Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Musculoskeletal Injury and Physical Fitness Across US Army Occupational Specialties" by Tyson Grier, Regis Pearson, Timothy Benedict , Olivia Mahlmann and Michelle Canham-Chervak  examines the connection between musculoskeletal injury and physical fitness across various US Army military occupational specialties (MOS). The research details the methodology, which involved surveying soldiers and obtaining data on injuries and performance from the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), revealing significant differences in injury incidence and physical fitness scores across MOS groups for both male and female soldiers. Ultimately, the investigation aimed to describe these associations and suggests that monitoring injury and fitness by MOS could help focus injury prevention strategies within the Army.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/musculoskeletal-injury-and-physical-fitness-across-us-army-occupational-specialties/

"A Review of Art Therapy Among Military Service Members and Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Jeremy Ramirez reviews the use of art therapy for military service members and veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The author argues for implementing art therapy programs, particularly because the current preferred treatment—Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—is often ineffective in treating the avoidance/emotional numbing cluster of PTSD symptoms. The review details the prevalence of PTSD, noting that factors like combat trauma and military sexual trauma (MST) are significant causes, and explores various risk factors for suicide among veterans, such as divorce and homelessness. Ultimately, the article concludes that art therapy, which involves activities like drawing and photography, provides a more comprehensive care package when used in conjunction with CBT, due to its effectiveness in helping patients express nonverbalized trauma and reduce core PTSD symptoms.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/a-review-of-art-therapy-among-military-service-members-and-veterans-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

"CHEMICAL AGENTS Contact Poisons: A Brief Touch," by Dr Andrew Robertson examines the risks and characteristics of contact poisons, which are substances absorbed through the skin to cause toxic effects or death. While acknowledging that these agents are often sensationalized in popular media and crime fiction, the author stresses that many military, industrial, and agricultural chemicals pose a genuine contact risk that medical professionals must recognize. The discussion differentiates between highly potent agents like nerve agents (e.g., VX) and more commonly available industrial toxins such as pesticides and organic solvents, which can also be fatal. Finally, the article explores the role of solvents like Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in enhancing percutaneous absorption by disrupting the skin's lipid barrier, a mechanism exploited in both pharmaceutical research and certain criminal plots involving poisons like ricin or nicotine.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/chemical-agents-contact-poisons-a-brief-touch/

"Fast women: Or why women who fly high performance aircraft are fast but not loose," by Tracy Smat examines the challenges and issues surrounding women entering the historically male-dominated field of fast jet aviation, particularly within the Royal Australian Air Force. The text provides a historical overview of women in aviation, including their roles in World War II and the gradual integration into Western militaries. It then systematically discusses four main areas of concern that military health professionals must address: physiological differences (such as tolerance to G-forces and decompression illness), physical attributes (including strength, anthropometry, and ejection safety), specific women's health issues (like pregnancy and the menstrual cycle), and squadron cultural issues related to gender integration. Ultimately, the paper suggests that most physical and physiological barriers can be overcome through re-engineering of aircraft and equipment, concluding that the primary remaining obstacle to female fast jet pilots is the cultural acceptance by male aircrew.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-57944985-jmvh-vol-7-no-1/

"Antibacterial Warfare: The Production of Natural Penicillin and the Search for Synthetic Penicillin During the Second World War - JMVH",  by Bruce Short examines the history of penicillin development during World War II, focusing on the rapid transition from laboratory study to mass production of natural penicillin through international military and scientific collaboration, involving forces from Britain, the United States, and Australia. The article details the crucial contributions of Oxford scientists like Florey, Chain, and Heatley, who were instrumental in developing the drug and its production methods, while also recounting the parallel but delayed wartime effort to synthesize penicillin which was not successfully completed until 1957. Furthermore, the source contrasts the Allies' success with the German commitment to sulfonamides, which hindered their early adoption of penicillin.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/antibacterial-warfare-the-production-of-natural-penicillin-and-the-search-for-synthetic-penicillin-during-the-second-world-war/

"A History of Australian Navy Health Officer Uniforms and Ranks (Part One)" by Dr Neil Westphalen details the evolution of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) officer uniforms and ranks, drawing parallels and distinctions with the British Royal Navy (RN) and their historical antecedents. It explores the historical context of naval organization, including the shift from 'tarpaulin' to 'gentlemen' officers and the development of commissioned and warrant ranks from the 11th century onwards. The text traces the introduction and changes in RN officer uniforms, noting how they moved from unique attire for each rank to standardized uniforms with rank insignia like sleeve stripes and distinction cloths. Furthermore, it examines the separate development and eventual integration of reserve force uniforms for both the RN and RAN, as well as women's naval services uniforms in both navies. Finally, the article discusses the addition of various warfare and sea readiness badges, highlighting the ongoing struggle for status within the naval hierarchy as expressed through uniform design.

