Staying Healthy After Deployment - A guest blog post by Emily Walsh

Recently I received a request to feature a guest writer for my blog. Emily Walsh is a concerned advocate for veterans and cancer patients as the Community Outreach Director for the Mesolthelioma Cancer alliance. Emily wrote a blog post which addresses the need for veterans to be mindful of their health, especially after a deployment.

Thank you, Emily, for your contribution and concern for those who have served us.


Staying Healthy After Deployment

We all know that there are many risks that are associated with military service and deployment. Through healthy living habits and regular doctor visits, there are ways to keep a soldier healthy after a deployment and ensure that any negative health symptoms are swiftly evaluated and treated soon after they occur.

In order to avoid exasperating any negative symptoms that may have developed as the result of a recent deployment, remember to eat regular meals. It is important to eat a healthy breakfast to start the day and boost energy levels so that optimum body functioning can be achieved. In addition, a nutritious lunch and dinner are important to implement to maintain functioning and support an active lifestyle. While it is easy to drive through the fast food window or sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a meal, a family may consider eating at home on a regular basis and providing home-cooked meals to promote togetherness and a positive home environment.

A great stress reliever and immense health benefit for a recently deployed veteran is the act of exercising. Not only will exercising burn calories and help to maintain a healthy weight, but exercising is known to unwind the mind and provide a calming effect.  This is especially important for post-deployed veterans, as this will help these individuals to build a routine that will occupy their time in a positive manner.  In addition, meditation and other creative solo activities such as painting or wood crafting may provide therapeutic benefits to an anxious mind.

One of the most essential ways to remain healthy after a deployment is to see a doctor on a regular basis for check-ups and evaluations.  When deployed or during any military service, soldiers can become exposed to dangers and illnesses that are not always clear to see. Soldiers may suffer from physical trauma, psychological issues, or even asbestos exposure. In fact, symptoms of an asbestos exposure may not become apparent in an individual for as many as 20 to 50 years, possibly resulting in mesothelioma or other related lung illnesses. For this reason, it is important to discuss any possible exposures and conditions with a physician so that they may know what to look for.

Those who serve in the military face many risks when signing up for service, but they volunteer themselves nobly every day. For this reason, it is important to keep these individuals healthy and engaged in a rewarding lifestyle to honor the services that they have provided.  

Guest Blogger: Emily Walsh   

 As the Community Outreach Director for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, Emily Walsh dedicates much of her time building cancer awareness through social media and blogging. To read more from Emily go to www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/emily/.