FPs have resources to help troops and families

WEB EXTRA!

FPs have resources to help troops and families

As National Guard and Reserve troops deploy overseas and return, family physicians can turn to several sources that provide information and support to ease the transitions.

Predeployment help

Among Web pages that offer information for families before deployment is http://www.afcrossroads.com/famseparation/. Designed for active duty Air Force, the site contains universally useful information such as helping children deal with separation and preparing for deployment as a single parent.

The American Red Cross also serves members of the military. For information, go to http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_481_,00.html.

Post-deployment help

Family physicians also should watch for postdeployment health conditions that are unique to serving in the Middle East. Though most problems are detected during service, some do not present for up to six months.

Comprehensive information for clinicians and families about health issues is at www.pdhealth.mil.

Specific illness concerns are listed at www.pdhealth.mil/deployments/northern_watch/concerns.asp. Among them:

malaria, with fever, flu-like symptoms, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue;
dengue, with sudden onset of fever, severe headache, myalgias and arthralgias, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhagic manifestations;
viral hepatitis A and E;
tuberculosis; and
leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease spread by infected sand flies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis symptoms: chronic skin lesions unresponsive to antibiotic or topical steroid treatment. Visceral leishmaniasis symptoms: fever, weight loss, possibly enlarged spleen or liver and swollen glands, elevated liver function tests, or low blood cell counts.

Psychological help

Psychological reactions to combat situations include posttraumatic stress disorder, survivor's guilt and depression. Information about PTSD is at http://www.psych.org/public_info/ptsd.cfm, http://www.pdhealth.mil/wot/background.asp and http://www.pdhealth.mil/wot/fact_sheet2.asp.

Redeployed soldiers can participate in a self-paced program that is part research into effective interventions for people dealing with military stress. Information is at http://www.projectdestress.com/.

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