Veterans and Mesothelioma
Among all those individuals in the United States stricken with mesothelioma cancer, veterans represent the group of people with the highest rate of the disease. The reason why is simple. Asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, was used by the U.S. military for literally hundreds of applications. From the 1930s until the late 1970s, veterans – especially those who worked aboard ships or in shipyards – were regularly exposed to hazardous asbestos, a naturally-mined substance whose sharp fibers can be inhaled and can penetrate the lungs, causing scarring and, eventually, tumors.
The branch of the service one served in does not matter. Asbestos was present in many locations owned or frequented by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Because exposure was unavoidable for some, mesothelioma remains one of the most serious diseases affecting veterans, particularly those who served between World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.
Veterans and Hepatitis C
Of all the many health problems faced by veterans who served their country during the last 50-60 years, Hepatitis C remains one of the major threats to the well-being of vets, especially those who served on foreign soil.
Asbestos Exposure in Iraq
The brave men and women serving their country in Iraq are presented with a number of occupational hazards: the threat of enemy attack, uncomfortable living conditions, extreme heat and weather circumstances, and more.
Few people, however, are aware of another occupational danger faced by United States troops the threat of exposure to asbestos. Because this issue is not necessarily made public, it is safe to assume that no immediate action has been taken to limit exposure to this potentially harmful substance.
Asbestos in the Middle East
Other Veteran-Specific Resources
Besides providing medical centers for the comprehensive treatment of a number of diseases and disorders, the U.S. Veterans Administration also provides a host of other services and facilities for veterans. These are designed to address a number of situations and concerns that are often encountered by vets, including challenges facing both men and women who [...]
Warrior Mind Training for Veterans
Mirroring the techniques that were used by ancient samurai and other elite warriors of days gone by, Warrior Mind Training has been adopted by the U.S. military to teach soldiers and former soldiers how to “battle proof” their minds. The program was developed with the help of Vietnam-era veterans in conjunction with medical professionals including doctors of neuroscience. During this training, the soldiers are taught how to maintain focus during battle and veterans are instructed as to how to re-enter society upon coming home from war. The motto of the program is “Take the war to the enemy, but leave the battle on the battlefield.”
Virtual Therapy for Veterans
Doctors and researchers are continually discovering new ways to help veterans to overcome the results of serving in particularly difficult combat situations, recognizing that such service after creates life-long mental health problems for those who experienced the trauma of war. Advancements in technology have aided in the formation of new ways to address old problems, and novel approaches to overcoming combat stress, such as virtual therapy, are consistently being developed.
Massage, Yoga, Acupuncture and Meditation for Veterans
Veterans face a variety of stress-inducing situations while deployed and many of them walk away from service still suffering from stress and anxiety, sometimes severe enough to be considered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Soldiers also encounter situations that result in injuries that cause chronic life-long pain, and musculoskeletal problems are also quite common for those who’ve served in the military, both in combat situations and outside of combat.
While prescription medications often work in reducing both stress/anxiety and pain, doctors or therapists often suggest complementary or alternative treatments for these problems. Many of these therapies have been used literally for centuries and have their roots in the ancient medicines of other cultures. Others are more modern. Nevertheless, most of them have proven to be quite advantageous in addressing common complaints voiced by veterans, promoting a feeling of calm and balance, especially after a particularly difficult deployment.
Equine Therapy for Veterans
Doctors and psychotherapists have known for ages that animals can assist human beings in addressing a number of psychological problems. Dogs are brought to hospitals and nursing homes to comfort the sick and those who live alone adopt pets to help them make it through the loneliness that might otherwise be unbearable.
Similarly, a program known as Equine Therapy or Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) has been developed to help vets and others deal with mental health and/or physical problems including ADD, panic disorder, addictions, depression, relationship problems and communication issues. This alternative therapy, which is administered via collaboration between a licensed psychotherapist and a horse professional, uses horses to aid in emotional growth and learning.
Biofeedback for Veterans
For many veterans suffering from a variety of disorders, the need to find relief is often overwhelming. While many turn to prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs for assistance, others have begun to look at other, less-invasive options that promote healing as well.
Biofeedback, also sometimes known as mind-body therapy, teaches veterans how to approach issues like stress, panic disorder, chronic pain, ADD, and addiction without the need for drugs that might invoke side effects that some vets agree are even tougher to deal with than the disorders themselves. Some individuals afflicted with these various issues also use biofeedback as a “complementary” therapy – a kind of treatment that can be used in addition to and to enhance the results of conventional therapies.
Veteran-Specific Hospitals and Medical Centers
Veterans who are seeking medical care have the same options as any American, but many choose to turn to veteran-specific hospitals and medical centers for their care. These facilities are run by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, better known as simply the VA. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., consisting of 153 medical centers, outpatient clinics, community living centers, Vet Centers, and Domiciliaries.
Legal Support for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Throughout most of the twentieth century, asbestos was used in the nation’s shipyards and throughout many other military facilities. Veterans, as well as civilian employees, were consistently exposed to asbestos dust while serving their country and many have paid or are now paying with their lives.