Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-08-14T06:45:01

(BPT) – Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease. The majority of people may not know that their symptoms may be associated with eye dryness.

There are multiple reasons why people may experience occasional dry eye. If not addressed, symptoms may become more frequent and severe and eye surface damage may occur, resulting in a diagnosis of dry eye disease.

If you think you may have dry eye, talk to your eye doctor. There are various options available that can provide relief. Learn more at www.KnowYourDryEye.com.

2024-08-13T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

Male incontinence, also known as bladder leakage, may stop men from doing activities they once enjoyed for fear of embarrassment. While this can feel isolating, the truth is that incontinence is a common condition and impacts about 1 in 10 men in the U.S.¹

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when physical movement or activity — such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or heavy lifting — puts pressure or stress on the bladder, causing urine to leak.^2,3

Want to learn more? Here are some frequently asked questions about SUI:

Is stress urinary incontinence a problem for men?

Rates of urinary incontinence continue to rise, particularly in men 60 years or older.¹ A common cause of SUI in men is the surgical removal of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, or a prostatectomy.³ When the urinary sphincter muscle is damaged or weakened, it cannot squeeze and stop urine from flowing out of the body when you laugh, lift, walk or move.^2,3

While incontinence becomes more common as men age, it shouldn’t be ignored.¹ Bladder leakage could be a sign of brain or nerve issues, dementia or other health problems that make it hard to feel and respond to the urge to urinate. Sometimes it’s due to problems with the urinary system itself.⁴

Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

Though it might not be completely preventable, you can lessen your chances of developing SUI. Managing your weight through a healthy diet and exercising regularly — including doing kegels — is a good way to help address SUI.⁴

Will drinking less water decrease leakage?

Drinking normal amounts of water does not exacerbate the problem of incontinence. On the contrary, it improves overall bladder health and helps your body work as optimally as possible.⁵

If I have surgery for prostate cancer, is incontinence an unavoidable side effect?

Bladder leakage is a common side effect for men who undergo a prostatectomy, however, SUI is sometimes resolved within one year following the procedure. If you find bladder control to still be an issue six months after your procedure, don’t be afraid to see a specialist to discuss your options.⁶

Are adult diapers my only option for managing incontinence? Are there longer-lasting treatments?

Many men start managing their bladder leakage with products they can buy at pharmacies or grocery stores, such as pads and diapers.

However, if this approach doesn’t produce wanted results, there are other treatment options that your doctor can recommend, such as catheters, penile clamps, male slings or an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).

One example of an AUS is the AMS 800™. This three-part system allows users, when they need to urinate, to squeeze and release the pump in the scrotum several times, removing fluid from the cuff and pushing it into a balloon. When the cuff is empty, urine can flow out of the bladder. After a few minutes, the cuff automatically refills with the fluid stored in the balloon, which squeezes the urethra shut again.

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask about available treatment options. To learn more, visit fixincontinence.com.

Important Risk Information: As with any medical procedure, complications may occur. The AMS 800 requires manual dexterity. Some risks with AMS 800 include but are not limited to: device malfunction or failure which may require revision surgery, erosion of the urethra in the cuff area, urinary retention, post-operative pain and infection. Find a link to additional patient safety information at fixincontinence.com.

Caution: U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

References

1. Markland AD, Goode PS, Redden DT, et al. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in men: results from the national health and nutrition examination survey. J Urol. 2010 Sep;184(3):1022-7.

2. Abrams P, Andersson KE, Birder L, et al. Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence Recommendations of the International Scientific Committee: Evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Neurology and Urodynamics. 2010;29:213-240.

3. Stress Incontinence. Mayo Clinic Website. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stress-incontinence/basics/definition/con-20027722. Accessed July 2024.

4. “Urinary Incontinence – What to Ask Your Doctor.” Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/questions-to-ask-your-doctor/urinary-incontinence-what-to-ask-your-doctor.

