Keeping a close health check after retiring from service is probably the first thing to do. It will help smooth veterans’ transition from military to civilian life. Getting rid of old habits and a tough routine may be hard, but healthy choices can help.
In this regard, veterans must get regular health check-ups to ensure they do not sustain a serious injury or expose themselves to harmful substances during service. Moreover, taking care of general health is imperative to stay fit and happy post service.
A comprehensive health check will help better optimize overall well-being and health. It will help take early intervention care and corrective and preventive measures. If delayed or unchecked, it might have certain long-term consequences.
Your health check depends on your needs and current condition. Your general practitioner may ask you about your family medical history, prescribe treatment, refer to other healthcare experts, refer any further tests, or suggest veteran programs to support you.
Let us look at how else you can maintain good health.
Get Tested for Possible Exposure
Getting yourself tested for Mesothelioma is important if you’ve had asbestos exposure. This cancer spreads discreetly and can be detected (through physical symptoms) during the later stages of cancer. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is vital for the early detection of this chronic disease. Consider looking up Mesothelioma Veterans Center to get a specialized care package, treatment plans, and awareness programs for veterans. It offers free support, benefits, and legal and financial assistance to manage your health condition.
Possible exposures that veterans experience from asbestos or other toxins can deteriorate health. Tests can help verify if the exposure affected you or not and in what way.
Keep a Check of Your Cholesterol Levels
Many veterans risk high cholesterol because they take civilian life too lightly and do not work out regularly or take care of their diet. If your cholesterol level shoots up, you may run the risk of carrying heart disease.
To stop that from happening, check your cholesterol level regularly by visiting your physician. Maintain a healthy diet of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water intake. Work out daily and set a time of the day that suits you the best and follow through with that routine.
It would help to reduce your consumption of all processed foods, trans fat, and saturated fats. Replace them with healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, consume soluble fibers, and include protein in your diet. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans will assist you in reducing cholesterol faster.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Prioritizing your mental well-being is as important as your physical health. Veterans might need some professional help to help them ease the transition process. Struggling to navigate everyday tasks signifies that you need someone to talk to regarding whatever is bothering you.
You can sign up for virtual therapy sessions as well as group therapy. Your group will include veterans going through the same things that you are. It will help make you feel understood and make the process easier.
On the other hand, virtual therapy sessions also provide full support, guidance, and resource material you may require on your journey to mental well-being.
Be Proactive
When it comes to health, veterans have to remain proactive. It means not missing any doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, or medications you may be taking. Prioritize yourself and your personal life. It will help eliminate stress and anxiety by focusing on yourself.
Set a healthy routine and stick to it. Keep a close eye on your diet and exercise. Regularly check your vitals and other levels to ensure that you are on the right track.
Build a Community
Social events and activities engage the veteran community, family, and friends. Spend quality time with your loved ones post-service for a happier and healthier life.
You mustn’t isolate yourself, as it can get overwhelming to step into civilian life after spending significant time away from family and friends. Many military veterans face mental health deterioration as they feel alienated and have trouble setting in.
Actively take part in your veteran community services and events with your family. Veteran awareness camps and programs help transition to civilian life healthily.
Understand How Finances Impact Health
Figuring out your finances post-service could add to your stress levels. A better way to deal with it is to plan. Manage your finances in a way that it can take of you, your health, and your family. You can also access veteran resources to get financial help and funding until you can support yourself. You can take time to meet your goals and improve your financial health over time.
However, it is important not to let the stress of finances hold you back or deteriorate your overall health.
Take Special Care of Hygiene and Cleanliness
Post-service, one major change veterans have to deal with is taking the initiative to attend medical checkups. While in service, these checkups are almost automatic, and the routine is set so that individuals need not step out of their daily routine to get a medical checkup. However, post-service, most retired military folks need to step out of their daily routine to get their medical checkup.
Let’s consider the recent COVID-19 pandemic. With the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuous evolution, it’s vital to take extra precautions regarding hygiene and sanitization. Remember to sanitize your hands often, as it will limit your exposure to the harmful virus. Remember to test for COVID-19 as soon as you leave service. It is a better precautionary measure to stay safe from the virus.
Conclusion
A regular health check is one of the most important things during the transition from military to civilian life. You must regularly get medical check-ups to ensure that you do not expose yourself to harmful substances during service that can lead to certain diseases.
Moreover, do not let your cholesterol levels shoot up. Consume healthy fats as opposed to saturated fat. Prioritize your mental health and get group or individual counseling, either in-person or virtually. Be proactive regarding your overall health, and surround yourself with your loved ones. Please get involved in your veteran community and actively participate in its events with your family.
