November 2012

OperationalStress

& Smoking Cessation

Operational Stress Management Serving in the military can be greatly rewarding, but can also elevate the stress levels of Sailors especially in the operational environment.

Stress is defined as the process by which we respond to challenges to the body and mind and has also been known to exhibit physical and physiological manifestations.

Common Signs of Operational Stress include: fatigue, shakiness or trembling, upset stomach or headaches, insomnia, anger, irritability, anxiety, fear, loss of confidence, Poor concentration, Alcohol abuse.

If you or someone else is suffering from stress what should you do? There are many techniques a person can use to de-stress themselves and people around them, such as resting, sleeping, showering, hanging out with friends, communicating with others, and remaining optimistic or having a positive attitude.

The Stress Continuum is a model that identifies how you and your Sailors are reacting under stressful situations.

Green Zone is the good-to-go zone. Not stress free, but coping with stress in a healthy way.

Yellow Zone is the stress reaction zone. Includes common irritations, annoyances and worries that are usually mild and reversible and require little, if any, intervention. If not managed, though, the stressors can add up and lead to more serious problems.

Orange Zone is the stress injury zone. More severe and persistent stress that can include loss of function, nightmares, feelings of guilt or shame, and panic or rage attacks. Much less common than stress reactions in the Yellow Zone, these injuries typically are caused by life threats, loss (such as the death of a buddy or a relationship breakup), inner conflicts and continued wear-and-tear.

Red Zone is the stress illness zone. It includes clinical medical disorders that can only be diagnosed by health professionals. Stress illnesses are stress injuries that persist, get worse, or get better and then get worse. These illnesses include: post-traumatic stress, major depression, certain anxiety disorders, alcohol or drug dependence.

Deployments can be difficult. They are difficult for the service member and they are difficult for those left behind to manage things at home. When getting ready to deploy, make sure those left behind have the tools they need to manage things while you are away.

Powers of Attorney

In a “power of attorney”, you give another person (called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) the legal authority to act in your place and on your behalf in your absence. Every act your agent does within the authority granted in the document is legally binding upon you.

1. General Power of Attorney: A general power of attorney provides your agent with all the power you possess to act with respect to any matter. It allows your agent the power to do all the things you could do yourself, such as sell or mortgage a home; deposit and withdraw money from accounts; borrow and sign contracts.

2. Special Power of Attorney: A special, or limited, power of attorney authorizes your agent to do a certain specified act, such as ship household goods or sell an automobile.

For more information, contact Navy Legal Service Office (NLSO) at 243-8901 or 243-5856. They are located on the 2nd floor of the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) building.

Although tobacco use in the Navy is down from years past, it is still a major contributor to health issues that compromise readiness.

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. They may use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps people know about the many tools they can use to quit for good.

Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support, such as:Nicotine replacement products, counseling, stop-smoking groups, telephone smoking cessation hotlines, prescription medicine to lessen cravings, guide books, encouragement and support from friends and family members.

Using two or more of these measures to help you quit works better than using any one of them alone.

Tobacco Cessation Programs are designed to assist people with quitting the use of tobacco products. It is a program that provides prevention, awareness, motivation, and education on tobacco and its health risks.

The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions

For more information, visit the Health Promotions department located at 3rd deck of Fleet Recreation Center, Rm 323, or contact their office at 243-9776, between 0800 and 1600.