In this issue:
- USFA Report: Heart Attack Remains Leading Cause of Firefighter Deaths
- NVFC Establishes Staff Health and Fitness Program
- National Firefighter Health Week Wrap-Up: Stay Heart-Healthy Year Round with the NVFC
- NVFC Hosts First Health and Fitness Advocate Workshop
- NVFC Reaches Thousands at FRI with Message of Heart-Health
- Heart-Healthy Tips: Managing and Preventing Stress for Emergency Responders
- Recipe: Turkey and Black Bean Chili
- Calendar of Events
USFA Report: Heart Attack Remains Leading Cause of Firefighter Deaths
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has released its annual report on firefighter fatalities. Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2007 shows that last year heart attack remained the leading cause of line-of-duty firefighter death.
Read full article.
NVFC Establishes Staff Health and Fitness Program
It’s 1:30 pm on a Monday afternoon at the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) headquarters in Greenbelt, MD. Staff members have been busy all morning with projects, meetings, phone calls, and other tasks, but now they are congregating in an open area of the office. Eight chairs are set up in front of an LCD projector and laptop, with a YouTube video from SparkPeople.com ready to be projected onto the wall. Some staff members have changed into sneakers, and everyone begins to take their places in the room, eager to get started.
Read full article.
National Firefighter Health Week Wrap-Up: Stay Heart-Healthy Year Round with the NVFC
August 18-22 marked the 2nd Annual National Firefighter Health Week. This was an opportunity for you to re-commit yourself to your healthy habits, or a chance to begin the journey to a healthier, stronger you. Launched by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) in 2007, the Week is designed to help you focus on your own health as well as the health and wellness of your fellow first responders. Although 2008 Health Week has ended, it is important to continue to make your health and wellness a focus throughout the year
Read full article.
NVFC Hosts First Health and Fitness Advocate Workshop
The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program held the first Health and Fitness Advocate Workshop on August 9-10 at the NVFC headquarters in Greenbelt, MD. Personnel from departments across the country attended the session to learn how to implement and maintain a health and fitness program within their department. The two-day workshop combines the foundations and principles behind a successful health and fitness program and incorporates hands-on training.
Read full article.
NVFC Reaches Thousands at FRI with Message of Heart-Health
The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program wrapped up another busy trade show season with a successful booth exhibit and Train-the-Trainer workshop at Fire-Rescue International (FRI). The show was held on August 15-16 in Denver, CO, and was attended by over 15,000 fire and emergency service leaders.
Read full article.
Heart-Healthy Tips: Managing and Preventing Stress for Emergency Responders
September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity for Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools. It is also important for first responders to be mentally prepared for mass emergency situations. Recovery efforts are undeniably stressful and taking measures before disaster strikes can help ensure that responders will be mentally ready for the challenge. These tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center will help you prepare both your department and yourself for a large-scale traumatic experience.
Read full article.
Recipe: Turkey and Black Bean Chili
This recipe for a delicious, yet healthy chili was demonstrated by Chef Bonanno at the Heart-Healthy Firefighter booth during Fire-Rescue International.
View Recipe.
Calendar of Events
Visit the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program at the NVFC booth at these upcoming events:
National Cholesterol Education Month
September 2008
Health and Fitness Advocate Workshop
Greenbelt, MD
September 20-21, 2008
World Heart Day
September 28, 2008
American Diabetes Month
November 2008
Great American Smokeout
November 20, 2008
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*The content of this E-news is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for advice from your physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues; only your healthcare provider should diagnose a medical condition and prescribe treatment. You may also wish to consult with your health care professional or nutritionist before starting a new diet or fitness regimen.
