Health - Navy Veterans2024-03-28T19:18:53Zhttp://navyvets.com/health/feed/allAsbestos and Mesotheliomahttp://navyvets.com/health/asbestos-and-mesothelioma2009-06-18T04:06:57.000Z2009-06-18T04:06:57.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3439311267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" width="166" height="121" style="float:left;padding:6px 6px 0 0;" align="left" /></p>
<p>Among the more common hazards affecting naval veterans is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively as an industrial insulation product in industrial materials and consumer goods. Asbestos was durable and fire-resistant, making it ideal for a number of different applications but perhaps the most common was in naval vessel construction. The issue of veterans and mesothelioma is of great concern for retired military and their families.</p>
<h3>Where was asbestos found within naval vessels?</h3>
<p>As stated previously, asbestos was particularly adept at insulation. For this reason it was primarily used in installations which required a resistance to extreme heat, cold, and temperature transfer. Some of the more common uses aboard naval vessels included pipe coverings, electrical wiring insulation, and boiler linings. As these installations could be found nearly anywhere aboard naval vessels, it is understandable why asbestos use was so extensive.</p>
<h3>When is asbestos hazardous and who is at risk?</h3>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, not all asbestos fixtures present an immediate hazard. It is only when asbestos materials are broken, cracked, or otherwise unstable that they present an exposure hazard. Unfortunately, many naval personnel were exposed to asbestos materials of this type. When asbestos installations were repaired or modified, it often involved disturbing otherwise stable asbestos material. Asbestos fibers were then released into the air and easily inhaled. Chipping away or grinding older fixtures often produced this effect. While asbestos exposure could potentially affect any naval serviceman, it was more likely to affect those who repaired or worked with these types of older fixtures.</p>
<p>Inhaled asbestos fibers lodge in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Over time, these fibers cause a harmful inflammation of the internal tissue, leading to the growth of malignant plaques. These plaques can lead to mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer known only to be caused by asbestos exposure.</p>
<h3>What can I do if I was exposed?</h3>
<p>Thousands of naval veterans have been affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease due to exposure aboard naval vessels and naval shipyards. Fortunately, there is help available for them and their families. Evidence has come about in recent years that asbestos manufacturers were aware that their products were potentially hazardous but continued to produce them, endangering millions who encountered them. Many of those who developed asbestos-related health conditions such as mesothelioma have successfully collected damages from these manufacturers for their injuries.</p></div>Manic Depressionhttp://navyvets.com/health/manic-depression2009-06-13T14:12:06.000Z2009-06-13T14:12:06.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces is one of the most selfless
things an individual can do. Soldiers, whether in combat or serving
in a time of peace, face challenges daily. Their lives change, and
while most veterans agree that the changes are positive, some
individuals emerge with some serious mental and physical challenges
at the end of their tour of duty, especially those who have served
during a time of war.</p>
<p>It is not unusual for someone who has experienced the angst of
combat to develop psychological issues, even after the fighting is
behind them. One of the most common problems diagnosed in Navy
veterans and other former (and current) soldiers is manic
depression.</p>
<h3>What is Manic Depression?</h3>
<p>Manic depression, also commonly known as Bipolar Disorder, is a
mood disorder. This disease is defined as the presence of extremely
elevated moods, or “mania”, followed by severely depressed
episodes. Sometimes the episodes are mixed but usually they are
separated by a “normal” period. The manic periods often lead to
psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In some
serious cases, there is risk of harm to one’s self or to
others.</p>
<h3>Who Develops Manic Depression?</h3>
<p>Studies have shown that both genetics and the environment help
determine who develops bipolar disorder. Indeed, life events and
experiences can play a major role in the development of the
disease, which is why Navy vets and other soldiers, especially
those who have been in combat, may be prone to developing manic
depression. Furthermore, other studies show that as many as 50
percent of adults who develop this disorder report traumatic or
abusive experiences during their childhood years. Therefore, the
combination of stressful war-related experiences and childhood
trauma make manic depression a reality for many war veterans.</p>
<h3>How is it Treated?</h3>
<p>Manic depression can be treated both pharmacologically and
psychotherapeutically. It is also not unusual for hospitalization
to occur, especially during extreme manic episodes. Many families
find it necessary to “commit” their loved ones to a psychological
facility to avoid the possibility of self-harm.</p>
<p>Treatment by medication usually involves the use of a mood
stabilizer drug. For many years, lithium was the drug of choice and
still the best for reducing suicides among bipolar patients.
