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FireRescue1 Health Week Coverage
FireRescue1, in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, is pleased to be a part of National Firefighter Health Week. Check back with FireRescue1 throughout the week as we provide daily staff exclusives and articles by respected professionals in the field. Use the tips and information here to help you and your department stay safe and healthy on and off the job. Whether you're a member of a volunteer, professional or combination department, staying healthy could save your life.

Monday, Aug. 13: Behavioral Health

Tuesday, Aug. 14: Cancer

Wednesday, Aug. 15: Heart Health

Thursday, Aug. 16: Nutrition

Friday, Aug. 17: Lifestyle
Monday, Aug. 13: Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health: Minding Stress on the Job Today's Tip
By Carole Patterson, PhD, Sarah Gleacher, MD, and Spencer Eth, MD
Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, New York
Remind department members to seek help if they feel overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed. Create and distribute a listing of what local and departmental resources and support systems are available.
From the end of 2001 through 2004, more than 2,000 FDNY-related people were seen for public education and individual and group counseling.

Our research found that, in addition to exposures related to 9/11, participants experienced an average of four or five prior potentially traumatic stressors. It is not uncommon for post-traumatic stress disorder to develop after multiple traumatic events.

A natural result of trauma and crisis is that past – and even deep-seated – memories or associations of previous ... Full Story
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What About Mental and Emotional Rehab? Part 1

What About Mental and Emotional Rehab? Part 2

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Tuesday, Aug. 14: Cancer
Cancer: You're not alone Today's Tip
By Jamie Thompson, FireRescue1 News Editor
Encourage the firefighters in your department to get screened annually for specific types of cancers for which they may be at risk. If it has been over a year since the last screening, make the appointment today.

It's often said that cancer can strike anyone. But when you're a firefighter, the chances of getting the disease rise beyond random selection.

Firefighters face up to twice the risk of developing certain types of cancer than any other worker, according to a University of Cincinnati study published last November.

The researchers said the findings suggest that the PPE used by firefighters, particularly in the past, did not protect them enough against cancer-causing toxins at fire scenes ... Full Story
Cancer survivor: Fellow firefighters helped my battle
By Paul Soteropoulos
Firefighter-paramedic, Los Angeles County Fire Department

I think when I felt the pain, I knew it was something big. I just had that feeling. Kind-of weird, huh? First, I was pretty blown away, then, well, I guess I was pretty blown away for a while. In fact, I am still blown away — in a different way — but I will get into that later.

Cancer is not the end, it is the beginning. That may sound strange but that is the way I feel. Maybe if I was dying it would be differently, but after two years in remission, I'm feeling good ... Full Story
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Recognizing Risk Factors Can Reduce Fatalities

Cancer risk twice as high for firefighters

Young WTC responders exhibiting cancers seen in elderly, specialists say

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Wednesday, Aug. 15: Heart Health
Heart Health: 'Talk-test' your way to personal fitness Today's Tip
By Fabio Comana
Research scientist and exercise physiologist
American Council on Exercise
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get screened for heart disease risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

Many firefighters, like civilians, have underlying heart disease. Sudden and extreme exertion and exposure to toxic environments can trigger heart attacks. While career firefighters are typically more fit and healthy than civilians, 70 percent of firefighters are volunteers.

Volunteer firefighters are generally older and less active than their full-time counterparts, which potentially increases their risk ... Full Story
Heart Health: Workouts at work
By Firefighter-EMT Michael Medeiros
Wellness coordinator, Horry County (S.C) Fire Rescue

The amount of time firefighters spend fighting fire is considerably lower than the time spent at the fire station. The intense impact that is placed on the heart muscle when the tones go off can be equal to a 20-minute workout.

While on duty, most firefighters get little to no exercise, which in turn places them at a larger risk for cardiac problems. While firefighters have to be prepared for any circumstance, many are unfortunately not ready for the adrenaline dump that occurs to the system. The outcome can be anything from injury and illness to medical leave or even death ... Full Story
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Finding fitness just a game for innovative departments

Harvard study finds firefighters face heart risks in blaze

What We Don't Know Is Hurting Us

What's killing firefighters — and what to do about it

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Thursday, Aug. 16: Nutrition
Eat right, feel right Today's Tip
By Claire Kozower
Nutrition outreach coordinator
Somerville, Mass.
Show your department that healthy cooking can be easy and delicious by hosting a heart-healthy lunch or dinner at the firehouse.
Maintaining a proper diet is a vital key to guarding against work-related injuries and heart attacks, and helps shorten recovery time from injuries.

To maintain a proper diet, you need to balance your energy expended with your intake of carbohydrates, protein and fat, along with vitamins, minerals and other substances ... Full Story
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Fla. firefighter decides to conquer health crisis

N.Y. firefighters urged to change unhealthy ways

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Friday, Aug. 16: Lifestyle
Lifestyle: Making the right choices Today's Tip
By Jamie Thompson, FireRescue1 News Editor
Increase your physical activity as well as that of your department by organizing a department sports team (such as softball) or a regular department physical activity (such as a running club).
The percentage of the population estimated to be obese in the United States increased from 13 percent to 32 percent between the 1960s and 2004, according to a report last month by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center.

While civilians' weight problems affect only themselves, firefighter fitness is important not only to their own personal health but to public safety, too — poor fitness levels make the arduous tasks involved in firefighting and rescues even more difficult ... Full Story
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What's killing firefighters — and what to do about it

Drinking Traditions Must Be Changed

Taking care of the other family

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