5. “Does Drinking More Water Help Incontinence?” UC Irvine Health, Department of Urology. www.urology.uci.edu/does_drinking_more_water_help_incontinence_can_drinking_too_much_water_irritate_your_bladder_does_drinking_water_help_with_overactive_bladder.shtml.

6. Sandhu JS, Breyer B, Comiter C, Eastham JA, Gomez C, Kirages DJ, et al. Incontinence after Prostate Treatment: AUA/SUFU Guideline. Journal of Urology [Internet]. 2019 Aug 1; 202(2):369–78. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000314

2024-08-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – Every day, people across the country are making proactive choices to maintain good health, which absolutely includes eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. And it has been well established that nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting one’s overall health, their well-being and in preventing or managing chronic conditions. Among the easiest ways for people to enhance the quality of their diet and to stay in good health is to manage their intake of added sugar.

Consuming excess added sugar has been linked to various health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.^1-3 Low- and no-calorie sweeteners, like Splenda, give individuals the ability to enjoy the same great sweet taste of sugar without the excess calories or blood sugar impact.⁴

Interested in managing your sugar intake? One important step is to become familiar with nutrition labels and to recognize alternative names for sugar. Common names for sugar include Cane Sugar, Glucose, Corn Syrup, Invert Sugar, Agave Nectar, Molasses, Barley Malt Syrup, Evaporated Cane Juice, Honey, Powdered Sugar, and Fructose. Once you understand where your sugar intake is coming from, you can make intentional sweet swaps using low- and no-calorie sweeteners!

Here are five easy ways to immediately begin reducing your sugar intake, today:

1. Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages: Add fruit, herbs, and a low- and no-calorie sweetener like Splenda to your sparkling water for a refreshing beverage
2. Coffee and tea: Sweeten with a low- and no-calorie sweetener instead of sugar or honey
3. Keep an eye on condiments: Use the nutrition facts label to identify sauces, jams, and dressings that are high in added sugar and swap for a sugar-free option
4. Oatmeal & yogurt: Sweeten with a low- and no-calorie sweetener and add protein with natural peanut butter, almonds, or seeds
5. DIY homemade desserts: Discover your new favorite recipe for cookies, pies, cakes, and more that use low- and no-calorie sweeteners

Reducing added sugar intake is not just a trendy health fad; it is a proactive approach to your overall well-being. Today, Splenda continues to underscore its commitment to its mission of helping people live happier, healthier, longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar, through initiatives like its 25th anniversary campaign, “25 Families for 25 Years,” which honors families impacted by diabetes by awarding $2,500 to 25 deserving households.

Among the inspiring honorees is Jaime Burchuck, who nominated her daughter, Jules, a remarkable young girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 3 years old. Now 7 years old, Jules has spent the last 4 years bravely navigating the challenges of diabetes. From wearing an insulin pump at school to missing out on classroom birthday treats, these daily obstacles make her feel “different” from her friends. However, with sugar-free alternatives, Jules can enjoy the treats she loves without added health risks, allowing her to live the life every child deserves and shine brightly despite her condition. To further recognize Jules’ inspiring bravery, Splenda threw her an out-of-this-world party at Dave & Buster’s for her 8th birthday.

Additional honorees include Christina Dominguez from Los Angeles, CA, Cindy Gladden from Denver, CO, Jessica Phelps from Chicago, IL, Eeron Mobley from Indianapolis, IN, Kalen Da Sylveira from Los Angeles, CA, and Stefanie Cardino from Denver, CO, Susan Depner from Chicago, IL., Stacey Grantham from Tampa, FL, Susan Blackwell from Chicago, IL, Lesley Hammer from Tampa, FL and Juliette McCarey from Tampa, FL.

These stories reflect the resilience found within communities striving for better health. By promoting awareness for sugar alternatives and supporting those affected by diabetes, organizations are empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices that positively impact overall well-being.

