Veterans Day 2026: Helping Veterans Live Their Healthiest, Happiest Lives

By Jonathan W. Williams, MD, board‑certified family medicine physician and Associate Medical Director at WellMed Medical Management, and veteran United States Air Force 

Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026, a time to express our gratitude to the women and men who have proudly served in the military to preserve our freedoms. For many, the holiday can mean a parade down Main Street or honoring veterans in other ways, but for millions of veterans it can be another day struggling with a serious health issue tied to their service. 

Each year, approximately 200,000 leave active duty. After leaving the service, many veterans face a myriad of health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental health challenges, the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), musculoskeletal injuries, and illnesses due to the physical and mental demands of the career. 

Veteran health issues can be complex and are driven by many factors including age, race, gender, whether the veteran saw combat or not, the geographic location where the veteran served, and the conflict itself.  Veteran statistics on PTSD vary based on the era in which the veteran may have served. At some point throughout their life, seven percent of veterans will have PTSD, affecting female veterans slightly more than male veterans.

A veteran’s health profile is unique.  Working as a team with the individual and health care provider can devise a strategy to meet their patient’s health needs. To help veterans live their best lives and improve their health in addition to needed medical and psychological care, it is important to take an approach of healthy living practices and prevention. The U.S. Veterans Administration offers the following evidence-based recommendations:

• Get high-quality sleep each night and seek help for sleep difficulties
• Keeping your recommended screenings and immunizations up to date
• Being active in your health care and working with your healthcare team to meet your specific needs**
• Managing stress
• Cutting out tobacco use
• Limit alcohol use*
• Taking measures to protect yourself and family from harm and injury, including self-harm or domestic abuse***
• Maintaining a healthy weight and eating right
• Staying physically active**

Veterans Day is a day to honor those who answered the call to serve, and it can also be used as a reminder to our veterans that help is out there whether their wounds are  physical or in the form of mental health challenges, or both. If you are a veteran or take care of someone who served, it’s important to take an active role in your health with your health care provider. *** 

*WELLMED DISCLAIMER: If you do not drink, it is not recommended that you start drinking alcohol.  If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation which is no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men.  . Some people should drink less, and some people should not drink at all.

**WELLMED DISCLAIMER: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you. 

***WELLMED DISCLAIMER: If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others — or know someone having those thoughts — seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 — or go to the closest emergency room.

To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273- 8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org. 

Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1 offers live, trained responders to speak with by phone, text (Text 838255), or online chat. The free resource is confidential, available 24/7, and is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 Jonathan W. Williams, MD, is Board Certified in Family Medicine, formerly Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine with WellMed Medical Management since 2021.  He currently serves as the Care Coach Connect Associate Medical Director for DFW-West providing palliative care for patients. Dr. Williams proudly served in the United States Air Force, commissioned in 1990 and in active duty from 1999 through 2002, (during 911), at the rank of Major (O-4).  He brings 30 years clinical and leadership experience to his role as Associate Medical Director at WellMed Medical Management. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency at North Central Texas Medical Foundation - Wichita Falls Family Medicine Residency Program.

Sources:

• The Military to Civilian Transition 2018 (va.gov)
• Health of Veterans—Strengths and Challenges | American Board of Family Medicine (jabfm.org)
• Health of Veterans—Strengths and Challenges | American Board of Family Medicine
• Health of Veterans—Strengths and Challenges | American Board of Family Medicine
• How Common is PTSD in Veterans? - PTSD: National Center for PTSD
• Healthy Living – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans Crisis Line: Suicide Prevention Hotline, Text & Chat

Halloween is almost here, and there’s only one night to solve the mystery. This Friday, October 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., Sheraton Dallas invites guests to A Party to Die For, an immersive murder mystery experience in the hotel’s speakeasy-inspired lounge, The Parlor. Don your masquerade mask, mingle with suspicious characters, collect clues, and put your detective skills to the test as you work with fellow guests to uncover the culprit before the final reveal. With chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, desserts, Venetian-inspired masks, and unexpected twists, it’s a Halloween night out designed for those who prefer a little intrigue with their festivities.

Reservations are required, so now’s the time to gather your favorite suspects and secure your spot. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., giving guests time to settle in before the investigation officially begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $60 and include the immersive mystery experience, food, masks, and complimentary self-parking. One lucky detective will even take home two complimentary tickets to a future Mixology Monday experience at Sheraton Dallas. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and the event is 21+.

Don’t let this mystery go unsolved.

Sheraton Dallas is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information about the hotel or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. To host your next private event at The Parlor, contact the sales team at DALDHOutletmanagers@marriott.com or call 469-371-1486.

You love your neighborhood, know your neighbors, and can't imagine leaving the community you've built. But maybe your kitchen feels cramped, your floor plan no longer fits your family's needs, or your home is simply ready for an update.

So, do you remodel or move?

It's a question many Dallas homeowners face, particularly in established neighborhoods like Lakewood, University Park, and Highland Park, where finding the right location can be just as important as finding the right house.

Before putting up a "For Sale" sign, consider what's really driving the desire for change. If you love your neighborhood but wish your kitchen were more functional, your bathrooms were updated, or your living spaces flowed better, remodeling could give you the home you want without leaving the place you love.

There are financial considerations, too. Between real estate commissions, closing costs, moving expenses, and potentially higher mortgage rates, buying a new home can come with significant expenses. And even then, your new house may still need renovations to make it your own.

Of course, remodeling isn't always the answer. If you're hoping to shorten your commute, move closer to family, or downsize significantly, a new home may make more sense.

For homeowners weighing their options, the team at Dallas-based Kitchen Design Concepts recommends starting with three questions:

• If your home worked better for your family, would you want to stay another 10 to 15 years?

• Can the things that frustrate you about your home realistically be changed through remodeling?

• Have you considered the full cost of moving compared with renovating?

Sometimes, the home you've been looking for is the one you're already living in. It may just need a few thoughtful changes to better fit your life today.

Sometimes the best part of a Dallas getaway is enjoying a little something special from the comfort of your room. At Sheraton Dallas, guests can elevate their stay with the Bourbon Reserve Experience, featuring an exclusive Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon crafted specially for the hotel. Celebrating sustainability, craftsmanship, and collaboration, the bourbon offers a unique taste of the Sheraton Dallas experience… no bar hopping required. Settle in, pour a glass, and toast to a stay that’s a little more memorable.

Of course, no good bourbon experience is complete without snacks to match. The in-room amenity includes a 375ML bottle of Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon, along with a bold, smoky BBQ snack mix, honey mustard pretzels, and chocolate-covered blueberries for the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a weekend in Dallas, or simply looking for a fun way to unwind after exploring downtown, the Bourbon Reserve brings a curated happy hour straight to your guest room. Cheers to good bourbon, great snacks, and enjoying Dallas your way.

Sheraton Dallas is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information about the hotel or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

There are only a few days left to get your State Fair fix! The State Fair of Texas is in its final days, bringing Big Tex, classic fair food, midway rides, live entertainment, creative exhibits, and plenty of Texas-sized fun to Fair Park. Make your last-minute fair getaway even easier with Stay and Play at the State Fair of Texas at Sheraton Dallas, giving fairgoers a convenient place to stay before or after a full day at the fairgrounds.

Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Sheraton Dallas puts guests within easy reach of Fair Park and the rest of the city. After sampling your way through the fair, take a break from the crowds and return to the hotel to relax, grab a drink, or continue the fun at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge. With only a few days left, now is the time to gather your crew, pick your must-try fair foods, and make one more trip to see Big Tex before the gates close.

Book your stay at www.SheratonDallas.com and make your State Fair visit one to remember. Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.