Military Health Matters Resource Center provides a selection of materials and resources on topics such as: PTSD, TBI, Mental Health, Clinical Trials, Future Medicine, Combat Trauma, and more.
Scope: patient/consumer, clinician.
Over 85% of ‘internet users’ are seeking medical and health information. No one checks whether things on line are true or from a reputable source.
about web sites:
Many reputable sites provide a lot of good information … sometimes all this can be overwhelming and confusing (especially for someone who is suffering from a brain injury, is depressed or has PTSD. A family member may be seeking information as well…but are stressed by the situation and frustrated because they just want basic questions answered.
Many sites are not kept current (up to date), …published materials and information more than one or two years old).For some topics, this is ok (e.g. anatomy (the brain, skull)or if it is of a historical nature. If it is older than a couple of years or less…it is not current.
Every day new medical and health information is published! Even information professionals get overwhelmed by the volumes of information put out daily!
How a site is arranged (Web ‘architecture’) can make the difference between a site that is easy to navigate (move around) or very confusing!
How many times have you been searching on a site, click on a link (not sure where exactly where the link is going to take you) and before you know it… you have jumped through several sites … and cannot go back to exactly where you were in the first place??
The purpose of MHMRC is to :
provide concise, carefully selected, current (publications <1 year) and materials.
keep the site simple and easy to use – concise (sort of like the Cliff Notes- back in the day).
provide a smaller collection of data that is continually checked for currency (how old??) and relevancy (can it be replaced by something better?)
address medical issues specific to military personnel, veterans, and their families, many of these topics are of interest to the general public as well.
provide valuable ‘capsules’ of clinical references and data from a wide range of pre-publications and just published journal issues a timely and new topics.
provide assistance to individuals seeking specific information on a particular topic (it doesn’t’ matter if the topic is on the site or not).
MHMRC is for YOU!
If there is something you would like to see added, or a topic you would like to see covered…please let me know!
My journey into the world of the military…
…………...began back in June/July 2001 my son casually informed us that he had enlisted in the Army and would be leaving shortly for basic training (boot camp). We were all really (really) surprised! His girlfriend (now wife) even thought he was joking (he's a prankster)
My son, self acclaimed ‘video game nerd’ had been in gifted classes, who’s definition of ‘cleaning your room’ was to throw everything under the bed (I'm going to get into trouble for saying this one!), ….had chosen to go into the Army.
Surprised but proud, I have always been very proud of our Armed Forces; my father was a Navy Seabee in WWII and my son’s father served in the Air Force during Vietnam. My son had come to this decision in a very thoughtful way, so we all said our ‘good-byes’ and hoped (and prayed) he would be able to adapt to a very different life
Tuesday, September 11 2001
I was at home recuperating from an appendectomy when the first hijacked airliner flew into WTC I. Like most, my initial reaction was disbelief that quickly turned to shock and horror! I also knew at that moment, our world, our country, our family, and our son’s destiny would be irrevocably changed.
After his last Iraq deployment which lasted fifteen months, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. He will never tell you that.
He is extremely honored and proud of receiving this recognition but when asked, will always credit his squad and their bravery that day; we know it takes an exceptional leader to bring out those qualities.
My son is a Staff Sergeant, 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne currently deployed to Iraq.
Spring, 2008.
Our younger son had expressed for a long time an interest in following his brother’s footsteps.
Part of what led him to this decision was the sacrifice and the responsibilities he knew personally were being shouldered by our men and women in uniform. During his college years, his brother had been away (deployed) more than home. In the spring of 2008 our younger son enlisted (yes, enlisted) in the Army on an 18x (Special Forces) contract. Thankfully, our older son was able to go with him several times to the recruiter and make sure his contract and terms were in order. He was also able to give him a very realistic view of life in the military.
Sans the surfing ‘locks’ (thick curls), he left for boot camp as I contemplated the next chapter in life as a very proud army mom to two sons!
As it were ... my son was injured during Airborne School and currently is in the Medical Board process (medical discharge). He did a fine job during boot camp, AIT, and while in “airborne holding’. He is currently in the med board process, we are extremely grateful for the excellent medical care he has been receiving.
My son is a Specialist, Warrior Battalion, Ft. Benning GA. He assists around the unit helping serve others with more severe injuries; volunteers several days a week at the base school and on weekends for the local animal shelter.
Why I Started the Military Health Matters Resource Center.
I am a research/information professional… for close to twenty-seven years, the past seventeen in medicine. I decided to combine the two things I am most passionate about…medical research, helping others by doing so and our military.
There is so much information out there and the challenge for most … is to find appropriate information that can be trusted. I am a tireless advocate for ‘health information literacy’… teach and show others how they can become actively engaged in their own health care along with their health care providers.
The health of our Military personnel (present, past and future) should really matter to us all.
Please see my brief CV and find out about economical solutions for your information and knowledge management needs.
Other activities which I am involved:
Founder, Chief Moderator: 82nd ABN, 3rd BCT Support Group
Member of other military support groups. Blue Star Moms, Blue Star Families, Adopt-a-Platoon, and a few others.
Thank you for visiting the military health matters resource center!
If there is something you would like included on this site or if you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Karen Estrada, MS
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