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Understanding Sleep Apnea: A Common Condition Among Veterans

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world, and veterans are no exception. In fact, veterans are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea due to a variety of factors, including exposure to combat-related stress, environmental conditions, and lifestyle changes. Let’s explore the prevalence of sleep apnea among veterans and how a holistic health approach can provide effective support and treatment.

Sleep Apnea in Veterans

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can lead to fragmented sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and a range of health issues. Among the general population, sleep apnea is relatively common, affecting an estimated 9-21% of women and 24-31% of men. However, when we turn our attention to veterans, the statistics tell a different story.

Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent service-connected respiratory disabilities among veterans. Veterans often face unique risk factors for sleep apnea, and this disorder can manifest in various ways, impacting their overall quality of life. The following factors contribute to the higher incidence of sleep apnea among veterans:

PTSD and Sleep Apnea: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common issue among veterans, and it has been linked to an increased risk of sleep apnea. The emotional and physiological effects of PTSD can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms.

Exposure to Environmental Hazards: Veterans who have been deployed to regions with environmental hazards, such as burn pits and airborne toxins, may be at greater risk of developing sleep apnea. Prolonged exposure to these substances can have a lasting impact on respiratory health.

Changes in Lifestyle: The transition from military to civilian life can lead to significant lifestyle changes. These changes may include weight gain, increased alcohol consumption, and smoking – all of which are risk factors for sleep apnea.

The Importance of Holistic Health for Veterans with Sleep Apnea

While there are conventional treatments available for sleep apnea, a holistic health approach can offer a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for veterans. Holistic health takes into account the entire person – body, mind, and spirit – and aims to address the root causes of health issues rather than just their symptoms. When it comes to sleep apnea, holistic health can play a crucial role in improving sleep quality, reducing the severity of symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being.

Nutritional Approaches

Holistic nutrition emphasises the importance of a well-balanced diet for managing sleep apnea. Veterans can benefit from consulting with a holistic nutritionist to create a meal plan that supports respiratory health. Certain nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin D, have been linked to improved sleep quality. Dietary changes can also help veterans maintain a healthy weight, a key factor in sleep apnea management.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Veterans with sleep apnea often experience stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate their symptoms. Holistic approaches like mindfulness meditation can help veterans manage stress, improve sleep quality, and reduce the frequency of apneas. By learning to stay present and relax, veterans can enhance their ability to sleep soundly. So how can we help?

Mental Health Care Program

A mental health care program is designed to create a toolbox of actionable and consistent systems of support for veterans around their mental well-being. This is achieved by putting in place people like psychologists and counsellors, social workers, and various online services to act as tools for veterans to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Why Would A Veteran Access Mental Health Care?

Accessing mental health programs is vital to helping veterans process and come to terms with their lives post-military service. These programs are far from crisis intervention and are designed to be an adjunct to crisis care. Staying healthy is a daily practice that requires meaningful work to be undertaken, and with the support and guidance of mental health professionals, veterans will create strategies to better support themselves, their families and their community.

How does the program work? 

Veteran Health Plans are designed to assist veterans in taking a proactive approach to their health care and wellness. Whether a veteran has chronic conditions to be managed or simply wants to live a healthier lifestyle, a Veteran Health Plan will assist veterans in achieving their health goals.

A Veteran Health Plan starts with an initial consultation, where all the necessary information is gathered to help compile a thorough report and create a detailed health plan. This process is collaborative, so all goals in the plan are set by the veterans themselves.

The veteran may get access to online platforms like meditation apps or mindfulness platforms. This is designed to increase the number of assistive tools at the disposal of the veteran and complement their Veteran Health Plan.

Yoga for Improved Breathing

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation. It has been shown to be effective in improving lung function and enhancing overall respiratory health. Certain yoga poses can specifically target the muscles involved in breathing, helping veterans breathe more freely during sleep.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for veterans with sleep apnea. Proper alignment of the spine and neck can improve airway function, potentially reducing the frequency of apneas. Chiropractors can also provide guidance on posture and sleep position, which can help prevent airway obstructions during sleep.

Herbal Remedies

Holistic health practitioners often use herbal remedies to support respiratory health. Herbs such as valerian root, chamomile, and lavender have soothing properties that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Herbal supplements can be a natural and gentle way to manage sleep apnea symptoms.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to create a calming and relaxing environment. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can help veterans breathe more easily and sleep more soundly. Aromatherapy can be integrated into a bedtime routine to support sleep.

Exercise and Sleep Apnea

Regular physical activity is a fundamental component of holistic health. Exercise helps veterans maintain a healthy weight, improve lung function, and reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Aerobic exercises, in particular, can strengthen the cardiovascular system and enhance respiratory health.

