Community News
Keeping Firefighters Safe And Healthy
By
Sep 26, 2007, 22:56

(NAPSI)-Every day, firefighters and EMS personnel protect Americans' health and well-being-but who's watching out for them?

That question is being answered by a national program geared toward saving firefighters and EMS workers from the industry's leading cause of death: heart disease.

Nearly 50 percent of all on-duty firefighter deaths each year are caused by heart attacks. The Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program aims to change this alarming trend by promoting a healthier lifestyle among emergency workers and challenging them to meet health and wellness goals.

The Program is run by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and it has helped fire and emergency medical personnel across the country improve their health. Here is a look at three of the Program's success stories:

Cutting Weight

After being told by his doctor that his body was shutting down and he needed to lose weight immediately, 330-pound firefighter Mike Smith of Carson City, NV took action. He followed the Heart-Healthy Firefighter program guidelines and began to pay attention to his health. He visited a nutritionist and used a blood glucose machine every morning to monitor his blood sugar. He also began an exercise regimen with the support of friends. So far, he has lost over 100 pounds.

"My outlook on life has changed and I really feel like a whole new person," he says.

Smart Moves

Chief Jeff Cash of Cherryville, NC didn't feel his doctor gave him enough practical tips on losing weight and getting healthy. He turned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program to learn about cholesterol, healthy eating habits and exercise. He says the detailed knowledge he gained helped him develop a realistic diet and exercise schedule he can stick to. He's lost 20 pounds with the Program and now sleeps better and has more energy.

Healthy Habits

After reading that heart attacks are the top killer of firefighters, volunteer firefighter Mike Bitney of Spooner, WI decided to improve his health. His goals were to lose the combined weight of his turnout gear and air pack (about 50 pounds), to increase muscle strength and to boost cardiovascular fitness. He worked with the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program and now hits the gym three to five times a week and has shed 25 pounds.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. To learn more about the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, visit www.healthy-firefighter.org.

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