By: Jeffrey B. Jackson, PhD, LMFT Service Members and their spouses face challenges their civilian counterparts often do not, such as moving frequently and spending long periods of time apart. These challenges can be worse when gender roles are reversed and Servicewomen are married to civilian men. Civilian husbands of Servicewomen often need to navigate a variety of unique challenges because of this gender role reversal and related pressures. For example, take the experience of a U.S. Coast Guard Servicewoman's civilian husband in his thirties. When they were first married, he had trouble ..read more

By: Maria McConville, MS, RDN* I had the privilege of interviewing a new teammate of the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) family, Brandon Lee. Brandon is a civilian H2F Registered Dietitian (RD) in 2BCT, Fort Drum, NY, with a fascinating professional background. In addition to being a dietitian, he also has a unique interest in the field of growth mindset. Maria: How did you become interested in nutrition and its intersection with a growth mindset? Brandon: I was interested in biology, health science, and wellness from a young age. Before discovering my passion for nutrition, I was an ..read more

By: Dakota Gillmore, PhD If the warmer weather has you itching to get out of the house, consider that some activities you might choose to get involved in are more helpful and healthful than others. Volunteering, for example, is a free and rewarding way to extend a helping hand to those who need support. Fortunately, many of these activities are good for you! They provide opportunities to be physically active, have fun, and interact with friends, family, and others in your community.   Why volunteer? Volunteering provides vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and your commun ..read more

Whether it’s lifting ammo cans or loading a truck, a strong core can help you move safely and efficiently. Your core is more than just your abs: It includes lots of other muscles that stabilize your shoulders, hips, and pelvis. Your core muscles are vital when it comes to safely and properly doing functional movements too. When you’re trying to build a stronger core, variations of planks, sit-ups, and crunches are typically thought of as the go-to moves. Still, it can be hard to strengthen all your core muscles with traditional “ab routines” you do on the ground. And these movements can ..read more

By: Maria McConville, MS, RDN The beginning of each new year brings a resurgence of new diets and weight loss plans. These diets come in every shape and size. Some of the old—and new—diet plans focus on reducing calories by reducing carbs. But these diets don’t always distinguish between the carbs that give us energy and provide valuable nutrients (think fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products) and the carbs that provide some energy (calories) but little to no nutrition (think candy, soda, and chips). If you’re looking for a way to try some nutritious options for carbs that give yo ..read more

By: LTC Bethany Deschamps, PhD, RD, LD, CSCS Proper nutrition is essential for wellness and maintaining a healthy body weight—both shown to have an important impact on the overall readiness of Service Members and the “strength of our Force.” Your diet consists of all the food and beverage choices you make throughout your day. These choices provide your body with energy and nutrients for function and performance. As a registered dietitian, I know that consistently making healthy food choices—that maximize nutrient intake without overconsuming calories—ensures optimal daily performance. Encou ..read more

By: Maria McConville, MS, RDN* It’s that time of the year again, when summer’s bounty of strawberries and blueberries is long gone, and even those fruits and vegetables boasting fall’s warm hues are a near-distant memory. Now, winter’s most vibrant fruit takes center stage: Enter the cranberry. Cranberries, which are mostly water, carbohydrates, and fiber, pack a powerful nutritional punch. They contain vitamins C, E, and K, and the minerals copper and manganese. These nutrients are especially important during the winter months when your immune system can be challenged. In addition to the ..read more

By Alaina Hansom, PhD During the holiday season, it can be tempting to spend lavishly on gifts. Many people fall victim to the thinking trap that an item is better because it’s more expensive. I know I’ve certainly had my fair share of wanting the name-brand item when the generic item works just as well for a fraction of the cost. One reason why it can be tempting to spend so much financially is because gifts can be emotional. Gift giving shows someone you care about them. It says “I’m thinking of you” in physical form. But there are other (often cheaper) ways to communicate care—they’r ..read more

By: Andrew Lasso*, military family member "Change your mindset, and you will change your life." One area where this concept is incredibly true is in the way people deal with stress. The way you view stress can have a profound impact on how you operate during the countless stressful situations you deal with in life. One example that exemplifies how someone’s stress mindset changed his life—and his family’s life—is my father. When I was about to enter 1st grade, life seemed perfect for my family. I was surrounded by my 3 siblings, parents, and a dog. My father went to work every day and ca ..read more

Have you ever heard of weighted blankets? These sleep companions have gained popularity in recent years for their potential to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and ease anxiety. Service Members often report trouble with their sleep and can benefit from ways to optimize their sleep readiness. But does the evidence support using weighted blankets to improve sleep? Learn more about how weighted blankets work and the science behind their impact on sleep. What are weighted blankets? Weighted blankets contain fill materials—small metal chains, glass beads, or plastic pellets—to make them hea ..read more