References:

1. Warshaw H, Edelman SV. Practical Strategies to Help Reduce Added Sugars Consumption to Support Glycemic and Weight Management Goals. Clin Diabetes. 2021;39(1):45-56. doi:10.2337/cd20-0034
2. Malik VS, Hu FB. The role of sugar-sweetened beverages in the global epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022;18(4):205-218. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00627-6
3. Huang Y, Chen Z, Chen B, et al. Dietary sugar consumption and health: umbrella review. BMJ. 2023;381:e071609. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-071609
4. Greyling A, Appleton KM, Raben A, Mela DJ. Acute glycemic and insulinemic effects of low-energy sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Oct 1;112(4):1002-1014. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa167. PMID: 32672338.

2024-08-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – As parents start getting kids back to school, one important topic looms large: What should you prep for lunches and snacks to make sure kids get the nutrition they need? This can be a source of anxiety for parents, as planning and packing better-for-you lunches can be time-consuming — and you want your kids to like the food you’re sending to help fuel their day.

Fortunately, there are choices available that can ensure your kids’ lunchboxes are filled with foods that are nutritious, easy to pack — and fun and tasty to eat.

“As we gear up to get kids ready for school, it’s so important to pack nutrient-dense snacks for school lunches, and have options to satisfy after-school munchies,” said Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, best-selling author of Everyday Snack Tray, and nationally recognized health expert.

Here are tips to help you plan and pack school lunches for your kids this year.

Opt for nutrient-dense almond butter

With just one serving of JUSTIN’S^® Classic Almond Butter (two tablespoons), you’ll get 6 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber, as well as calcium and iron.

JUSTIN’S^® Almond Butter is great for meals on-the-go, and it’s ready when you need it — breakfast crunch time, lunch fueling and after-school snacking. You can pack convenient, no-refrigeration-needed JUSTIN’S^® Nut Butter Squeeze Packs in lunchboxes as is, or spread along with banana slices on bread for a tasty, nutritious alternative to traditional PB&Js.

“For an after-school snack, I love slicing up a medium banana and schmearing the top of each slice with a little JUSTIN’S^® Classic Almond Butter, about two tablespoons. Then sprinkle a little unsweetened shredded coconut on top if you like,” Largeman-Roth said.

JUSTIN’S^® offers a variety of almond butter flavors, including JUSTIN’S^® Honey Almond Butter, with the slight sweetness of organic honey plus a one-of-a kind grind that gives it a naturally delicious taste — perfect for pairing with fruits, veggies and crackers; for lunch or snacks; with oatmeal and toast in the morning; or simply enjoying straight out of the squeeze pack or jar.

Best yet, all of JUSTIN’S^® delicious nut butter varieties including almond, peanut and other specialty nuts, pack 4-7 grams of protein per serving, providing high-quality products made with mindfully sourced ingredients. You can find their products at Justins.com/where-to-buy.

Pro tip: Let kids choose their favorite nut butters and add-ons — banana slices, jam, etc. — and have them help pack lunches ahead, so you’ll know they’re getting something they like.

Maximize your sandwiches by choosing natural, organic meats

Sandwiches are classic lunch fare for a reason: They’re easy to pack and easy to eat. So why not make the most of them? These sandwich ingredients will help you level up this lunch staple.

If you’re looking for great protein sources to include in kids’ lunches, check out deli meat options from APPLEGATE^®, which raises animals with their Applegate Humanely Raised standard, in which the animals are provided with space to engage in natural behaviors and promote natural growth, and with no antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants. You can also feel good knowing that the meat you’re buying is free of added chemical nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Even better, their products taste great, and are easy to enjoy in lunches and for after-school snacking. Try these selections:

• Organic Slow Cooked Ham
• Organic Roasted Turkey Breast
• Organic Oven Roasted Chicken Breast

You can mix and match any of these tasty deli meats with your kids’ favorite cheeses or toppings so they’ll get the most nutrition possible packed into one great sandwich. Find other APPLEGATE^® products and recipe inspo at Applegate.com/recipes.

Pro tip: Pack moisture-rich toppings and dressings separately to avoid soggy-bread syndrome! For example, sliced tomatoes or cucumbers, lettuce leaves, pickles or mayo can be stored in separate containers to help keep everything fresh and crisp.

