She Wears the Boots: A Podcast for Women Veterans

In this episode we hear from VHA historian Katie Rories and VA archivist Robyn Rogers about the evolution of Women’s History Month at the VA. For more information, please check out the following resources referenced in the episode! Visit the VA History Office or listen to stories from women Veterans in their podcast Reflections from the Front. Learn more about the important milestones and those responsible for them over the last 100 years of VA providing health care for women Veterans at https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/history.

Dr. Karen Goldstein, a VA women’s health primary care provider and researcher, describes cardiovascular disease, risk factors, and what the VA offers to support women who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US and we encourage women to ask their primary care provider about their personal risk and what woman-specific risks they might have. To access instructions on how to use the Healtheliving Assessment referenced by Dr. Goldstein in this episode, click here. For more information about Heart Health, see: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/heart-health.asp.

Dr Haley Moss discusses types of gynecologic cancers, signs and symptoms, and what to do if you are concerned about risk or personal history. Dr. Moss also shares what to expect after a diagnosis and encourages listeners to share their VA experiences with the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence by contacting them at [email protected]. For more information on gynecologic cancer, visit: PAP Test and Gynecologic Cancer - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov)

In this very special episode, the Secretary of the VA, Mr. Denis McDonough, talks to the VHA Chief Officer of Women’s Health, Dr. Patricia Hayes about his experiences leading the VA, what he has learned from women Veterans about their experiences with the VA, and the VA’s commitment to serving women Veterans. For more information, please visit: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/building-a-culture-of-respect.asp and https://www.va.gov/health/harassment-free/.

Dr. Jessica Keith and Dr. Amy Street discuss Military Sexual Trauma (MST) including definitions, impacts, and resources for those who have experienced it. The Beyond MST mobile app is highlighted as a specific resource for MST survivors. For general information on Military Sexual Trauma, visit Military Sexual Trauma - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov) and www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mst.

Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/SWTB_MST.pdf
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Dr. Amanda Johnson discusses the status of reproductive health services offered at the VA, including recent changes to regulations that now allow Veterans to receive abortion services. These services expand pregnancy counseling to now include abortion counseling, and in certain circumstances, access to abortions. For more information, please visit the Reproductive Health page on the VHA Women’s Health website at https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/reproductive-health.asp

Dr. Sarah Colonna discusses how breast cancer is diagnosed as well as what Veterans can expect following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
More information on General Mammography and Breast Health is available at https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/mammogram-breast-health.asp and by listening to one of our past episodes on https://www.spreaker.com/user/11014928/womenshealth-mammography-haskell-011421-

Dr. Sarah Kate McGowan explains the symptoms and impacts of insomnia on women Veterans and treatments available at VA for sleep related issues. For more information on insomnia, please visit please visit https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/insomnia/ or consider downloading the app Insomnia Coach at https://mobile.va.gov/app/insomnia-coach

Dr. Katharine Dickson reviews facts and myths about Eating Disorders in the Veteran population and outlines treatment options for those seeking care. For more information on disordered eating, please visit https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/disordered-eating.asp

Dr. Mary Driscoll discusses the unique experiences of women Veterans with chronic pain, common treatments available at VA and how to talk with your providers about pain. For more information, see Chronic Pain - Women Veterans Health Care https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/chronic-pain.asp