However, some newer drugs have also emerged and have shown much
promise in the treatment of the disorder. Anti-psychotic drugs may
also be used and psychiatrists have continually debated the use of
anti-anxiety drugs in the treatment of manic depression.</p>
<p>Psychotherapy is aimed at recognizing episode triggers and
alleviating core symptoms of the disorder. Cognitive behavior
therapy is most often employed as is family-focused therapy. The
main goal of any psychotherapy, however, is relapse prevention.</p>
<h3>Facing Manic Depression</h3>
<p>If you are a Navy veteran or you know one that is experiencing
what appears to be manic depression, it is necessary to seek out
treatment. Bipolar disorder is rarely a disease that can be
self-cured and it can escalate quickly and become out of control.
Veterans or families of vets should contact their local Veteran’s
Administration (VA) to find out what kinds of services are
available for former or current members of the Armed Forces who are
suffering from manic depression.</p></div>Hazardous Atmosphereshttp://navyvets.com/health/hazardous-atmospheres2009-06-13T13:56:32.000Z2009-06-13T13:56:32.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>Naval vessels contain a number of confined spaces that may be
oxygen deficient, contain toxic material, or other flammable
material. These areas are not intended to be worked in for a long
period of time and should typically only be entered for the purpose
of inspection or brief periods of routine maintenance. Below are
some of the more common hazardous atmospheres in naval vessels.</p>
<h3>Asphyxiating Atmospheres</h3>
<p>Deficiency of oxygen can be caused by a number of factors,
including oxidation reactions caused by rust and fire. It can also
occur while in the presence of combustion while welding, heating,
or cutting. This combustion burns oxygen at a rapid pace and oxygen
levels in the air begin to decrease. Typical air that we breath
contains about 21% oxygen, with the rest being a mix of other gases
like hydrogen and nitrogen. Oxygen levels which drop below 19.5%
are potentially hazardous. Over time, continued oxygen deficiency
can cause brain damage and other lasting health effects.</p>
<h3>Toxic Atmospheres</h3>
<p>Toxins, which are emitted through vapors and solvents, also
present a potential hazard in confined space. Among the more common
toxic atmospheres aboard naval vessels was the recirculation of
diesel fuel exhaust which can cause lasting health consequences in
those who were exposed to these fumes over a period of time. Sewage
holding tanks, in which there is a breakdown or human or animal
waste, often product toxins such as methane and hydrogen sulfide.
If you frequently worked in confined spaces aboard naval vessels,
your health may have been adversely affected. Lasting health
effects are common in sailors and other servicemen who commonly
repaired or serviced these areas. Communicate any potentially
hazardous exposure or situation with your physician to ensure that
you can identify possible symptoms of these health
complications.</p></div>Radiation Poisoninghttp://navyvets.com/health/radiation-poisoning2009-06-13T13:51:13.000Z2009-06-13T13:51:13.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>During the later-half of WWII and during the Cold War, nuclear
weapons testing was common within the United States military, and
particularly within the United States Navy. While the United States
had been successful in developing the first atomic bomb, the extent
of which nuclear weapons and power could be used was not yet fully
known. Between 1946 and 1958, weapons testing conducted at the
Marshall Islands in Micronesia caused not only many of the
indigenous islanders to become sick, but also many of the United
States Navy personnel who conducted the test as well.</p>
<p>During the testing, there was some supervision over the levels
of radiation that personnel were being exposed to. Each sailor was
tested frequently to ensure that they had not been exposed to a
level of radiation which the scientists thought to be hazardous,
even as there was no real precedent for human radiation exposure
and thus no basis for what level could be deemed “safe.” It was
believed at the time that exposure to anything beyond 0.1 rontgen
(R) per day could potentially be unsafe.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there was no tangible evidence to suggest that
any level or radiation was safe to be exposed to. However, the
United States Navy recognized that it was possible that nearly
anyone who participated in the Marshall Islands could potentially
be affected later in life by radiation exposure and because of this
they kept track of the health of all those who were present at the
time of the testing.</p>
<p>In 1996, the United States government initiated a mortality
study of those who participated in the Marshall Islands testing
versus a control group of similar-aged non-veterans. The study
clearly showed an increase in early death among those who were
present during the nuclear testing. What was not clear however, was
specifically what disease the radiation exposure was causing. The
increase in mortality among veterans was attributed to many
malignancies, including lung cancer, leukemia, and brain cancer,
rather than an increase in a single cause of death.</p>
<p>Today, many servicemen who were present at not only during the
Marshall Islands testing, but also at other nuclear testing
facilities could potentially be affected by radiation poisoning.
