🩺 A Veterans Help Night Today, Four Letters That Spot a Stroke and Better Prostate Care Close to Home: Your Healthy Valley Report

Or: Bring Your DD-214 Questions to Chattanooga State, Learn the Stroke Check Before Thursday, Hear What’s New in Men’s Health and Know Where a Walk-In Clinic Is

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Monday, October 26, 2026

Good Monday morning, neighbors. The coffee’s hot and the week looks easygoing, so let’s sort today’s health news the way you’d sort a mailbag on the porch: keep the useful, toss the worry, and stick the important ones on the fridge.

Here’s what’s in the bag. VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is holding a free resource fair for veterans this afternoon at Chattanooga State, where eligible veterans can sign up for VA health care on the spot. Thursday, Oct. 29, is World Stroke Day, a good excuse for every household to learn four little letters, F.A.S.T., that help you spot a stroke and get help fast. Erlanger has added a new high-detail ultrasound for prostate exams, so fewer men may need to travel far for that kind of test. River Valley Health runs a walk-in urgent care in North Chattanooga that sees people with or without insurance. And a “male supplement” sold at some GNC franchise stores was recalled because it contained hidden prescription drug ingredients.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Veterans: today, 3 to 6 p.m. Central, Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Hwy. It’s free. Bring your questions about VA health care, benefits and caregiver help.
• Stroke check = F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm drifting down, Speech slurred, Time to call 911. Note the time symptoms started.
• Don’t drive someone having a stroke. Call 911 so care starts in the ambulance.
• Men: If your doctor brings up a prostate test, ask whether the new micro-ultrasound at Erlanger is an option for you.
• Check the cabinet for Ultimate Forza capsules. If you have any, stop taking them.
• Remember: the lung CT bus is at Dunlap Walmart Friday, and clocks fall back Sunday, Nov. 1.

🎖️ Veterans, This Afternoon Is for You: A Free VA Resource Fair at Chattanooga State

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System says it will host a free veterans resource fair today, Monday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern (3 to 6 p.m. our time) at Chattanooga State Community College, Omniplex Building 124, in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room, 4501 Amnicola Highway.

The VA says veterans can talk with staff about programs like the PACT Act (the law that expanded care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances) and the Caregiver Support Program. Eligible veterans can enroll in VA health care right there. Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and the local county veterans service organization will also be on hand to help with benefits claims. VA leaders are scheduled to speak at 4:30 p.m. Eastern (3:30 p.m. Central). The fair is open to veterans, their caregivers and families.

What it means for you: If you or someone at your supper table served and you’ve been putting off the paperwork, this is one stop with a lot of the right folks under one roof. It’s like the county fair, but instead of ribbons for pies, you leave with answers. Bring a list of questions and any papers you have, like your discharge papers (DD-214), and the drive is about 45 minutes from Dunlap. If today doesn’t work, your county veterans service office can help any weekday.

👉 Read more (VA Tennessee Valley: Veterans resource fair, Oct. 26)

🧠 Four Letters Worth Knowing by Heart: World Stroke Day Is Thursday

This is national and worldwide information, not a local event. The World Stroke Organization marks World Stroke Day on Thursday, Oct. 29, with the theme “Every Minute Counts.” It says 1 in 4 people are at risk of stroke in their lifetime, and getting emergency care quickly saves lives and improves the chances of a full recovery.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) gives a simple test anyone can do, called F.A.S.T.:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred or strange?
• T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

The American Stroke Association adds two more letters at the front, B.E., for sudden Balance trouble and sudden Eye or vision changes. NINDS also lists sudden numbness on one side, sudden confusion, sudden trouble seeing or walking, and a sudden severe headache with no known cause. The key word is sudden.

Three more handy things from NINDS: note the time the symptoms started, because it helps doctors choose treatment. Don’t drive the person to the hospital yourself; an ambulance lets the crew start care on the way. And if symptoms go away after a few minutes, it may be a “mini-stroke” (TIA), which still needs a doctor right away. The American Stroke Association puts it plainly: if you’re not sure, call anyway. First responders would rather have a false alarm.

What it means for you: Think of F.A.S.T. like knowing where the water shut-off valve is. You hope you never need it, but when you do, you don’t want to be hunting for it. Say the four letters out loud with your family at supper this week, and stick a note on the fridge. Want to keep your blood pressure in check too? The free American Heart Association Heart Hub at the Littell-Partin Center in Grundy County offers blood pressure monitoring.

