April 21, 2026

Unseen guests in your kitchen: A military family's guide to decrease forever chemicals like PFAS, microplastics

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Military families become highly skilled at rapid pack-out and quickly establishing new living space. Each new house becomes a home, and the kitchen is its heart. But what if some of the most common, durable items in that kitchen are introducing unseen guests to your family's table? We're talking about microplastics and a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are widespread, but with a little know-how, you can significantly reduce your family's exposure and make your kitchen an even safer haven.

April 8, 2026

Betting your future: Is gambling a threat to your career and well-being?

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When a service member is struggling, the signs can often point to familiar stressors like anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. But according to military mental health experts, these symptoms can mask a deeper, often hidden issue: problem gambling. As access to online betting and new, unregulated prediction markets grows, this quiet threat poses a direct risk to the financial stability, mental health, and overall readiness of the force — prompting the Department of War to take a closer look. 

March 27, 2026

Know your exposure story: military to provide access to individual occupational and environmental exposure records

UNITED STATES — In a significant move toward greater transparency and health care empowerment, the Military Health System is urging service members to "Know Your Exposure Story." Starting March 23, 2026, U.S. service members and civilian employee personnel have direct access to their career-long environmental and occupational exposure data.

March 4, 2026

Commentary: National Nutrition Month provides opportunity to focus on how nutrition impacts performance, mission readiness

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — From basic training to deployment, and from family life to retirement, good nutrition is a force multiplier.

March 4, 2026

Commentary: Fuel your spring with nutrition tips for busy military families

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — For service members, nutrition is a critical component of readiness. With a little planning, you can ensure that even on the most demanding days, you and your family are fueled by healthy, home-cooked meals this spring.

Feb. 2, 2026

CDC issues nationwide Health Advisory on New World screwworm

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a nationwide Health Alert Network Health Advisory on Jan. 20 to share information about the New World screwworm, or NWS, and the recent increase in animal cases in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which shares a border with Texas. Although no NWS infestations have been identified in people or animals in the U.S., there is potential for geographic spread. The advisory issued by the CDC is intended to increase awareness of the expanding NWS outbreak and provide recommendations to health departments and doctors in the U.S. as well as guidance for the general public.

Sept. 9, 2025

Not All Kisses Are Sweet

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Kissing bugs can carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi that causes the potentially fatal Chagas disease.

Sept. 3, 2025

Get Support from the Military Health System 'At the Moment You Need it Most'

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Military Health System has many resources to support your mental health. Therapy is one tool proven to work. Whether it’s in-person, virtual, or group therapy, or other tools needed during a crisis — mental health support sustains military readiness.

Sept. 3, 2025

The Search Is Over! Defense Health Agency Unveils findDHA — a Dynamic, Online Search Tool

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Defense Health Agency launched a new online, interactive tool, findDHA, which allows users to search for DHA locations around the globe. Finding a DHA facility has never been easier.

Sept. 3, 2025

Learn Safe-Gambling Strategies: Avoid Negative Impacts to Health, Finances

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Research indicates certain factors associated with military service increase the risk for gambling problems among those actively serving and for those who served. While gambling is generally considered recreational, it can adversely impact military personnel, their families, and unit readiness. A way to reduce the harm that can result from gambling is to practice safe gambling techniques.