Amp up the fun factor

Your kids may enjoy lunches more — and be more likely to eat them — if they have a part in their creation. For example, pack a pita or soft flour tortilla in their lunchbox along with sandwich fillings they like so they can create their own wrap or pocket sandwich at lunchtime. Ask for their input on what types of meats, nut butters, cheese, veggies and fruits they want included — but don’t be afraid to think outside the lunch box.

“You know best what types of foods your child likes, and how adventurous they are (or not), so take your time introducing new ideas,” said Largeman-Roth. “Try new foods at home first, over the course of a week or longer, to see how they respond before adding to their lunchbox — unless your kid enjoys surprises! Many children are more likely to eat foods they’re already familiar with, so keep that in mind as you explore new options.”

2024-08-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Pop quiz: Do you know which childhood diseases the DTaP vaccine helps prevent?

(Answer: Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis — also called whooping cough).

If you didn’t know the answer, you’re not alone! Recommended childhood vaccines like DTaP have been so successful in preventing serious illness and even death from once common diseases that many of us are unfamiliar with their names or symptoms.

Ensuring your child is up to date with their recommended vaccinations helps keep it that way. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the latest vaccination coverage, or the percentage of people who are vaccinated with specific vaccines, among kindergarten children is 93%. This is lower than pre-pandemic coverage, which hovered around 95% for nearly a decade. This is significant because it means that there are nearly 250,000 kindergartners who may not be completely protected against serious diseases like measles.

Help make sure that your child is protected from serious diseases like measles and chickenpox, which can spread easily in school settings. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about keeping your child up to date with recommended vaccines.

Want to learn more? Consult CDC’s easy-to-read vaccination schedule to see if your child is protected. And check out the handy “cheat sheet” below to learn more about some once-common childhood diseases that recommended vaccinations now help protect your child from:

Diphtheria

• About: Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat and sometimes skin. The disease spreads when people with diphtheria cough or sneeze, or if others come into contact with their infected wounds.
• Symptoms and complications: Diphtheria can cause difficulty breathing. In more serious cases, diphtheria can cause heart muscle damage, heart failure, and nerve damage. About 1 in 5 kids under the age of 5 who get diphtheria die from it.
• How to protect your child: Make sure your child is up to date on their DTaP or Tdap vaccinations.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• About: Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a very contagious bacterial infection of the lungs. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around others.
• Symptoms and complications: Pertussis usually starts with cold-like symptoms, and maybe a mild cough, but can become very serious. Someone with whooping cough can cough violently and rapidly, over and over. This extreme coughing can result in vomiting and exhaustion. Babies and young children may not cough at all but may have difficulty breathing instead.
• How to protect your child: The best way to stay protected from pertussis is with DTaP or Tdap vaccination.

Polio

• About: Polio is caused by poliovirus, a viral infection of the nerves and brain. It is spread through person-to-person contact from infected stool.
• Symptoms and complications: Poliovirus can cause life-long paralysis and be life-threatening.
• How to protect your child: There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with vaccination.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• About: Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a contagious viral infection that causes fever, headache, and an itchy, blistering rash. It is spread through the air and direct contact. Up to 9 in 10 people that are not immune and come into contact with someone with chickenpox will also get infected.
• Symptoms and complications: Varicella can cause infected sores, brain swelling, infection of the lungs (pneumonia), and can be life-threatening.
• How to protect your child: The varicella vaccine protects children against chickenpox.

Measles

• About: Measles is very contagious and can be serious. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. About 9 in 10 people who are exposed to measles and not protected against measles get infected.
• Symptoms: Measles can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and rash. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.
• How to protect your child: The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects children against measles.

Thanks to the protection given by recommended vaccines, it makes sense that there is less awareness about these once common childhood diseases. Let’s keep it that way. Before your child goes back to school, make sure they are up to date with recommend vaccines. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about recommended childhood vaccines. Visit CDC’s webpage to learn more.

