Heart-Healthy Firefighter E-news: February 2009

 

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It is American Heart Month, and the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program has all of the resources, tools, and information you need to keep your heart strong. It is critically important to make focusing on your heart a priority. Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, causes almost thirty percent of all deaths each year in the U.S., and it is the number one cause of line-of-duty firefighter deaths. Heart disease affects men and women of all ages, races, and professions. Read full article.

 

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The application period for the FY 2008 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants is now open. Applications for these grants must be received by March 6 at 5 p.m. EST. FP&S grants can go to support health and safety initiatives for firefighters. Apply now for funds to support your department’s health and safety program activities. Read full article.

 

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Smoking cessation is a key component of leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. Since its inception in 2003, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program has provided resources and information to help firefighters quit smoking. Now, the NVFC is pleased to announce a partnership with Pfizer Inc. to develop an in-depth smoking cessation program, which is currently being piloted in North Carolina. Read full article.

 

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Departments and individuals can now adopt the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. With heart attack remaining the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths each year, now is the time to take the necessary steps to ensure you do not become a statistic. Adopt the program to access the information, resources, and tools that will help you and your department get and stay healthy, including a fitness challenge, toolkit for securing health and wellness program sponsors, interactive message board, and much more. Read full article.

 

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Newport Beach (CA) Fire Department (NBFD) members and their families joined over 18,000 runners on Sunday, February 1, for the Surf City USA Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k event in Huntington Beach, CA. The firefighters participated in the Half Marathon for the second consecutive year as part of the NBFD’s ongoing commitment to “keep running” as a way to honor fallen firefighters. Read full article.

 

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Not all heart attacks begin with the sudden, crushing pain that is often shown on television or in the movies. The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack aren’t the same for everyone. Many heart attacks start slowly as mild pain or discomfort. Some people suffer a silent heart attack, which means that they don’t have symptoms at all. Knowing the warning signs of heart attack and getting help quickly may reduce the risk of serious damage to your heart. Read full article.

 

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Courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

 

This Valentine’s Day, treat the ones you love and satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your diet with this heart-healthy chocolate cake recipe. Remember, moderation is the key to successful, sustainable weight loss. Unless your willpower is resolute, it is unrealistic to think a healthy lifestyle means never eating any desserts again – just remember to pay attention to the serving size. To garnish and add a nutritional boost, try adding fresh fruit such as strawberries on top of this delectable chocolate cake. View Recipe.

 

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View a list of events the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program will be attending as well as nationally-recognized dates the Program would like to acknowledge.

 

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