Marines with the Wounded Warrior Regiment play wheelchair basketball during practice for the 2012 Warrior Games. The Warrior Games is a competition for wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans. (Photo courtesy of USMC)
With summer already in full swing in most states, the usual summer activities—vacation trips, barbecues, pool parties, and Independence Day celebrations—are filling up calendars. Throughout the month of July, the Department of Defense and the Military Health System (MHS) honor Service members as we commemorate our country by focusing on Total Force Fitness for Service members and their families across the force.
For wounded, ill and injured Service members and their families and caregivers, summer may be a time filled with doctor’s appointments, surgeries and rehabilitation or a time to reunite with family and friends as they transition back into their communities.
“With the serious medical issues that wounded warriors and their families and caregivers face everyday, it is easy to overlook the healthy behaviors that prevent or reduce the likelihood of future medical problems,” said John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Warrior Care Policy (WCP). “We want to encourage them to take advantage of the many programs and resources, such as WCP’s Warrior Athletic Reconditioning Program activities, available to help make healthy lifestyle choices.”
The MHS is committed to providing beneficiaries the tools to manage their own health and emphasizes achieving both strong minds and strong bodies by:
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining physical and psychological fitness
- Making healthy lifestyle choices in between doctors’ visits
This month, we encourage wounded warriors, families and caregivers to work together and plan specific changes you all can make to enhance your overall behavioral and physical wellness all year round. Stay tuned for more blog posts this month on total fitness resources.
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