Unique Health Issues in Aging Veterans
People
who have been in the armed forces, and have served in physically and
psychologically demanding situations, may face unique health problems,
different from civilians. These problems may include mental health issues,
injuries, chronic pain, chemical exposure, rare diseases, addiction, among
others.
However,
many complex health issues either show up late or go untreated for years after
a veteran’s active duty or active reserve service, which means military nurses
and doctors might never have had a chance to diagnose the problem.
There
are 7 health problems that are common in veterans.
- Musculoskeletal problems
The strenuous daily routine of most servicemembers can
cause chronic back, leg, knee and shoulder problems. Nurse practitioners can
help patients know more about their pain, maintain regular exercise routine and
take prescribed medication on time, for pain management.
- Chemical exposure
Veterans who served in combat zones or countries with
looser environment regulations are sometimes exposed to chemical agents that produce
a lasting negative effect. Gulf War nerve agent sarin or sarin gas and Agent
Orange from the Vietnam era have affected many veterans.
- Infectious diseases
While servicemembers receive inoculations before leaving
to serve overseas, some veterans still suffer from infectious diseases they contracted
in foreign lands. For example, Leishmaniasis is caused by a small sand fly
found in the Middle East. The disease can be life-threatening and cause weight
loss, fevers, weakness, anemia and dangerous enlargement of the spleen and
liver.
- Noise and vibration exposure
Exposure to high noise levels of gunfire, aircraft and
other loud sounds can cause a range of health problems, including deafness.
Pain and numbness is common after long exposure to heavy vibrations.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A head trauma during training exercises or actual combat may
cause irreversible damage. Veterans with such injuries may experience memory
and language problems, an inability to process information correctly, PTSD and
headaches.
- Mental health issues
Serving in a combat zone often causes adverse
psychological effects. Veterans may suffer from depression or PTSD which can
further cause issues, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, paranoia and violent
behavior.
Nurse
practitioners and home health care can help with veterans’ healthcare. NPs in
the VA system can address the unique health issues faced by veterans, from
mental health concerns to amputations and disease exposure related to
deployment.
Services,
such as Critical Nurse Staffing, provides superior home health care to Veterans
of the United States Armed Services, who want to remain independent and live in
their own homes. Critical Nurse Staffing will support and care for them and
their families every step of the way.
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