2024-08-07T12:01:01

(BPT) – When you turn 65, your enrollment windows open. During this process, there are a number of lifestyle choices to consider when reviewing your coverage options. These can include aspects like employment status, veteran status, and travel preferences. Learn more about your options below.

2024-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Cancer biomarkers can be tested to reveal important details about your cancer. To learn more about biomarkers and how biomarker testing may inform treatment decisions for certain cancers, click here.

2024-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Being safe and comfortable at home is a large part of living well. Home modifications and repairs can help everyone prevent accidents and maintain an independent lifestyle, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

Many older adults prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible, but too often don’t think about whether a home can adapt to their needs as they age. Making improvements before they are needed is a good way to ensure that a home is ready for aging in place. Forward-thinking improvements can also prevent falls, which often result in the need for long-term care.

Changes can be made to improve both the accessibility and adaptability of a home. Accessibility improvements involve tasks like widening doorways and lowering countertop heights for someone who uses a wheelchair. Adaptability changes, such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, are improvements to assist people for whom strength and balance may have become a challenge. These changes can usually be made without a major redesign or full-blown renovation.

You can get started making your home ready for long-term living by conducting a top-to-bottom assessment.

Home assessment

Before making any changes, look at the entire home. Keep in mind items that may be needed now as well as in the future. This checklist can help identify areas that might need improvement. Everyone has different needs, but in general, a “no” answer may be cause for action.

• Are exterior walkways and entrances well-lit?
• Is there a step-free entrance to the home?
• Are entrance doors easy to lock, unlock, open and close?
• Does the main floor include a kitchen, bedroom and full bathroom?
• Are doorways wide enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or service animal?
• Is wall-to-wall carpeting secure and in good condition (flat, not bunched up)?
• Are area rugs secured to the floor with non-slip padding?
• Are walkways free from obstructions and hazards like cords and furniture?
• Do stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides?
• Can bathroom and kitchen cabinets be easily reached?
• Is there a step-free shower entrance?
• Are grab bars available near the shower and toilet?
• Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip mats, adhesive strips or slip-free floors?
• Will smoke detectors provide visual as well as audio alerts?
• Are telephones easily accessible on all floors?

More information about home modifications, including a detailed home assessment checklist and information about financial assistance, can be found at eldercare.acl.gov.

2024-07-30T17:23:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, milk is always a great choice for families to drink, for plenty of reasons. Having milk on-hand for your favorite cereal in the morning or for dunking a warm chocolate chip cookie may be reason enough to keep a carton in your fridge, but here are some perks that may surprise you — and a few ways to think outside the carton.

1. Milk is a nutritional powerhouse

When you pour yourself a glass of milk, nutrition may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, an important benefit of drinking dairy milk is that you’ll get essential nutrients that are important for overall health and wellbeing, including protein, vitamins A, B12 and D, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin and zinc.

Want even more nutrition from your milk? Look for options that have been fortified with fatty acids — such as Organic^® Valley Family First™ Milk with DHA Omega 3. Fatty acids support brain health, as well as providing energy to the body and keeping your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system and hormones functioning as they should. However, most Americans don’t usually meet their needs for this nutrient, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, look for milk options with added DHA Omega 3 and your brain and body will thank you!

2. Milk is a tasty way to hydrate

It’s estimated that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. But, dairy milk may not be top-of-mind when it comes to looking for a hydration solution. Research published by the National Institutes of Health has shown that milk hydrates better than water, as it replaces some of the electrolytes that are lost while sweating and hydrates even better than sports drinks because it contains much-needed calcium. So, keep this in mind next time you’re packing up drinks to bring to kids’ sports practice, outdoor events and playdates, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Milk helps everyone get their ZZZ’s

To help everyone in your family enjoy better sleep, try adding milk to your bedtime routine. According to registered dietitian Caitlin Beale, M.S., R.D.N., using milk as a bedtime snack can help the body relax in preparation for sleep. In her article on mother.ly, Beale explains how milk can promote better sleep — and overall well-being.

