Serving your country is a proud moment. It takes a superior level of patriotism to enlist in various branches of the armed forces. For some, it is about their passion for the military that brings them to the frontlines. Whatever the case may be, both currently serving and retired personnel are invaluable assets of the nation. Navy veterans are also part of this elite group that deserves infinite respect. However, military service doesn’t come without any consequences.
It is common knowledge that veterans suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, bouts of reliving their days and episodes on the battlefield, and other physical injuries that they might suffer on the ground. Frequently, veterans fall prey to inactivity as the new jobs or roles they embrace require less physical activity. Granted that no real-world job entails rigorous training as the navy does, most modern jobs are primarily about sitting at a desk all day.
So, how do navy veterans ensure they stay healthy and active in situations like these? Here are a few tips that can help them achieve this goal:
- Undergo regular medical assessments
There are many health problems that veterans can face. Even when there are none, it is important to undergo constant checkups with a certified physician. These assessments are essential for pinpointing navy veteran mesothelioma, a rare disease that results from constant exposure to asbestos (which is a primary component of military weaponry), mental illnesses like PTSD, etc.
Both mental and physical disorders that personnel suffer from have greater chances of successful treatment if detection comes at an early stage. This is why regular checkups are imperative for navy veterans.
One of the main reasons why many retired navy personnel forego their health is that during service, individuals get medical insurance benefits and a solid income. After retirement, not all personnel get the same facilities. As a result, they neglect their health, falling prey to numerous ailments.
Veterans mustn’t take their health for granted. There are numerous insurance programs that allow retired personnel to get the medical benefits that they need. Although these plans are not the same as what the military provides, they are adequate for regular assessments.
- Have a sound financial plan
Financial stress is one of the most substantial pressures that navy veterans face. It is hard for these personnel to join the regular job market because of a disparity in relevant skill sets. An unstable profession can pile on the debt for retired personnel, making life difficult overall and ultimately leading to mental ailments like depression. These mental problems also take a toll on physical health and all overall well-being can fall drastically.
This is the main reason why managing financial stress is important for veterans to stay healthy. One of the best ways to manage this is through sensible planning early on in life.
Veterans should chalk up a plan with their income as soon as they begin service. This framework needs to incorporate savings and potential investments in stable channels that yield income later in life. Financial management and seeking proper healthcare after retirement can become much less of a burden through these simple steps.
- Stick to a regular exercise schedule
With all that changes for veterans after they return home, a decline in physical activity is a key component. Studies suggest that exercise and physical movement are important in ensuring people can stay healthy as well as happy. Exercise provides a boost of productive energy, which mitigates the chances of falling prey to any illness. Veterans are already experts in training and exercise, which offers them a strong foundation to build upon.
Since during military service, staying fit and spending long hours doing vigorous exercises is necessary, navy officers retire in peak physical shape. However, after returning home, their realities change. Together with other problems discussed earlier, veterans simply ignore their physical health. It is vital to ensure this is not the case because a significant change in the amount of activity can open a window towards many other ailments.
- Make sure to create a strong dietary plan
Living a healthful lifestyle begins with good eating. You must realize that every eating decision has an immediate and lasting impact on your health. Veterans with extensive combat experience understand the value of a diet high in nutrients. However, maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring you eat regularly after retirement becomes challenging.
However, if you want to enjoy a long and fulfilling life as a combat veteran, always choose the proper diet. Nowadays, many food corporations actively promote less healthy meal options, such as fast food. Such meals have the potential to cause obesity, heart disease, and other conditions that could be your greatest nightmare.
As a result, you should always consume a carefully curated diet and avoid fast food and baked goods. Your meals should ideally include a balance of leafy greens and proteins. Meat and vegetables should be a regular part of your diet because they provide almost all of the macronutrients you need to feel full. You can opt to treat yourself once in a while, but stay away from fast food, booze, and sweets. You’ll avoid consuming excess calories this way, in addition to maintaining your physical fitness.
- Exercise not just your body but the mind as well
Maintaining your physical and mental health does not require engaging in hours of exercise or other physical activities. Instead, the focus should be on getting your body and mind ready to handle any event that comes your way. According to medical professionals, practicing Tai Chi and yoga is a great place to start. Both are worthwhile endeavors because they exercise your body and mind in a manner that preserves your health.
Conclusion
For navy veterans, ensuring physical and mental health is crucial because of their specific circumstances. While this can be challenging because of financial and mental strains, veterans must ignore the issues to focus on their health. Life gets better through hope and striving toward a brighter future, but without health, all these things hold no value. Through proper diet, focus on financial management early, exercising, and regular checkups, veterans can sustain their life for their loved ones.
