Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Air travel and pregnancy – with reference to obstetric and perinatal aeromedical retrieval" by Jeffrey Stephensen evaluates the safety and medical implications of air travel for pregnant women and their newborns. Research indicates that flying is generally secure for healthy pregnancies up to 36 weeks, as common concerns like radiation and oxygen levels typically remain within safe limits. The text also analyzes aeromedical retrieval, noting that transporting a fetus "in-utero" is widely considered superior to moving a fragile neonate in an incubator. However, the author highlights that many emergency transfers occur due to hospital capacity issues rather than strictly clinical needs. Ultimately, while specialized flight services aim to reduce mortality rates, inconsistent data and logistical complexities make it difficult to quantify their exact impact on health outcomes.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/air-travel-and-pregnancy-with-reference-to-obstetric-and-perinatal-aeromedical-retrieval/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Military Effectiveness of Five Dietary Supplements Purported to Aid Cognitive and Physical Performance" by Bradley Baker evaluates the military effectiveness and safety of five common dietary supplements: Rhodiola rosea, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, beetroot juice, arginine, and beta-alanine. While these substances are often marketed as performance enhancers, researchers found that fish oils are the only supplement consistently recommended for health, though they likely do not boost immediate cognitive or physical results. The report warns that Rhodiola rosea and arginine lack reliable evidence for efficacy in highly fit personnel. Furthermore, beetroot juice and beta-alanine present potential safety risks or side effects that could undermine tactical performance. Ultimately, the authors conclude that most of these nutrients are already sufficient in a standard diet, making additional supplementation largely unnecessary for service members.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/military-effectiveness-of-five-dietary-supplements-purported-to-aid-cognitive-and-physical-performance/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Pacific Island Societies Destabilised by Infectious Diseases" by G Dennis Shanks explores how infectious diseases like measles and influenza caused mass depopulation in Pacific Island societies starting in the 18th century. A critical focus is placed on the disproportionate mortality of hereditary leaders, who faced higher risks due to diplomatic travel and crowded social customs. The sudden loss of these high-ranking chiefs caused severe political destabilization and the irreversible disappearance of oral traditions. In places like Fiji and Samoa, these leadership vacuums led to long-term societal changes, including the introduction of foreign labor and enduring ethnic tensions. Ultimately, the text argues that while such demographic collapses are unlikely today, the historical "decapitation" of these societies fundamentally reshaped the region's trajectory.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/pacific-island-societies-destabilised-by-infectious-diseases/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Glimpses of future battlefield medicine – the proliferation of robotic surgeons and unmanned vehicles and technologies" by Gary Martinic
explores the growing integration of robotic surgical systems and unmanned ground vehicles within the field of military medicine. By utilizing advanced technologies like the BEAR extraction robot and the da Vinci surgical platform, the military aims to provide life-saving interventions in high-risk zones without exposing human medics to direct fire. These innovations include autonomous porters for logistics, remote-controlled stretchers for physiological monitoring, and portable operating rooms designed for rapid casualty care. Despite their promise, the text notes that these systems face hurdles regarding technical latency, high costs, and ethical concerns over increasing machine autonomy. Ultimately, the source positions these unmanned platforms as essential tools for the future of battlefield trauma care and logistical support.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/glimpses-of-future-battlefield-medicine-the-proliferation-of-robotic-surgeons-and-unmanned-vehicles-and-technologies/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"War-Related Dysentery Epidemics in the Australian Army" by G Dennis Shanks examines the persistent threat of dysentery throughout the history of the Australian Army, from the early 20th century to modern humanitarian crises. The author details how unhygienic conditions and poor sanitation fueled devastating epidemics during major conflicts, including the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns. It highlights the catastrophic impact on prisoners of war and civilian populations in Papua New Guinea, where the disease caused thousands of deaths. While the development of antibiotics like sulphaguanidine eventually reduced mortality rates, the text emphasizes that the illness remains a significant risk during modern field exercises and global disasters. Ultimately, the source serves as a historical warning that fecal-oral pathogens continue to thrive whenever social and sanitary infrastructures collapse.