Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - August '23

Page 4, Hobe Sound

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund from page 1
Related Information Provided By The Mayo Clinic Pneumonia
of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental Poor dental hygiene is directly linked to other chronic Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your
health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 percent health care conditions like diabetes and heart disease. lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral health Studies have found that people with periodontal or Certain conditions also might affect your oral health,
affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental health. gum disease have a greater risk of experiencing a major including:
According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans returning cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Gum Diabetes
from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental disease leads to an increased arterial inflammation, which By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes
health disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDS), is responsible for cardiovascular problems. puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more
and 63 percent with SUDS also met the criteria for post- Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the frequent and severe among people who have diabetes.
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the increasing number of inflammation associated with a severe form of gum Research shows that people who have gum disease have
veterans suffering from mental health disorders, the VA reports disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular
approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day. diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, HIV/AIDS
making oral health problems more severe. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are
Conditions That Can Be Linked To Oral Health common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Your oral health might contribute to various diseases Osteoporosis
and conditions, including: This bone-weakening disease is linked with
Endocarditis periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used
This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the
or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or bones of the jaw.
other germs from another part of your body, such as your Alzheimer’s Disease
mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease
certain areas in your heart. progresses.
Cardiovascular Disease Other conditions that might be linked to oral health
Before After Although the connection is not fully understood, some include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain
research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry
This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps when it comes stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
to veteran dental care by partnering with oral health professionals that oral bacteria can cause. According to the American Diabetes Association,
and clinics across the state to provide veterans with access to Pregnancy And Birth Complications diabetes triples the risk of getting periodontal disease, and
the critical dental care they deserve. Partners include over 60 Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and an individual with diabetes and periodontal disease is three
independent dental offices statewide, The Stiles-Nicholson low birth weight. times more likely to develop cardiorenal mortality.
Foundation, Nobel Biocare, and Quantum Foundation.
“We are thrilled to be the first organization in the state
to provide this much-needed service to veterans,” Durkee
said. “We believe that every veteran deserves access to
quality dental care, and we are committed to working with
our partners to make this a reality.”
WVRF has already funded $332,419.74 in veteran dental
support in 2023 and has donated over $1 million to veteran
dental care since the start of the program in 2021. Florida State
House Bill 635: Dental Services for Veterans was approved and
signed by the Florida Governor, and now can give this Florida
nonprofit the needed funding in order to extend its dental program
to a larger number of qualified Florida disabled veterans. The
Florida Governor signed the proposed bill on May 26.
A list of basic qualification criteria is listed at wvrf.org. Life moves fast—
Veterans who qualify for assistance and are interested in dental

care should contact their VA social worker or County Veteran prepare for the unexpected
Service Officer to submit a dental referral to WVRF.
“We hope that by providing dental care to veterans, we can with Accident Insurance.
help improve their overall health and well-being, and provide a
clear path for employment and a better life,” Durkee said. “We
are grateful for the support of our partners, as well as the state
legislature, in making this initiative possible.”
Visit wvrf.org, call (561) 855-4207, or email info@
wvrf.org for more information about WVRF and its veteran We’re here to help.
dental care initiatives.
About The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) is a veteran-led Accident insurance complements your Florida Blue Health Plan. Call to learn more
nonprofit organization that provides urgent financial assistance, about insurance plans from USAble Life.
critical dental care, and access to professional services for
Florida’s eligible wounded veterans. The nonprofit was founded M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
in 2009 and Army Veteran Michael Durkee is the executive
director. WVRF is headquartered in North Palm Beach, Fla., 561-440-9940
with additional team members located in the Pensacola,
Tampa, and Orlando regions. “Like” WVRF on Facebook at M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is an Independent Broker of Florida Blue.
Florida Blue is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Supplemental, Life, and Disability products are offered by USAble Life. USAble Life is an independent company
WoundedVeteransReliefFund and follow on Instagram at @ and operates separately from Florida Blue.
wvrelieffund and Twitter @WVReliefFund. 22L-USAL-0872 112941 1222
Photos by WVRF