👉 Read more (NINDS: Stroke signs and what to do) · American Stroke Association: What to tell 911 · World Stroke Day 2026

🔬 Men’s Health, Minus the Long Drive: Erlanger Adds a Sharper Prostate Ultrasound

Erlanger Health announced today that it has adopted ExactVu, a micro-ultrasound system that gives doctors real-time, high-resolution pictures of the prostate. Erlanger says the images are much sharper than a regular ultrasound, which helps doctors spot areas of concern and aim more precisely during a biopsy.

According to Erlanger, clinical studies have shown micro-ultrasound performs about as well as an MRI at finding significant prostate cancer, and it can be done without a separate imaging appointment. It may also be a good option for men who can’t have an MRI or would rather not, for example because of claustrophobia, implanted medical devices, concerns about contrast dye or long waits. “Patients in our region shouldn’t have to travel far to get the most advanced prostate diagnostics available,” said Dr. Amar Singh, an Erlanger urologist and chair of the University of Tennessee’s urology department.

Also in the medicine cabinet this week: On Oct. 24, the FDA posted a recall of all lots of Ultimate Forza Male Supplement capsules, sold at certain independently owned GNC franchise stores from 2017 to Oct. 1, 2026 (not at GNC corporate stores). Testing found hidden ingredients like the ones in prescription Viagra and Cialis. The FDA notice says these can interact with nitrate heart medicines, like nitroglycerin, and drop blood pressure to dangerous levels. No problems have been reported so far. If you have any, stop using it and return it to a GNC store for a full refund (questions: 1-877-462-4700).

What it means for you: Most men never need a prostate biopsy. But if your doctor ever brings one up, now you know there’s a newer, sharper option close by in Chattanooga, and it’s fair to ask about it. It’s like a good flashlight in the barn: same job, you just see more. And here’s a good rule for the cabinet: if a pill promises a lot and you bought it off a counter or online, show it to your pharmacist before you take it, especially if you take heart medicine.

👉 Read more (Chattanoogan.com: Erlanger adds micro-ultrasound) · FDA: Ultimate Forza recall

🏥 Good to Know Before You Need It: A Walk-In Urgent Care in North Chattanooga

River Valley Health, a nonprofit community health center formerly known as Cherokee Health Systems, says it has been running a mobile GetWellNow urgent care clinic since August at Volunteer Behavioral Health, 424 W. Bell Ave., in Chattanooga’s Northshore area. It plans to move the clinic into a newly renovated permanent space on the same property by the end of 2026, pending final federal approval.

River Valley Health says GetWellNow sees people without an appointment for everyday problems like colds and flu, headaches, strains and sprains, cuts and burns, and high blood pressure, and that it serves patients with and without health insurance. Its existing Chattanooga clinic at Eastgate Town Center offers primary care, behavioral health and pharmacy services.

What it means for you: With flu season warming up, it helps to know your options ahead of time, the same way you’d know which neighbor has a truck before the couch needs moving. For a sniffle or a sprain, start with your regular doctor, a closer clinic or your county health department. If you’re already in Chattanooga for work or shopping, this is one more place that won’t turn you away for not having insurance. For chest pain, stroke signs or trouble breathing, skip urgent care and call 911.

👉 Read more (River Valley Health: Chattanooga expansion and GetWellNow)

📅 This Week’s Sticky Notes (all times Central unless noted)

• Today, Mon., Oct. 26: VA veterans resource fair at Chattanooga State, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Tue., Oct. 27: The UTC MobileMOC free clinic will be at Piggly Wiggly, 17619 Hwy 58 N, Decatur, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern (423-425-1657). Also that day: free walk-in hepatitis C and HIV fingerstick tests at UTC’s Center for Wellbeing, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. our time.
• Thu., Oct. 29: World Stroke Day. Practice F.A.S.T. with the family.
• Fri., Oct. 30: The CHI Memorial mobile lung CT bus will be at Walmart in Dunlap from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are needed (423-495-5864). The CDC’s weekly flu report is also due.
• Sat., Oct. 31: Halloween. Carry a flashlight, wear something bright and check the forecast before you head out.
• Sun., Nov. 1: Clocks fall back an hour. National Diabetes Month begins, and HealthCare.gov open enrollment opens.
• Fri., Nov. 13: The Dunlap blood drive honoring Bella Cooper runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Citizens Tri-County Bank, 15699 Rankin Ave.
• Mon., Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends. Free, unbiased help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.

