Military medicine
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Concussions are a common form of mild traumatic brain injury characterized by a transient alteration of cerebral function leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Postconcussive symptoms (PCSs) usually resolve in about a week but can persist in 10% to 15% of patients. If left untreated, PCS can profoundly affect a patient's life. ⋯ The OMT techniques applied during treatment included balanced ligamentous tension, myofascial release, and osteopathy in the cranial field techniques. OMT is a nonpharmacological, noninvasive treatment that can benefit patients suffering with PCS. The authors would like to increase the awareness of clinicians and researchers for OMT's potential positive outcomes for PCS, as part of a multifactorial approach to care.
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Active duty service members (ADSMs) may be at heightened risk for eating disorders (EDs) and sub-clinical disordered eating (DE). ADSMs are also at a high risk for musculoskeletal injury (MSK-I). Given the risk for EDs/DE among ADSMs as well as robust physical requirements of military training, additional research is needed to elucidate links between DE and risk for MSK-I among ADSMs. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of DE and associations with MSK-I among Marine Corps officers entering a 6 month leadership course. ⋯ In this sample of Marine officers, DE was associated with greater odds of a recent MSK-I among women only. Results align with previously reported relationships between DE and skeletal health in female athletes. Prospective research is needed to elucidate the temporal nature of these relationships.
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become increasingly prevalent and have the potential to delay gastric emptying. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) released guidance regarding the perioperative management of patients receiving GLP-1 RAs, but it is unclear the extent to which hospitals in the U.S. Military Health System have implemented policies consistent with this guidance. ⋯ Formal policies were reported by most respondents, but inconsistencies within practice locations suggest that local policy implementation could be improved. Commonly reported barriers to future system-wide policy implementation provide data-driven information for system-wide efforts to improve policy success.
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The balance of operational readiness and maintaining a healthy recruitment force presents increasing challenges within the DoD. Chronic preventable diseases, such as overweight and obesity, along with musculoskeletal injuries, are threats to recruitment and retention. Novel approaches are needed and leaders are in a unique position to serve a key role in influencing nutrition readiness. ⋯ As leaders engender trust and serve as role models, the adoption of the LIN framework in their units can guide and foster a culture of health within the DoD. Leader-Inspired Nutrition will assist leaders in building shared communities through healthful nutrition and mealtime experiences and serve to shape military nutrition policies that affect readiness within the DoD. This commentary describes the concept of LIN, the elements and principles of LIN, and how leaders can inspire service members to maximize performance to support nutrition readiness.
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Oral health is a crucial factor for service safety among military pilots, but studies specifically on pilots are still very few in Finland. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of military student pilots compared to other conscripts of the same age group. ⋯ The student pilots exhibited good overall oral health, which differed from that of other conscripts, mainly in terms of erosive changes. Continuous monitoring is crucial, as maintaining optimal oral health is vital for reducing the risk of barodontalgia and thus improving flight safety. Therefore, it is important to be aware that those who aspire to be military pilots are at an increased risk of erosive changes to their teeth.