Today, on Veterans Day, we want recognize and honor our veterans for everything they have done for us. Without them, we would never have the level of freedom that we enjoy daily in our lives. However, for our veterans and their families, our freedom comes at a very large cost.
In 2013, the Annual Disability Statistics Compendium reported that “965,943 individuals ages 18 and over living in the community reported having a military service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more.” These disabilities include:
This number is extremely alarming; however the most frightening thing about this data is that many veterans refuse to seek treatment for their disability, either out of denial or fear that it will have a negative effect on their jobs or social standings. A lack of treatment leads to depression, substance abuse, a poor quality of life and even death, putting a terrible strain not only on the veterans themselves, but also on those people that are closest to them.
It is up to us – friends, family, and the community – to reach out to our veterans and help them get the treatment they need. The physicians and staff of CT Sinus Center want to do everything we can to help. Above we mentioned that veterans often suffer from sinus conditions. In fact, according to a study by The National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, 29% of the 60,000 men and women who had served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) between October 2001 and June 2008 suffer from sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. That is 17,400 people; and that study doesn’t even consider unreported cases and veterans of previous wars – wars in which Agent Orange and other herbicides were prevalently used.
If you or a veteran you know is suffering from any of these sinus conditions, schedule a consultation with our physicians at any of our three locations: Waterbury, Sharon. We will take the time to thoroughly discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options, including Balloon Sinus Dilation, a non-invasive procedure available only at CT Sinus Center that can put a permanent end to sinus suffering.
The physicians and staff of CT Sinus Center want to extend a most sincere thank you to all the veterans out there. While we can never repay you for what you’ve done for our country, we are here to do our part in helping you live the quality of life you deserve.