Navy personnel who have known radiation exposure history should
communicate this to their physician and discuss possible
symptoms.</p></div>Post Traumatic Stress Disorderhttp://navyvets.com/health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder2009-06-13T13:47:43.000Z2009-06-13T13:47:43.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman once said, “War is
Hell.” Anyone who has been involved in any sort of military combat
situation will heartily agree with the esteemed general. Throughout
myriad wars, it has been documented again and again that
war-related combat takes a toll on not only the physical body but
also the mental health of those who participate.</p>
<p>Since the years after the Vietnam War, the term “Post-Traumatic
Stress Syndrome (or Disorder)” has been used to describe the mental
disorder exhibited post-war by those who have fought in a military
conflict. Every soldier in every branch of the military is
susceptible to this disorder, including Navy Veterans who were
entrenched in the thick of combat, whether on land or aboard a
ship.</p>
<h3>What Is It?</h3>
<p>Most experts describe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a
type of anxiety disorder that is triggered by traumatic events. It
generally develops after an individual experiences an event that
causes great fear, horror, and a feeling of helplessness.</p>
<p>War veterans who were involved in combat scenarios can often
picture particularly terrible scenes from the war as much as months
and years after they occur, causing great stress and anxiety. For
some, these post-traumatic thoughts may disappear after a few
months. For other individuals, however, their time at war impacts
their life and never truly leaves their thoughts.</p>
<p>While the syndrome is most common among those who have served in
combat, navy veterans and other members of the armed forces aren’t
the only ones who might experience PTSD. Witnesses of man-made or
natural disasters, like a terrible fire, a serious car accident, an
earthquake, or the Sept. 11 bombings, might also be victims of
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Those who were victims of rape or
some other sort of physical attack may also develop the
disorder</p>
<h3>Symptoms</h3>
<p>Experts note that symptoms and signs of PTSD generally begin
within about three months of the traumatic experience. Symptoms of
the disorder might include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Flashbacks that cause the victim to relive the traumatic event
(most common)</li>
<li>Upsetting dreams about the event.</li>
<li>Refusal to talk about the war/event</li>
<li>Withdrawal from normal activities</li>
<li>Memory problems</li>
<li>Anger and irritability</li>
<li>Anxiety and restlessness</li>
<li>Being easily startled</li>
<li>Hearing or seeing things that are not present</li>
</ul>
Not everyone will exhibit all these symptoms, but if one or two of
them are severe and interfering with a normal life, chances are
that the victim is indeed experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress
Syndrome. Getting Help
<p>If you or someone you love is coping with the traumatic effects
of war and combat, it’s best to understand that the sooner the
victim gets help, the better the chance for a full recovery.</p>
<p>A mental health professional can diagnosis the disorder usually
by merely talking to the patient and discussing his/her symptoms.
Once a diagnosis is ascertained, treatment usually involves both
psychotherapy and medication.</p>
<p>Common drugs used in the treatment of PTSD include anti-anxiety
medications as well as drugs such as Prazosin, which can help
control disturbing nightmares. Forms of psychotherapy used with
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome Patients, including Navy Veterans,
are Cognitive or “Talk” Therapy; Exposure Therapy, which allows the
patient to safely confront the traumatic situation; or Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing, a popular therapy that uses
guided eye movements to process traumatic thoughts.</p>
<p>Navy veterans experiencing PTSD should contact the Veterans
Administration (VA) to learn how the organization can help with
treatment for the disorder or for more information on securing
disability compensation.</p></div>Substance Abuse and Dependencyhttp://navyvets.com/health/substance-abuse-and-dependency2009-06-13T13:47:43.000Z2009-06-13T13:47:43.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>The stresses of war and of military service in general manifest
themselves in a number of ways, and many veterans look for avenues
that allow them to escape these stresses. Some turn to drugs and
alcohol to find relief from their disturbing post-war thoughts and
feelings, choosing substances that dull their senses and lessen
their troubling memories.</p>
<h3>The Facts</h3>
<p>While alcohol and drug dependency can happen to anyone, studies
show that veterans, including Navy veterans, have a
higher-that-normal tendency towards substance abuse. A report by
military researchers at the Naval Health Research Center in San
Diego, released in mid-2008, noted that “a significant number of
