Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Gastrointestinal Mortality in Military / Prison Camps of the 19th-20th Centuries" by G Dennis Shanks is an historical article that delves into the historical records that gastrointestinal diseases and malnutrition were the primary drivers of extreme mortality in military and penal camps. Whether in the American Civil War's Andersonville or World War II’s Thai-Burma railway, overcrowding and poor sanitation created lethal environments where dysentery flourished. Even as medical science advanced, logistical failures regarding clean water and waste disposal continued to claim lives across diverse climates and conflicts. The data suggests that high death rates often peaked during the initial organization of a camp or following a sudden influx of new arrivals. These tragedies serve as a vital warning for modern humanitarian crises, emphasizing that basic field hygiene remains the most critical factor for survival. Modern military and relief officers must prioritize separating waste from food sources to prevent the recurrence of these historical medical disasters.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/gastrointestinal-mortality-in-military-prison-camps-of-the-19th-20th-centuries/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Considerations Regarding Appendicitis at Sea" by David Becerra explores the complex medical and ethical dilemmas faced by military healthcare providers when managing acute appendicitis at sea. While modern naval vessels possess surgical capabilities, the lack of advanced diagnostic imaging like CT scans often forces a choice between immediate onboard operation or a risky medical evacuation to land-based facilities. Through comparative case studies, the authors evaluate how logistical constraints, such as transport costs and operational delays, must be weighed against patient safety and clinical standards. The research highlights that while antibiotic therapy is a possible alternative, it carries a high risk of failure in austere environments compared to definitive surgery. Ultimately, the text emphasizes that collaborative decision-making must prioritize the patient's well-being over mission requirements regardless of the ship's location.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/considerations-regarding-appendicitis-at-sea/
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"Gulf War Illness in the 1991 Gulf War and Gulf Era Veteran Population: An Application of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kansas Case Definitions to Historical Data" by E Dursa, S Barth, B Porter, A Schneiderman examines the prevalence of Gulf War Illness (GWI) by applying established diagnostic criteria to a massive, representative group of over 20,000 veterans. By using data collected shortly after the 1991 conflict, the study identifies cases before age-related health issues could confuse the results. The findings reveal that roughly 41% to 51% of deployed veterans met the requirements for the illness, a significantly higher rate than their non-deployed peers. Notably, female veterans across all groups were found to be at a higher risk for these unexplained medical symptoms. These results provide a vital longitudinal baseline for future genetic and treatment research. Because the data avoids recall bias, it serves as a robust resource for understanding the early emergence of this complex condition.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/gulf-war-illness-in-the-1991-gulf-war-and-gulf-era-veteran-population-an-application-of-the-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-and-kansas-case-definitions-to-historical-data/
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"Adjunct Activities for Mental Health Improvements for Veterans" by Tavis Watt examines the integration of adjunct activities as supplemental treatments to address the complex mental health challenges faced by military veterans. Research suggests that traditional medical approaches may not fully satisfy the unique needs of personnel struggling with a loss of purpose or conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. To bridge this gap, the authors evaluate three primary categories of intervention: physical exercise, animal-assisted therapy, and creative arts programs. These activities are supported by various behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological theories, such as the release of endorphins and the fostering of a sense of belonging. While evidence indicates these methods effectively reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, the text emphasizes the need for further rigorous empirical evaluation. Ultimately, the source highlights initiatives like the ADF ARRTS program as sustainable models for aiding veteran recovery and reintegration.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/adjunct-activities-for-mental-health-improvements-for-veterans/
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"CRM training for ADF aeromedical staff" by Jeffrey Stephenson explores the history and implementation of Crew Resource Management (CRM), a strategy originally designed to reduce aviation accidents caused by human error. While traditionally used by flight crews to improve teamwork and communication, the author argues for its critical necessity within aeromedical evacuation teams due to high fatality rates in that sector. The source outlines the six generations of CRM development, tracing its shift from correcting individual pilot behavior to establishing comprehensive organizational safety cultures. To mitigate medical errors, the article proposes a specific twelve-module training framework tailored for Australian Defence Force medical staff. Ultimately, the text emphasizes that treating air and medical personnel as a unified system is essential for managing the inevitable psychological and physiological limitations of human performance.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/612/
