December2014 Examiner

THE EXAMINER

Volume 22, No. 12 December 2014C

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Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at [email protected]: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

Patients seen in October -- 10,747Appointment No Shows in October -- 1,105In October we had an 9.3 percent no show rate. We need to keep trendingdownward by keeping the appointments we make, or by canceling in enoughtime for someone else to use the slot...To help patients obtain appointments, the Naval Hospital now shows thenumber of open appointment slots each day on the hospital Facebook site,check it out. On Facebook, search: Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

To make an appointment call -- 760-830-2752To cancel an appointment call -- 760-830-2369

CFC Campaign Our 2014 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) officially lasts fromOctober 15th to December 15th. Our goal is to raise $20,000 with100 percent of personnel contacted. The motto is "Give a little.Help a lot.” Therefore, every pledgecounts. The minimum is $1 every paycheck or $24 a year.Participation is mandatory, while contribution is highly encouraged.Contributions can be processed either through paper forms or onNHTP’s SharePoint site where a hyperlink has been placed toprocess online donations. The point of contact is Lt. Phan(Pharmacy) or MA1 Adams (Security).

Catch the Plane, Not the Flu

The holidays are upon us andvisiting family and friends arelikely a big part of your vaca-tion plans. You might be visitingold friends, having family gath-erings, or even having a smallintimate get-together with a spe-cial someone. Protecting your-self and others from the flushould be a major part of yourholiday plans. Per statistics fromthe Centers for Disease Controland Prevention, every year onaverage five percent to 20 per-cent of the population gets theflu; and over 200,000 people ayear are hospitalized from sea-sonal flu-related complications.

The flu season in the UnitedStates, occurs in the fall andwinter with the highest risk timebetween November and March.

One of the best ways to preventthe seasonal flu is by receivingthe influenza vaccination eachyear. “Our beneficiaries andfamily members can receive theinfluenza vaccine at theImmunization Clinic located atNaval Hospital TwentyninePalms,” said Cmdr. WendyStone, Director of PublicHealth. Cmdr. Stone, also notedthat the immunization clinic is

open on Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday, and Friday from7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and from9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.The clinic is closed on week-ends and holidays.

Other important preventivemeasures are practicing goodhand hygiene and followinggood respiratory etiquette.Washing your hands frequentlywith soap and water or using analcohol-based hand rub are greatpreventive measures for every-one to practice. Also, avoidtouching your eyes, nose, ormouth and if you have littleones, teach them the same safepractices. When there is a needto cough or sneeze, follow goodrespiratory etiquette by coveringyour nose and mouth with a tis-sue and making sure the tissueis thrown away in a trash recep-tacle. Another respiratory eti-quette practice is to cough andsneeze into your upper sleeveand not into your hands.

If you are exposed to the fluvirus, symptoms may begin oneto four days after exposure.Symptoms include fever, bodyaches, tiredness, cough, chills,fatigue and possibly nausea,vomiting and/or diarrhea.

By Teresa Turbyfill, MSN, RN,Infection Preventionist,Directorate of Public Health

Continued on Page 3, Flu

Congratulations!

Hospital Corpsman First Class(Fleet Marine Force) Danell F.Dumas

Hospital Corpsman SecondClass Racquel N. Petticrew

Hospitalman Justin A. Harrison

Outstanding, superior, profession-al achievement--These are just afew of the adjectives used todescribe Hospital Corpsman FirstClass (Fleet Marine Force)Danell F. Dumas, selected asNHTP Senior Sailor of the Yearfor FY 2014; Hospital CorpsmanSecond Class Racquel N.Petticrew, selected as NHTPJunior Sailor of the Quarter; andHospitalman Justin A. Harrison,selected as NHTP Bluejacket ofthe Quarter. Give them a hearty“Congrats!” should you see themin the passageway.

2 -- The Examiner -- December -- 2014

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. Jay C. Sourbeer, MC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Angela S. Nimmo, NC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (FMF/AW/SW) Carol Merricks, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorDave Marks

Command OmbudsmanBright Opoku (760) 910-2050 email: [email protected]

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: [email protected] Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

Lt. Cmdr. Tara Van Drunen (right) receives her End of ServiceAward from NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Sourbeer, onNov. 18. Lt. Cmdr. Van Drunen was Assistant Department Head forEmergency Medicine. She’s been in the Navy nine years and willcontinue to provide emergency medicine in NHTP’s EmergencyRoom as a contract provider. (Photo by HM1 Tanya Wheeler)

Although, symptoms such asfever, tiredness and cough arealso related to the commoncold, these symptoms tend to bemore intense with the flu. Theflu usually lasts for an averageof seven to 10 days. For themost part the seasonal flu doesnot pose a serious health risk toindividuals and individualsaffected tend to get better ontheir own.

