Most people don’t start to worry about getting older until they start to feel the effects of a hard life. This is especially valid for people who work in tactical fields. You should be aware that you will live a higher life expectancy if you pursue a career in one of the tactical professions (police, fire, military, or EMS).
However, military service comes with certain risks you won’t necessarily encounter in civilian life. Excessive stress, long hours, and limited access to healthy foods are just some of the factors that can lead to poor health and reduced longevity among military veterans. Fortunately, many ways to counteract these factors and live a longer, healthier life. Here are a few ways to improve your veteran health & longevity.
- Medical Check-Ups
Check-ups are a critical part of any veteran’s health and longevity. Veterans, even without any chronic illness, should get check-ups every six months or more often if they have any unfamiliar symptoms or risk factors, such as a family history of the disease. Suppose you contracted a disease and want to improve your health and longevity. In that case, you must know what you’re dealing with. A medical check-up can help you diagnose your symptoms and learn how best to address them.
When it comes to veterans’ illnesses, mesothelioma is common. Veterans now have a greater incidence of mesothelioma due to the military’s extensive use of asbestos between the 1930s and the early 1980s. There are two ways this cancer may have been contracted: military service or occupational exposure. As veterans with mesothelioma, the treatment options available depend on the type of the disease. Generally, veterans who contract their illness due to their military service will be eligible for VA care benefits.
In contrast, veterans who contract their illness due to occupational exposure will not be eligible for VA care benefits. But here’s the good news: you can rely on Mesothelioma Veterans Center, which offers a VA pension and the right treatment if you fulfill a minimum income and other requirements.
- Exercise
It’s never too late to start exercising! Statistics show that the older we get, the less active we become. But it’s important not to let this happen. If you’ve been inactive for a while, start slow and work your way up. Remember, slow and steady wins the race! You should be able to do some form of exercise every day – even if it’s just 10 minutes. What are some good exercises? Anything that gets your heart rate up is great!
Try walking, biking, swimming, or playing basketball with friends. And don’t forget to stretch after every workout. Stretch out your muscles to recover from being pushed to their limits.
- Eat Well
It’s no secret that the military puts its service members through rigorous training and exercise. But, to be at your best, you must take care of yourself too. As a veteran, it is important for you to not only train physically but also eat well. Statistics show that veterans are more likely to have an unhealthy diet than non-veterans. This could deteriorate the health badly.
Also, many veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which can result in behavioral problems like binge eating and self-destructive behaviors such as drug abuse. Eating well will help manage these risk factors and balance the high level of physical activity required by the military.
- Maintain Good Sleep Habits
Make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep will help you stay focused and alert during the day and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. If you have trouble falling asleep, try avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening or meditating before bedtime. Don’t drink alcohol close to bedtime; instead, drink coffee or tea earlier in the day. Talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some drugs for anxiety or depression may cause insomnia, so ask about switching medications if necessary. Avoid naps longer than 20 minutes because they can leave you groggy when you wake up in the morning (and increase snoring). Be mindful of how much time you spend staring at screens late at night – this is another reason electronics should be used sparingly before bed.
- Talk About Your Stress
The physical and emotional stress that comes with military service can take a toll on your health. Fortunately, there are many ways you can improve your veteran health and longevity. One of the best things you can do is talk about your stress. It’s important to share what’s happening in your life with loved ones. Whether it be good or bad news, it will help relieve some of the weight on your shoulders. You should also practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises when stressed out. Get moving! Exercise reduces depression and anxiety while increasing happiness levels – so hit the gym or go for a run when you’re feeling blue. Lastly, maintain healthy relationships with friends and family members who can provide support during tough times.
- Plan for the Future
Planning for your future is an important part of staying healthy. You should plan for the future by investing in your health and social well-being. That way, you can care for yourself when you need it the most. Investing in these areas of your life can lead to longer, more fulfilling lives.
Choose What’s Important: It is easy to get distracted by all of the things that are happening every day. Choosing what is important in life can help you focus on what matters so that you can live a healthier life and have time for fun.
You know the saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same applies to self-care. Don’t put off caring for yourself until you feel like it; take care of yourself now, so you don’t feel like you’re neglecting something or taking care of someone else when you need to take care of YOURSELF.
Conclusion
There are many ways that veterans can improve their health and longevity. A few of them are: eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep. If you know any veterans with mesothelioma, be sure to share this post with them! It’s important for veterans who may have contracted diseases like mesothelioma or asbestos cancer to know the available treatments.