Introduction Allostatic load refers to the cumulative effects of chronic and acute stress on the body. It is the process and the product of ‘wear-and-tear’ on the body and brain. This results from chronic over-activity or inactivity (called dysregulation) of physiological systems that are normally involved in adaption to environmental challenges (McEwen & Gianaros, 2010). The frequency of exposure to these challenges is unique to each individual and individuals accumulate allostatic load at different rates over the life-course. The outcomes of allostatic load can be physiological, psychological, and psychosocial health conditions.
WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY - 20 OCTOBER 2013
Dear Reader, Sunday was World Osteoporosis Day and so it’s worth thinking about this problem in our Defence Community. Osteoporosis presents as fragility fractures but is a seriously under-recognised and under-managed problem, even after such fracture – that is, bone failure events. There are serious misconceptions that may contribute to its not-so-benign neglect. For example, it is usually thought of as a relatively uncommon condition affecting mainly elderly women and mostly associated with hip or spine fractures. This is compounded by ill-founded concerns about rare or very rare side effects of treatment.
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Friday, 11 October 2013 15:14
Physical Side Effects of OversleepingWhen it comes to sleep, can you have too much of a good thing? It's true a good night's sleep is essential for health. But oversleeping has been linked to a host of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death. Researchers are careful to note, however, that two other factors -- depression and low socioeconomic status -- are strongly associated with oversleeping. Those two factors may be the reason for the observed negative health effects. For example, people of lower socioeconomic status may have less access to health care and therefore more undiagnosed illnesses, such as heart disease, which, in turn, may cause oversleeping.
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Friday, 11 October 2013 15:09
Sleep ApneaSleep ApneaSleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain -- and the rest of the body -- may not get enough oxygen.
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Friday, 11 October 2013 13:55
The Importance of a Strong Social Network - By Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhDWhile most people accept that it’s a good idea to develop a number of friendships, there are times when you might ignore such advice. You might be happy with focusing on work to the exclusion of a social life. Or, you might be too fearful to venture out socially. Or you might feel depressed, preferring isolation to the company of others. At those times, it can be helpful to have a clear understanding about the importance of having a social network. Whenever one of my patients struggles with making social connections, I am reminded of the analogy of a social network to a spider’s web.
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Monday, 23 September 2013 13:37
Effects of deployment on health behaviours in Military Forces: A review of longitudinal studiesEffect of deployment on health beahviours in Military Forces Deployment with combat exposure was the most significant factor affecting health behaviours of military personnel. Excessive drinking among US military personnel increased significantly in those deployed that were exposed to combat, especially among Reserve and National Guard members and in the youngest age groups, but was not affected by deployment without combat exposure. Among British military personnel, total alcohol consumption increased with time, was higher for those deployed compared to non-deployed, and highest in those who experienced war related stress.
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Monday, 23 September 2013 13:37
Effects of deployment on health behaviours in Military Forces: A review of longitudinal studiesEffect of deployment on health beahviours in Military Forces Deployment with combat exposure was the most significant factor affecting health behaviours of military personnel. Excessive drinking among US military personnel increased significantly in those deployed that were exposed to combat, especially among Reserve and National Guard members and in the youngest age groups, but was not affected by deployment without combat exposure. Among British military personnel, total alcohol consumption increased with time, was higher for those deployed compared to non-deployed, and highest in those who experienced war related stress.
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Monday, 23 September 2013 09:58
Living is for Everyone (LIFE)Life is for Living (LIFE)From Dr. Rod Bain. Here are the words of a former soldier, an Iraq veteran who took his life in June. He left behind a powerful suicide note that went viral on the Internet after his family shared it with the media.
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Sunday, 22 September 2013 12:23
Intergenerational Effects on ChildrenThe aim of this review is to explore the effects of military service on the physical, mental and social health of Vietnam veterans’ families with as specific focus on the sons and daughters. First background information will be presented, followed by sections on the methodology, the extent of current research, and the critical appraisal and synthesis of the relevant studies reviewed.
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