Veterans come across numerous physical and psychological health challenges during their service. They have to undergo rigorous training, long deployments, and extended separation from friends and family. These experiences not only shape their life during service but also the one after retirement. On the one hand, they become resilient, acquire strong work ethics and discipline, and learn to work in teams, which translates into valuable qualities in civilian life.
On the other hand, their experiences also make it difficult for them to transition to civilian life. Getting back into their social circle, finding new career options, and managing the emotional aftermaths of their service often become daunting. Consequently, veterans experience PTSD, anxiety, and friction in their relationships quite often.
As a veteran, you can fight many of the negative effects of your service life by staying fit and active. Some ideas for you to stay healthy as a civilian are discussed below.
1. Regular medical checkups
Regularly undergoing medical checkups are imperative for veterans who might have encountered unique health risks during service. They may have been exposed to asbestos, a mineral used in the construction of buildings and naval vessels for its fire-resistant properties. Prolonged exposure to this mineral can cause serious physical health issues such as mesothelioma (a rare illness of the lungs). However, a tricky part about mesothelioma is that it does not appear until ten to fifty years after its exposure.
Regular medical checkups allow healthcare professionals to monitor your health and catch potential issues like mesothelioma in their early stages. Health professionals can look for symptoms such as respiratory problems or other related conditions and suggest treatment options when they are more effective.
Mesothelioma diagnosis makes you eligible for mesothelioma veterans benefits from several sources, including the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), immensely helping them get better medical help.
So ensure regular medical checkups with the doctor not only to keep yourself fit and healthy but also to maintain the integrity of the trials and tribulations of your service.
2. Seek attention for your injuries without delay
As of 2021, nearly 16.5 million veterans reside in the US, and approximately half are aged 65 years or above, according to the US News & World Report. Many of these veterans might have sustained heavy injuries during their service. If these visible and obscured injuries are left unaddressed, they can have a compounding effect as you age.
Hidden physical injuries can lead to chronic pain and other age-related difficulties. Similarly, psychological injuries such as stress and anxiety also intensify as time passes.
Having said that, if you are an old veteran, seek specialized medical attention to address your mental and physical injuries as soon as your service ends. Failing to do so can worsen your injuries, affecting the quality of your life. In contrast, early diagnosis can help you recover faster and experience fewer complications.
3. Prioritize self-care during retirement
The challenges of your service can have lasting effects on your health and fitness. Therefore, you must prioritize self-care once retired to dispel the impact of your service on your health and personality. Even if family obligations and work responsibilities make self-care challenging, make time to focus on your mental and physical well-being.
Make sure you eat healthy food, engage in physical activity, and spend quality time outdoors. Eating healthy food provides the right nutrients for sustained energy and well-being. Similarly, physical activity keeps you fit as well as drives out the negative effects of stress.
Additionally, you can also adopt a pet. Their unconditional love and companionship can greatly contribute to your mental well-being. Having a pet often induces a sense of purpose and joy, making the quality of your life better.
Retirement from active service is the time to focus on yourself. Prioritizing self-care during this time guarantees a more fulfilling and vibrant civilian life.
4. Update your vaccination
Proper and timely vaccination safeguards you from a multitude of infectious diseases. You might have been exposed to some of these during deployments or service-related activities. As you age, your immune system becomes more susceptible to infections. As a result, you can easily catch diseases with long-lasting repercussions. By staying updated about your vaccination, you can keep preventable diseases and their associated complications at a safe distance.
Additionally, if you have any chronic health conditions or underlying medical issues, proper and targeted vaccines can also offer enhanced protection against them.
When vaccinating, don’t just focus on routine shots such as for influenza and pneumonia but also those specifically tailored to your distinct health needs.
5. Seek help from your support network
You can stay healthy and happy during retirement by linking with your support network, including friends, family, and veteran support groups.
Sharing how you cope with your post-retirement challenges and seeking help from the veteran’s support group is an effective strategy. As you seek help from those who have been through similar experiences, they can understand your predicament and advice according to their personal experience. They can provide guidance on navigating civilian life and refer you to specialized services.
Spending time with fellow veterans provides a sense of camaraderie, helping you dismiss negative emotions such as loneliness and isolation you may experience in your new life. They are also an opportunity to enjoy quality time together, foster connection, and uplift your spirits, allowing you to draw strength from these meet-ups.
6. Stay away from smoking
Quitting smoking is crucial for veterans to live a happy, healthy, and satisfied life post-retirement. Veterans get exposed to various airborne toxins and stressors during their military careers, putting excessive strain on their respiratory system.
Smoking can exacerbate the existing problems leading to heart issues and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to Oxford Academic, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in veterans. Furthermore, excessive smoking is also linked to suicide.
These facts make it necessary for veterans to quit smoking, be it at any stage of life. Quitting smoking can have life-changing effects, such as improving lung function, cardiovascular health, and physical fitness.
Once you decide to quit smoking, you can seek help from several sources, such as counseling groups, rehabilitation centers, and medication.
Conclusion
As veterans, your health is a critical aspect, considering the demanding nature of the life you live during your service. Neglecting your health and fitness can exacerbate your hidden as well as apparent problems, making your post-retirement life unpleasant and stressful. Some ways to ensure your health and well-being are mentioned above. Following these tips will empower you to control your life and be less dependent on others.