Page 7 - PGA Community News - November '21

November 2021
November 2021 BW PGA C.A.N.!, Page 7

Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans

– WVRF’s Dental Program

By Chrystal D. Rambarath they also face new dangers – threats that make their transition home to the third largest population of veterans in the United
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: What do to civilian life difficult. One silent, almost undetectable threat States – more than 1.5 million people. The nonprofit supports
these afflictions have in common? According to the Center for can be found in their mouths. As many as 92 percent of veterans veterans who served in World War II through present day
Disease Control, these and other chronic conditions can be linked served by the Veteran’s Affairs system are ineligible for dental conflicts. To date, over 10,000 veterans and their families have
to poor oral health. While in some cases, it is yet to be determined care benefits. Only honorably discharged veterans with a 100 received more than $5 million in direct financial assistance.
if poor oral health causes these conditions, it is undeniable that percent service-connected disability qualify for dental care WVRF’s intervention and work literally keeps veteran families
many illnesses can be detected during routine dental checkups. through the VA. Thankfully, nonprofits often fill the gaps left from becoming homeless. Beyond this support, WVRF is
Encouragingly, good oral hygiene and treatment can reduce heart unserved by the government and the private sector. also a major advocate of veterans and an ally as they confront
attacks by 35 percent. Though that is good news for Americans The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), established obstacles before them. Their most recent challenge has been
who have dental insurance and those that adhere to their biannual in 2009, was created to support Florida’s disabled veterans to expand dental care access for veterans and the launch of
checkups, there is a segment of our population for whom this by relieving the financial strains that prevent their transition their dental program.
basic care is out of reach. to civilian life. They provide temporary emergency financial During an emergency dental examination made possible by
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, biological assistance to qualified disabled veterans. The impact of WVRF, it was detected that one of their veterans was suffering
and chemical threats, and more. But upon their return home, WVRF’s work is tremendous, considering that Florida is from oral cancer. That timely examination caught an oral
cancer that could have been fatal. This startling realization and
the discovery of just how few veterans can access dental care
The Singles Scene Column © prompted WVRF to do something. With support of their board
of directors and the partnership of one local dentist, WVRF
began to bridge this gap in health care for veterans. The lives
Holiday Dating Hacks 22 months. Thousands of single adults moved to of at least two veterans were saved by early diagnoses during
a dental examination.
Florida in the last year from all around the country. In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health is
By: Kelly Leary, M.S., The This means MORE AVAILABLE QUALITY MEN also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. Veterans
Florida Matchmaker and WOMEN. Many of our new clients are new to have shared that they stopped smiling and experienced poor
Have you noticed the area entirely and they know no one. Caveat: If self-esteem, shame, depression, and job rejections because of
the holiday sizzle has you are traveling, it is a good idea to meet us for the aesthetics and state of their mouths. Gum disease, chronic
started early this year? your first appointment BEFORE you go. This will bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores result in loss of
We have here and it is give us a head start. confidence among veterans as well. These conditions also
very exciting. So, if WHEN: Make that one decision now and start jeopardize veterans’ ability to secure a stable job, a critical
you are single, know today. At the end of the day, enjoying the holidays aspect of their transition to civilian life. With little financial
that you have options comes down to your mindset and attitude. If you safety nets, a job keeps veterans and their families with roofs
AND if you are taken are single right now, just knowing you are doing over their heads. With the increased demand among veterans
do tell your friends! something about it (as in following our guide) will for mental health care, it is imperative that access to dental
This would be the raise your energy and mood immensely. You will care be expanded.
coolest topic to share have HOPE. You will be ditching the dating apps In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental program. It
with your single friends and family who are feeling and upgrading your odds of romance this season. was piloted in Palm Beach County and offers emergency dental
a little lonely this time of year. It’s always nice to Take this as a unique chance to revisit and reframe assistance to qualified veterans. These veterans must have a 10
have something to look forward to, right? When your expectations. Don’t be so hard on yourself. percent or more service-connected disability rating or have an
people ask “why are you still single?” simply This is the one decision that could and will change active pending claim, be a Florida resident currently residing
respond “not for long” (because you have the pros your trajectory (in love) forever. That’s the goal. in Florida, have been honorably discharged from the military,