Seeking medical attentionshould be immediate if youexperience shortness of breathor difficulty breathing, purple orblue discoloration of the lips,pain or pressure in the chest orabdomen, sudden dizziness,confusion, severe or persistentvomiting, seizures, and/or whenflu-like symptoms improve butreturn with fever and a worsen-ing cough.

To protect yourself and othersfrom the seasonal flu, followgood preventive measures. Ifyou get the flu protect others byisolating yourself until symp-toms are gone. Remember,“Catch the plane, not the flu.”

Flu, continued from Page 1.

John Talbert, NHTP Chief Technical Officer for the InformationManagement Department (right), is recognized for 15 years of faith-ful federal service by NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. JaySourbeer. Mr. Talbert is originally from Hesperia, Calif. He workedas a contractor for one and a half years before coming on board asa government services civilian. He was notified that he was hired onhis birthday in November of 1999.

The mantle is passed. Lt. j.g. Thomas Sarti (left) passes the Bull, asin Bull Ensign, to Ensign April Currie Oct. 15. According to theNaval History and Heritage Command, “the Bull Ensign is the sen-ior ensign of a Navy Command. In addition to normal duties, theBull Ensign assumes various additional responsibilities such asteaching less-experienced ensigns about life at sea, planning andcoordinating wardroom social activities, making sure the officer’smess runs smoothly, and serving as an officer (such as treasurer)for Navy-related social organizations. The Bull Ensign is responsi-ble for preventing junior officers in his/her command from embar-rassing themselves and the Navy.” And woe to the Bull Ensign wholoses the Bull! (Photo by Alex Hogan)

Call 1 (800) TRICARE (874-2273) Option 1, 24 hours a day,seven days a week.

The Examiner December 2014 - 3

2X3Smith’s Family

Properties

Preventive Medicine CornerSubmit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers

Tanya StuckeyDear Tanya,

Why do all festivities have to becentered around food this timeof year? It feels like a set upwhen I think of all of the holi-day celebrations and then thedreaded New Year’s resolutionsthat will follow and likely beforgotten by February. Do youhave any tips on how to stay on

track during the holiday sea-son?Signed,

Mixed Signals Dear Mixed Signals, I was having this same conver-sation with a friend last week.You are not alone in your strug-gle to maintain a healthylifestyle through celebrationsthat last from Halloween (let’sface it, there are a lot of temp-tations!) through the NewYear’s Day open houses. Thereare so many opportunities toenjoy warm, hearty meals andcocktails with family andfriends. I have found a fewways you can enjoy the foodand beverages you love withoutpacking on the extra holidaypounds.

• Avoid snacking while prepar-ing meals. Those extra bites,licks and tastes add up! Weoften consume extra calories

without even noticing.

• Get moving! Listen to yourfavorite music and dance, cleanor organize and decorate. Everylittle bit helps. Instead ofevening television after dinner,take a walk alone or with fami-ly. This is great for digestion andstress relief too! Looking for a daytime walkinggroup?

NHTP Health Promotions leadsa group that meets in theEmergency Room parking lotat 11 a.m. every Tuesday andThursday. Join us for a short45-50 minute walk and enjoythe beautiful weather andscenery our desert has to offer!What a great way to fit in a lit-tle exercise and take that muchneeded mid-day break to re-energize. Civilian employees:Please make sure you areapproved by your supervisor to

participate in the BUMEDPhysical Fitness Program thatallows you to use up to onehour per day of excused timefor physical fitness, not toexceed three hours per week.(BUMED Form 12000/1).

If you plan to travel for the holi-days or are joining others for aparty away from home, planahead. Get in the right frame ofmind and go into the party witha plan for choosing healthyoptions, smaller portions or lim-iting your alcohol intake. Put afew healthier items on a smallplate and walk away from thetable. Also, mingle and socializein areas that are farther from thebuffet of foods so you are lesslikely to reach for that extradessert mid conversation.

