Veterans Day calls us to remember and honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.
But it’s not just 1 day we should do this.
Many don’t know that Veterans may suffer from lack of motivation, irritability, anxiety and depression, headaches, memory and hearing loss, musculoskeletal injuries, TBI (traumatic brain injury), chemical exposure and even PTSD after serving, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
These issues affect not only the service member, but also their spouses, children, extended families and friends.
Veterans may develop back, knee, neck or shoulder pain while serving.
Research suggests getting regular exercise can help reduce that pain and avoid disability.
Exposure to nerve agents such as sarin can trigger convulsions and death.
The damage can include an enlarged left heart ventricle, heart rhythm abnormalities or a reduction in the pumping strength of the heart.
Development of bacterial infections cause abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea and in chronic cases can inflame the heart.
Common effects of TBIs include cognitive issues such as shorter attention span, language disabilities, and an inability to process information.
Hearing loss can occur because of exposure to gunfire, heavy weapons, noisy engine rooms and aircraft.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.
PTSD symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, loss of interest in things and others, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled.
If you are seeking help, contact your Department of Veteran Affairs or visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs .
You may also call their resource center at 888-997-2586, crisis hot-line at 800-273-8255, press #1 or text 838255.
Don’t wait for a holiday to honor veterans. Show support, love and encourage awareness every day.
Next week: Prematurity awareness