in your back pocket). Your smile will be bigger all If you don’t have a FOREVER PARTNER at this and need emergency dental care. It is the WVRF’s intention
month long simply because you took action. very moment, taking action will give you peace that the dental program will be expanded, with a location for
Truth be told, singles have FIVE things on their and faith for the weeks to come. dental services in each of Florida’s 67 counties. In the interim,
mind right now: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW: Hit your DELETE button. Let go of the nonprofit has the support of at least 10 local dentists who
and HOW because no one wants to be single this your fears. The past is officially over and behind are ready to donate their services.
time of year. This is our early gift to you. We thank you now. Get moving in the here and now. Leave Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound by
you for reading our column for so many years! For your comfort zone. Some have risen to the occasion a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of American
our new readers, we thank you for sharing your time and seized the day and likely this describes you values. They willingly risk their lives and make great sacrifices
with us today. We look forward to meeting you soon (since you are reading this column). One thing is so that their fellow citizens can enjoy freedom, liberty, and all
in our office for your private dating consultation. You for certain: Pandemic Era Love is on the rise right rights that our citizenship allows. When they return home, and
will learn a lot about yourself in the first hour with us. now--so don’t miss the good positive energy around in their time of need, it is our turn to support them. We hope
It will all be our secret too :). Tired of online dating you. Commit now while the market is hot. Timing that you are moved by the tribulations that confront them. If
shenanigans or being “out there” for all to see? Read is everything and “couples season” has begun! The you are able, we call upon your generosity to expand the critical
on for the answers. odds of pairing off in November and December are services that the dental program offers. You may donate your
WHO: Focus on you! You do have a good life- in your favor. time, skills, or supplies, attend an event, become an advocate,
-there is just one thing missing. Self-love is key. The bottom line is: You have been thinking or simply spread news of this essential endeavor among your
You have so much to offer. You are a catch...but you about this for a while. You don’t want to be single. family, friends, and networks. To get involved or find out more,
can’t be caught doing the same old same old that got It’s been too long solo or in the wrong relationship. please call (561) 855-4207, visit www.wvrf.org, find us at the
you here. THIS is the moment to spread your wild Do something different for you and find out what’s Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on Facebook and LinkedIn,
wings and connect with another human that loves happening HERE too. Discover what’s new at or follow us at WVReliefFund on Twitter and Instagram. As
and appreciates you. Look for someone who knows Revolution Dating. former President Calvin Coolidge once said, “The nation which
how to love and is not fatally broken like so many Can’t wait to bring you up to date and to get you forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”
may be these days. Create your idea of what love dating before the ball drops!
could look like during the holiday season. Don’t Carpe Diem and Happy Thanksgiving!
could pair off too. Recently, I had a couple become #F irs tRes ponderS pecials A llM onth HANDY-MAN
give in to the social pressure and clichéd picture
XoXo, Kelly & The Revolution Dating Team
of holiday couples. It’s only November and you #LoveOffline #LoveLocal #RestartSmart
engaged after just four weeks of dating. #TellYourFriends
WHAT: Accept the inevitable facts of what Kelly Leary has 30 years in the dating industry HOME SERVICES
©
is about to happen. The holiday season can be and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. She’s been
very demanding and challenging when it comes profiled by ABC News, The Palm Beach Post,
to the stigma of being single. Thanksgiving, for PalmBeacher Magazine, Stuart News, etc. NO JOB TOO SMALL
example, is typically portrayed as an artificially Revolution Dating members are pre-screened
picturesque image of hugs and laughter and including background checks. Professional
“perfect couples” cozying up on the couch. Yet, photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating u Water Stains u Screen Repair
for the majority of Americans, that is not the case is not online dating or blind dating. In addition u Painting u Leak Repair
whatsoever. Interestingly, stats point to around 30% to providing matchmaking services that make u Caulking u Misc. Repair
of the population likely spending Thanksgiving singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club
completely alone this year. This is why you need membership, Kelly and her team also provide u Interior/Exterior
to take action sooner than later. What is the order feedback from your dates when appropriate. ... and much more!
of the day: Change. Call 561-630-XOXO (9696) or 772-932-HERE
WHERE: Where will you be? Remember, (4373) for a LIVE interview with a matchmaker Housesitting Available • References Available
single people were kind of “stuck” this time last for the quickest service. You may also visit us at
year and for much longer than the holidays. We www.revolutiondating.com. *All inquiries are (Serving Palm Beach County since 1980)
know divorces and break-ups soared in the last confidential.
Call Rubin
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