✅ Your Healthy Valley Checklist

• ☐ Veterans: head to Chattanooga State by 6 p.m. today, or call your county veterans service office this week.
• ☐ Write F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) on a note and stick it on the fridge.
• ☐ Tell the family: for stroke signs, call 911, note the time, don’t drive.
• ☐ Look in the cabinet for Ultimate Forza capsules, and return any to GNC.
• ☐ Show any “miracle” supplement to your pharmacist before taking it, especially if you take heart medicine.
• ☐ Jot down where your nearest urgent care is, so you’re not looking it up while you’re sick.
• ☐ If you qualify, call 423-495-5864 about Friday’s lung CT bus in Dunlap.

Practical rule: when it’s sudden, call 911; when it’s simple, call your doctor; and when you’re not sure, call anyway.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or health department about your own situation. In an emergency, call 911.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Health Glossary

• Stroke: When blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Fast treatment matters.
• F.A.S.T. / B.E. F.A.S.T.: Easy memory tools for stroke signs: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 911.
• TIA (“mini-stroke”): Stroke-like symptoms that go away within minutes. It’s still a warning sign that needs a doctor right away.
• Micro-ultrasound: A high-resolution ultrasound that uses sound waves (no radiation) to make detailed pictures, here used for the prostate.
• Biopsy: Taking a tiny tissue sample so a lab can check it under a microscope.
• PACT Act: A 2022 federal law that expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
• Urgent care: A walk-in clinic for problems that need attention today but aren’t emergencies, like sprains, minor cuts and flu symptoms.
• Nitrates: Heart medicines like nitroglycerin that widen blood vessels. They can be dangerous when mixed with certain other drugs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for the VA resource fair today?

The VA’s announcement doesn’t say an appointment is needed. It lists the fair as free and open to veterans, their caregivers and families from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern (3 to 6 p.m. Central) at Chattanooga State. The VA lists Tracy Thomas (Tracy.Thomas2@va.gov) as the contact for questions or to RSVP.

Can I sign up for VA health care at the fair?

Yes. The VA says eligible veterans can enroll in VA health care at the event and talk with state and county veterans service representatives about benefits claims.

What if I’m not sure it’s a stroke?

Call 911 anyway. The American Stroke Association says first responders would much rather have a false alarm. Tell the operator your location, what signs you see and when they started.

Why shouldn’t I just drive my loved one to the hospital?

NINDS says taking an ambulance lets the crew start life-saving care on the way to the emergency room. Out here, where the hospital can be a long drive, that head start matters.

Does the new Erlanger ultrasound mean I need a prostate test?

No. It’s a new tool doctors can use when a test or biopsy is already needed. Whether you need any prostate testing is a conversation for you and your doctor.

Is the GetWellNow clinic only for people without insurance?

No. River Valley Health says GetWellNow serves patients with and without health insurance, and no appointment is needed.

I bought a supplement at GNC. Is it part of the recall?

Only Ultimate Forza Male Supplement is recalled, in the 10-capsule box (UPC 868592000002) and the single pack (UPC 868592000040), sold at certain independently owned GNC franchise stores. If you’re unsure, call GNC at 1-877-462-4700 or ask your pharmacist.

🔗 Other Resources

• VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
• NINDS: Stroke signs and symptoms
• CDC: Signs and symptoms of stroke
• American Stroke Association: B.E. F.A.S.T., plus the Stroke Family Warmline at 1-888-478-7653
• American Heart Association Heart Hub, Grundy County
• River Valley Health
• FDA recalls and safety alerts
• UTC MobileMOC calendar
• CHI Memorial mobile lung screening
• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Southeast Tennessee county health departments: Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave. N., Dunlap, (423) 949-3619

🌻 Know the Signs, Ask the Questions, Rest Easy

Nothing here calls for worry. It’s just a little know-how to tuck in your back pocket: four letters for a stroke, one afternoon for our veterans and a couple of good questions for the doctor. Learn one thing today and share it at supper tonight. That’s how good neighbors look out for each other, one porch at a time.

Read Dunlap.Today for more calm, clear news from the Sequatchie Valley, and find local health providers, pharmacies and services on Dunlap.Directory.