Breathing Techniques

Holistic approaches often include breathing exercises that can be especially beneficial for veterans with sleep apnea. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can help improve airway function and reduce apneas during sleep.

Sleep Hygiene

Holistic sleep hygiene involves creating a sleep-conducive environment. Veterans can benefit from making their sleeping space dark, quiet, and cool. Reducing exposure to screens before bedtime and establishing a consistent sleep schedule are also important elements of holistic sleep hygiene.

Hormone Balance

Balancing hormones through holistic means can help manage sleep apnea, especially in women veterans. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with menopause, can contribute to sleep apnea. Holistic therapies like acupuncture and herbal remedies can help regulate hormone levels.

A Comprehensive Approach to Better Sleep

Sleep apnea is a prevalent issue among veterans, but a holistic health approach offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors contributing to the disorder. By combining nutritional strategies, mindfulness practices, alternative therapies, and holistic lifestyle changes, veterans can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

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Veteran Benefits Australia Privacy Policy

Here at Veteran Benefits Australia, (we, us, our, or Veteran Benefits Australia) protecting your privacy and treating your personal information with care is of paramount importance to us. This Privacy Policy explains why we collect personal information and how we collect, use, disclose, store and protect your personal information when you use our Veteran Benefits Australia Services (our referral services to third party suppliers of goods and services to veterans and anything we add to those services from time to time).

It also explains how to contact us to correct, update or delete any personal information provided to us, or make a complaint if you have concerns. We are compliant with the privacy principles of Australia.

We will only collect and process personal information about you where we have a lawful basis to do so. Lawful basis includes consent (where you have given consent such as filling out our “contact us” form), contract (where processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you) and legitimate interests (including security threats or frauds, compliance with applicable laws, and enabling us to administer our business).

You expressly and voluntarily grant your informed consent to Veteran Benefits Australia to deal with your personal information in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Privacy Policy. You have the right to withdraw or decline your consent at any time and where we rely on legitimate interests, you have the right to object.

Changes that we make to our Privacy Policy

We will notify you about any changes to our Privacy Policy by updating the “Last updated” date of this Privacy Policy.  You are encouraged to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed of updates. You will be deemed to have been made aware of, will be subject to, and will be deemed to have accepted the changes in any revised Privacy Policy by your continued use of the Veteran Benefits Australia Services after the date such revised Privacy Policy is posted.

Which entities does this Privacy Policy cover?

This Privacy Policy applies to Veteran Benefits Australia with respect to the Veteran Benefits Australia Services.

What is personal information?

Personal information is defined as information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database), whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.

What personal information do we collect?

From time to time Veteran Benefits Australia may offer the ability to make a donation or purchase goods or services including merchandise through its Website. The terms of donation or purchase will be in accordance with the online check-out terms and conditions appearing on check-out of the transaction.

Why do we collect your personal information?

We may collect your personal information when required by law but generally we collect personal information from you (or about you) to allow us to:

  • supply you with the Veteran Benefits Australia Services;
  • supply you with tailored service offerings that may benefit you;
  • communicate more effectively with you about our services such as through our newsletter;
  • supply marketing or promotional materials and other information to you;
  • ensure your experience with us is a positive one; and
  • notify you about our new services or product offerings, discounts, promotions or upcoming events.

 

Personal information collected or received by us will only be used for the stated purpose for which it was provided.

When you access the Veteran Benefits Australia Services, we may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, your operating system, the type of Internet browser you use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data (Usage Data).

When do we disclose your personal information?

Your personal information will not be used contrary to this Privacy Policy but may be disclosed to third parties in the following circumstances:

  • for the purpose it was collected (such as a referral to a third party service provider);
  • if we sell all or part of our business and the purchaser also requires your personal information;
  • to enforce our legal rights or those of others;
  • to prevent actual or potential fraud or illegal activity; or
  • if we are required to do so by law.

 

If personal information is disclosed to a third party, we are required to take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is treated in accordance with the laws that apply to personal information.

When and how do we collect your personal information?

We collect most personal information directly from you when you make an enquiry about our Veteran Benefits Australia Services from us. Your consent may be express (e.g. you agree to the use of your information by ticking a box) or implied by an action you take or do not take (i.e. because you have agreed to terms and conditions that contain information about the use or disclosure of your information).   At the date of this policy, your consent is given when you register your interest in a service, sign up for our newsletter or complete our contact us registration form.

What if you don’t want us to collect your personal information?

You are not obligated to provide us with your personal information. You may choose whether you receive communications from us. Whilst it is your choice not to provide your personal information to us this may impede our ability to provide you with all of the functionality of our Veteran Benefits Australia Services.

