Videos

June 30, 2022

One Parent's Painful Memory

FORT RILEY, Kan. — From the outside, John Jones' daughter appeared normal. There were no obvious signs of an unbearable burden within. And then a parent's worst nightmare almost became real. Jones retells the painful memory of that near-miss so that we may reconsider the relationships we take for granted.

June 28, 2022

Freedom to Be Yourself

FORT RILEY, Kan. — There was a time when CPT Rachel King had to wrestle with the dilemma of loving a woman openly or serving in the Army. Here she tells us her story so that others may draw strength from her. Creative commons music by Scott Buckley.

June 10, 2022

Let's Tick Talk

FORT RILEY, Kan. — They're on Fort Riley, including playgrounds. It only takes about 5 minutes of brushing against tall grass to draw these parasitic arachnids onto your body without your consent. Don't neglect to check yourself and your kiddos. It may be hours or even the next day before discovering they've been feeding on your blood. CPT Jake Pinion, chief of environmental health, helps you reduce the risk of becoming a tick's next meal.

June 3, 2022

Stop the Bleeding Under Fire

FORT RILEY, Kan. — CAUTION: Graphic images of simulated wounds and amputations. The ability to provide trauma care on the battlefield can make the difference in whether a Soldier arrives alive at a higher level of care. IACH Soldiers of all stripes and specialties stepped out of the confines of the hospital and into a simulated austere environment with limited medical capabilities to test their skills in caring for casualties.

June 3, 2022

Self-Doubting Moms

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Are you beating yourself because you haven't done enough for your kids? Secretly wishing you could take a break from being a mom? Puzzled by how others got the mom thing down? Do you miss the days when you just went out to get your nails done? Lacey Ross, an OB/GYN Women's Health Clinic registered nurse, helps new moms understand parenthood is hard work to the point of emotional breakdown. That's why self-care is necessary, not selfish.

May 26, 2022

Biggest Source of Stress

FORT RILEY, Kan. — CPL Sierra Conway, a third-time mom and two-time "alumni" of CenteringPregnancy, shares her adventures (or misadventures) in giving birth, breastfeeding, and meeting other moms at Irwin Army Community Hospital.

May 24, 2022

Motherhood Confessions

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Being a mom isn't always the most enjoyable time of life. Moms often go through high levels of stress and anxiety, self-doubt, and guilt; and rarely do they talk about things they wish they hadn't done. Kelsey Campbell shares her story in hopes of normalizing the reality that comes with motherhood adventures.

May 23, 2022

Right for My Baby?

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Taylor Battenfield was about 7 months pregnant when she relocated with her husband to Fort Riley. One of the most pressing things on her mind was deciding whether Irwin Army Community Hospital would be the right place for her to give birth, especially because learning to breastfeed was crucial to her. Taylor and Cody share their story.

May 23, 2022

What to Expect from a Maternity Hospital

FORT RILEY, Kan. — What should you look for in a hospital if you're having a baby? What are the questions you should be asking? Is learning how to breastfeed important to you? Mandy DeDonder answers these and other relevant matters for expecting moms.

May 11, 2022

Empowering Women to Negotiate Protection

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Normalizing the use of internal condoms and dental dams begins with familiarity. A public health nurse discusses the advantages of these lesser-known methods of protection that are available at the Fort Riley Public Health Department.