If you are on a long road trip orflying, pack your own healthysnacks. Healthier airline choicesare limited and unless youspring for first class or businessclass, those options are gonebefore the flight attendantmakes it to you.

A healthy lifestyle is too impor-tant to wait until the New Year.Make a plan and start on it now.

Remember to set small, attain-able goals and you will be onthe road to reaching those goalsin no time!

For more information on per-sonalized food plans, choosingthe best foods at your commis-sary (or any grocery store), howto set personal fitness goals andthe best workout tips for yourlifestyle, contact the NHTPDietician, Cooking MattersCoordinator and MCCS SemperFit.

• NHTP Dietician: Lt. j.g. Smith, (760) 830-2274

• Cooking Matters: Cat Arias, (310) 921-0988

• Semper Fit:Felicia Crosson, (760) 830-6451

• Health Promotions WalkingClub:Tanya Stuckey, (760) 830-2173

Feeling Stressed? Winter holidays -- do they fillyou with joy or with worriesabout gift-giving and familygatherings? Do summer vaca-tions leave you relaxed or fret-ful over travel and money? Ifyou’re feeling stressed out oversupposedly fun things, it mightbe time to reassess. Take a fewmoments to learn how stressaffects your health and whatyou can do about it.

Everyone feels stressed fromtime to time. Stress can giveyou a rush of energy when it’sneeded most--for instance, com-peting in sports, working on animportant project, or facing adangerous situation. The hor-mones and other chemicalsreleased when under stress pre-pare you for action. You breathefaster, your heartbeat quickens,blood sugar rises to give youenergy, and your brain usesmore oxygen as it shifts intohigh alert.

But if stress lasts a long time--acondition known as chronicstress--those “high-alert”changes become harmful ratherthan helpful. “Stress clearly pro-motes higher levels of inflam-

mation, which is thought to con-tribute to many diseases ofaging. Inflammation has beenlinked to cardiovascular disease,diabetes, arthritis, frailty, andfunctional decline,” says Dr.Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a leadingstress researcher at Ohio StateUniversity. She and otherresearchers have found thatstress affects the body’s immunesystem, which then weakensyour response to vaccines andimpairs wound healing.

Research has linked chronicstress to digestive disorders, uri-nary problems, headaches, sleepdifficulties, depression, and anx-iety.

“Some studies have found thephysical, emotional, and socialeffects of a disease like cancerto be stressful for patients, care-givers, and long-term cancersurvivors,” says NIH’s Dr. PaigeGreen McDonald, an expert onstress and cancer biology.“However, there’s no definitiveevidence that stress causes can-cer or is associated with howlong one survives after a cancerdiagnosis.”

The top causes of stress in theU.S. are money and work-relat-

ed pressures, according to a2013 survey from the AmericanPsychological Association.Stress can also arise from majorlife changes, such as the deathof a loved one, divorce, illness,or losing a job. Traumatic stressis brought on by an extremeevent such as a major accident,exposure to violence, or a natu-ral disaster such as a hurricaneor flood.

Caring for a person with severeillness--such as dementia orcancer--can also be a significantsource of stress. More than adecade ago, studies by Kiecolt-Glaser and others showed thatthe stressful demands placed oncaregivers can lead to poorerhealth, lower responses to vac-cines, increased inflammation,and a more than 60 percenthigher death rate compared tonon-caregivers.

It’s not clear why some peoplecan sidestep or recover morequickly from stress than others.These resilient people seem to“bounce back” more easily afterstressful situations. Recent stud-ies of animals suggest thatresiliency may depend at leastin part on our genes. But learn-

ing healthy ways to cope withstress can also boost yourresilience.

“There are many different waysto cope with stress. We knowfrom a lot of different studiesthat having close personal rela-tionships--people with whomyou can talk, with whom youcan share your feelings--can behelpful,” says Kiecolt-Glaser.“So spending time with familyand friends in order to maintainthose relationships is perhapsone of the most crucial thingsyou can do as a stress reducer.”

Unfortunately, Kiecolt-Glaseradds, “when we’re stressed, wetend to do the worst things thatare not at all helpful to ourhealth.”

