Hope is on the horizon with vaccination news and the beginning of a new year. But COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are on the rise. This means we all must continue to take steps to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is true even after people eventually get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do you have acute or chronic low back pain? If the answer is yes, you aren’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, low back pain is the most common type of pain reported by patients. You can take preventive steps and manage low back pain safely and effectively. As of Jan. 1, 2021, if you need physical therapy for your low back pain, the Defense Health Agency established a demonstration. With the demonstration, TRICARE will waive cost-shares for qualified beneficiaries for up to three physical therapy sessions in 10 states.

Adults age 75 and older should now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Military Health System are now making the vaccine available to the 1.13 million beneficiaries who are age 75 or older. These beneficiaries use the TRICARE For Life health plan.

Weight gain around the holiday season is common. However, this year’s ongoing social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 could present new challenges for those trying to stay in shape.