What if you don’t want to receive further communications from us?

Should you wish to remove yourself from our contact database you may do so at any time by contacting us at www.veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/contact-us/

How can I access, correct and/or update personal information you have collected?

At any time you may contact our Privacy Officer and request your personal information be modified. We will make all efforts to correct data once we have proved your identity.

We will deal with all requests for access to personal information as quickly as possible, but no later than 30 calendar days from the date of your request (unless any complexities arise).

We will refuse access where the personal information relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings, and the information would not be accessible by the process of discovery in those proceedings. Further, we will refuse access where your request is frivolous or vexatious, and where we reasonably believe that: giving access would pose a serious threat to the life, health or safety of any individual, or to public health or public safety; unlawful activity, or misconduct of a serious nature, is being or may be engaged in against Veteran Benefits Australia and giving access would be likely to prejudice the taking of appropriate action in relation to that matter.

If we refuse to give you access we will provide you with reasons for our refusal, unless doing so would be unreasonable in the circumstances. We will also take reasonable steps to give you access in a way that meets your needs without giving rise to the reasons of our refusal. Further, we will provide details of how you may make a complaint about our decision.

Please note that the access and correction requirements under this Privacy Policy operates alongside and do not replace other informal or legal procedures by which an individual can be provided access to, or correction of, their personal information.

How do we store and protect your personal information?

For us to provide excellent service we are required to store some personal information and take the greatest of care to ensure this information is treated as private and confidential. Transmitting personal data via the internet does have inherent risks associated with it. We will however take all reasonable steps to ensure the security of this data. Note that no information transmitted over the Internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure. While we will endeavour to protect your personal information as best as possible we cannot guarantee the security of any information that you transmit to us, or receive from us. The transmission and exchange of information is carried out at your own risk.

Although we take measures to safeguard against unauthorised disclosures of information, we cannot assure you that personal information that we collect will not be disclosed in a manner that is inconsistent with this Privacy Policy.

We have taken the necessary measures to ensure the personal information (including the financial information about yourself) we hold is not compromised. In accordance with and as permitted by applicable law and regulations we will retain your information as long necessary to serve you, to maintain your Veteran Benefits Australia registration or as otherwise need to operate our business.

It is important that you protect your privacy by ensuring that no one obtains your personal information and you must contact us directly if your details change. Should your information be erroneously provided to us or no longer remain valid within the constraints of this Privacy Policy we will securely destroy or de-identify it as soon as practicable, as long as it is lawful to do so.

We have obligations to notify you if you are affected by an data breach. We will take all reasonable precautions to take remedial action to prevent such an event. However, as we cannot guarantee that remedial action will be sufficient to prevent all instances of a breach, we will take steps to notify you of an eligible data breach as soon as practicable and provide recommendations as to what steps you should take to mitigate any serious loss or damage.

Cookies

Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our website, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.

Insofar as those cookies are not strictly necessary for the provision of our website and services, we will ask you to consent to our use of cookies when you first visit our website.

How do we use cookies?

We use cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website, including understanding how you use our website.

What types of cookies do we use?

There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses:

  • Functionality – we use these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. These could include what language you prefer and location you are in. A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used.

  • Advertising – we use these cookies to collect information about your visit to our website, the content you viewed, the links you followed and information about your browser, device, and your IP address. Sometimes we share some limited aspects of this data with third parties for advertising purposes. We may also share online data collected through cookies with our advertising partners. This means that when you visit another website, you may be shown advertising based on your browsing patterns on our website.

How to manage cookies

You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.

Third party sites

Our site has links to other websites and services provided on those websites not owned or controlled by us. These links are meant for your convenience only. Links to third party websites do not constitute sponsorship or endorsement or approval of these websites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practises of other such websites. We encourage our users to be aware, when they leave our website, to read the privacy statements of each and every website that collects personal identifiable information.

Disclosure policy:

Veteran Benefits Australia is in no way associated with the Department of Veteran Affairs. Veteran Benefits Australia is an online service providing an information blog that has affiliate agreements with its service providers. Veteran Benefits Australia is remunerated for its services from the service providers for the marketing and services it provides. Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that Veteran Benefits Australia will earn a commission if you decide to proceed with the service providers services they are providing. Please understand that I have thoroughly checked these service providers and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful for veterans, not simply because we make money from referring you to them. Please don’t proceed with these services if you don’t think they will benefit you or your family. Veteran Benefits Australia is purely designed to promote the awareness of these services and does not accept payments from veterans directly.

