It’s an honor for patriotic citizens to serve their country zealously; however, being in the military glorifies that honor substantially. Veterans of war exhibit bravery and immense courage during their time in the military. But, unfortunately, war comes with repercussions.
Many war veterans long to return to a prosperous life. However, certain health conditions can sometimes affect their lifestyle and mental and physical health. War veterans may experience bizarre health issues like depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses. Also, their mind and body can be affected by increased exposure to asbestos, gunpowder, and extreme weather in the harsh setting of battlefields.
Fortunately, you can deal with them in several ways. Today, we will discuss how to stay healthy and fit as a war veteran after your service.
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- Get Frequent Medical Checkups
Military service members receive a variety of benefits as payment for their efforts. Numerous perks are offered, including lodging, regular medical screenings, excellent pay grades, and many others. However, after concluding their military service, they might not have a reliable income. It may occasionally cause them to neglect their health, making them susceptible to certain diseases.
Despite being one of the most vital forces in the world, the US military still made blunders. For example, asbestos was a crucial component in early 20th-century war weapons utilized by the US military. Yet, at the time, no one was aware of how increased exposure to asbestos could affect military personnel’s health.
Mesothelioma, a chronic disease brought on by increased exposure to asbestos, has been identified in military personnel, making up 33% of all Mesothelioma cases. Therefore, you can spend the remainder of your days in peace and happiness by scheduling regular medical appointments. Visit sources such as mesotheliomaveterans.org for a thorough insight into the treatment options, financial compensations, and VA benefits to combat mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disorders.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise can lift your spirits, give you more energy, and enhance your life span. Because exercise has enormous benefits for practically all aspects of health, including mental health, turning it into a pill would create a multi-million dollar market. Fortunately, everyone can access this remarkable medicine on a sliding scale, starting at no cost. Therefore, veterans must engage in regular exercise or any other physical activity they love after their time in the military.
The golden rule for living a healthy life is to have a sound mind and body, and engaging in physical activity can give you both. Walking, jogging, running, or swimming can keep your body active for a very long period. Additionally, they aid in the growth of stronger bones, immune systems, muscles, and metabolic rates. You can also consider joining a gym if you prefer high-intensity workouts. In either case, if you want to live a healthy life, make sure you make time for yourself every day to indulge in a physical activity.
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- Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy eating contributes significantly to a healthy lifestyle. You must be aware that every food choice has a long-term impact on your overall health. A healthy diet is linked to mental health, according to research. In other words, how you feel is influenced by what you eat. People who have been in the military for a long time understand how important it is to eat a diet high in nutrients. But once you retire, it gets harder to track your diet and ensure you eat well.
Nowadays, many food industries actively promote less healthy meal options, such as fast food. Unfortunately, such diets have the potential to cause obesity, heart disease, and other conditions that could be your worst nightmare.
To maintain a nutritious, balanced diet, heed these recommendations:
- Consume fruits and vegetables: Each day, have at least five servings of various fruits and vegetables.
- Have a healthy breakfast: Consume fiber and protein every morning,
- Eat small snacks: If you’re hungry in the middle of the morning or the afternoon but want to maintain your appetite, a light snack is the best option.
- Take Care of your Mental Health
Mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health. Sadly, many veterans struggle with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Finding healthy ways to deal with these feelings is essential. Using drugs, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol are all unhealthy ways to cope. In the short term, these substances may make you feel better, but in the long run, they will only worsen your problems.
Try to find healthy ways to deal with your emotions rather than resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Exercise, journaling, and spending time with friends and family are all excellent ways to deal with stress. Male veterans who believe they cannot manage their mental health independently can seek assistance. Two ways to accomplish this are talking to a therapist or joining a support group.
- Get Enough Sleep
Good mental and physical health depends on getting enough sleep. Ideally, seven to eight hours of sleep are necessary to acquire a healthy sleep pattern. It can assist veterans in maintaining a healthy weight, boosting their mood, and lowering their stress levels. However, daily tasks can become more challenging when one is sleep deprived.
Here are some suggestions to help you sleep better:
- Regular sleeping habits: Even on weekends, go to bed and get up early every day.
- Reduce your exposure to blue light: exposure to blue light can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, limiting your screen time at night before bed is strongly recommended.
- Consider what you’re eating or drinking: What food you consume impacts how well you sleep. So avoid having coffee, alcohol, or large meals before bed as it can stimulate wakefulness.
- Relax and unwind: Worry or stress can make it difficult to fall asleep after a long day. Instead, make a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book or listening to peaceful music.
Conclusion
A healthy lifestyle can significantly improve one’s overall happiness and well-being. Veterans prioritizing their health are more likely to lead happy, secure lives after leaving the service. Serving in the military is extreme; however, keeping yourself fit after service is as challenging. Fortunately, with little effort, you can guarantee a long and healthy life. To ensure that you maintain your fitness over time, you can exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, manage stress, and have yourself routinely examined by a doctor.