Armed Forces Day

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day. So today, in honor of our military, we'll be discussing health research done through the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA).

In 2007, the VA received about $819 million dollars for medical and prosthetic research - 2.1% of total government health research expenditures and two-thirds of one percent of estimated U.S. health research expenditures.

Some of America's greatest medical achievements were brought about through research done by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

1958 - Invention of the cardiac pacemaker
1968 - The first liver transplant
1984 - Development of the nicotine patch for smokers who want to quit
1994 - Establishment of an aspirin regime as a way to avoid fatal heart attacks

Research at the VA has also led to:

• Improvements in diabetes care
• The discovery of genes that contribute to dementia, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and more
• Better wheelchairs and services for Americans with disabilities
• Greater understanding and treatments for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder

The list goes on and on. This research, initiated to help improve the lives of soldiers and veterans has helped countless other Americans as well.

As you see members of our armed forces this weekend, thank them for their service. Their service overseas and here at home protects our country and improves our health.