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380AEW Article

All’s fair in staying healthy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several medical professionals from the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group hosted a medical information fair April 24 to pass on preventative care measures people can take to avoid having to go to the clinic.

Some of the most common issues the medics see are also some of the most preventable, such as heat-related injuries like dehydration and sunburns, which are often treated with intravenous fluid drips.

"It's only April here and it's already really hot," said Master Sgt. Timothy Grandberry, the clinical services flight chief deployed from Joint Base Langley-Eustis. "It's always good to be proactive about taking care of people. Remind them to stay hydrated and wear sun block ... it's better than needing an IV."

The two-hour fair was the second time the 380th EMDG set up shop outside the main dining facility. In addition to answering questions, the handful of medics also handed out sundries like lip balm, toothpaste, razors and other personal healthcare items.

"I've spent about 10 months here total and what they're telling people about the heat is definitely worthwhile," said 1st Lt. Joseph Joyce, a KC-10 Extender pilot deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. "Tensions can run high on deployments and people can sometimes forget about their personal health. It's good to see them doing this."

According to Grandberry, the medical staff will hold a fair each month through the summer to remind everyone to take care of themselves.

"If giving people what they need - whether it's a toothbrush or information - keeps them from having to go to the clinic, it means we can focus on patients who need more critical care. In addition, educating people about preventative medicine keeps them performing their mission."