Veteran Health Insights

Meaning is not philosophy—it’s physiology. In this reflection, Dr. Howard Friedman, M.D., reveals how the “will to meaning” steadies both body and mind. When life feels aimless, rediscovering purpose becomes the most powerful prescription.

In medicine, ecology, and psychology, resistance vs resilience defines how we survive change. One holds the line; the other learns to rebuild it. True strength lies in knowing when to stand firm—and when to bend.

Emotional honesty isn’t conflict—it’s connection. Learn how truth spoken with empathy heals the nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and strengthens trust in relationships.

For centuries, we’ve searched for happiness like treasure. Yet true joy isn’t found—it’s remembered. Discover how biology and mindfulness lead us home.

Our stories live in the body. Unhealed narratives fuel stress, pain, and illness. When truth replaces fear, the body listens — and begins to heal.

Time does not move in a straight line — neither does healing. Veterans live across three timelines at once: the past that lingers, the present that demands, and the future that still holds promise. Time is not only medicine; it is the ground we walk as we heal.

Pain keeps the body awake. Lack of sleep magnifies pain. This two-way struggle between chronic pain and sleep can feel endless—but balance can be restored.

Metabolism is more than calories in and out — it’s the hidden math of life. Age, genetics, hormones, and choices all shape how your body burns energy. By understanding your metabolism, you can take control of diet, movement, sleep, and stress to keep your body’s engine running strong.

PTSD is not just in the mind — it is written into the body through stress hormones, disrupted sleep, and inflammation. For veterans, these changes leave lasting scars on health and memory. This blog explores the biology of PTSD and how true healing comes from integration, not suppression.

Illness from toxic exposure doesn’t always appear right away. The long latency of toxic exposure means diseases like cancer, lung disease, and neuropathy may emerge decades later. Veterans and responders must advocate for recognition and screenings

Every veteran carries a spark within — the mitochondria that fuel strength, memory, and resilience. When stress, toxins, and sleepless nights dim that spark, fatigue and illness follow. This blog explores how to restore cellular energy and reignite the flame.

Loneliness is more than an ache in the heart — it can harm health as much as smoking. For veterans and civilians alike, disconnection fuels disease. This blog explores why loneliness is rising and how small acts of reconnection can begin the healing.

Conflict is inevitable, but resolution is what strengthens bonds. At HHOM, we use “The Gutman” to transform anger into empathy, proving that love can find its way even in the storm.

Vulnerability once meant exposure to danger in combat. After service, it can mean courage, trust, and connection. This reflection explores how veterans can carry both truths without shame.

Marriage is more than a contract—it is a daily covenant of trust, respect, and forgiveness. Learn how to build a good marriage that lasts.

Addiction recovery requires more than willpower. Dr. Howard Friedman, M.D., explores how compulsion grows, its consequences, and why vulnerability opens the way to healing.

Laughter lowers stress, boosts immunity, eases pain, and strengthens the heart—true medicine without a prescription.

Veterans face higher risks of prostate cancer from service exposures. PSA is a vital tool but imperfect. Modern refinements like free PSA, MRI, and biomarkers can bring clarity while avoiding unnecessary harm.

Hypertension doesn’t roar onto the battlefield—it creeps in silently. For veterans, stress, exposures, and secondary conditions make this “silent wound” a service legacy that must be recognized and treated.

Noise leaves no scar but rewires the brain. For veterans, tinnitus and hearing loss are lasting injuries of service. This blog explores the science, the VA claim maze, and the fight for recognition.