• Creates a soothing ritual: Bedtime routines like story time and sipping warm milk act as signals to the brain that it’s time to wind down.
• Helps balance blood sugar: Protein in milk helps steady blood sugar levels, to support better rest.
• Promotes growth and development: Milk is a good source of protein, healthy fats, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D — all needed for healthy development. Organic Valley Family First Milk also contains DHA omega-3s to support brain health.
• Supports healthy metabolism: A glass of milk before bed can aid muscle recovery and support a normal metabolic rate while you sleep (meaning, how many calories your body burns overnight).
• Contains tryptophan: Like sleep-inducing turkey dinners, tryptophan helps make neurotransmitters and hormones that control your sleep and wake cycles.

With these reasons in mind, the next time you think about milk, think Organic Valley — a cooperative of small family farms that never use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything. And because Organic Valley farmers use sustainable farming methods, you can feel good knowing you’re not just nourishing your body, but also supporting the health of the planet. You can find Organic Valley^® Family First Milk™ and other products near you at OrganicValley.coop/store-locator.

2024-07-29T15:01:00

(BPT) – The 2024 hurricane season is underway, and the Atlantic is expected to see a record-breaking number of storms, driving communities across the region to batten down the hatches. First responders are at the center of helping residents weather the storm, but some may not realize that U.S. Army Soldiers are often critical members of the relief teams.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), one of the world’s largest public engineering agencies, never hesitates to run toward disaster, providing life-saving support where it’s needed most. And for Col. James Booth and his USACE Soldiers, who work across Florida and the Caribbean, the needs can be frequent and dire. What does it take to get through the storm season in one of the most hurricane-heavy parts of the country?

Read on to learn how Soldiers in the USACE Jacksonville District make an impact at every stage of hurricane responsiveness.

Before the Storm — Readiness

The best preparation for a hurricane starts well before it hits. 1st Lt. Amanda Warren has always had a passion for the environment and after graduating from West Point, now travels to at-risk communities year-round to help residents proactively improve their infrastructure in advance of hurricane season. This can include bolstering sand dunes for beachfront properties and conducting emergency management assessments for hospitals and other public facilities to ensure they can support the needs of the community during a storm. These projects help minimize damage and improve resilience in the event that disaster strikes.

On the Ground — Response

Once a hurricane makes landfall, USACE springs into action. The most critical needs for impacted communities are managing flooding and restoring power, and USACE is equipped to handle both. In the 2022 hurricane season, the Jacksonville District acted quickly to take on three major hurricanes in just two months. And in the first weeks after Hurricane Ian, Col. Booth and his unit assessed thousands of buildings and installed over 20,000 temporary roofs and 20 generators for Florida residents in need. He remembers the immediate impact it made for residents at a senior living facility who otherwise would have faced a dangerous situation. Moments like this give USACE Soldiers the purpose and motivation to keep going, even once the worst passes.

In response to Hurricane Ian, USACE Soldiers provided temporary roofing to homeowners to protect property and allow residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.

Building Back Stronger — Recovery

The work of USACE doesn’t end after the storm; in addition to ongoing power and water assessments, Soldiers continue partnering with local authorities on civil works projects to aid in recovery. Lt. Col. Matthew Miller is the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, and as a Florida State University alum, he is no stranger to the intense storms felt by the East Coast during hurricane season. He helped repair levees in the years following Hurricane Katrina and saw that effort tested when a recent storm hit New Orleans; because of this work, the improved infrastructure held strong. Reconstruction efforts help affected communities get back on track faster and prepare for what the next season may bring.

Col. James Booth and 1st Lt. Amanda Warren survey a coastline in Western Florida to conduct post-damage assessments following Hurricane Idalia in September 2023.

So, what should you do if you find yourself in the path of a hurricane this year? In addition to keeping an emergency cache of supplies on hand, above all, Col. Booth and his unit say it’s most important to follow the direction of local government and emergency services, especially as it pertains to evacuation. Staying connected to their guidance will help you make the best decisions to stay safe.

Find out more about how the Army is making an impact in communities around the country at GoArmy.com — and go through hurricane season knowing U.S. Army Soldiers are ready to help.