Hello, everyone!! This post is pretty special because I didn't write it. Emily asked me if she could write something for my blog to inform people about little known disorders and diseases that are effecting our beloved military veterans. I was more than honored to have it on here. Please take a moment and read her research. It is very informative and I have already learned a lot that I didn't know before. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you, Emily, for striving to bring attention to the health of our veterans!
As we
celebrate our veterans, we remember those who have served in our armed forces
to secure our freedom. We honor their sacrifices for our country. We also
desire them to live a life as healthy as possible since retiring from active
duty.
Despite the
desire of the military to reduce the short and long term health risks from
military service, veterans provide the medical world with some unique symptoms
and diseases. It is important for veterans to follow up on all of their medical
appointments, as they are more prone to infectious diseases even with all of
the vaccinations that they received during active military service. Chronic
muscle pain and injuries especially to the neck and back are common among
veterans. The symptoms can be reduced by regular physical exercise to avoid
disability. A healthy diet low in saturated fat and salt will also help
veterans and their families to stay healthy.
Military
servicemen exposed to Agent
Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War from 1962-1971 are
at risk for a variety of symptoms and diseases. These chemical agents can cause
fatigue, kidney stones, loss of concentration, Parkinson's, liver dysfunction,
cancer, heart disease and shortness of breath. It is challenging dealing with
the effects of Agent Orange. The Veterans Health Care system continues to
provide benefits to former service men and women. The VA department has a
comprehensive program for those with service related symptoms and medical
conditions from Agent Orange including disability compensation, health care
services, scientific research, outreach and education.
Post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) often occurs following a life-threatening event such
as military service. It takes time and good psychiatric care to recover from
the emotional and psychological effects of war. Stress management, suicide
prevention, alcohol and substance abuse are all a concern to the military. The
support of family and friends is crucial to cope with recovery and adjusting to
a life after military service.
An especially
devastating injury to both military personnel and their family is traumatic
brain injury (TBI) caused by a jolt or blow to the head bringing on disrupted
brain function, headaches and memory loss. This injury and leg or arm
amputations involve a lot of rehabilitation for the veteran to cope with and
return to living as much of a normal life as possible. Advancements in medical
prosthesis have been made in recent years that provide for improved functioning
and mobility.
Exposure to asbestos in the 1930s to 1970s
has put veterans at risk for mesothelioma
cancer. As the asbestos fibers build up in the body, it triggers
physiological changes that can lead to mesothelioma that is a tumor in tissue
covering the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavities. There are VA
benefits for veterans diagnosed
with mesothelioma.
The American spirit lives on in our veterans
and military families. Their patriotism inspires us to hope for a better future
for our country.
"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous
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