A strong body and sound mind have always been prerequisites of military service, but as the service stressors become more prevalent, maintaining physical and mental wellness becomes more challenging. The incidence of suicide, divorce and obesity are on the rise, and more than 20 percent of respondents to a recent FRA survey believe their physical well-being is being negatively impacted by their emotional state (see more on survey results here). The services recognize the critical link between mission readiness and the health of their warfighters, and are working to promote healthy lifestyles among military personnel and their families.
Diet
Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, certain types of cancer and Type II diabetes, and American obesity has risen consistently over the past 20 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. And while service members are generally considered healthier than the country’s population at large, the military isn’t exempt from this trend. A recent study (reported in the January 2009 Defense Department's Medical Surveillance Monthly Report) indicates that nearly one in 20 service members are diagnosed as overweight or obese, more than double the one- or two-in-100 rate consistently reported between 1998 and 2002.
Military chow halls are working to offer more nutritionally balanced meals and most offer nutritional facts so members can make educated meal selections. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCa) also has a dietitian on staff who writes a weekly column and hosts an online discussion forum designed to help commissary shoppers make healthier food choices. Additionally, military treatment facilities and fitness centers have nutritionists available to help members and their families develop healthy diet plans.
Exercise
Participating in physical activity can be one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Regular exercise can help you lose weight, relieve stress and reduce your risk of many chronic health problems. Physical fitness can also pay career dividends, earning extra points toward promotion.
All branches of the military promote physical fitness through organized physical training (PT), and many service members supplement unit PT with their own physical fitness routine. Military and civilian fitness facilities can help service personnel and family members develop a personalized fitness program, and there are also generalized resources available. For example, Military.com's Fitness Center offers a wealth of fitness information and tips, including each service’s respective PFT requirements and fitness pointers. There’s also a section devoted to spouse and family fitness and another that highlights nutrition.
Additionally, the Armed Forces YMCA and the Department of Defense Outreach Initiative offers free YMCA memberships to eligible military personnel and families who may not have access to nearby military fitness facilities. The program is aimed at Guard and Reserve personnel, families living in Joint Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) bases, “independent duty” personnel (such as recruiters and ROTC staff members) and their families, and relocated family members of deployed personnel. Unfortunately, this program is not available to Coast Guard personnel. Click here for more information.
Stress Management
Stress is a normal human reaction, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can have serious consequences. Divorce and suicide rates among military personnel have increased in recent years, and experts attribute the increases to the stress of combat, intense operations tempo and multiple deployments. Over time, stress can contribute to myriad health problems, which in turn, have a negative effect on military readiness.
The military services are working to provide tools to help keep stress in check, including mental health services and new ways to deliver them. The services are also working to destigmatize mental health care and help personnel understand the importance of both physical and mental wellness.
The Coast Guard, for example, has created the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer 24/7 access to short-term problem-solving counseling. Peer groups are also forming to help Sailors make responsible decisions to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and other choices that may negatively impact their futures. The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions’ (CSADD) Web site features resources for operational risk management, vehicular and recreational safety, as well as suicide prevention information. The Navy has established a Web site to provide suicide-prevention training and intervention guidance to leaders. The Marine Corps discusses mental health with Marines as they prepare to deploy and after they return home, and the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) include personnel and programs to help Marines and their families be mentally prepared for deployments and other challenges, as well as information on exercise and other stress-reduction outlets.
Need Help Helping Yourself?
Need help reaching your lifestyle goal? Military OneSource now offers a Healthy Habits Coaching program that provides resources and assistance to DoD personnel and family members looking to make beneficial lifestyle choices or break unhealthy habits. Private and confidential support from health professionals is available online or by telephone to help participants evaluate their health status, develop a plan to change lifestyle behaviors, and follow through on their plan. Visit Military OneSource or call 1-800-342-9647 (800-3429-6477 for overseas callers) for more information.
According to Sharon Brigner, deputy vice president for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), eight out of every ten cases of heart disease, Type II diabetes and 40 types of cancer are preventable. A balanced diet, regular exercise and reducing stress are a powerful combination in creating a healthy lifestyle, and each positive step makes the next one a little easier to take. For example, eating right can lower your body weight and increase energy levels, which makes it easier to exercise. Exercise can lower stress levels, which often reduces urges to smoke or overeat.
“It’s so important to be your own health advocate,” says Brigner. “Taking better care of ourselves saves money for our families and the nation as a whole, but more importantly, it improves the length and quality of our lives.” |