For instance, stressed out peoplemay tend to isolate themselvesand not seek social support.“Exercise is a great stress reduc-er. But when people are stressed,exercise becomes less commonand less appealing,” Kiecolt-Glaser says. “Instead of main-taining a healthy diet--also

Stress Relief Adds Up to Better General Health

Continued on Page 8, Stress

4 -- The Examiner -- December 2014

Super Stars...

Ms. Diane V. Brisco, Medical Support Assistant, Gold Team,receives a Letter of Appreciation from NHTP Commanding Officer,Capt. Jay Sourbeer, “for expertly relaying our patient’s needs to theteam to help expedite patient care. Your exemplary professionalismand outstanding performance of duty reflect great credit upon your-self and are in keeping with the highest tradition of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Lt. Kenton S. Tarver, MedicalService Corps, United StatesNavy, is awarded a Navy andMarine Corps CommendationMedal for: “Meritorious serv-ice while serving as StaffAudiologist, OccupationalHealth Department, NavalHospital Twentynine Palms,California from February 2012to February 2015. As the com-mand-managed EqualOpportunity Manager, he ledthe command assessment teamin the completion of 351 sur-veys, 19 interviews and 12focus groups to improve com-mand climate. Lt. Tarver’s dis-tinctive accomplishments,unrelenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to dutyreflect credit upon himself andare in keeping with the highesttraditions of the United StatesNaval Service.”

Lt. Ashlyn A. Lobenberg,Medical Service Corps, UnitedStates Navy, is awarded a Navyand Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “Formeritorious service while serv-ing as Clinical Psychologist,Mental Health Department,Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms, California, fromNovember 2011 to November2014. A recognized expert inmanagement of post traumaticstress disorder, she was theonly mental health providerpracticing all three departmentof defense-care protocols forthe management of complexcases. Lt. Lobenberg’s distinc-tive accomplishments, unre-lenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to dutyreflect credit upon herself andare in keeping with the highesttraditions of the United StatesNaval Service.”

Ms. Jennifer Flores, NHTPPatient Relations Officer, isrecognized for 15 years offaithful service to the federalgovernment.

Ms. Theresa Partin, NHTPPharmacy Technician, AdultMedical Care Clinic, is recog-nized for five years of faithfulservice to the federal govern-ment.

Hospital Corpsman SecondClass Seung Y. Dyal receives aNavy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal (Gold starin lieu of second award) “forprofessional achievement in thesuperior performance of herduties while serving as LeadingPetty Officer, PediatricsDepartment, NHTP, fromAugust 2013 to November2014. HM2 Dyal significantlycontributed to the increase ofcommand relay health enroll-ment from 23 percent to 39

percent in a period of sixmonths to meet Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery guide-lines. Petty Officer Dyal’s per-sonal initiative, perseveranceand unswerving devotion toduty reflect great credit uponherself and are in keeping withthe highest traditions of theUnited States Naval Service.”

Culinary Specialist SecondClass Kristofferson A.Masicampo receives a Navyand Marine Corps AchievementMedal “for professional

achievement in the superiorperformance of his duties whileserving as Bachelor EnlistedHousing Front Desk Clerk,Patient Diet Clerk, andCombined Food ServiceCulinary Specialist, NavalHospital Twentynine Palms,from November 2011 toNovember 2014. Petty OfficerMasicampo provided 4,000quality meals for patients andstaff and 200 therapeutic mealsto inpatients on a monthlybasis. Petty OfficerMasicampo’s personal initia-tive, perseverance andunswerving devotion to dutyreflect great credit upon him-self and are in keeping with thehighest traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Signed J. C. Sourbeer,Captain, Medical Corps,United States Navy

Lt. Amanda M. Jack, NurseCorps, receives a Letter ofAppreciation “for your out-standing performance inPatient Services, Obstetrics andGynecology Clinic, NavalHospital, Marine Corps AirGround Combat Center,Twentynine Palms, Calif., forFiscal Year 2014, FourthQuarter. The accomplishments

of your team has helped to cre-ate a climate within the hospi-tal of enthusiastic competitionamongst the departments tostart their own departmentalprograms. Your exemplary pro-fessionalism and outstandingperformance of duty reflectgreat credit upon yourself andare in keeping with the highesttradition of the United StatesNaval Service. I commend youfor a job ‘Well Done’ and wishyou continued success in yourfuture endeavors.”