Veteran Benefits Australia Terms & Conditions

These are the terms and conditions of Veteran Benefits Australia. All advices, referrals and other services provided by Veteran Benefits Australia (“Services”) whether via its website at www.veteranbenefitsaustralia.com (“Website”) or by contacting Veteran Benefits Australia in any other manner, are provided on these Terms & Conditions and all customers of Veteran Benefits Australia’s Services (each a “Customer”) agree to these Terms & Conditions as a pre-condition of obtaining any Services from Veteran Benefits Australia. No terms and conditions introduced by the Customer shall take effect to vary these Terms & Conditions unless expressly agreed in writing by Veteran Benefits Australia.

About Veteran Benefits Australia’s Services

Veteran Benefits Australia’s Services are an online service and information blog designed to connect Customers to third party service providers (“Service Providers”) to facilitate Customers’ awareness and access to possible useful services for veterans, whether at full or discounted prices, as described in the various service categories described on the Website.

Veteran Benefits Australia does not of itself provide any health care service, social security service, legal or financial advice or any other direct service of any kind.

Veteran Benefits Australia is not affiliated with the Department of Veteran Affairs or any other Government department, the Returned and Services League Australia (RSL) or any other veterans association.

Veteran Benefits Australia’s Services are an independent online service.

About Service Providers

Whilst all care is taken to connect Customers with suitable, qualified and appropriate Service Providers based on the Customer’s instructions as to their needs, Veteran Benefits Australia does not endorse the advices of any Service Provider and expressly disclaims any liability for any products and services provided by Service Providers. Customers are encouraged to consider if the products and services of the Service Provider are suitable for the Customer’s needs and seek independent advice if required.

Veteran Benefits Australia will not conduct any assessments of the Customer’s needs and any recommendation that Veteran Benefits Australia makes for use of any Service Provider including for the making of any social security application, health care or other services is purely based on Veteran Benefits Australia’s response to the Customer’s request and their own assessment of their needs and circumstances.

Donations, merchandise and paid goods and services

From time to time Veteran Benefits Australia may offer the ability to make a donation or purchase goods or services including merchandise through its Website. The terms of donation or purchase will be in accordance with the online check-out terms and conditions appearing on check-out of the transaction.

Informed Consent for Social Worker Services

The purpose of the following is to inform you about the provision of social worker services by Medilinks Australia Online Pty Ltd t/as VBA Health (“us”, “we” “VBA Health”) and for you to consent to receive social worker services from us and to our management of your personal information.

Part A

Social Worker Services

Type of Services

Social worker services include the following supports:

Part B

Management of Health and Medical Information

Collection of Personal Information

As part of providing social worker services to you, we need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your situation, such as your name, contact information, medical history and other relevant information. This collection of personal information will be a necessary part of the services that are provided.

Viewing Your Accepted Conditions

The following steps will help view the accepted conditions of your DVA white card via the MyGov website.

Step 1:

Go to https://my.gov.au

Sign in to your myGov account using your Username and Password.

You can sign in to myGov using the following:

  • Your username (Your myGov username has 2 letters and 6 numbers. For example XY123456)
  • Your email address used to create your account
  • Your mobile number (if you have enabled this option)

After entering your login details you may be required to provide a one-time access code.

  • A one-time use code is sent by SMS to your mobile phone.

If you do not have a myGov account, you can create one by selecting Create myGov account on the myGov sign-in page.

Sign-in using the MyGov login page

Step 2:

Once you have logged into your account scroll down until you see the heading ‘Your Services’.

Your Services lists the government programs you access that offer online services through myGov. You should see ‘Department of Veteran Affairs’ listed here.

Select ‘Department of Veteran Affairs’.

If you do not see Department of Veteran Affairs listed you will have to link this service to your account (See the video below).

You can do this by selecting Link another service.

Select the DVA tile

Step 3:

This is your Department of Veterans’ Affairs My Service Home Page.

My Service allows you to access DVA services online such as:

  • Access support for a service-related condition or injury
  • Access your digital DVA Veteran Card
  • Lodge and track the status of your claims

Look in the middle column titled Claims.

Select Accepted Conditions.

Select Accepted Conditions from the Claims Menu

Step 4:

This page shows your digital DVA Veteran Card.

You will see information such as your Card NumberExpiryCard Type and the Conditions listed on your card.

Select the Conditions Listed drop-down menu to view the conditions listed on your card.

Step 5:

Select Print this Page in the top right-hand corner of the page to download your digital DVA Card as a PDF.

Alternatively, if accessing this on your mobile phone you can take a screenshot of this page. Depending on your phone you can:

  • Press the Side button and the Volume up button at the same time (iPhone)
  • Press the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time

 

Video on how to log on and link my service: