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Your AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist
Do you have any concerns, questions or feedback on health or additional needs issues? Contact our AFF Specialist, Karen Ross, on 07552 861983 or additionalneeds@aff.org.uk l This post is generously sponsored by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 95 per cent of men with testicular cancer are cured, compared to less than 70 per cent in the early 1970s. Death rates from the disease have fallen by 80 per cent since the mid-1970s.
Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, MOD British Crown copyright
EQUIPMENT CHECK
M
ALE soldiers are being reminded to check their personal “equipment” as part of a new Army campaign to raise awareness of male-specific diseases. Every year 20 soldiers are diagnosed with testicular cancer, which is becoming an ever-increasing issue in young men aged 20-35 – the main age that our troops serve their country around the world. When caught early enough there’s a 90 per cent survival rate, but male soldiers are often less likely to seek medical help and instead try to “tough it out”. The Army’s awareness campaign has initially focused on testicular cancer and is urging soldiers to think about their health differently. Light-hearted posters and leaflets have been produced to educate soldiers about how to carry out self-checks and highlight what to look for, helping to keep male-associated diseases such as testicular and prostate cancer in check. Let your husband, partner, boyfriend, son or brother know where they can get more advice if they need it. For further information, visit the charity checkemlads.com where fellow Service personnel share their stories of overcoming testicular cancer, or check out the health pages online at www.army.mod.uk
Overseas maternity care IF YOU are being posted to or are already in Nepal or Kenya and you are pregnant, the Army Medical Directorate strongly advises that you return to the UK prior to reaching the 32nd week of your pregnancy in order to reduce the risk to both you and your child. In these circumstances, it is mandatory that you inform your soldier’s Commanding Officer so that either your partner’s posting is adjusted or arrangements are made to return you to the UK. This will be funded by the MOD. Further details can be obtained from the relevant country Land Forces Standing Orders, which are currently being updated. For more information about this issue, visit the overseas health section at www.aff.org.uk or contact AFF’s Karen Ross by emailing additionalneeds@aff.org.uk 28 Army&You autumn 2013
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