WRNMMC Warrior Care Website

WRNMMC Achieving Excellence in Casualty Care.  Within a framework of patient and family centered care, a dedicated team of health care professionals facilitates a speedy recovery of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines to productive activities of daily living through cutting edge technology, evidence- based design, innovation, and partnerships with volunteer agencies.

MHS Wounded Warrior Care

Severely injured Service members often require prolonged treatment, time to heal, and rehabilitative care before a decision can be made on their medical ability to remain on active duty. The Military Health System (MHS) is meeting this challenge by improving our coordination of health care for Service members and Veterans with Veterans Affairs (VA).

Veterans Health Library

The Veterans Health Library has fact sheets, videos, guidebooks, interactive quizzes and much more.

Since 2013, the Veterans Health Library at www.veteranshealthlibrary.org has been offering Veterans, family members, and caregivers 24/7 access to comprehensive, Veteran-focused health information. The online Library is a one-stop source for health information to help Veterans stay healthy and well-informed.

There are over 1,500 health sheets; more than 150 videos; Go-to-Guides with audio, video and interactive quizzes; and Flipbooks that have been approved by VA experts, and include topics specific to Veterans, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat-related Traumatic Brain Injury, Agent Orange, and Cold Injury.  All health information is available in English and Spanish to Veterans, their family and the public, no matter where the Veteran receives care.

Today, the Veterans Health Library has a fresh, new look and feel that improves the users’ experience to make it more responsive to your needs. Come on in…browse around…and see for yourself. Stay Healthy!

Alcoholism in Veterans

According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.5 million veterans had a substance use disorder, abusing drugs or alcohol. These substance use disorders are associated with medical problems, psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression, employment problems, issues with relationships, and increased suicidal thoughts and attempts.  The link between veterans and alcohol abuse is a concerning issue for this population, as alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among military personnel.

Treatment for drug & alcohol addiction

Millions of people of all ages and backgrounds are affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Our team of journalists, researchers, doctors, and medical professionals have created science-based resources to help you and your loved ones get help.  We can help you find a drug or alcohol rehab program that’s right for YOU

Help for Veterans Struggling with Addiction

As technology advances and our military becomes more intelligent, the face of war has changed in our world. Yet the toll that combat can take on those serving in our military is still a growing problem.  Many of our nation’s bravest have come home from foreign lands where they were dealing with unknown dangers and putting their life on the line on a daily basis. Some of the memories they bring home with them are horrific in nature and can cause many issues if left untreated.  If you or a loved one are a veteran who has returned home only to find yourself fighting this new battle against substance abuse, you are not alone. There is help available to you right now.

Practical Guide on Dental Benefits and Health Recommendations for Veterans

How Does Military Service Affect Your Dental Health?  Veterans, compared to civilians, are at higher risk of dental problems. The nature of military duty has a significant impact on oral health. 41% of Veterans report negative perceived dental status.  Dental benefits and recommendations for Veterans

Hearing Health Guide for Veterans

Hearing problems are two of the biggest health issues the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans with.  According to the VA, hearing loss affects more than 28 million Americans, including more than half of people over the age of 75.

Hearing problems, including tinnitus, which is a ringing or noise that originates in the head are the most prevalent service-connected disability among veterans, reports the VA.  The following are some of the other general things to know about veterans and hearing loss, based on information from the VA.

VA-Accredited Claims Agent Discusses Mesothelioma Claims and World-Class VA Care

Every year in the United States, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer disproportionately affects the men and women that have served our country. Some reports indicate that about one third of mesothelioma patients are Veterans.  Many Veterans have misconceptions about the VA and benefits eligibility. If you are a Veteran and you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma – free help is available.

Mesothelioma Prognosis Network

Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships because of its resistance to fire.  Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer with a generally unfavorable prognosis. Most patients have a life expectancy ranging from four to 18 months; however, there are many factors that influence your individual prognosis and there are ways for you to extend your life past your initial life expectancy.  Understanding your mesothelioma prognosis and how you can improve it can help you make decisions about treatment. It can also help you cope, move forward and increase your quality of life.

Veterans Can Develop Mesothelioma as a Result of Asbestos Exposure During Their Military Service

Men and women from all four branches (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) of the United States military have defended our country for decades, both in times of war and in times of peace. Veterans put their lives on the line each and every day, both on the battlefront and at the many U.S. military bases located around the world. Of all the individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, the veteran population has been affected the most.  While the Veterans Administration offers some guidance to afflicted personnel, it is clear that more must be done to support veterans with mesothelioma, including compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering. If you or a loved one needs assistance securing VA Benefits, it is often helpful to get help from someone familiar with the process. We encourage you to request more information, about filing an asbestos-related VA claim.  The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance veterans section is a great resource for veterans and their families to receive all the information they need about the disease.

What Veterans Should Know About Sleep

Veterans may face unique sleep challenges due to the nature of their training and their time in the service, whether or not they saw combat. Transitioning from military life to civilian living comes with a host of challenges, and sleep problems are quite common in veterans of all ages.

PTSD and Sleep

https://www.alcoholhelp.com/Alcohol/Victims-Alcoholism/Veterans-Alcohol/Sleep problems are a common issue for people of all ages, but anyone diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep disturbances and nightmares are common symptoms of PTSD, and these symptoms may even exacerbate other PTSD symptoms and make treatment more difficult.

How Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affects Sleep

Written by: Derek Hales

People of all ages frequently have trouble falling or staying asleep, but those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to have these issues.

Sleep issues and nightmares are frequent PTSD symptoms, and they may potentially increase other symptoms and complicate therapy.

Why Do People With PTSD Have Sleep Problems?

Because of a variety of factors, PTSD frequently causes sleep issues.

