is a covered service for active duty service members and their family, as well as for retirees, and their family members. Active duty members and family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime do not have to pay for this service; however, TRICARE Standard beneficiaries are responsible for their deductibles and cost shares. TRICARE for Life (TFL) beneficiaries must have both Medicare Part D and TRICARE to avoid paying TRICARE deductible and cost shares; however, TRICARE cautions that it may not be advantageous to enroll in Medicare Part D because TFL beneficiaries already have robust TRICARE pharmacy benefits.

For more information on shingles and the vaccine, visit the CDC web site [PDF].

Beneficiaries with coverage or claims questions should contact Humana Military, 800.444.5445. Beneficiaries living overseas should contact the local TRICARE Service Center or the TRICARE Area Office for the area in which they live.

For more information regarding TFL benefits, contact Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) TRICARE for Life, 866.773.0404.

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Atlanta USPHS Commissioned Officers Serve as Science Fair Judges at Atlanta Area Schools
Submitted by LCDR Robin MacGowan

Each year, schools around the country hold science fairs to evaluate students’ science projects. This year Atlanta-based USPHS Commissioned Officers served as volunteer judges for several schools. Science fairs provide an opportunity for officers to serve their community, as well as providing valuable exposure for the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

This year, 18 of the 25 volunteer judges for Lakeside High School were USPHS Commissioned Officers. The Lakeside High School science fair was coordinated by chemistry teacher Ms. Nancy Brim. Students competed in six categories: behavioral science, chemistry, plant science, medicine and health, physics, and engineering/environmental. The judges reviewed 60 projects, covering diverse topics ranging from factors associated with memorization to canine colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In order to judge the 60 projects in only two hours, the 25 judges were divided into six small groups, one for each major category. Each group further divided into teams and the team members reviewed their assigned projects. After reviewing all the projects, team members re-grouped and reached a consensus on the scoring within the topic area. The final scores and each group’s recommended ranking for the projects were provided to Ms. Brim. Projects were subsequently awarded ribbons based on their ranking. The best projects were nominated for the County Science Fair which was held February 6. The highest ranking projects from the County Fairs may be recommended for the International Science fair.

Ms. Brim provided each judge with a letter of appreciation to thank them for their assistance and noted the professionalism with which they conducted themselves. In her letter, she wrote, “I was impressed with the professionalism and empathy of the judges and was thrilled to have them here.”

Three USPHS Commissioned Officers also served as judges for the Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy science fair. The science fair, coordinated by Mrs. Lucretia Gant, included over 100 projects from students in grades 3 through 11. Projects ranged from the effects of carbon dioxide on global warming to determining the effects of music on learning. Winners from the school fair will participate in the regional science fair for Christian schools. This opportunity also provided a high level of visibility for the community because many of the other judges were unaware of the USPHS. One student even stated that she thought working for the Public Health Service was fascinating and asked how she could join the USPHS! Mrs. Gant provided each judge with a certificate of appreciation and the headmistress, Mrs. Geraldine Thompson, expressed her sincere gratitude to all of the judges. She emphasized how much the school benefited from our presence, especially the students as it exposes them to different careers in the sciences.

Thoughts from participating officers:

“This science fair was a wonderful opportunity to see young scientists in the making. It was both gratifying and impressive to witness such interest, intellect, and dedication that these students exhibited through each of the science projects. It truly was a great experience and I appreciate the time that I was there.” - CDR Jessilynn Taylor.

"It was good to see so many PHS officers in the community helping our future leaders, scientists, and lawyers. To only be in the 10th grade, most of these students had extremely thorough reports, verbal presentations skills, and effective posters." - LCDR Byron Henry.

“This is not only a good opportunity to help our communities, but it provides exposure for the PHS. Next year maybe we can have Officers volunteer in more of the local schools in Atlanta.” - LCDR Robin MacGowan.

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Fitting Exercise Into a Busy Schedule
Submitted by Lauren Williams, MA, Exercise Program Coordinator, OHS/Lifestyle Program

It’s no secret that we’re a busy nation. With responsibilities to work, family, and school, it’s often difficult to find time for ourselves, much less for exercise. However, dedicating just a little time each day to staying fit and healthy can help us counteract the effects of stress and can increase energy levels.

The current physical activity recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that adults should participate in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days per week, or in vigorous-intensity physical activity for 20 or more minutes on three or more days per week. Moderate-intensity physical activity includes activities such as walking at a brisk pace, water aerobics, and recreational swimming. Vigorous-intensity physical activity includes activities such as race walking, jogging or running, and stair climbing. Given these choices, it is up to each individual to determine which type of exercise is best, based on any physical limitations, time constraints, and general preference for any particular modes of exercise.

It is important to set realistic goals when participating in an exercise program. You may need to adjust your exercise routine on days in which demands on your time are greater. If there are days where you cannot stick to your regular exercise regimen, aim to exercise for at least half the time you normally would. It’s better to fit in a little bit of exercise than none at all! And, you’ll feel much better for doing so.

Some of us may find it difficult to find 30 minutes each day to exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine has stated that breaking your exercise routine into smaller increments is as beneficial as one continuous workout. In order to be effective and gain health benefits, each exercise bout should be no less than 10 minutes in duration. On days that you must break up your exercise routine, aim to accumulate at least 30 minutes of activity over the course of the day. Some ideas for fitting in shorter bouts of exercise include: taking a 10 minute walk instead of a coffee break, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking your car at the far end of the parking lot.

Here are a few other tips for staying active when your schedule is hectic:

• Find a workout partner. Finding a friend to exercise with may make your workouts more enjoyable and you may find it easier to adhere to your exercise plan.
• Prioritize your time. If you have a hard time sticking with an exercise program or making time for exercise, you may need to schedule it into your day. Schedule a workout in your PDA or day planner at a specific time and treat it like any other important obligation.
• Exercise for energy. It is easy to let our stress and busy schedules wear us down. Instead of loading up on caffeine to get through the day, try exercising for extra energy. Including a quick walk around the building can give you the pick-me-up needed to get through the rest of the day.
• Anticipate roadblocks. There will be days when it is impossible to fit in a workout or when you just don’t eat so well. Don’t let these pitfalls keep you from staying on track. Promise yourself that you’ll do better tomorrow and move forward.

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