WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Health & Fitness:Medicine
Did you know that up to one in four active-duty service members struggle to find sufficient nutritious food? In this eye-opening conversation, we're joined by Air Force Captain Dr. Sidney Zven, MD, who shares his groundbreaking research on food insecurity in the military. We discuss the often-unappreciated prevalence of this issue and its impact on recruitment, retention, and overall military readiness.
We also explore the challenges military families face in accessing crucial resources like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Women and Infants and Children (WIC) program, as well as the logistical issues that arise for those stationed overseas. We discuss the historical stigma surrounding food stamps and WIC and how Military Medicine is working to identify high-risk families and connect them with much-needed benefits.
Don't miss this compelling episode that sheds light on a hidden crisis affecting our military families. Discover the potential for policy changes, the role nonprofit and governmental organizations can play in tackling this urgent problem, and the importance of nutrition education for the military community. Join us as we delve into the crucial issue of food insecurity and its impact on the health of our brave service members and their families.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Combatting Food Insecurity in the Military
(0:04:20) - Military Food Insecurity and Government Programs
(0:15:55) - Military Families and WIC Challenges
(0:19:32) - Military Food Insecurity and Historical Stigma
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Combatting Food Insecurity in the Military (4 Minutes)
We explore the critical issue of food insecurity in the military, discussing the challenges Service Members face and the innovative solutions and initiatives that Military Medicine is employing to combat this concern. Today we're joined by Air Force Captain Dr Sidney Zven, MD, who tells us about his pathway to medicine and his research into food insecurity in the military. The Department of Defense reported that up to 24% of military service members experienced food insecurity between October of 2020 and January 2021, in comparison to the 10.3% that is expected for the civilian population - one in four Active Duty Service Members may struggle to sufficient nutritious food for their families.
(0:04:20) - Military Food Insecurity and Government Programs (12 Minutes)
We explore the multifaceted issue of food insecurity in the military and how it impacts recruitment, retention, and overall military readiness. We discuss the prevalence of obesity as a contributing factor to military recruit shortage, the impact of food insecurity on families' decisions to stay in the military, and the link between food insecurity and elevated risk of anxiety and depression among military members. We also examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on levels of food insecurity, the Women and Infants and Children (WIC) program, and other state and federal programs available to support service members.
(0:15:55) - Military Families and WIC Challenges (4 Minutes)
We discuss the difficulties encountered in enrolling in WIC and other logistical issues that can arise when dealing with military families, such as the disconnect between providers and local WIC offices, the burden placed on families to navigate the enrollment process, and the double appointments and wait times at WIC offices. We also discuss the process for families stationed overseas and the supply chain issues they may face when utilizing WIC benefits.
(0:19:32) - Military Food Insecurity and Stigma (7 Minutes)
The historical stigma associated with receiving food stamps and WIC can be a major barrier to service members needing these resources. The military has made efforts to de-stigmatize these programs and provide more resources for military families. A study conducted at Walter Reed revealed that many families are unknowingly eligible for WIC. A unique approach is being implemented to identify high-risk military families and enroll them in these benefits. We discuss the importance of nutrition education and how providing access to healthy and affordable food is essential for the well-being of military families. We look at how food insecurity can be addressed through policy changes and the role of governmental and nonprofit organizations in providing resources and support. We also examine the effects of food insecurity on service members' overall health and the importance of providing nutritional education to the military community.
Episode Keywords: Food Insecurity, Military, Active-Duty Service Members, Air Force Captain Dr. Sidney Zven, Multifaceted Impact, Women and Infants and Children (WIC) Program, Logistical Issues, Stigma, Military Medicine, Nutrition Education, Healthy and Affordable Food, Policy Changes, Mental Health, Recruitment, Retention, Military Readiness, Obesity, Anxiety, Depression, COVID-19, Double Appointments, Supply Chain Issues, Eligibility, High-Risk Families
Hashtags: #WarDocs #Military #Medicine #Podcast #MilitaryFoodInsecurity #FeedingOurTroops #NourishingDefenders #WICProgram #CombattingHunger #FoodInsecuritySolutions
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
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MG(R) George Weightman, MD- Commander, Command Surgeon- Optimizing Medical Support to Combat Units Across the Globe
Lt Gen (Ret) Bruce Green, MD- 20th Air Force Surgeon General Shapes Military Medicine using Crises Leadership Experience Gained in every Region of the World
Command Sergeant Major Diamond D. Hough- US Army Medicine’s Senior Soldier Medic Leverages Battlefield Experience to Influence the Next Generation of Combat Medics.
COL David R. King, MD, FACS- Trauma Surgeon Responds to the Boston Marathon Bombing and Provides and Innovates Surgical Critical Care for Special Operations and Civilian Trauma Patients.
Major General (RET) Gale S. Pollock: CRNA, First Female and First Nonphysician Army Surgeon General and 22nd Chief of the Army Nurse Corps
BG (R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD Military Medicine Impacts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East; a Motivational Story of Perseverance, Ambition, and a Never Quit Attitude
COL(R) Kent E. Kester, MD- Important Impacts of Translational Research Medicine in Military and Global Healthcare
(Pt. 2) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Innovations in Hemorrhage Control and Transfusion Paradigms Redefining Trauma Combat Casualty Care Guidelines (2 of 2)
(Pt. 1) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Special Operations Surgeon uses Lessons Learned in Somalia to Revolutionize Combat Casualty Care in the Global War on Terrorism (1 of 2)
WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast- What Are We For? Our Origin Story and Mission
LTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP– Adapting to the Challenges of a Constantly Changing Strategic Landscape to Shape and Enhance Military Combat Care (Part 2 of 2)
LTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP – Excellence in Academic Medicine and Strategic Military Medical Leadership (Part 1 of 2)
COL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Studying the Chaos of Battlefield Injuries in a Standardized Manner to Advance Battlefield Trauma Care (Part 2 of 2)
COL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Ranger Battalion and Regimental Medical Care in Two Combat Jumps and 12 Operational Deployments (Part 1 of 2)
COL(R) Edward B. Lucci, M.D.- Disaster Preparedness and CBRN Defense Expert- Responses to 9/11, Anthrax, Ricin and More. Lessons Learned and the Way Forward.
Brigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – The Importance of developing a Diverse Military Medical Force and Leading through Tough Social Times and an Inside look at Deployed Dental Care (Part 2 of 2)
Brigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – Battlefield Dental Care, the Role of Dentists in Leading Military Medicine, and the Dual Military and Medical Professional (Part 1 of 2)
COL (R) Robert Adams, MD- Former Navy SEAL Joins Army Medicine- Adventures as the Delta Force Surgeon and Deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division.
RADM Bruce L. Gillingham MD- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Undersea Medical Officer and Current Surgeon General of the United States Navy.
Lieutenant General (Ret). Mark A. Ediger, MD- From Rural Family Medicine Physician to Flight Surgeon to Air Force Surgeon General
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