NC Congressman seeks to expand veteran services, data about suicides
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — On this Memorial Day, North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards says the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to do more to protect veterans, and he's introducing legislation to help.
'These are folks that have served our country, that deserve the very best that we can give them,' said Edwards (R-11).
The Justice for America's Veterans and Survivors Act calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to properly document causes of death for veterans across the country and note if suicide was a factor in an annual report.
Current VA data shows on average, 22 veterans commit suicide every single day.
Edwards says better reporting will help Congress pass legislation to improve mental health treatment for veterans and help surviving family members receive benefits they deserve.
'Given the statistics that we see in America today of so many veterans taking their own lives, it just makes sense to work to get more underneath the data and to fully understand,' Edwards said.
With the legislation, Edwards said he is also planning visits to every military base in North Carolina to hear from servicemembers and their families about what they need.
'After they've taken risks to serve our great nation, we need to do everything we can to make sure that they are healthy once they return into normal society,' Edwards said.
The bill now heads to a committee on Capitol Hill where Edwards says he is expecting wide support for it.
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CNET
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According to a survey of US adults carried out by mattress outfit Casper a few years ago, almost a third of Americans choose to sleep naked. If you're among that number, you clearly aren't alone. But while sleeping au naturel can be a great way to avoid overheating, it isn't always the great idea that it first seems. The problem is hygiene. There are disadvantages to sleeping naked that you should be aware of, especially if you tend to sweat or have sensitive skin. Below, we'll explain why you might want to rethink your bedtime attire and slip into some pajamas this summer. Also, see how to sleep cool without AC and our favorite sleep accessories for beating the heat. 5 reasons you shouldn't sleep naked When it's sweltering outside, sleeping naked might seem like a great way to cool down. While it can certainly offer relief at the moment, try to keep these things in mind before you disrobe this summer. 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No matter your nighttime clothing preferences, you'll still want to wash your bedding at least every other week. If you sleep naked, it's better to change your sheets weekly. You can also shower at night to keep your bed cleaner, but make sure to dry your hair first, otherwise, it could lead to fungi and bacteria growth on your pillow. It's also essential to take care of your mattress, particularly if you're a nude sleeper. This means thoroughly vacuuming and scrubbing it twice per year and replacing it every decade or so. Temperature You'd think sleeping in your birthday suit would help keep you cooler, but it can actually work against you. Wearing light and breathable pajamas to bed can help wick away and absorb moisture. By sleeping naked, if you sweat, your moisture has nowhere to go but your sheets and mattress, creating a damp and uncomfortable sleeping surface. However, this can vary from person to person depending on the room temperature, humidity and bedding materials. Cooling sheets can also help keep you temperature-neutral and wick away moisture. BasakAllergies and sensitivities When you sleep in the nude, there's no barrier between your body and your bedding, which can cause a quicker build-up of things like dirt, oil and dead skin. This isn't just gross; it can actually cause health problems if you have certain allergies or sensitive skin. Here's why. As you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells, which attract dust mites that then feed on this dead skin. If you're one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to these mites, you might notice symptoms like congestion, coughing and sneezing. Also, depending on your bedding, sleeping with your skin directly against your sheets could lead to uncomfortable side effects like rashes and irritation. Sleeping without clothes on certain types of sheets (such as ones made of polyester or other synthetic materials) isn't recommended if you have conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Instead, experts suggest sticking to breathable, natural fabrics (such as cotton and silk). Difficulty getting to sleep For some people, being in the nude can feel awkward and unnatural. If you go to bed without clothes, but being naked isn't comfortable for you, you might have a hard time settling into sleep. As a result, your sleep quality could decline, which could lead to irritation, trouble concentrating and memory issues. Similarly, if you go to bed in uncomfortable clothing, you could also face sleep problems. When picking out bedtime attire, choose whatever puts you at ease, whether that's an old T-shirt, a matching set of pajamas or a nightgown. Your sleep quality can also be impacted by other environmental factors, such as room temperature, noise and light levels. In addition, behavioral factors like the time you go to bed, using the bed for other activities and poor sleep hygiene can also make it more difficult to fall asleep. External factors and exposure Aside from the hygiene risks of sleeping in the nude, there are other practical concerns to consider as well. First, clothes can also act as a protective barrier against hungry spiders and insects. They might not completely stop you from getting bitten, but they provide an extra layer of defense. On a different note, going to bed naked could land you in some uncomfortable situations if you have roommates, live with your children or parents, travel often or sleepwalk. For instance, things could get awkward if you're on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night and unexpectedly run into someone else in the hallway. Even worse, if there's an emergency, you might not have time to get dressed before taking action. That could be potentially awkward or embarrassing, especially if you have to evacuate your home for a fire or other unexpected long; didn't read Going to bed naked might not put you at risk for serious, life-or-death health problems, but it's worth thinking about the risks involved in sleeping nude. Importantly, sleeping without clothes can increase the build-up of dirt and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and make your bed a less hygienic place to sleep. Ultimately, the decision of what to wear to bed is a personal one. If you're more comfortable sleeping without clothes, there's no real harm in continuing to do so, but you should aim to change your sheets every week to keep them free of dirt, dust, sweat and other nasty bedfellows.