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-58866571-jmvh-vol-31-no-1/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Does Current Policy Support Reproductive Health of Australian Defence Force Veterans? A Review of Australian Defence Force Policy" by Rachelle Warner assesses how Australian Defence Force (ADF) policies address the sexual and reproductive health of its members and veterans, with a specific focus on the growing cohort of women. The authors highlight that while the military has updated guidelines for pregnancy management, assisted reproduction, and gender dysphoria, many existing protocols remain outdated or inconsistent with current medical best practices. Key issues identified include the physical impact of service on fertility and pelvic health, as well as the administrative challenges surrounding deployment restrictions and medical repatriations. The text notes that although infertility services and sterilization are supported through Medicare benchmarks, there are ongoing debates regarding preventative measures like gamete cryopreservation for high-risk roles. Ultimately, the source argues for a comprehensive policy overhaul to ensure that military healthcare reflects modern clinical standards and the unique biological needs of all personnel. This transformation is deemed essential for maintaining a capable fighting force and supporting the long-term well-being of veterans transitioning to civilian care.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/does-current-policy-support-reproductive-health-of-australian-defence-force-veterans-a-review-of-australian-defence-force-policy/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Intrinsic and External Factors and Influences on the Motivation of Suicide Attackers" by Gregor Bruce examines the complex psychological and social motivations that drive individuals to carry out suicide attacks. It distinguishes between different types of suicide terrorism, noting that while groups like the Tamil Tigers pioneered many modern tactics, motivations vary across religious, nationalistic, and personal lines. The author highlights that attackers are typically psychologically stable and influenced by factors such as revenge, the glorification of martyrdom, and financial rewards for their families. Terrorist organizations exploit these internal and external pressures to achieve tactical advantages in asymmetrical warfare. Ultimately, the source argues that no single profile exists for these individuals, as their actions result from a unique combination of environmental and ideological influences.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/motivation-of-suicide-attackers/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Psychological Screening in the Australian Defence Force: An Historical and Contemporary Analysis of what Works" by Kylie Tuppin analyzes the historical evolution and modern application of psychological screening within the Australian Defence Force. The authors distinguish between rapid screening, used to identify current disorders or cognitive traits like intelligence, and comprehensive assessments used for deeper diagnostic purposes. A critical finding of the review is that while screening effectively measures existing mental illness and aptitude, it has consistently failed to predict future psychological distress or combat breakdowns. To address current ambiguities, the text recommends standardizing screening tools and clearly separating those used for recruitment selection from those intended for mental health support. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that the military should adopt a nuanced, evidence-based approach rather than relying on broad mandates that lack predictive validity.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychological-screening-in-the-australian-defence-force-an-historical-and-contemporary-analysis-of-what-works/

"Poppy Seed and Prohibited Drug Testing" by Ross Mills examines how culinary poppy seed consumption can lead to unintended positive drug tests for morphine among military personnel. Through three Australian Navy case studies, the author demonstrates that eating common foods like seeded bread can trigger urinary morphine levels exceeding established testing thresholds. The text highlights that while thebaine serves as a unique chemical marker to identify poppy seeds as the source, the wide variability in seed potency and individual metabolism makes it difficult to predict these results. Because poppy seeds contain natural opiate alkaloids, they can produce misleading findings that mimic illegal drug use for up to 48 hours after ingestion. Ultimately, the source suggests that higher testing cut-offs or detailed laboratory analysis may be necessary to distinguish between harmless dietary habits and prohibited substance abuse.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/poppy-seed-and-prohibited-drug-testing/

"The neurophysiologic aspects of G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC)" by David G Newman examines G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), a critical physiological failure occurring when high acceleration forces prevent the cardiovascular system from delivering oxygenated blood to the brain. The author details the historical research and mathematical theories that define human tolerance limits, noting how modern fighter jets can easily exceed these biological boundaries. A central focus is the neurophysiologic timeline of an episode, which includes a brief functional buffer followed by periods of absolute and relative incapacitation. During recovery, pilots often experience physical convulsions, dream-like states, and significant cognitive confusion that can last for several seconds. The text emphasizes that event amnesia and psychological denial frequently follow these incidents, posing a lethal threat to flight safety. Ultimately, the source argues for a deeper understanding of these biological responses to develop more effective countermeasures for high-performance aviators.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-12453347-jmvh-vol-6-no-3/