Signed,

J. C. Sourbeer, Captain,Medical Corps, United StatesNavy

The Examiner -- December 2014 -- 5

Ms. Teresa Lopez, MCCS Sales Associate, receives a Letter ofAppreciation from NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Sourbeer:“It is with great pleasure that I extend to you my sincere gratitudefor your unselfish and continued support and services to NavalHospital, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, TwentyninePalms, California. You provide an invaluable service with outstand-ing professionalism and a positive attitude which contributes to themorale of our staff members. Your exemplary professionalism andoutstanding performance of duty reflect great credit upon yourselfand are in keeping with the highest tradition of the United StatesNaval Service.”

Hospital Corpsman Third Class(Surface Warfare) Shawn K.Awan is awarded the MilitaryOutstanding Volunteer ServiceMedal. “From May 2011 toMay 2014 you consistentlyserved as a leader of integrityas evidenced by your volunteerefforts and by representingwhat is good about our society,the United States Navy, and theUnited States military. Yourvolunteer efforts are most note-worthy and deserving of thisaward. Your untiring, conscien-tious and loyal dedication toduty was critical to the successof these programs and reflectcredit upon yourself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States NavalService.”

Culinary Specialist SecondClass (Surface Warfare)Javonnie Beall receives aLetter of Appreciation fromNHTP Commanding Officer,Capt. Jay Sourbeer. The letterreads, “It is with great pleasurethat I extend to you my sincereappreciation for your outstand-ing performance in CustomerServices, Naval Hospital,Marine Corps Air GroundCombat Center, TwentyninePalms, Calif., for Fiscal Year2014 Fourth Quarter. As theGalley’s customer relations rep-resentative, you ensured thatcustomer concerns areaddressed in a timely mannerand take all feedback to meetthe command vision to be aCenter of Excellence. Yourexemplary professionalism andoutstanding performance ofduty reflect great credit uponyourself and are in keepingwith the highest tradition of theUnited States Naval Service. Icommend you for a job ‘WellDone’ and wish you continuedsuccess in your future endeav-ors.” Signed, J. C. Sourbeer, Captain,Medical Corps, United StatesNavy

Lt. Cmdr. Nathanial S. Rial,Medical Corps, receives aLetter of Appreciation “foryour outstanding performancein Patient Services as anInternal Medicine Physician,Family Medicine, Blue Team,Naval Hospital, Marine CorpsAir Ground Combat Center,Twentynine Palms, Californiafor Fiscal Year 2014 FourthQuarter. Your patients consis-tently praise your professional-ism, courtesy and attentivenessin explaining their healthcareneeds. Your exemplary profes-sionalism and outstanding per-formance of duty reflect greatcredit upon yourself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tion of the United States NavalService. I commend you for ajob ì‘Well Done’ and wish you con-tinued success in your futureendeavors.”

Ms. Dinah Olivera receives aLetter of Appreciation fromNHTP Commanding Officer,Capt. Jay Sourbeer, “for youroutstanding performance inPatient Services as LicensedVocational Nurse, Obstetricsand Gynecology Clinic, NavalHospital, Marine Corps AirGround Combat Center,Twentynine Palms, Calif., forFiscal Year 2014, FourthQuarter. Your compassion andability to listen to your patient’sneeds have made you a leaderin patient satisfaction and arole model for your peers andco-workers. Your exemplaryprofessionalism and outstand-

ing performance of duty reflectgreat credit upon yourself andare in keeping with the highesttradition of the United StatesNaval Service. I commend youfor a job ‘Well Done’ and wishyou continued success in yourfuture endeavors.”

Signed,

J. C. Sourbeer, Captain,Medical Corps, United StatesNavy

Hospital Corpsman First ClassLilia A. Gardner is awarded aNavy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “formeritorious service while serv-ing as Leading Petty Officer,Physical Therapy Department,NHTP, from Dec. 2011 to Dec.2014. Her involvement was keyto the preparation and openingof the new OccupationalTherapy Clinic which reduced

purchased care costs by 21 per-cent and realized a cost avoid-ance of $160,000 in annualnetwork costs. Petty OfficerGardner’s distinctive accom-plishments, unrelenting perse-verance, and steadfast devotionto duty reflect great credit uponherself and are in keeping withthe highest traditions of theUnited States Naval Service.”

Hospitalman Dante X. Price(Fleet Marine Force) is award-ed a Navy and Marine Corps

Achievement Medal “for pro-fessional achievement in thesuperior performance of hisduties while serving as GeneralDuty Corpsman, FamilyMedicine Gold Team, NHTP,from Oct. 2013 to Nov. 2014.He contacted 98 patients inneed of follow-up appointmentsdramatically improving anti-depressant healthcare data andinformation. HospitalmanPrice’s exceptional professionalability, initiative and loyaldevotion to duty reflect greatcredit upon himself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States NavalService.”

6 -- The Examiner -- December 2014

Sub Offer5X3

Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

Lt. Kaley Gray HM2 Ian SmithMs. Debra Johnson Lt. Cmdr. Patrick MagajnaHMC Miguel Mata

Lt. Kaley Gray has alwayswanted to join the Navy. Anaudiologist in the PublicHealth Directorate, she hadonly been in the Navy sixweeks prior to her arrival atNHTP. “You can tap out fairlyquickly in private practice” (asan audiologist), Gray said, inreference to her three yearsworking for an ears, nose andthroat specialist in BergenCounty, New Jersey. “Being inthe Navy keeps me focused.”She earned her clinical doctor-ate degree from the Universityof Massachusetts. She says shelikes the high desert. “It’s defi-nitely different from where Igrew up and what I’m used to.But it’s a good different.” Grayfound a house in TwentyninePalms. For hobbies, she enjoysbiking and cooking, but says asa cook she’s a work inprogress. Lt. Gray enjoys homeimprovement projects. Musictastes include blue grass, coun-try and Americana.

Chief Petty Officer MiguelMata is the new Leading ChiefPetty Officer for the Direct-orate of Nursing Services. Hearrives from a three-year stintwith Fleet Surgical Team Threein San Diego. Originally fromLa Puenta, Calif., Mata and hiswife, Jennifer Reyes, own ahome in West Covina, Calif.Chief Mata has been to theCombat Center twice before, in1998 and in 2006, both timesfor pre-deployment training atCamp Wilson in support oflarge-scale combined armsexercises. With no children andno pets, he has a penchant forsartorial splendor. “I like tobuy shoes and I like to buy amatching hat with my shoes. Idon’t have kids, so I spend mymoney on shoes and hats.”Chief Mata also enjoys work-ing out. “I like to challenge mysailors to come work out withme. My wife’s a personal train-er so I have to stay at her levelof fitness.”

Debra Johnson is a familiarface, having just retired thispast June after 24 years asChief Petty Officer, Yeoman.Johnson was assigned toNHTP from 2011 to 2014. Nowshe’s returned as NHTP’snewest Physical EvaluationBoard Liaison Officer(PEBLO), working with transi-tioning Marines and Sailors asthey face the PhysicalEvaluation Board. Originallyfrom Eureka, Calif., Johnsonsaid she’s been a secretary“since I was 12-years-old,” andoriginally enlisted “because Iwanted to do more for mycountry.” For hobbies, John-son loves to crochet and makequilts. Her husband, William,is a psychologist with the 7thMarines. Debra Johnson lovesbeing back, but she says it’shard to remember, she’s a civil-ian and not a chief, especiallywhen her former sailors seekher out for advice.

Petty Officer Second Class IanSmith arrived to NHTP fromthe 1st Marine’s 1st TankBattalion. During his five yearsin the Navy he’s deployed withthe 2nd Battalion, 5th Marinesfor six months, operating out ofOkinawa but at sea for twomonths; and he served threeyears as a medevac clerk andpatient administration special-ist at Branch Health ClinicIwakuni, Japan. At NHTP,Smith looks forward to joiningthe Patient Administrationteam. Originally from ColoradoSprings, Colo., Smith enjoysworking out but keeps hisoptions open. “Anything thatcomes up, that seems fun to meI’ll try at least once,” he says.Smith is appreciative of the“welcoming” atmosphere he’sencountered here. Smith livesin the barracks. He enjoys “alltypes” of music and he drives aJeep, but mainly sticks to pavedroads.

Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Magajna(pronounced: Ma-guy-na), isNHTP Emergency Medicine’snewest staff physician. Hearrived from a four-year tourat Naval Medical Center SanDiego where he transitionedfrom resident to EmergencyDepartment staff. Lt. Cmdr.Magajna spent two years with2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,deploying twice out ofOkinawa, the second time insupport of OperationTomodachi, humanitarian dis-aster relief following the 2011Japanese earthquake andtsunami. “I was struck by howwell the Japanese were carry-ing on,” Magajna recounted.“They were already rebuildingbridges and the Japanese peo-ple were amazing.” Magajna’swife Stephanie, continues tolive in San Diego. Leisureactivities include downhill ski-ing, hunting, fishing andmotorcycling. Favorite music:Country.

The Examiner -- December 2014 -- 7

MBTA2X8

Cmdr. Thomas Baldwin is administered the officer’s oath fromNHTP Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Sourbeer, Nov. 7 duringBaldwin’s promotion ceremony to his present rank. Baldwin, anNHTP staff internist has been in the Navy 21 years. Originally fromRochelle, Ill., Baldwin has been at NHTP for one and a half years.His wife, Cara, daughter, Scout, and sons, Cole and Bryce, were onhand for the ceremony.

Logistics Specialist First Class(Surface Warfare) Anthony R.Lambert, United States Navy,Retired, is awarded a Navy andMarine Corps CommendationMedal “for meritorious servicewhile serving as Leading PettyOfficer and EquipmentManager, MaterielManagement Department,Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms from Oct. 2012 to

October 2014. As the widearea workflow voucher exam-iner, certified invoices for 60companies valued at $4.3 mil-lion and 38 personal servicecontracts valued at $8.6 mil-lion. Petty Officer Lambert’sperformance of duty duringthis tour is the hallmark of acareer devoted to accomplish-ing broad and diverse taskswhich highlighted the culmina-tion of 20 years of honorableand dedicated Naval Service.”

Hospitalman Jeffrey D.Poulson receives a Letter ofAppreciation “for outstandingperformance of duties whileserving as General DutyCorpsman for the MaternalInfant Nursing Departmentand Medical Home Port BlueTeam, Naval HospitalTwentynine Palms, from Nov.2012 to Nov. 2014. HNPoulson displayed responsibili-ty and motivation while assist-ing with the direct care of3,200 outpatient encounters,692 medical procedures, 354inpatient encounters and 120infant deliveries. HospitalmanPoulson’s exceptional profes-sional ability and loyal devo-tion to duty reflect credit uponhimself and are in keepingwith the highest traditions ofthe United States NavalService.”

(Bottom left): HospitalmanEvelyn G. Wembakpete is pre-sented a Letter of Appreciationfrom the commanding officer,Naval Hospital Lemoore, “forexceptional achievement in thesuperior performance of dutieswhile serving as General DutyCorpsman, Medical HomeportClinic Blue Team, NavalHospital Lemoore, from May2013 to Sept. 2014. HNWembakpete provided out-standing patient care to 3,150beneficiaries onboard NavalAir Station Lemoore. Yourexemplary professional per-formance, dedication, andunmatched commitment to dutyreflect great credit upon your-self and are in keeping with thehighest traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Signed,

C. J. Gantt, Captain, NurseCorps, United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Second

Class, Tam M. Chu, is awardedthe Military Outstanding

Volunteer Service Medal. “Youconsistently served as a leader ofintegrity as evidenced by your vol-unteer efforts and by representingwhat is good about our society,the United States Navy, and theUnited States military. Your vol-unteer efforts are most notewor-thy and deserving of this award.Your untiring, conscientious andloyal dedication to duty was criti-cal to the success of these pro-grams and reflect great creditupon yourself and are in keepingwith the highest traditions of theUnited States Naval Service.”

8 -- The Examiner -- December-- 2014

important to reducing stress--some people who are stressedtend to eat more donuts thanvegetables.”

You may think that the agitationbrought on by stress might helpto burn calories. But evidencehints that the opposite is morelikely. Kiecolt-Glaser and col-leagues found that, compared tononstressed people, those whowere stressed burned fewercalories after high-fat meals andthey produced more of the hor-mone insulin, which enhancesfat storage. “So stress may con-tribute to weight gain and obesi-ty through these biologicalroutes,” Kiecolt-Glaser adds.

Getting enough sleep is also keyto resilience and stress relief--although stress itself can inter-fere with sleep. To improveyour sleep habits, go to bed thesame time each night and get upthe same time each morning,and limit the use of light-emit-ting electronics like computersand smartphones before bed.The light can reduce productionof a natural sleep hormonecalled melatonin, which thenmakes it hard to fall asleep.

Beyond recommendations forexercise, healthy diet, socialcontacts, and getting enoughsleep, Green McDonald says,“studies have also shown thatmindfulness (focused attentionon one’s own emotions) andother meditative practices caneffectively relieve stress.”

“Mindfulness means stayingaware and conscious of yourexperiences. No matter whatwe’re doing, we can alwaysmake time to bring our attentionto our breath and body and staythere for a short period of time,”says NIH psychologist Dr.Rezvan Ameli, who specializesin mindfulness practice. “Recentstudies show that even shortperiods of mindful attention canhave a positive impact on healthand well-being.”

Other NIH-funded studies haveshown that mindfulness medita-tion can reduce stress, alterbrain structure and function, andhave a positive effect on theimmune system.

“Mindfulness is a simple andeffective tool that anybody canuse to reduce stress,” Amelisays. Although the concept is

simple, becoming more mindfulrequires commitment and prac-tice. You can learn more aboutmindfulness meditation fromlocal resources like yoga ormeditation classes, mindfulness-based stress-reduction pro-grams, or books.

If you feel overwhelmed bystress, talk with a health careprovider or mental health pro-fessional. Medications or othertherapies might help you cope.In the long run, reducing stressmay help you to slow down andenjoy your time with the peopleand activities you really careabout.

Stress, continued from Page 3

To Reduce Stress

• Get enough sleep.

• Exercise regularly. Just 30minutes a day of walking canboost mood and reduce stress.

• Build a social support net-work.

• Set priorities. Decide whatmust get done and what canwait. Say no to new tasks if theyare putting you into overload.

• Think positive. Note whatyou’ve accomplished at the endof the day, not what you’vefailed to do.

• Try relaxation methods.Mindfulness, meditation, yoga,or tai chi may help.

• Seek help. Talk to a mentalhealth professional if you feelunable to cope, have suicidalthoughts, or use drugs or alco-hol to cope.

If you or someone you know isin crisis, call the toll-free, 24-hour National SuicidePrevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

This article was reprinted fromNational Institutes of Health,News in Health, December2014. To review the referencesor read other articles from thisseries, please visit the NIHwebsite:http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/dec2014/feature1

Hospital Corpsman Third Class JasonVandervelden (right), NHTP Blue Team, is con-gratulated by Sgt. Maj. Karl Villalino, MarineAir Ground Task Force Training Command,Marine Air Ground Combat Center, followingthe 239th Marine Corps Birthday Pageant onthe Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Grey Field Nov. 6.Marines dressed in Marine Corps uniforms dat-ing back to 1775 took to the field as the narratordescribed their respective eras. HM3Vandervelden represented the Navy Corpsmenwho have cared for and defended woundedMarines throughout the Corps’ hard- foughthistory.

AnnualMCCSHealth FairNaval Hospital TwentyninePalms was well represented atthe annual MCCS Health FairOct. 22 at the West Gym. Top(L-R): Martha Hunt, HealthPromotion and WellnessSpecialist, NHTP PublicHealth Director, Cmdr. WendyStone, Tanya Stuckey, PublicHealth Specialist, discuss well-ness, smoking cessation andstress relief programs. Bottomleft: Lt. William Phan, NHTPPharmacist, performs blood-sugar tests and counselspatrons on the visual similari-ties between candy and pill-form medicines. Bottom right:Lt. Cmdr. Katie Camp, providesinformation related to theNHTP Sexual Assault ForensicExamination Team, providing24/7 coverage since October2013.

Zombies and victims alike pose following the ZombieRidge Run Oct. 31. Designated victims were given ahead start for the 5-km run; and designated zombiesgave chase, grabbing victim’s flags, thereby confiscat-ing their hero spirit. Hospitalman Chris Archer, 1stTanks, won the race with a time of 20:39.

Coffee with the XO, NHTP Executive Officer, Capt.Angela Nimmo, was well attended Oct. 20. TheOrganizational Climate Survey, awards, new contrac-tor awards, and respect were all lively topics of conver-sation. Tanya Stuckey, Public Health Specialist, andJennifer Flores, NHTP Patient Relations Officer, alsogave presentations.