Page 8 - Jupiter Spotlight - November '21
P. 8
Page 8, Jupiter Spotlight
Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans
WVRF’s Dental Program
By Chrystal D. Rambarath recent challenge has been to expand dental care access for dental assistance to qualified veterans. These veterans must
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: What do veterans and the launch of their dental program. have a 10 percent or more service-connected disability
these afflictions have in common? According to the Center During an emergency dental examination made possible rating or have an active pending claim, be a Florida resident
for Disease Control, these and other chronic conditions can by WVRF, it was detected that one of their veterans was currently residing in Florida, have been honorably discharged
be linked to poor oral health. While in some cases, it is yet suffering from oral cancer. That timely examination caught from the military, and need emergency dental care. It is the
to be determined if poor oral health causes these conditions, an oral cancer that could have been fatal. This startling WVRF’s intention that the dental program will be expanded,
it is undeniable that many illnesses can be detected during realization and the discovery of just how few veterans can with a location for dental services in each of Florida’s 67
routine dental checkups. Encouragingly, good oral hygiene access dental care prompted WVRF to do something. With counties. In the interim, the nonprofit has the support of at
and treatment can reduce heart attacks by 35 percent. Though support of their board of directors and the partnership of one least 10 local dentists who are ready to donate their services.
that is good news for Americans who have dental insurance local dentist, WVRF began to bridge this gap in health care Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound by
and those that adhere to their biannual checkups, there is a for veterans. The lives of at least two veterans were saved a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of American
segment of our population for whom this basic care is out by early diagnoses during a dental examination. values. They willingly risk their lives and make great
of reach. In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health is sacrifices so that their fellow citizens can enjoy freedom,
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. Veterans liberty, and all rights that our citizenship allows. When they
biological and chemical threats, and more. But upon their have shared that they stopped smiling and experienced poor return home, and in their time of need, it is our turn to support
return home, they also face new dangers – threats that make self-esteem, shame, depression, and job rejections because of them. We hope that you are moved by the tribulations that
their transition to civilian life difficult. One silent, almost the aesthetics and state of their mouths. Gum disease, chronic confront them. If you are able, we call upon your generosity
undetectable threat can be found in their mouths. As many bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores result in loss of to expand the critical services that the dental program offers.
as 92 percent of veterans served by the Veteran’s Affairs confidence among veterans as well. These conditions also You may donate your time, skills, or supplies, attend an event,
system are ineligible for dental care benefits. Only honorably jeopardize veterans’ ability to secure a stable job, a critical become an advocate, or simply spread news of this essential
discharged veterans with a 100 percent service-connected aspect of their transition to civilian life. With little financial endeavor among your family, friends, and networks. To get
disability qualify for dental care through the VA. Thankfully, safety nets, a job keeps veterans and their families with roofs involved or find out more, please call (561) 855-4207, visit
nonprofits often fill the gaps left unserved by the government over their heads. With the increased demand among veterans www.wvrf.org, find us at the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
and the private sector. for mental health care, it is imperative that access to dental on Facebook and LinkedIn, or follow us at WVReliefFund on
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), established care be expanded. Twitter and Instagram. As former President Calvin Coolidge
in 2009, was created to support Florida’s disabled veterans In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental program. once said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be
by relieving the financial strains that prevent their transition It was piloted in Palm Beach County and offers emergency itself forgotten.”
to civilian life. They provide temporary emergency financial
J UP I TE R I NL E T L I GH TH O U S E & MU S EUM
assistance to qualified disabled veterans. The impact of J UP I TE R I NL E T L I GH TH O U S E & MU S EUM
WVRF’s work is tremendous, considering that Florida is
home to the third largest population of veterans in the United
States – more than 1.5 million people. The nonprofit supports
veterans who served in World War II through present day
conflicts. To date, over 10,000 veterans and their families
have received more than $5 million in direct financial
assistance. WVRF’s intervention and work literally keeps
veteran families from becoming homeless. Beyond this
support, WVRF is also a major advocate of veterans and
an ally as they confront obstacles before them. Their most
Palm Beach SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 • 6 – 9PM
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Waterfront
County Fire jupiterlighthouse.org Featuring Area Restaurants • Music • Drinks • Silent Auction
Tickets on sale at
$125/person • Tables available
Rescue Lighthouse Stage Captain’s Bar preservation and
Proceeds benefit
Sponsor
Sponsor
education at
Fire Safety Tips 501(C)3 nonprofit
#CH3759
We have been very fortunate to have not been directly
impacted by any hurricanes, at least to this point.
Remember that hurricane season continues until Nov.
30, but hurricanes have formed in December, so please
continue to be storm aware and have a plan in place.
Thanksgiving plans are likely on the minds of many
residents. To ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable
dinner, please keep a few things in mind:
Since the turkey may be in the oven for several hours,
make sure to start with a freshly cleaned oven. The long-
term buildup of heat can cause a fire if there is a lot of
grease, drippings and splatter from previous use.
If using a deep-fryer, always use it outdoors away
from anything that may ignite in a flareup, and never
have the deep-fryer sitting on a wooden deck. Also,
never place a frozen turkey into the hot oil. For a
reference of what can go wrong, do an Internet search
of the hazards of deep-frying a turkey. Typically, there
are many fires resulting in serious injuries and damage
each year. Keep an extra watchful eye on children
around the fryers.
Having live candles on the table always adds to
the charm of a festive setting but can present their
own set of hazards if not attended to and extinguished
properly. Part of the clearing-the-table process should
be to extinguish the candles first.
As with all activities, safety should be the top priority
to make sure we all stay safe and healthy. However,
should an unexpected incident, whether fire or medical
in nature occur, don’t hesitate to dial 9-1-1. Delaying
the call can have significantly dire consequences.
Steen Eriksson,
Professional Firefighters and
Paramedics of Palm Beach County,
IAFF Local 2928
HOAN@IAFF2928.com