U.S. veterans back from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan begin abusing
alcohol after returning, perhaps to cope with traumatic memories of
combat.”</p>
<p>The researchers surveyed 48,400 service members before (between
2001 and 2003) and after deployment (2004 to 2006) in order to
identify heavy drinkers, binge drinkers, or those with
alcohol-related problems. Of all the interview subjects, 5,500 had
experienced combat and were interviewed about a year after their
return. Combat veterans were 31 percent more likely to have begun
binge drinking than those not exposed to combat, the study pointed
out. In addition, six percent of returning combat veterans started
a new habit of heavy weekly drinking and 5 percent developed a
drinking-related problem.</p>
<p>While the drug abuse rates are not as high, experts point out
that among those who abused drugs before entering the military,
stress caused by combat is the number one cause of relapse into an
abusive habit, which also includes smoking.</p>
<p>While substance abuse is commonplace among those who recently
returned from combat, it can also occur years later, triggered by
issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which sometimes
takes years to develop. Other life events that somehow relate to
traumatic military service may also trigger abuse and, eventually,
dependency.</p>
<h3>Addressing Substance Dependency</h3>
<p>Often, the first avenue to addressing substance abuse and
dependency among Navy (and other) veterans is to address the stress
levels they feel upon returning from war. For most, drinking or
doing drugs is a way to cope with stress or trauma, so relieving
that stress may help diminish the abuse problem.</p>
<p>Stress and anxiety relief can be accomplished via psychotherapy
or medication or a combination of both. Once the stress is
diminished, the abuse may or may not solve itself. If more
treatment is required to address the dependency, the veteran may
need to enroll in some sort of substance abuse treatment program,
either inpatient or outpatient, depending on the severity of the
situation.</p>
<p>The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) has been working with the Department of
Defense in attempts to improve treatment services for veterans with
substance abuse problems. They continue to assess the efficacy of
their behavioral health services for active duty members and
veterans.</p>
<p>Navy veterans suffering from the affects of substance abuse and
dependency caused by combat-related stress should contact the
Veteran’s Administration for more information on treatment programs
for which they may be eligible.</p></div>Sleep Disordershttp://navyvets.com/health/sleep-disorders2009-06-13T13:47:43.000Z2009-06-13T13:47:43.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>Everyone looks forward to a good night’s sleep. Sleep is
refreshing and renewing and most people who sleep well wake up in
the morning with a new sense of purpose and new goals for the day.
But anyone who hasn’t enjoyed a good night’s sleep, especially for
days, weeks, or months in a row, knows how difficult life can be
when one is extremely fatigued all the time.</p>
<p>A recent study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh has
demonstrated that soldiers who recently returned from the war in
Iraq are highly prone to developing severe sleep disorders. The
study involved the comparison of 14 insomnia patients and 14 vets
with post-deployment adjustment disorders and found that the vets
displayed “significantly more severe disruptive nocturnal
behaviors”, including nightmares and involuntary body movements.
Overall, the vets experienced significantly worse sleep quality
than even those who were considered insomniacs. Some even
experienced sleep apnea, which is characterized by one or more
pauses in breathing while one sleeps.</p>
<h3>Symptoms and signs of sleep disorders include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Irritability or sleepiness during the waking hours</li>
<li>Falling asleep while driving</li>
<li>Difficulty concentrating</li>
<li>Slow reaction time</li>
<li>Unprovoked emotional outbursts</li>
<li>The need to take frequent naps</li>
<li>The use of caffeine to stay awake</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Sleep Disorders?</h3>
<p>The main reason for sleep disorders or “a poor night’s sleep”
among Navy veterans and other soldiers is Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). The syndrome may be characterized by nightmares
that cause the vet to replay terrible scenes from combat during the
dream cycle. The nightmares might occur shortly after the
experience and continue for weeks, months, or – in some cases –
even years. These upsetting dreams are very common among veterans
who have been in the midst of war and have seen the unspeakable and
are unable to forget their horrid experiences.</p>
<p>Sleep apnea has also been proven to be secondary to
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Often, however, PTSD is not the
only cause of sleep apnea. Other issues contribute as well, such as