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"Artificial intelligence and expert systems – their application to military medicine" by A G Robertson explores the evolution and integration of artificial intelligence and expert systems within the field of medicine, with a specific focus on military healthcare applications. It details the historical progression from early diagnostic tools like MYCIN to contemporary neural networks used for analyzing complex radiological imagery. The author examines how these technologies enhance clinical decision-making, modernize digital medical records, and streamline professional training through interactive simulations. While acknowledging significant benefits such as increased consistency and better quality assurance, the text also addresses hurdles like difficult data entry and the need for better user interfaces. Ultimately, the source advocates for the expanded use of these intelligent systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defense medical services.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-44563148-jmvh-vol-6-no-2/
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"Too Sick For Caring? An Analysis of The Health Impact of The Great War (1914-1918) on The First Cohort of New Zealand Nurses Who Served" by Wendy Maddocks examines the physical and mental health outcomes of the first fifty New Zealand nurses who served during the First World War. While the medical history of soldiers is well-documented, the author highlights a significant gap in research regarding the long-term well-being of the women who provided their care. Despite being high-caliber professionals in peak physical condition upon enlistment, over half of this cohort suffered from debilitating illnesses, such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and nervous exhaustion. The research reveals that the military often provided inadequate support for these women, frequently expecting continued labor even after they were officially classified as invalids. Ultimately, the source emphasizes the immense personal sacrifice and hidden health burdens borne by New Zealand’s pioneering military nursing service.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/too-sick-for-caring-an-analysis-of-the-health-impact-of-the-great-war-1914-1918-on-the-first-cohort-of-new-zealand-nurses-who-served/
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"A Case Series Evaluating the Long-Term Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Painful Neuropathy" by Xinli Du & Deep Patel examines the long-term effectiveness of botulinum toxin as a treatment for veterans suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant neuropathic pain. Researchers followed patients for up to twelve years to determine if repeated intradermal injections could provide lasting relief where traditional medications had failed. The findings reveal that participants experienced a significant and sustained reduction in pain severity, leading to improved sleep and overall quality of life. Administered every three months, the injections were well-tolerated with minimal side effects, maintaining their efficacy over hundreds of applications. Ultimately, the results suggest that botulinum toxin is a viable and safe chronic therapy for individuals with debilitating diabetic or idiopathic neuropathy.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/a-case-series-evaluating-the-long-term-efficacy-of-botulinum-toxin-in-the-treatment-of-painful-neuropathy/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Efficacy of Yoga for Managing Sleep Problems among Military Veterans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" by Rocío Carballo Afonso , Daniel González-Devesa , Lidia Iglesias Vieites & Carlos Ayán Pérez evaluates the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for sleep disturbances in military veterans. While the practice showed promising improvements in subjective sleep quality and helped manage insomnia symptoms, researchers noted that it did not significantly impact objective sleep metrics like actigraphy data. The findings suggest that while yoga is a safe and well-received complementary therapy, its benefits may be inferior to established methods like cognitive behavioral therapy or simple relaxation exercises. Methodological limitations, including a high dropout rate and a lack of controlled trials, make it difficult to definitively recommend yoga as a primary intervention. Ultimately, the source calls for more rigorous research to determine how yoga can best serve a population frequently struggling with PTSD-related sleep issues.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/efficacy-of-yoga-for-managing-sleep-problems-among-military-veterans-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Medial tibial stress syndrome in military recruits" by James Ross examines the high prevalence of medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, among military recruits undergoing basic training. The author clarifies the diagnostic confusion surrounding the condition, noting that it is a mechanical inflammation caused by excessive physical strain without sufficient prior conditioning. While usually self-limiting and treatable with rest and anti-inflammatory measures, the condition causes significant physical discomfort and serves as a warning for more serious overuse injuries. Risk factors are categorized into intrinsic physical traits, such as fitness levels and body mass, and extrinsic training factors, like surface hardness and rapid activity increases. Ultimately, the source argues that these injuries are preventable through better preparation of recruits and more gradual training program modifications.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-46941596-jmvh-vol-2-no-2/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth