Commentaries

  • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

    Dating, that word will make any parent cringe, especially when it is being used in the context of their own child.  In the past dating was just that you dated possibly multiple persons until you decided to “go steady” it was a very deliberate act to commit to a relationship even at that age. As a

  • Imagine an Air Force free of Domestic Violence

    Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families in our Air Force community. The month of October is recognized as national Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Team Offutt is having events to bring attention to this problem. The “Silent Witness Display” will be at the 55th Medical

  • Good night, mom

    At the time, I did not realize how important it was to have a support system. I also didn’t understand the concept that family didn’t have to be related and could be anyone who cared enough to make sure you were OK.

  • Voices

    “I sound just like my mother…I swore I would never say that to my children!”  These are phrases that sometimes grace our lips as we live our lives and grow and experience family.  We sometimes (like history) repeat the follies of our parents and bestow more stories to be told by our own

  • Mold: A Common Misconception

    Summer’s almost here!  Time to dust off the grills, break out the bug spray, and enjoy the warm weather.  Unfortunately for some of you, summer also means allergy season.  From the pollen in the grass to the pollen in the trees, it seems the only way to enjoy summer is by staying indoors.  However,

  • Heat Stress and Safety Awareness

    The “101 days of Summer” has begun, and with it brings warmer weather, outdoor events, and barbecues. However, those aren't the only things to keep in mind. Are you taking care of yourself, family members and pets when it comes to heat stress?Heat stress related injuries and illnesses occur when the

  • Risks of Radon

    What if I told you radiation is everywhere and that we are constantly exposed to it on a day to day basis?  According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the average annual radiation dose per person in the U.S. is 620 millirem (mR).  To give a comparison, a

  • Your Weight Does Matter

    The World Health Organization notes that obesity is a rapidly growing health care issue, reaching epidemic levels around the world. According to the WHO (2014), the current incidence of obesity makes it the leading risk for death across the globe. The United States is amidst this growing global

  • Civilian employment mentoring leads to understanding

    Something exceptional happened when two retired first sergeants -- one a team leader from the Airman & Family Readiness Center here, and the other a local human resources professional with Mutual of Omaha – joined forces to assist personnel leaving active duty.   The result is the Excel with a