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Veterans’ mental health in the United States is a significant concern due to the unique challenges and stressors faced by individuals who have served in the military.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or ideation, substance abuse, homelessness, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are some of the conditions impacting the mental well-being of veterans. These conditions can arise from combat experiences, exposure to violence, prolonged separation from family, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest provider of mental health services for veterans in the country and provides mental health services and care to many veterans — including individual and group therapy, medication management, PTSD treatment programs, substance abuse counseling, and suicide prevention services. Additional resources are also available through an employer’s medical plan. But access remains a challenge for some due to long wait times, location, and fear of the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health.

That’s why it’s essential to continue the ongoing efforts to improve mental health care and support services for veterans, as well as to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the veteran community.

Other Available Resources

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource available 24/7 to veterans, service members, and their families. It provides immediate support and crisis intervention via phone, text, or online chat. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

Numerous nonprofit organizations and community-based groups provide support and resources tailored to veterans’ mental health needs, including the Wounded Warrior Project and Give an Hour, which offers free mental health services provided by volunteer professionals.

Peer support programs connect veterans with fellow veterans who have experienced similar challenges and can offer understanding, empathy, and practical advice. Peer support groups may be facilitated by mental health professionals or organized informally within communities.

It’s important for veterans and their loved ones to seek help when needed. Overcoming the stigma associated with mental health issues and reaching out for support are essential steps toward healing and recovery.

Source:

https://www.research.va.gov/topics/mental_health.cfm
https://mentalhealth.va.gov
https://www.ptsd.va.gov
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572092/
https://www.va.gov/health/
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/about/data-reporting/index.asp
https://www.research.va.gov/topics/mental_health.cfm
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2023/2023-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-508.pdf
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp
https://www.usa.gov/veterans-mental-health
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
https://giveanhour.org/va-partnership/

Medical debt is a significant issue in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families each year. It’s one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy in the United States.

It’s one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy in the United States. In fact, many bankruptcy filers cite medical bills as a primary reason for their financial distress.

Healthcare costs in the USA are among the highest in the world, and even individuals with health insurance coverage may face substantial out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and non-covered services. Additionally, individuals without health insurance are particularly vulnerable to accruing significant medical debt.

Accruing Medical Debt

Despite efforts to expand access to health insurance through programs like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, meaning they have inadequate coverage to protect them from high medical expenses. For these individuals, even routine medical care can result in financial hardship.

Patients may incur unexpected medical bills when they receive care from out-of-network providers, even if treated at an in-network facility. Surprise medical bills can result in significant, unforeseen expenses that contribute to medical debt.

Medical debt can have serious financial consequences for individuals and families, including damage to credit scores, difficulty obtaining loans or mortgages, wage garnishment, and even bankruptcy. Medical debt can also exacerbate existing socioeconomic disparities and contribute to financial instability.

Medical debt collectors may employ aggressive tactics to recover unpaid bills, including repeated phone calls, letters, and threats of legal action.

While there have been efforts made to address medical debt in the USA (including policy proposals to expand access to affordable health insurance coverage, increasing transparency in healthcare pricing, capping out-of-pocket expenses, and implementing regulations to protect consumers from surprise medical bills) medical debt remains a challenge.

Here are a few steps you can take to help alleviate or protect yourself from unexpected medical debt:

• Maintain your health insurance coverage.
• Familiarize yourself with the details of your health insurance plan so you understand what is covered and what you’re responsible for — including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, coverage limits, and out-of-network benefits.
• Get from healthcare providers who are in-network with your insurance plan whenever possible so you can take advantage of their negotiated rates.

• Always ask about costs — including physician fees, facility fees, diagnostic tests, and medications — before undergoing a treatment or procedure. You can also request an estimate of costs and verify coverage with your insurance company to avoid surprises.
• Discuss options for negotiating a bill or setting up a payment plan if you receive a bill you can’t afford to pay in full. Some providers may work with patients to arrange payment schedules or offer discounts for prompt payment.
• Look into providers who offer financial assistance programs for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and unable to afford their medical bills.
• Take advantage of HSA and FSA plans through your employer or health insurance plan if they are available and make sense for you and your family. These can help you budget for healthcare costs and reduce your taxable income.

