Military medicine
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This study aimed to identify subgroups of active duty U.S. service members (ADSMs) based on physical activity levels and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Our secondary aim was to assess how these profiles vary across sociodemographic factors. ⋯ The study emphasizes the importance of combining physical activity and strength training to reduce CVD risk factors, supporting the implementation of tailored physical activity programs within the military to align fitness standards.
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Military medical readiness, particularly in surgical specialties, remains a significant concern within the Military Health System (MHS). While initiatives like the U. S. ⋯ Challenges such as maintaining partnerships, addressing billing issues, and navigating local-level politics are identified, with proposed solutions, including establishing a centralized interagency office to monitor and manage specialty care partnerships. A comprehensive approach to enhancing military medical provider readiness through VA-MHS partnerships is crucial. By addressing readiness gaps and optimizing resource utilization, such collaboration would likely improve the overall readiness of the medical force, benefiting both military and veteran patient populations.
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Over the last decade, the published literature investigating the association between thyroid function and recurrent or persistent vertigo has become more robust. We present an interesting case of persistent vertigo in a healthy 31-year-old active duty Navy pilot who was restricted from operating single-pilot rotary aircraft because of the severity of her symptoms. During her work-up, she was newly diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and started on thyroid hormone supplementation. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of autoimmune thyroid disease as a less common but important diagnosis to consider in the broad differential for vertigo. This is especially relevant to the military population since dizziness contributes to spatial disorientation for aviators and can be highly debilitating for warfighters. Astutely diagnosing and treating underlying causes of dizziness may allow service members to return to physically demanding and mentally arduous duties, improving overall military readiness.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in addition to increased mental health difficulties for society as a whole, brought unique challenges and opportunities to mental health professionals attempting to address the issues under public health limitations. Occupationally embedded mental health professionals were uniquely challenged in quickly and creatively adjusting to physical quarantining and working from home. The purpose of this study was to inquire about and categorize the experiences of embedded mental health professionals and their clients in U.S. Air Force (USAF) operational units. ⋯ U.S. Air Force embedded mental health professionals and Airmen primarily identified the challenges of staying engaged when not face-to-face, higher incidence of mental health problems, decreased availability of clinical care and other support resources, technology as a face-to-face substitute, managing safety measures, delayed initiatives, and clinical boundary setting. Alternatively, embedded mental health professionals and Airmen identified strategies to alleviate pandemic limitations, such as using technology to interact, COVID-19 mitigating actions, developing initiatives to target their population needs, and using opportunities to help reduce stigma associated with seeking help for mental health.