10 important health updates for Veterans Day

Physicians should ask patients if they have ever served in the military, since these men and women are more susceptible to certain health problems, researchers wrote in Advances in Medical Education and Practice.

In a separate paper published in BMC Psychiatry, researchers recommended that physicians take “an integrated approach to veterans’ wellbeing,” and they wrote that “understanding key factors, such as demographic factors and factors relating to military service, can support improved service provision for veterans.”

In recognition of Veterans Day, Healio Primary Care compiled 10 recent articles focused on the health of military personnel.

VA strategy may effectively identify veterans at risk for suicide

A suicide risk identification strategy appeared effective at identifying veterans who were not receiving mental health treatment, according to results of a cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

10% of PCIs at VA hospitals considered rarely appropriate

Most percutaneous coronary interventions for stable coronary artery disease performed in Veterans Affairs hospitals were classified as appropriate or may be appropriate, according to a recent analysis. One in 10 of these procedures were considered rarely appropriate, researchers said. Read more.

Risk for exposure-related respiratory diseases varies among US military personnel

A study presented at an American Thoracic Society International Conference utilized military occupational specialty codes to identify high-exposure jobs and those at greatest risk for inhalational exposures. Read more.

Military combat service linked to an increase in HBV exposure

The prevalence of exposure to hepatitis B among veterans was highest among those with traditional risk factors and independently related to military combat or being wounded in combat, according to study results. Read more.

Female veterans with alcohol use disorder at increased risk for dementia

Older female veterans with alcohol use disorder were three times more likely to develop dementia than women without alcohol use disorder, according to study findings presented at an Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read more.

Adherence, persistence low in veterans with rheumatoid arthritis who escalate to triple therapy

Treatment adherence and persistence rates remain relatively low among veterans with rheumatoid arthritis who escalate from methotrexate to triple therapy with sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, according to recent data in Arthritis Care & Research. Read more.

Statin initiation may lower mortality risk in older veterans

Statin initiation in older U.S. veterans free from atherosclerotic CVD at baseline reduced the risk for CV and all-cause mortality, researchers found in a retrospective cohort study. Read more.

Yoga, tai chi, meditation improve veterans’ mental, physical health

A combination of yoga, tai chi and meditation was linked to significant mental and physical health improvements among veterans, according to study results published in Medical Care. Read more.

First year after service ‘vital’ for veterans’ readjustment to civilian life

Findings of a prospective cohort study highlight the need for increased attention to the health of United States military veterans returning to civilian life, as well as enlisted personnel, to prevent chronic readjustment challenges, researchers wrote in American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read more.

Proper medical care for veterans starts with asking who has served

Research indicates that even though veterans have unique medical needs, many of their clinicians never ask their patients about their military status. explaining that a question that takes seconds to ask can shape a patient’s medical care for years to come. Read more.

References:

Olenick M, et al. Adv Med Educ Pract. 2015;doi:10.2147/AMEP.S89479.

Oster C, et al. BMC Psychiatry. 2017;doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1547-0.