Taking proactive steps to understand your healthcare coverage and communicating with healthcare providers can help avoid and reduce medical debt and protect your financial well-being.

Source:

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/
https://www.debt.org/bankruptcy/medical/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/11/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-new-actions-to-lessen-the-burden-of-medical-debt-and-increase-consumer-protection/
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/01/1234998635/why-a-financial-regulator-is-going-after-health-care-debt
https://www.investopedia.com/personal-finance/medical-debt-what-do-when-you-cant-pay/
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/know-your-rights-and-protections-when-it-comes-to-medical-bills-and-collections/

Coordinating schedules, meals, carpools, and practices can be time-consuming when your child plays sports.

But it’s not just the logistics you have to take into consideration. Nutrition plays a vital role due to the higher activity level, and sports nutrition is essential for supporting young athletes’ growth, development, and athletic performance.

The overall goal is to provide balanced meals and snacks that pack the energy, nutrients, and hydration necessary to help young athletes thrive on and off the field.

Getting enough of the proper nutrients helps energy production and muscle development, lowering the risk of injury and helping repair damage done from training.

Building Blocks of Nutrition

Protein supports building and repairing muscle. How much protein a child needs depends on their goals, activity, and training intensity, but Children’s Health recommends anywhere from ½ to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Lean protein sources, including eggs, poultry, yogurt, nut butters, fish, tofu, lentils, or beans, are the best options.

Carbohydrates fuel the body and provide energy to ensure children don’t run on empty. In fact, they are the primary source of energy for physical activity. Whole grains and legumes paired with fruits and vegetables provide sustained energy during exercise.

Speaking of fruits and veggies, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support immune function, recovery, and overall health. Consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables promotes optimal athletic performance.

Healthy fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish (e.g., salmon), support energy production and nutrient absorption.

Fluids and Hydration

Hydration is crucial for highly active children playing sports. Getting enough fluids helps prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Encourage children to drink water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration. For more prolonged or intense activities, fluids containing electrolytes can replenish those lost through sweat.

Eating Before and After Games

Eating carbs and lean protein 3 to 4 hours before an event is recommended, as well as avoiding fats since they take longer to digest and can upset the stomach. Also, avoid sugary drinks. Examples of pre-exercise snacks include a banana with nut butter, yogurt with granola, or a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread. If eating within three hours of an athletic event, make it a lighter snack like fruit or crackers that can be easily digested.

After a game or event, eating lean protein and carbs within 30 minutes is recommended to help the body rebuild muscle. Hydration is also essential to replenish the fluids lost during the game. Examples of post-exercise snacks include Greek yogurt with fruit or a turkey and vegetable wrap.

A child’s nutrition needs may vary based on age, gender, body size, activity level, and training intensity. Adjust their nutrition intake based on hunger, energy levels, and personal medical history.

Recipe: Burrito Bowl

A burrito bowl is an easily customizable meal option that you can build with different ingredients to please even the pickiest of eaters. You start with a neutral base (a whole grain or a salad mix) and then dress it up with protein, fiber-packed vegetable toppings, and mix in some healthy fats. Changing up the ingredients can prevent this meal from feeling too repetitive.

Here’s one option for a nutrient-dense burrito bowl:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (or substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, corn, and tomatoes, chopped l
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: salsa, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, hot sauce

Prepare the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions and set aside. Sauté your vegetables until tender and mix in the cooked chicken and beans to heat. Season to taste. Assemble the rice or quinoa in a bowl with the chicken, bean, and vegetables, and top with sliced avocado. Add the optional sour cream and cheese, then garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!