Sergeant’s fitness demonstrates health benefits

  • Published
  • By Kathryn Buthker and Jenny Pearson
  • 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  "If you weren't in such good shape, you'd be dead!" That's what the doctor said to Master Sgt. Ed Hood, 573rd Global Support Squadron first sergeant as he was being released from David Grant USAF Medical Center after making a complete and speedy recovery from a potentially lethal medical issue.

Throughout Sergeant Hood's 22-year military career, he has always encouraged the Airmen around him to stay fit and healthy. Little did he know how much this message would mean for his own life.

Raised on a farm in Texas, Sergeant Hood understands the concept of "work hard and play hard." He used that motto for many years by staying active and participating in regular physical training. In fact, during his deployment to Kyrgyzstan in 2009, he even started running regularly. "My fellow Airmen and myself ran not only to get in shape for the new fitness requirements, but also just to pass the time," explained Sergeant Hood.

When he returned from his deployment he was committed to staying in shape so he continued to run. He found running to be an outlet and it was enjoyable to him.

However, in February 2011, Sergeant Hood went to DGMC's emergency department complaining of severe pain in the left side of his chest and shortness of breath. He had no idea why he had to gasp for each breath.

"Initially, my health care providers thought it was a heart attack because my electrocardiogram test showed abnormal rhythms," said Sergeant Hood. More tests ruled out a heart attack; Sergeant Hood had a pleural effusion, a condition in which fluid builds up in the pericardium - the space between the lining of the chest cavity and the heart and lungs.

It was several days before the medical staff was able to determine the reason for the pleural effusion. During a procedure to drain fluid from the pleural cavity, an abscess the size of a baseball was discovered to be the cause of his difficulties. Radiology studies prior to this could not detect the abscess because of the excessive volume of fluid.
Recovering from the surgery to remove the abscess was not easy.

Even though he was a champ in dealing with some of the most physically painful times in his life, he said he knows without his healthcare providers, his wife of 13 years, Emilee, his son Quinton and his Air Force family who helped him through it all, he wouldn't be here today.

"In the Air Force, we know the importance of being physically fit for the success of the mission and operating in a wartime environment," said Sergeant Hood. "In my case, my fitness level saved my life right here at home. My body was strong enough to withstand the physical stress the excess fluid in the chest was placing on my heart and lungs; it gave the doctors time to make a diagnosis and to perform the necessary surgery."

Now that he's back to work and mission ready, Sergeant Hood continues to encourage other Airmen to stay fit and to be healthy, but on a whole new level. He encourages all fitness interests such as sports and other hobbies to stay fit.

"I find enjoyment in running and just about any outdoor activities that require agility, coordination, speed and a strong cardiovascular base," said Sergeant Hood. "I also spend Saturdays on the paintball field with my son teaching him and others the importance of an active lifestyle."

"Having a sport or hobby you enjoy makes physical activity less of a burden and more of a fun thing to do," said Dr. Mary Nelson, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Health and Wellness Center director. "Often it employs teamwork, leadership, and social health along with physical well being."

"These are the attributes of resiliency,as demonstrated by Master Sergeant Hood and the keys to accomplishing the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win, or to face whatever unexpected adversity that may come your way," she said.