Vets can get tested
and treated for
diabetes at VA

Answer: If you are enrolled in VA health care and have any risk factors or possible symptoms of diabetes, your physician will order a test of blood sugar level in your routine examination or upon request for an appointment. If you are at risk of diabetes, VA physicians will see that you have eye exams, foot inspections and urine protein evaluations. If you are found to have diabetes, your doctor will regularly have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol tested to prevent serious complications. You can also expect to receive information about changing your diet or other activities to control your diabetes. For information on patient education programs, including diabetes, at the VA Medical Clinic, call 433-7676.

Q: I understand the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is closed for burials. Is it possible for a new national cemetery to be created here?

A: It is possible but would be very difficult. The VA creates a new national cemetery through a six-step process. Each step requires that congressionally approved funds are available. The steps are site selection, environmental assessment, land acquisition, master planning and design development, preparation of construction documents and construction. The development, eventual operation and maintenance of the cemetery are the responsibility of VA's National Cemetery Administration. The entire process requires about five years to complete.

The National Cemetery of the Pacific, while closed for burials, will be able to accept cremated remains for many years to come because of recent enlargement of the columbarium. For more information on Punchbowl call 532-3720.