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.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm
WarDocs- The Military MedicinePodcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you.
WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all Military MedicineServices, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.
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Major General (Ret.) Phillip Volpe, D.O.- Lessons learned from operational medicine experience in Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Korea, Southwest Asia and additional undisclosed locations.
CAPT Christine Sears, M.D.- A Navy Urologist Commanding on the USNS COMFORT and Maintaining Resiliency While Supporting Critical DoD Medical Missions Across the Globe.
BG (Dr.) Mary V. Krueger- Leveraging Character, Training and Experience For Mission Success.
COL Michael Wirt, M.D., Ph.D: Radiology on the Battlefield, Neuroradiology, and Commanding a Level 1 Trauma Center during the COVID pandemic.
COL Will Bimson, D.O.- Combat Cardiologist, Ranger Qualified- Supporting COVID Missions at Home in the USA and Deployments Across the Globe
Dr. Benjamin Starnes- Surgeon Stepping Up to Lead During 9/11 and in Austere Locations Across the Globe
COL(R) Dr. Peter Napolitano- OB/GYN WarDoc- Improving Surgical Patient Safety on the Battlefield and Beyond.
COL(R) Dr. Matthew Hepburn- Military Infection Disease Doc Uniquely Prepared for Operation Warp Speed and Global Pandemic Response.
Lt. Gen. (Ret) Dr. Paul K. Carlton Jr.-Evolution of Critical Care in the Air- Past, Present and Future
Major General (Ret) Dr. Sean L. Murphy- Taking Care of Military Members and their Families from the Far East to Europe to the Pentagon
CAPT (Dr.) Joel Schofer- Deputy Chief of the Navy Medical Corps- Coaching and Mentoring Physicians in Career Development both Online and In-person.
The Journey to Zero Harm- Exploring Quality and Safety in Military Medicine- COL(Ret) Evan Renz, MD, MPH (Part 2 of interview)
COL(Ret) Dr. Evan Renz: From Jumpmaster in the 82nd Airborne Division to Burn/Critical Care Surgeon Extraordinaire.
COL(Ret) Alfonso “Al” Alarcon: Orthopedic Surgery and Military Medical Leadership Around the Globe
Dr. Kevin C. Kiley: 41st Army Surgeon General- Loyalty Down and Choosing the Harder Right- Reflections from a Distinguished Career
Colonel Paul Parker- British Army Surgeon: Drones, Advanced Tourniquets and Blood Products-Future Combat Care Innovations at the Tip of the Spear.
Major General (Dr.) Jeff Clark MC Mission Lessons- Desert Storm to Kosovo to Katrina to Abu Ghraib
Major General Daniel Walrath- Combat Casualty and Inspirational Leader: An Inside look at the Military Medical System from Point of Injury to Recovery
Center for the Intrepid: Lessons Learned from Combat Injuries Have Revolutionized Rehabilitation Care (with Dr. Alderete)
COL (Dr.) Joseph Alderete- Orthopedic Surgery in Combat and in Support of Special Operations Forces
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