The average veteran is around 58 years old, with increased vulnerability to health conditions like diabetes and pulmonary diseases. Furthermore, 1 out of 10 vets live with a severe injury they got during service. These conditions require vets to make the following changes to stay healthy.
Get medical screenings
Getting medical screenings is a crucial aspect of preventative care. It helps in the early detection of possible illnesses or chronic diseases and enables their prompt treatment. These tests aim to detect potential underlying health conditions early and change your lifestyle to reduce the risks. It can drastically increase your lifespan because it is easier to catch diseases. Yet, only 8% of the US population routinely get medical screenings.
It would be best to get a medical screening once a year if you’re older than 50, especially if you’re a veteran, because you may be more susceptible to health problems. 72% of vets are generally more obese than the national average of 60%. They are also at higher risk of developing lung cancer, with the VA diagnosing 8,000 cases yearly.
One type of lung cancer that US Navy veterans are specifically vulnerable to is mesothelioma. It affects 3,000 people in the country yearly, and vets account for around 1,000 of them. Hundreds of them were Navy veterans who experienced the most exposure to asbestos, a cancer-inducing substance. This susceptibility is primarily due to the military sanctioning the use of asbestos in naval ships from the 1930s to the early 1980s. That is why 33% of every mesothelioma case links back to the Navy or shipyards.
As a navy veteran, a mesothelioma diagnosis can entitle you to military benefits, health care, and legal compensation. For more details, you can go to support groups like mesotheliomahope.com to learn how to file a lawsuit and get a settlement. Contacting their team is entirely free, and they can link you with a group of professional doctors and lawyers to help build your case, represent you in court, and provide potential treatment options.
These unfortunate cases of asbestos exposure highlight the importance of routine medical checkups. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take 10 to 50 years to develop, which is why getting medical screenings is so important. The earlier the diagnosis, the more time you have to build your case and get justice.
Eat nutritious food
Your dietary intake impacts your physical and mental health. As you age, you may notice a lack of appetite and consumption of more snacks compared to meals. However, it isn’t about how much you eat. Rather, it’s about what you eat that truly matters. You must ensure you consume the following essential nutrients for a happy body and mind:
- Vitamins
Though you only need vitamins in small amounts, a lack of these nutrients can result in illnesses like anemia or scurvy. But you can naturally include them in your diet by eating fruits and vegetables that can strengthen your teeth, boost immunity, and support brain functioning. They can also help lessen the chances of developing certain kinds of cancer, like prostate cancer.
- Protein
Your body requires protein to maintain muscle mass and strength, which is especially important during old age. You can add better protein to your meals by eating more eggs, nuts, dairy, and red meats. However, limiting your consumption of processed deli meat and choosing lean meats would be best.
- Minerals
You can include the necessary minerals in your diet by eating fish, dairy, nuts, or whole grains. They can help your body by maintaining water levels and help maintain healthy skin. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are vital for good bone health, which can help reduce the chances of developing diseases like Osteoporosis.
- Carbohydrates
Nearly 40% of older adults have digestive issues because of the lack of carbohydrates. However, knowing the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates is important. You should limit your consumption of simple carbohydrates like pasta and white bread. On the other hand, consume more complex carbohydrates like whole grains, peas, and brown rice.
Get enough sleep
According to a study of 5,500 veterans, 57% struggled with insomnia. Compared to the national average of 30% of insomniac adults, vets have experienced much more troubled sleep. Furthermore, 60% of vets also experience trauma-related nightmares. These problems contribute to a night full of restlessness and a lack of sleep, which lowers your energy levels and can cause sleep deficiency issues like:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Slower brain processing
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Weakened immune system
You can improve the quality of your rest by developing proper sleep hygiene, which means you can sleep better by changing a few behaviors before bed. Establish a proper schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. Then, you need to avoid using phones or drinking coffee to let your brain rest. If you struggle with trauma-related nightmares or PTSD, consider meditating before going to bed. Sometimes, talking about your dreams and writing them down can also help.
Seek help when needed
The second-leading cause of death among veterans is suicide, making up about 22.3% of all the deaths in this group. After service, many vets struggle with emotional challenges while returning to civilian life. As a Navy veteran who has spent most of their time constantly traveling, adjusting to stability may not come as quickly to you.
However, remember that you have friends and family who care for you and are there to support you. Try reaching out to them whenever you need extra reassurance and care. You can also join support groups and connect with others who may be struggling with the same things.
Conclusion
You have fulfilled a noble service to your country, and now it is time to prioritize your well-being. You deserve to live the rest of your life surrounded by happiness as you age with grace and dignity. By following the tips in this article, do your best to live a long and healthy life!