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VA hospitals are finding it harder to fill jobs, watchdog says

VA hospitals are finding it harder to fill jobs, watchdog says

Washington Post3 days ago
NORFOLK, Va. — Government-run medical centers serving the nation's veterans have reported an increase in severe staffing shortages, with many hospitals having trouble filling jobs for doctors, nurses and psychologists, according to an independent watchdog for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Tuesday's report from the VA's Office of Inspector General is based on surveys from late March and early April that were taken at 139 Veterans Health Administration facilities. Severe staffing shortages are not necessarily an indication of vacancies but refer to particular occupations that are difficult to fill.
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Kansas coach Bill Self undergoes heart procedure
Kansas coach Bill Self undergoes heart procedure

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time25 minutes ago

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Kansas coach Bill Self undergoes heart procedure

Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Thursday after he 'experienced some concerning symptoms,' according to a statement from Kansas Athletics. Self had two stents inserted during a heart procedure that 'went very well,' and he is expected to make a full recovery. 'He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.' The university did not disclose any information regarding a timetable for Self's recovery or whether he will miss the upcoming basketball season. Self previously underwent a heart procedure and had two stents placed to treat blocked arteries in 2023. The veteran coach had experienced chest tightness and had concerns about his balance after watching shooting as his team was preparing for a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal game that year. He recovered and was present at NCAA Tournament practices, but did not fully return to coaching on the sideline for games until the following season. Who is Bill Self? Bill Self has spent the past 22 seasons as Kansas' head basketball coach, winning the national championship in 2008 and 2022. The Jayhawks have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 21 times during Self's tenure, only missing the 2020 season when the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has compiled a 624-156 overall record during his time at Kansas. When does Kansas open the 2025-26 season? Kansas has exhibition games scheduled against Louisville (Oct. 24) and Fort Hays State (Oct. 28) before opening the season against Green Bay on Nov. 3 and North Carolina on Nov. 7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bill Self update: Kansas men's basketball coach has heart procedure

Seaside town's new hospital proposals unveiled - nine years after was supposed to open
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time35 minutes ago

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Seaside town's new hospital proposals unveiled - nine years after was supposed to open

Back in 2013 plans for new a £22m hospital in a North Wales seaside town were backed by Welsh Government. Under the proposal the 30 bed facility on the site of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl, would have opened in 2016. But nine years after that projected opening date and the scheme for a new hospital alongside a revamp of the existing building has still not started. Planning was secured in 2020 but the Covid pandemic and subsequent spiralling inflation saw it stall. Now a "paired-back" scheme has been put out to consultation by Betsi Cadwaladr health board ahead of a planning application being submitted. READ MORE: North Wales city ranks among five worst seaside resorts in the UK READ MORE: Emirates imposes ban for all flights from October This would see a 14 bed hospital ward alongside a new Minor Injuries and Ailments Unit (MIAU), a dental facility, and new radiology unit. A planning statement said: "Planning permission for a previous design scheme for a new community hospital building at the site was originally granted permission back in 2020. However , progression of the previous redevelopment scheme was hit by implications from the Covid pandemic, and in-turn significant increased development costs. "Consequently, the original proposals were found to be unaffordable, and therefore the proposals have had to be rethought. In the interim period, BCUHB's development and project teams have been working hard to plan a development which will both meet the changing needs of our population and provide value for the public money being spent. "The proposed new building would represent a significant investment for the Royal Alexandra Rhyl campus to complement the retained facilities. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "Through the updated proposals BCUHB are looking to build a valuable addition to the community services provided in Rhyl, which will help to safeguard the continued use of the Royal Alexandra site for years to come. "Whilst the latest proposals have been paired-back from the previous proposals, the plans aim to incorporate as much of the previously proposed facilities as possible." The development proposals presented are for a new three storey community hospital building. Ground and first floor levels will accommodate the new healthcare facilities, with the second floor limited to accommodating necessary mechanical plant to serve the building. The statement added: "A separate programme of refurbishment and improvement works to the existing grade II listed main Royal Alexandra Hospital building are also planned to go ahead separately to the new building proposals. These refurbishment works will be the subject of a separate application in due course." Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said: "Twelve years ago, the people of North Denbighshire were promised this incredible new hospital which would relieve pressures on Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and greatly improve the patient experience. 'The project has been beset by delays since the estimated costs ballooned and people have been left wondering whether the promised new facility would ever materialise. "Now, we have been insulted with massively scaled back plans, even though pressures at Glan Clwyd are worse than they were twelve years ago. "This is totally unacceptable, and the Welsh Government must now deliver on its many pre-election promises. Anything less will be an insult to people in the locality. "The Welsh Government has spent tens of millions on 20mph speed limits, unnecessary overseas offices, and tree planting in Africa, so money is no excuse for not giving us what we were promised. 'Given the dire state of health services here in North Wales, they should be looking at increasing the number of hospital beds, not slashing them." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you

