In our last segment we touched upon the growing issues related to Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this segment we will discuss the first of a series of solutions that are helping our combat veterans manage many of the symptoms associated with the “ghosts of war.”
1. Solution Strategy One: EXERCISE
“Researchers have continually found exercise can be an effective treatment for (PTSD). Doctors are increasingly prescribing exercise for the prevention and treatment of many diseases as it can alleviate the stress that exacerbates many symptoms and promotes physical fitness which helps with resiliency.”
One example of a solution-in-action is happening right here in our home-town at Private Studio Fitness where I and my wife Erin have founded “Operation Vet Fit” which provides free 24/7 fitness center usage, personal training, group fitness seminars, and team oriented fitness events for local combat veterans suffering from PTSD.
Exercise and Fitness continues to demonstrate positive benefits for our returning combat veterans suffering from all types of service-connected disabilities. So far the program is being utilized by many of our local combat veterans including returning Bethel Navy Corpsman and Silver Star recipient Todd Angell who has said:
“Operation Vet-Fit has helped me maintain a sense of purpose following combat service. Every workout helps me better deal with bad days. It gives me something to work and live for. It helps me maintain a continued attitude of achievement.”
If you know or are a combat veteran wanting to join fellow combat veterans In Operation Vet-Fit contact me directly: danielgaita@comcast.net. All I need is a copy of your DD214 and a Copy of your VA service connected disability report.
If you do not have a service connected disability rating, Operation Vet-Fit will help ensure you are connected to all available assets through the VA and other veterans support agencies. All of this, at no charge.
More information on Operation Vet Fit is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/97739166/Operation-Vet-Fit-Overview
In our next segment will cover more solutions that are working now.
Until then,
Semper Fi
References:
1. 58th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, 2nd World Congress on Exercise is Medicine.
2. "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Coronary Atherosclerosis, and Mortality" Naser Ahmadi, MD, MS, Ramin Ebrahimi, MD et al"American Journal of Cardiology". published online 02 May 2011. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.02.340
