| Welcome  Optimizing human performance for the warfighter is a high priority for our Military Health System. We must organize to sustain warfighter performance from accession into the military until retirement and apply our skills to enhance baseline performance throughout a career.
Today’s weapon systems are technologically advanced, often complex and network-centric, demanding the utmost in physical and cognitive resources. Whether a SEAL team insertion, a Predator CAP, offensive cyber ops or soldiers attending an Afghan shura, the warfighter must have the utmost situational awareness coupled with peak mental and physical fitness. We excel in caring for the wounded warrior – now we must excel in sustaining, optimizing, and enhancing the warrior. Through human-centered research, human systems integration and a health system that sustains human performance, the American soldier, sailor, airman and Marine can effectively and efficiently execute the mission. Enjoy this issue of MHS Vital Signs! Col. Lex Brown
Director, Human Performance Integration
711th Human Performance Wing
Air Force Research Laboratory July Is Human Performance Optimization Month  The MHS observes Human Performance Optimization month in an effort to promote force readiness, which depends on all warfighters and support personnel being strong, healthy and ready to conduct assigned missions and operations. A fundamental premise within the DoD and MHS is that the warfighter is the center of our capability and the prime resource and key enabler of all warfighting systems. If our service members are not operating at maximum capacity, the entire system suffers. Achieving human performance optimization requires that the warfighter—and the Military Health System itself—be continually honed and strengthened. Our goal is to ensure that all service members understand the resources available to them to be mission-ready. Read more Warrior Care Spotlight: GPS-Equipped Parachutes Deliver Blood From the Sky to Save Lives  A new and exciting method to deliver blood through parachute drops may help quickly save the lives of military service members in theater. The Joint Medical Distance Support and Evacuation Joint Capability Technology Demonstration project—a U.S. military program comprised of Defense Research and Engineering, U.S. Joint Forces Command, the Army, Navy and Air Force—is working on a special delivery system designed to accurately deliver urgently needed blood to warfighters in battle. Blood banking officers from the Armed Services Blood Program are working with the program to test the effectiveness of these systems. The new delivery method would use GPS-guided parachutes to deliver blood to service members in theater. It is a significant development that if approved will have life-saving consequences. Read more MHS Profiles: We Are the MHS  This month we profile three exemplary individuals whose dedication and excellence make them role models both domestically and abroad. While they come from all branches, ranks and backgrounds, each goes to work every day with a single mission: They are committed to making a positive, lasting difference while improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families. Air Force Maj. L. David Carnes, Army Col. George Peoples and Navy Cmdr. Elizabeth Hofmeister represent three facets of the MHS—health care, research and education. Whether they choose to treat patients directly, discover innovative ways to prevent and treat diseases or teach the world’s doctors, each of these people exemplify outstanding health care in practice. Read more Army Looking at Yoga, Acupuncture to Treat Pain The Army's health care system may soon see changes in how soldiers are treated for pain, according to a recent report released by the Army's surgeon general that recommends 109 changes. The Pain Management Task Force's final report, which was initiated by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker in August 2009, addresses the lack of a comprehensive pain-management strategy across the Army and suggests alternative treatments to medication such as acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback and yoga. Schoomaker explained that with the increasing numbers of soldiers returning from combat with severe wounds, reports of medication abuse and suicides with pain as a possible factor are troubling. Read more Lynn: Intrepid Center Will Be Hub of Brain Treatment  The new National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Md., will constantly improve the ability of military and civilian health care providers to treat traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders in war veterans, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said at the center’s opening ceremony held June 24. Lynn joined military leaders, civilian dignitaries, wounded warriors and their families for the ceremony to mark what officials describe as new and unprecedented research, diagnosis and treatment for the “invisible wounds” of war. The center, located on the National Naval Medical Center grounds, will serve as a hub for service members and their families to get better diagnosis and treatment plans than are available at their local military installation, Lynn said. Read more Did You Know?  TRICARE enrollment updates are just a click away! TRICARE's new Beneficiary Web Enrollment website allows some beneficiaries to make enrollment changes and contact information updates online.
As many as 400,000 permanent change of station moves could occur in 2010. Dr. Charles Rice, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, is encouraging active duty service members and their families to head to the web when transferring to a new duty station. In a memorandum sent to all armed service assistant secretaries of manpower and reserve affairs dated May 3, 2010, Rice asked that PCS orders include information about transferring TRICARE enrollment online to ease the PCS process for families and ensure continuity of health care. Read more Recently on the Dot Mil Docs Podcast  Dot Mil Docs 115: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Retired Air Force Col. David R. Welling provides information on colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. Welling is an associate professor of surgery and anatomy in the Chief Division of General Surgery at the Norman M. Rich Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University.
Dot Mil Docs 116: Electronic Health Records
Navy Capt. Michael Weiner, Defense Health Information Management System deputy program manager and chief medical officer, gives an overview of the nationwide standardization process of electronic health records and discusses how electronic health records benefit patients and providers alike, inside and outside of the MHS. Dot Mil Docs 117: Fitness
Michael Caviston, director of fitness for the Naval Special Warfare Center, discusses fitness – how to get in shape, train for a special event or sport, or just ensure that your body is strong and healthy. Dot Mil Docs 118: Maintaining Physical Fitness
Sgt. Ken Weichert, senior military advisor, master fitness trainer and master resilience trainer, discusses preparation for the rigors of work and how to develop an individualized fitness program. Research Roundup  Research, medical publications and articles from peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals are a vital part of the Military Health System. Each month, MHS Vital Signs highlights notable research being conducted by the MHS and its counterparts. Nanotechnology May Hold the Answer to Treating Depression Alleviating the immeasurable impact of depression may come down to a single molecule measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter. A team of researchers at Oregon Health and Science University, along with collaborators at the Rockefeller University, is working toward becoming the first to develop a way to “tag” single molecules in live cells to track their movement. The team has successfully tracked serotonin receptor molecules through a cell and back to the surface. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. A clearer understanding of its mechanisms of action may lead to more effective treatments for clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. The team’s work is supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center. TATRC chief scientist Dr. Charles Peterson said, “The science here is very exciting, and TATRC is pleased to be supporting what could lead to significant breakthroughs in treating a range of neurochemical disorders.” Read more IN and OUT: Comings and Goings in the MHS  IN:  Army Col. Robert W. Saum is now the director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
OUT:  Air Force Col. Donald L. Noah has left his position as acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness.
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