• Patients with PTSD frequently experience the need to be on high alert all the time. This hyper-alertness frequently causes sleep disturbances. Patients may struggle to unwind and go to sleep. Additionally, they could have problems returning to sleep after readily waking up.
• Worry and negative thoughts might make it difficult to fall asleep. Worry can range from little inconveniences to serious concerns about one’s safety or those close to them. Sometimes, even anxiety about sleeping might get in the way of getting any rest.
• People with PTSD frequently struggle with self-medication with drugs and alcohol. Alcohol abuse might make it difficult to sleep. Alcohol also reduces the quality of sleep, which results in tiredness when people get up. Drugs can also similarly affect sleep.
• Nightmares associated with PTSD might interfere with sleep. It could be challenging to fall asleep again after being awakened in the middle of the night by a nightmare. With frequent bad dreams, fear may also develop: Some patients start to avoid going to sleep because they don’t want to have nightmares.
• Patients who also have physical health problems may have trouble falling asleep. It’s common for chronic pain, such as back pain, to keep you from falling asleep. Women frequently experience reproductive problems, digestive illnesses, and stomach troubles that keep them awake. Many people who experience medical issues find it difficult to fall asleep.

What Can You Do if You Have Sleep Problems?

You might sleep better if you make certain modifications to your lifestyle. There are lots of benefits to good sleep hygiene and lots of small changes that, though minor, can be beneficial

If you want to notice an improvement, stick with the modifications you make for a few nights to give them time to work.

Change Your Sleeping Area

Make sure your sleeping space is comfortable for a good night’s rest. You can have trouble sleeping if there’s too much activity, noise, or light in your bedroom. 

Establish a peaceful and cozy resting space. Find a mattress that meets your sleeping needs by reading mattress reviews.

Clinicians advise that you only use your bedroom for sleeping or intimate activity: Avoid watching television or listening to the radio in the bedroom.

Turn off all lights to make sure the bedroom is completely dark. For the best sleeping conditions, keep the temperature cool.

White noise machines can help some individuals sleep better by producing steady background noise that also helps to drown out outside disturbances.

Keep to a Bedtime Routine and Sleep Schedule

Your body adjusts to a sleep schedule more quickly if you have a consistent sleep routine with the same bedtime and wake-up time. Your body will eventually develop a natural ability to go to sleep and wake up on schedule. 

Create a relaxing bedtime routine to prepare your body for sleep. It might be beneficial to take a warm shower or sip some decaffeinated tea. Prior to going to bed, stay away from stressful or energetic activities. If noise and light bother you, consider donning a mask and earplugs.

Try to Relax if You Can’t Sleep

If you have trouble falling asleep, try relaxing instead. Until you are ready for sleep, you might get out of bed and read quietly on the sofa. Avoid using devices or watching television during this time.

If you want to prepare your body for sleep, try focused relaxation. Imagine yourself in a serene environment as you focus on particular aspects that soothe you.

Watch Your Activities During the Day

Ensure that you’re not doing anything during the day that will keep you from falling asleep.

• For overall health, it is necessary to exercise every day. But you should avoid working out two hours before bedtime.
• Every day, spend some time in the sunshine outside to help control your waking and sleeping cycles.
• Caffeine-containing foods and drinks should be limited or avoided.
• Avoid alcohol because it could impair your sleep.
• Avoid smoking; nicotine can disturb your sleep.
• Avoid taking a nap during the day, especially in the evening.
• Drink in moderation after supper to avoid getting up to use the restroom.
• Avoid taking drugs that can keep you up at night.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you consistently have issues with or disturbances in your sleep, speak with your doctor. Sleep issues are frequently caused by anxious thoughts, nightmares, and/or pain; a doctor may be able to help with these issues.

A doctor might be able to recommend a sleeping aid depending on your symptoms and general health. You might also obtain advice on techniques for getting better sleep.

Other Resources for PTSD

• PTSD and Sleep Deprivation: Major causes of insomnia with PTSD include hyper-vigilance, nightmares, fear of going to sleep, guilt, substance abuse, stress, and physical and emotional pain.
• Relationship Between Sleep and Mental Health: Sleep quality can be impacted by having a mental health condition, and poor sleep can affect your mental health.
• How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health: Sleep deprivation has been associated with depression and other mental health conditions.
• The Hidden Costs of Insufficient Sleep: Insufficient sleep raises a person’s risk of significant medical disorders like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Sleep Disturbance as a Treatment Target in PTSD: Persistent and severe post-traumatic nightmares and sleep disturbances can be present in PTSD.
• PTSD in Adults: PTSD is common in adults and is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks of traumatic events in the past, which can contribute to significant social, vocational, and interpersonal dysfunction.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Psychotherapy and prescription medications to treat depression and anxiety are typically used to treat PTSD.
• The Effects of PTSD on Patients: A person’s capacity to work, carry out daily tasks, or relate to family and friends may be affected by PTSD.
• Managing PTSD in Children: Children also can develop symptoms and complications from PTSD.
• Overview of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A stressful or distressing incident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health issue.
• PTSD and Other Related Comorbidities: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients may also have other medical conditions, which makes it challenging to make a precise diagnosis of PTSD.
• Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders in Children: PTSD is one of the disorders associated with trauma that affects children.
• Trauma Disorders: Following an extremely stressful event, some people may find it difficult to regain their regular state of mind. Some people encounter mental health issues as a result of the experience.
• PTSD in DSM-V: For the diagnosis of PTSD, you should use the guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
• 5 Ways Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD: The therapeutic advantages of owning a dog in the treatment of PTSD are beginning to be recognized by psychologists.
• Sleep Disturbances in TBI and PTSD: Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries may experience difficulties in treatment and recovery if they don’t get enough sleep.
• PTSD and Conduct Disorder: Research has revealed that there is an association between conduct disorders and patients with PTSD.