obesity or tonsillar problems.</p>
<h3>Treating Sleep Disorders</h3>
<p>Often, when a Navy or other veteran seeks help for a sleep
disorder, he/she is asked to begin by keeping a sleep diary. This
includes facts about one’s sleeping habits, including total sleep
hours, quality of sleep, food consumed before bed, feelings and
moods before bed, and drugs or medications taken. A sleep partner
is usually required for this journaling activity.</p>
<p>Behavioral and environmental change might be the first
suggestion a doctor makes in combating sleep disorders. However, if
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is expected after a few initial
consultations, psychological and pharmacological treatments for
that disorder will be recommended.</p>
<p>The doctor may also send the vet to a sleep center. Some
Veteran’s Hospitals have sleep centers on site. At such a facility,
the patient will be observed and monitored throughout the night to
determine sleep patterns, brain waves, heart rate, rapid eye
movements, and more. The results will then be analyzed and a
treatment program devised. Again, treatment may include drugs
and/or psychotherapy.</p></div>Anthrax Shots and Complicationshttp://navyvets.com/health/anthrax-shots-and-complications2009-06-13T13:47:43.000Z2009-06-13T13:47:43.000ZDouglas Karrhttp://navyvets.com/veterans/DouglasKarr<div><p>In the world of twenty-first century combat, chemical and
biological warfare are real and serious threats. War isn’t simply
the shooting of guns or other ammunition as was the case up until
World War II and the dropping of the atomic bomb. Today, there are
many more ways of killing the enemy.</p>
<p>Anthrax spores, for example, can be produced in vitro and used
as a biological weapon. These spores first became a concern during
the Gulf War. At that time, an anthrax vaccine was administered to
the many soldiers who fought in combat during that war. Conflicting
reports have existed as to how many Armed Forces members actually
received the vaccination. Even the vets themselves are not sure
whether or not they received the shot during that time. Iraq War
veterans, however, were required to receive the vaccine and many
all concerned about its ill effects.</p>
<h3>Is it Safe?</h3>
<p>Over the years, evidence has surfaced which indicates that the
vaccine meant to protect soldiers from deadly anthrax spores may
have actually caused them myriad medical problems. The U.S.
Department of Defense has vehemently denied any concerns, but Navy
veterans and others who received the vaccine believe otherwise.</p>
<p>In 1998, the Clinton administration demanded inoculation with
the anthrax vaccine of all military members, despite warnings by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning its safety. That
particular program ended in June 2001. However, in the wake of the
Sept. and Oct. 2001 anthrax attacks and the start of the Iraq War,
the vaccine program was continued in June 2002, irregardless of the
fact that their was still questions about the safety of such a
vaccine.</p>
<p>No studies have definitively documented occurrence of chronic
diseases like cancer among those who were inoculated with the
anthrax vaccine. However, myriad veterans have reported sincere
concerns about their health following the vaccines, even many years
later. In 1994, the U.S. Senate even released a report which stated
that anthrax vaccine could not be ruled out as a contributor to
so-called Gulf War Sickness. Also, the only studies that claimed
the vaccine was safe were conducted by the Department of
Defense.</p>
<p>Dr. Meryl Nass, M.D., <a href="http://www.anthraxvaccine.org">on
her website</a>, notes that some 10 to 30 percent of all soldiers
vaccinated have developed some sort of medical problem that may be
related to the vaccine. Many reactions were severe and some airmen
even lost their ability to fly. The incidence of life-threatening
reactions was also reported as high.</p>
<h3>Adverse reactions to the vaccine have included the development
of such disorders as</h3>
<ul>
<li>Myalgia</li>
<li>Permanent nerve damage</li>
<li>Arthritis</li>
<li>Joint disease</li>
<li>Myelitis</li>
<li>Vasculitis</li>
<li>Arthralgia</li>
<li>Arthrosis</li>
<li>Flu syndrome</li>
<li>Guillain Barre syndrome</li>
</ul>
<p>Furthermore, many veterans have reported that they were provided
with no information about the vaccine or their potential reaction
to it at the time of inoculation.</p>
<h3>Recourse</h3>
<p>Overall, studies have determined that the anthrax vaccine has a
safety profile significantly worse than that of any other civilian
vaccine. It can affect multiple organs in the body and result in
permanent disability.</p>
<p>So what can a Navy veteran do if he/she believes they have been
negatively impacted by the anthrax vaccine? Victims should first
visit their doctor so that he/she can make an accurate health
evaluation and determine if any illnesses/disorders may be
connected with the anthrax vaccine. If that determination is made,
the victim should contact a lawyer who is familiar with the issue
in order to determine whether a lawsuit is feasible and
compensation is in order.</p></div>