I sit at a desk all day, and this is the 1 kettlebell exercise I swear by to boost my upper body mobility and build shoulder strength
I sit at a desk all day, and this is the 1 kettlebell exercise I swear by to boost my upper body mobility and build shoulder strength

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I sit at a desk all day, and this is the 1 kettlebell exercise I swear by to boost my upper body mobility and build shoulder strength

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I remember leaning against the wall of my old gym at the end of a long work week, moaning to a PT about how tight and uncomfortable my shoulders felt after hours at my desk. She nodded knowingly, as many of her clients who work desk jobs complain of the same thing, and recommended one simple kettlebell exercise I had to try: the kettlebell halo. I took her advice and have been doing it ever since. For this exercise, I use the Bowflex adjustable kettlebell, one of the best kettlebells on the market if you want to train with weight without needing a full set of kettlebells. It lets you quickly adjust the weight depending on whether you're focusing on mobility with lighter rotations or adding a bit of strength work with a heavier load. The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is an adjustable kettlebell that goes from 8 to 40 pounds, letting you change the weight easily with a dial. You can also connect it to the JRNY app for guided workouts and training Deal How to do kettlebell halos To begin with use a very light kettlebell you can comfortably hold above your head and move in a controlled circle without straining your shoulders. Hold the kettlebell upside down by the sides of the handle close to your chest. Keep your core engaged and elbows slightly tucked. Slowly rotate the kettlebell in a circle around your head, moving clockwise for six to eight reps. Switch directions and perform the same number of counterclockwise rotations. The kettlebell halo really is a simple move with big benefits. It helps your shoulders move more freely by gently taking the joint through a full range of motion. At the same time, it strengthens the small stabilizing muscles around your shoulders, which are essential for keeping them healthy and pain-free. I love that it also works your upper back, traps, triceps, and core, so even a few minutes feels like a mini upper-body workout. When I'm consistent with this move, I can feel my shoulders loosen up and notice it's easier to maintain good posture at my desk. Sitting upright for long stretches feels more comfortable, and I'm less likely to slump or hunch by mid-afternoon. It also makes simple daily tasks, like reaching for items on a shelf or carrying a laptop bag, feel easier on my shoulders. As it's a low-impact move, halos are also perfect for warming up the upper body before a larger strength session or as an easy recovery exercise. Doing a few controlled rotations before a press, a row, or even a casual household task helps prevent tension from building up throughout the day. What I especially like about the kettlebell halo is that it's not about heavy lifting or building a certain physique. I use it purely to support my upper body strength and shoulder mobility, rather than chasing aesthetics. That means I don't worry about gradually increasing the weight or lifting heavier each week. The focus is on control, range of motion, and keeping my shoulders healthy, which makes it low-pressure and easy to fit into my daily routine. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide I wear these Sweaty Betty running shorts so much I need a pair for every day of the week — luckily they're 53% off right now Here are 7 ways I get the most out of my Garmin watch when training for a race Here's how to beat burnout — study finds the ideal amount of daily exercise to boost your mood

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