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Happy 100 -Walter Reed Army Medical Center!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Walter Reed Army Medical Center is celebrating its’ centennial!
This week Walter Reed Army Medical Center is celebrating 100 years of service to our nation!
Walter Reed Centennial History Symposium – April 29, 2009 
Hallowed by War: Walter Reed and the Civil War
A Tradition of Caring: The Army Nurse Corps at Walter Reed
The Red Cross at Walter Reed
Life of an Army Surgeon has Changed Little in More Than 100 years
Photos back to the 1920s!
For more information: Karen Estrada, MS militaryhealthmatters.org [Graphics designed by Karen Estrada, MS]
Visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Web Site
Swine Flu Resources-be informed-not afraid!
RSS FEED Get the latest *facts* and resources for Swine Flu. Site
Other Articles: COVER YOUR COUGH (excellent … with activities, posters, useful stuff for health care providers, professionals and educators, KIDS STUFF!! too).
SWINE FLU/INFLUENZA FULL TEXT PDFS
There is so much information out there on Swine Flu (are you on information overload?). I provide resources, brief updates, updated several times daily. YOU chose which resources are most helpful to you and your family!
Karen Proud Army Airborne Mom!
“H-Minus”
(*Site is updated several times daily, irrelevant info is removed (but resources (relevant) are kept on site).
Physical Training in high temperatures-know the essentials!
CDC-NIOSH:Heatstroke 24Apr09
Physical Training in high temperatures-know the essentials!
A vital part of a Soldier’s ability to perform his or her mission effectively, especially in the harsh climates of Iraq and Afghanistan is physical training (also known as PT).
Regular physical training not only provides strength and endurance, it can also be a morale booster and stress reducer!
Safety considerations for physical exertion in hot climates.
During the summer, temperatures in Iraq and Afghanistan can rise to over 120F; add to that a few pounds of gear, body armor and such.
Soldiers should get or have:
- proper hydration, essential for preventing heat injuries.
- consume a proper mixture of water and drinks that replenish electrolytes to avoid a condition called hyponatremia.
- proper rest on a regular basis (difficult in 24/7 combat zones).
- avoid dependence on energy drinks and caffeine as a substitute for proper rest; in the long run these drinks draw fluids from your body rather than replenish.
- avoid over-working out and turning to supplements for performance enhancement. Supplement use can cause a metabolic imbalance increasing the likelihood of suffering a heat injury.
Proper diet-nutrition
Severe heat can reduce the appetite; combined with high levels of physical activity can result in unhealthy weight loss. The best scenario is moderate exercise done on a regular basis.
PT Surge- the practice of working out extremely hard after being sedentary for a prolonged period of time can be particularly dangerous in high temperatures.
The summer months are approaching, Soldiers need to use common sense when conducting PT (physical training) whether in combat zones or here at home.
From the CDC:
Heat-related illnesses include:
• Heatstroke – a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness
• Heat exhaustion – an illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse
• Heat cramps – muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise
• Heat rash – skin irritation from excessive sweating
For more information:
Journal of Athletic Training Publishes Systematic Review of Treatment Options for Hyperthermia Caused by Physical Exertion and Exercise. (FEB 2009) Systematic review of treatment options [pdf].
Click here for multi-media image (Mayo Clinic)
HOOAH 4 HEALTH: general health and welfare.
Heat Exhaustion, First Aid – Information for adults
CLICK to view Free Text (pdf or html) on supplement use in the Military (published 2008).
Heat injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2008
March 2009
- Between 2004 and 2008, heat-related injuries were diagnosed at > 300 medical facilities worldwide.
- 14 facilities treated at least 200 cases each, approximately 60% of all cases.
- Since 2005, rates of heat stroke have been fairly stable, heat exhaustion rates have slightly declined.
- In recent years, annual numbers of hospitalized cases (the most clinically severe) of both heat stroke and heat exhaustion have been stable.
Military activities in hot and humid environments are persistent, significant threats to the health and operational effectiveness of service members. Of all service members, the youngest and most inexperienced are at highest risk of heat related injuries — including life threatening heat-associated conditions such as heat stroke, exertional hyponatremia, and exertional rhabdomyolysis. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report
REFERENCE:
http://usachppm.amedd.army.mil/hioupdate/hioweeklyupdate04102009.htm#_Toc227118577 accessed 23Apr2009.
Karen PAAM
“All the Way!”
Army approves new suicide prevention plan
The Army is unveiling a new plan, approved by Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli after recent visits to a half dozen American military bases where he spoke to commanders and staff who care for soldiers and their families.
The new plan would include:
- Hiring more mental health workers.
- Tightening drug testing and health screening protocols.
- Putting back in place other long-standing procedures that haven’t been enforced during recent years because of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Suicide statistics-January through March, 2009
Suicides rose to a reported 56 — 22 confirmed and 34 (under investigation/pending confirmation. These figures compare with 140 for all of last year, also a record at the time.
The new plan includes regular conference calls with commanders around the world who would report on suicides in their region and discuss intervention tools in order to learn how they might prevent more suicides.
Current Army suicide prevention program:
Mission
Improve readiness through the development and enhancement of the Army Suicide Prevention Program policies designed to minimize suicide behavior; thereby preserving mission effectiveness through individual readiness for Soldiers, their Families, and Department of the Army civilians.
Army suicide awareness and prevention [pdf]
Suicide prevention resources -
• “Shoulder to Shoulder: No Soldier Stands Alone”, a Suicide Prevention video is available. (AKO Login/Access required)
• Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline (.org) – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
NAVY –Suicide Prevention Program
Tips on how to help.
Resources- to help Marines and their families handle problems before they become overwhelming issues. While they may not seem directly related to suicide prevention, they are! The number one issue among suicidal Marines is a personal relationship problems, along with financial and legal problems. By attending classes and utilizing resources listed here Marines and family members can learn how to take control of their problems and get back on track, before suicide seems like the only answer.
National Guard Virtual Armory- Suicide Prevention Mission
To improve readiness through the development and enhancement of the Army National Guard Suicide Prevention Program policies designed to minimize suicide behavior; thereby preserving mission effectiveness through individual readiness for Soldiers, DA civilians and their families.
AIR FORCE- Air Force Suicide Prevention Program
Karen, PAAM!
“Airborne, All the Way!”
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Recent Posts
- The Importance of Receiving Help – and How to Ask for It
- Tackling dependency head on
- Ideas for a Special Homecoming
- Help Your Kids Learn to Deal with Their Emotions
- Creative Ways to Connect Your Child and Your Soldier