Page 9 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – September 2024

Thunderbolt News September 2024 9
http://www.luke.af.mil
Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
The Medical Group will be closed on the following dates:
Sept. 2 — Federal Holiday, Labor Day Sept. 11 — MDG Closes at noon
Sept. 20 — MDG Closes at noon
In the event of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
The MHS Nurse Advice line is available at: MHSNurseAdviceline.com 1-800-TRICARE (856-2273), option 1
Chaplain’s thoughts ...
Battling the Heat: Managing Stress in Our Lives
Chaplain (1st Lt.) Daniel A. Starr
56th Fighter Wing
No one can deny that it gets hot at Luke AFB. Too much heat leaves many of us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Just as we take steps to protect ourselves from the desert heat, we must also find ways to manage and mitigate stress. Stress, much like the relentless Arizona sun, can become an unwelcome force wearing us down if left unchecked. But with the right strategies, we can find relief and keep our cool, no matter the circumstances.
Stress is a natural part of life, a physiological response that prepares our bodies to face challenges. It can be triggered by various factors, from work demands and family responsibilities to health concerns and financial pressures. Just as prolonged exposure to high tem- peratures can lead to heat-related illnesses, chronic stress can have serious consequences for our mental and physical health. Recognizing the signs of stress is the first step in managing it effectively, and it’s
important to remember that it’s a normal part of life.
Cooling Down: Strategies for Managing Stress
1. Stay Hydrated: Just as dehydra- tion can make us more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, poor nutrition and lack of hydration can exacerbate stress. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and staying hydrated helps our bodies cope with stress more effectively.
2. Seek Shade: In the sweltering heat, we instinctively seek shade or air-conditioned spaces to cool down. Similarly, finding a calm, quiet space can help alleviate stress. This could be a favorite spot at home, a quiet room at work, or even a brief escape to a nearby park. Taking a few moments each day to step away from stressors and focus on your breathing can have a significant calming effect.
3. Share the Moment: Just as we might gather with friends to cool off in a pool or share a refreshing meal, connecting with others can help alle- viate stress. Talking about your feel- ings with friends, family, or a chap- lain can provide comfort and perspec-
tive. Remem- ber, you’re not alone — many people around you are likely ex- periencing similar chal- lenges.
Courtesy photo
Chaplain (1st Lt.) Daniel A. Starr
Sometimes, just as heat can be unbearable, stress can reach a level where self-care strategies aren’t enough. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional sup- port. The Luke AFB Mental Health Clinic, Military and Family Readiness, and Chaplain Services are here to help you navigate stressful times and provide the support you need. Let us remember that stress, like heat, is a part of life.
However, we can manage stress ef- fectively and maintain our well-being with the right strategies and support. Just as we wouldn’t spend a day in the sun without sunscreen and water, let’s not face stress without equipping ourselves with the tools to handle it. Stay cool, stay connected, and take care of yourself—and remember, just like the seasons, this too shall pass.
64? 65? Medicare eligible?
Who: TRICARE beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare Part A and B
What: TRICARE For Life (TFL) briefings are for TRICARE beneficiaries that have questions or want to learn more about the TFL program.
When: Next briefing is Tuesday, 12 Nov 2024 9 am and 1 pm
Where: Luke Base Theater Building 1515
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED
For more information, please call Ms. Toya Loring at (623) 856-4217
TFL beneficiaries can see any civilian Medicare participating physician. To locate a Medicare doctor, you may go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
If you have any questions regarding directions, please call 623-856-7152.
Your Summer Travel Could Earn You 40K Bonus Points1
Open a Flagship credit card, and you can earn 40,000 bonus points (a $400 value) when you spend $3,500 within 90 days of opening your account.1
Plus, you’ll get a free year of Amazon Prime®2 (a $139 value)—on us.3 You’ll also enjoy:
Hurry—offer ends January 1, 2025.
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Navy Federal is federally insured by NCUA. 1Offer valid for new Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card accounts applied for between 7/1/2024 and 1/1/2025. To be eligible for the 40,000 points offer, you must make $3,500 or more in net purchases within 90 days of account opening. Rewards are earned on eligible net purchases. “Net purchases” means the sum of your eligible purchase transactions minus returns and refunds. Eligible purchase transactions do not include, and rewards are not earned for, the following transactions: cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, gambling, or fees of any kind, including finance charges, late fees, returned check fees, ATM cash advance fees, and annual fees, if any. Cash-equivalent transactions, such as the purchase, loading, or reloading of gift and prepaid cards (e.g., money orders, GO Prepaid Cards, and other cash-equivalent gift cards), may not be eligible purchase transactions and may not earn rewards. Please allow up to 8 weeks after the 90-day period for the 40,000 points to post to your rewards balance. Account must be open and not in default at the time the 40,000 points are posted to your rewards balance. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Navy Federal reserves the right to change or end this offer at any time without notice. 2Amazon and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 3Offer applies only to annual Amazon Prime memberships. Not valid for recurring membership monthly payment option or Amazon Prime Student. Annual membership must be purchased by 1/1/2025. Offer valid for your Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card and is not transferable. Limit of one promotional offer per card. Please allow 6-8 weeks after the membership is renewed or opened for the statement credit to post to your account. Navy Federal reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time without notice. 4Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Cards earn 3 points for every $1 of net purchases made on travel and 2 points for every $1 of other net purchases. “Net purchases” means the sum of your eligible purchase transactions minus returns and refunds. Eligible purchase transactions do not include, and rewards are not earned for, the following transactions: cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, gambling, or fees of any kind, including finance charges, late fees, returned check fees, ATM cash advance fees, and annual fees. Cash-equivalent transactions, such as the purchase, loading, or reloading of gift and prepaid cards (e.g., money orders, GO Prepaid Cards, and other cash-equivalent gift cards), may not be eligible purchase transactions and may not earn rewards. A travel purchase may only earn 2 points per dollar spent, depending on the merchant code used to process the transaction. Travel is typically categorized under merchant category codes such as airline, hotel, car rental, bus lines, taxis, cruise lines, time shares, parking, and transit. Additional categories may be ineligible, in which case you will receive 2 points per dollar spent at these locations based on the merchant category codes. For more information, view the Flagship Rewards Program Description at
Visit navyfederal.org/flagship.
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