 

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. To such ends, the original article upon which it is based is available to read here: https://jmvh.org/article/a-history-of-australian-navy-health-officer-uniforms-and-ranks-part-one/

"A History of Australian Navy Health Officer Uniforms and Ranks (Part Two)" by Neil Westphalen provides a comprehensive history of Australian Navy health officer uniforms and ranks, building upon previous articles that covered sailor uniforms. It meticulously details the evolution of attire and rank insignia for Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) medical, dental, medical administration, and nursing officers, tracing their origins from early warrant officer roles. The text highlights struggles for status and recognition through uniform changes, noting distinctions like the "executive curl" and specialized "distinction cloths." Furthermore, it addresses the unique journey of women in naval health roles, from their initial separate services to eventual full integration and standardized uniforms within the RAN. The article offers a detailed account of the specific uniform components and changes over centuries, illustrating how these reflected shifts in military structure and societal views.

 

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. To such ends, the original article upon which it is based is available to read here: https://jmvh.org/article/a-history-of-australian-navy-health-officer-uniforms-and-ranks-part-two/

"A History of Australian Navy Health Sailor Uniforms and Ranks (Part 3)" details the historical evolution of uniforms, ranks, and rate badges within the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), drawing parallels and distinctions with the British Royal Navy (RN). It focuses specifically on the insignia worn by sailors, tracing their origins from the early 19th century to more contemporary designs. The text highlights the development of rank badges for general sailors, beginning with Petty Officers in 1827 and expanding to include various classes and warrant officers. Furthermore, it examines the unique rate badges for medical and dental sailors, noting changes in their identifying symbols and the intriguing misapplication of the caduceus. The article concludes by summarizing the significant shifts in naval dress and insignia over time.

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. To such ends, the original article upon which it is based is available to read here: https://jmvh.org/article/a-history-of-australian-navy-health-sailor-uniforms-and-ranks-part-3/

"Warfare, Ships and Medicine in Ancient Egypt and Greece" by Dr Neil Westphalen.  This academic article from the Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health explores the interconnected advancements in warfare, ships, and medicine in ancient Egypt and Greece, spanning from approximately 4000 to 30 BCE. The author, Neil Westphalen, examines how the development of new weapons and fighting tactics, such as chariots and phalanx formations, shaped military engagement. Concurrently, the text details the evolution of watercraft from early reed boats to sophisticated triremes, highlighting their roles in trade and naval battles. Finally, the article contrasts Egyptian spiritual and practical medical approaches with the Greek shift towards a more material understanding of disease, exemplified by the Hippocratic Corpus, though acknowledging the limitations imposed by philosophical biases and anatomical prohibitions.

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. To such ends, the original article upon which it is based is available to read here: https://jmvh.org/article/warfare-ships-and-medicine-in-ancient-egypt-and-greece/

"Viking Warfare, Ships and Medicine" by Dr Neil Westphalen.  This scholarly article from the Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health by Dr. Neil Westphalen provides a comprehensive overview of Viking warfare, shipbuilding, and medical practices during the period of 500 to 1200 CE. It explores the motivations behind Viking expansion, including political vacuums and resource scarcity, leading to a focus on raiding and eventual settlement. The text details the types of weapons used, from prized swords to axes and shields, and the tactics employed in combat. Furthermore, the article traces the evolution of Viking ships, highlighting their innovative shallow draft and seaworthiness, which enabled both inland navigation and oceanic voyages for trade and exploration. Finally, it examines Viking medicine, initially reliant on magic and folklore, but progressively influenced by Roman medical practices and the adoption of Christianity.

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. To such ends, the original article upon which it is based is available to read here: https://jmvh.org/article/viking-warfare-ships-and-medicine/