In the context of military service, the issue of soldier's health has been an essential concern for many years now. Soldiers' health includes physical health, mental health, emotional health, social health, spiritual health, etc., but one aspect that is often ignored is their relational and sexual health. Relational and sexual health encompasses how soldiers interact with others and establish meaningful relationships while managing their sexual lives.
When routine healthcare access is limited due to various reasons such as deployment, remote location, and lack of resources, it becomes challenging to manage these aspects of health. Therefore, this article will explore ways in which soldiers can maintain relational and sexual health even when they have little or no access to routine health care.
One way in which soldiers can maintain relational and sexual health despite limited access to healthcare services is by cultivating strong interpersonal skills. This involves building trust and communication between themselves and those around them.
Soldiers can practice active listening and empathy, be mindful of their tone and body language, and avoid being judgmental towards others. They should also express gratitude and appreciation to people who support them through difficult times. These skills help soldiers connect with each other better, strengthen their bonds, and build resilience during periods of stress.
They can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp to keep in touch with family members, friends, and loved ones back home. Social media provides a platform where soldiers can share their experiences and feelings without physically being present, thus preserving the intimacy in their relationship.
Soldiers can also ensure good relational and sexual health by practicing self-care routines. Self-care includes activities that promote mental wellness, physical fitness, and emotional stability. Soldiers can engage in physical exercises such as running, swimming, cycling, yoga, meditation, etc., to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also participate in group activities like sports games, reading books, watching movies, attending concerts, etc., to enhance their social lives and reduce loneliness. Moreover, they can seek counseling from mental health professionals when needed to address personal concerns such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and other psychological issues. By taking care of their mental and emotional health, soldiers can maintain good relationships with themselves and those around them, which is essential for establishing meaningful connections and managing their sexual desires.
It's crucial to note that limited access to routine healthcare services doesn't imply lack of sex education or knowledge about sexual health. On the contrary, most military institutions provide comprehensive sexual health education to their personnel before deployment. These trainings cover topics such as contraception, HIV/AIDS prevention, STDs transmission, and safe sex practices.
Soldiers are educated on how to use condoms correctly and responsibly. The training also covers information on the importance of communication and mutual consent during intimacy. Therefore, soldiers should not shy away from seeking medical attention for any sexual issue because they have little or no access to routine healthcare services.
Despite limited access to routine healthcare services, soldiers can manage relational and sexual health by cultivating strong interpersonal skills, practicing self-care routines, and having adequate knowledge about sexual health.
It's important to remember that these strategies require discipline, commitment, and consistency to be effective. Soldiers need to prioritize their health and wellness, including relational and sexual aspects, regardless of the circumstances. This will help them stay motivated, resilient, and ready to fulfill their duties and responsibilities in the military service effectively.
In what ways do soldiers manage relational and sexual health when routine healthcare access is limited?
Soldiers stationed overseas face many challenges related to their physical and mental wellbeing. One of the most significant obstacles is limited access to medical care services. This includes both routine and emergency medical care. With limited access to routine healthcare, soldiers may not be able to receive regular checkups, preventative screenings, or treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.