Archives for March 2024

Health Tips After Camp Lejeune: Keeping A Check On Your Well-Being

Managing chronic conditions can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances. Veterans, spouses, children, and civilian workers who spent time at Camp Lejeune have had to deal with chronic conditions since they began experiencing symptoms.

It’s been 37 years since the water wells were closed for cleanup at the base. The children born during 1987 would be around the age of 37 now. Because the Marine Corps did not act until then, the last of these children have experienced cancers and other chronic conditions from their toxic exposure, either in utero or following birth.

Effective management of your condition is essential to maintaining your quality of life. Here are some ways to help.

Health Tips After Camp Lejeune: Keeping A Check On Your Well-Being

Wellness, well-being and happiness concept. Silhouette of woman with open arms raised to the sky on sunset beach practicing yoga.

Stay Current On Your Condition

Understanding your condition goes a long way to help manage it and take care of yourself. Actively engaging in your treatment plan also makes it easier to make informed decisions. Partner with your healthcare provider to make changes in your treatment plan if they are needed, and continue your medication and other recommended therapies.

New treatments and medications are always being developed. How can you ask your doctor about a new treatment if you don’t know it’s available? You’ll be fully aware of these updates by keeping current on research developments, management, and the latest treatments.

You can also find others who share the same condition by creating or engaging with a support group, national organization, or social network.

Make Healthier Choices

If you haven’t already, turn it into a healthy lifestyle. Clean up your diet and make healthier choices every day and reduce or eliminate unhealthy choices.

Tobacco and alcohol are two options that many people choose, but can worsen chronic conditions. Avoid or remove these from your daily routine.

Exercise Can Help

It’s not about running a marathon; it’s about using your body as much as you’re able. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that can elevate mood and help you feel better. Whether you choose yoga, lifting weights, seated cycling, walking, or another fitness routine, it should be suitable for your physical condition.

Bring exercise into your self-care routine to ease both the physical and mental effects of a chronic illness. The Mayo Clinic’s website has more information on exercising with chronic conditions.

Reduce Stress Levels

Stress in any form can turn a bad mood into a very bad mood. Illness takes a toll on the entire family and can impact a couple’s relationship. It’s important to control the amount of daily stress as much as possible. Ask for help when needed, delegate where you can, and reduce or eliminate any obligations or commitments that are stressful, and you cannot handle any longer.

Getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress and increase mood clarity. Adding enjoyable activities such as outings and hobbies to self-care can also help reduce stress levels.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Immediately For Your Camp Lejeune Claim

For over 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. Your time is running out to file a claim.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Resources for Families Impacted by the Camp Lejeune Water Crisis

By now you’re aware of the options for filing a claim if you were exposed to the toxic contamination in the drinking water supply at the USMC Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. However, there are other resources for families who were caught in the water crisis.

Sunset at Camp Lejeune North Carolina for Camp Lejeune Water Crisis blog post

The VA’s Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

Both veterans and their families can apply to this program.

Veterans are eligible for healthcare from the VA if they have been diagnosed with one of the Qualifying Medical Conditions Identified in Public Law 112-154:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Female infertility
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Miscarriage
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Neurobehavioral effects including Parkinson’s disease
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Renal toxicity
  • Scleroderma

Family members can apply for reimbursement for medical care related to one or more of these presumptive conditions. Additional information is available at the VA’s website and the program’s website. Eligible family members can begin their application on the program’s website, or by filing a paper application according to the instructions.

Private Support and Resources

There are many private and nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and their families, including those who were poisoned at Camp Lejeune.

There are also multiple private groups on Facebook for Camp Lejeune veterans and family members.

Other Nonprofits for Veterans Assistance

  • National Veterans Foundation/Lifeline For Vets, a veteran-to-veteran non-governmental outreach service that assists veterans and their families in need, along with referral services that are specific to individual veterans and their families’ needs.
  • Hope for the Warriors, a veterans assistance program founded at Camp Lejeune by military families, offering support for both military families and veterans. In addition to physical, financial, and mental wellness support, the organization includes social support for veterans. Sign up for their email updates on their website.

These are just some of the available support groups for veterans and their families. Veterans.com also has a list of different groups that may be able to help.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

For over 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or use our online contact form. Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

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