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Health & Fitness

Even under the best of circumstances, striking a balance between “real life” and focusing on health and fitness is no easy task. Fold in military spouse life, and it kicks that challenge up a notch! 

This category will give you insight from a milspouse perspective, including workouts, celebrating victories (large and small), and how to put your health as a priority, no matter what milspouse life throws your way. 

Trust us. These great resources will make you “sit-up” and take notice. Don’t “weight” too long or “waist” any time.  “Run” through these blogs. We are serious. “Jump” to it. 

PS: Don’t skip leg day. 

Eating Disorder Challenges for Military Spouses and Children

Eating Disorder Challenges for Military Spouses and Children

Eating disorders occur more often among active-duty service members and veterans than among the general population. There are many reasons for this: perfectionism, past trauma, making weight requirements, weight and shape stigma, and mental health stigma. But what about military spouses and children? Do they experience eating disorders as well?

Short answer: Yes, they do. From external circumstances to challenging family dynamics, there are several possible contributors to eating disorders in military dependents:

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Five Benefits to Pumping Iron

Five Benefits to Pumping Iron

As a strength and conditioning coach, I meet many women who shy away from lifting moderate to heavy weights because of their fears that they will get too bulky, or they do not feel they can lose weight with resistance training.  While cardiovascular training does typically burn more calories per session, resistance training—using moderate to heavy loads—not only burns calories with each session, but it also gives the body many benefits that increase the quality of those calories burned in the long-term. 

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I’ve Been There: Reflections on Mental Health Stigma

I’ve Been There: Reflections on Mental Health Stigma

When I meet with individuals seeking support at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, I truly understand their situation. I’ve been there!

I’m the outreach manager for the clinic, which offers mental health services for post-9/11 veterans and military families. In February, our clinic also started treating active-duty service members. 

Currently, our services are provided virtually through Cohen Veteran Network (CVN) Telehealth face-to-face video therapy across the state of North Carolina. When pandemic restrictions are lifted, we will also offer in-person sessions in our newly renovated 5,300-square-foot clinic in Jacksonville.

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Wellness Without Worries: USO Presents InDependent Wellness Summit

Wellness Without Worries: USO Presents InDependent Wellness Summit

“Self-care” is a phrase people talk about a lot these days, as we all coping with the uncertainty and pressure of the ongoing pandemic. 

The idea seems simple enough. Take care of yourself. Make sure you have breaks during your busy day. It’s the whole idea of “put your oxygen mask on before you assist others with theirs.” 

So, we all know we need to practice self-care. We know the havoc stress, burn out, and endless to-do lists can wreak on our mental and emotional health. Why, then, does self-care often feel like another chore? One more worry gnawing at the back of your mind. For military spouses especially, finding time for self-care can feel impossible. 

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How Bad Do You Want It?

How Bad Do You Want It?

This month, retired Marine Corps Maj. Lisa Davis shares her journey. I must confess that I am jealous of Lisa because, of all the accomplishments she has achieved during her running career, one is close to home—The JFK 50 Mile Run. Her milestone in this event came at the end of the 2019 race which was her 10th completion. On Nov. 20, 2020, Lisa was inducted into the JFK 500 Mile Club to recognize her performance. I have attempted the event 11 times and managed to complete only seven. 

I am still inspired. 

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Bubble Baths and a Box of Chocolates

Bubble Baths and a Box of Chocolates

I come from a large family that insists on a rowdy bi-annual family reunion. One year, my brother decided to hold the reunion at his gorgeous new home. Theoretically, it sounded perfect. There was a large yard, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and we were meeting during a mild weather month so tent camping on the lawn. And when the day came, forty men, women, and children arrived all at once, with suitcases and cars and tents and toys.

Forty people. One home. An entire week.

Right around day 3, I opened the pantry closet and found my sister-in-law hiding inside. Desperate for a minute of peace, she’d simply stepped inside a dark food pantry and stayed there for a still undisclosed amount of time.

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