Heart-Healthy Firefighter E-news: April 2010
In this issue:
- Take the Pledge to Adopt the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program
- Wisconsin Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop a Great Success
- The Pulse Revived for National Firefighter Health Week
- April is National Cancer Control Month
- Utilize the NVFC’s Health and Safety Priorities in Your Department
- Check Out the Latest Firefighter Health News from FireRescue1
- Heart-Healthy Tips: Alcohol Consumption
- Heart-Healthy Firefighter April Challenge: Stand Up for Heart-Health
- Recipe: Italian Vegetable Bake
- Calendar of Events
Take the Pledge to Adopt the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program
Have you taken the pledge to adopt the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program? When you adopt the program you and your department gain access the information, resources, and tools that will help you get healthy and stay strong. In addition, you can receive nationwide recognition for your commitment to leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. Read full article.
Wisconsin Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop a Great Success
The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program hosted a successful Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop at the Wisconsin State Firefighters’ Association Convention in Stevens Point, WI, on March 26-27. Personnel from departments across the state, including NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg and other members of the LaFarge Fire Department, attended the session to learn how to implement and maintain a successful health and wellness program within their department. Read full article.
The Pulse Revived for National Firefighter Health Week
Fans of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program’s printed newsletter, The Pulse, have reason to celebrate: a special National Firefighter Health Week issue will hit mailboxes in August. Thanks to the support of Ashburn Hill Corp., this special edition of The Pulse will be distributed to every fire department in the country and serve as an educational and inspirational tool to help first responders participate in National Firefighter Health Week. Read full article.
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April has been established by Presidential proclamation as National Cancer Control Month. The month encourages cancer control in individuals by improving their lifestyles, promoting the importance cancer screenings, and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors. Firefighters are often exposed to many different things on the job that can increase your risk of getting cancer. It is important to know your risks and take steps to reduce them. Read full article. Utilize the NVFC’s Health and Safety Priorities in Your Department Is your department at its B.E.S.T? Make sure your department is ready to respond to the next call with the National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities. Set forth in a series of B.E.S.T. practices for the volunteer fire and emergency services, the priorities are divided into four main focus areas: Behavior, Equipment, Standards, and Training. View the full list of B.E.S.T. practices and adopt them in your department. Read full article. Check Out the Latest Firefighter Health News from FireRescue1
April is National Cancer Control Month
Firefighter health exclusive from 
The deadliest time of year for firefighters
Heart-Healthy Tips: Alcohol Consumption
As first responders, you see firsthand how alcohol affects a person’s judgment when you respond to alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgment. April is Alcohol Awareness Month – a great opportunity to educate your department about healthy alcohol consumption. Read full article.
Heart-Healthy Firefighter April Challenge: Stand Up for Heart-Health
This April, challenge each of your department members to get up on their feet and exercise in honor of Foot Health Awareness Month. There are many different exercises that can be performed on your feet and without the need of any exercise equipment, including walking, running, hiking, and various team sports. Chores such as mopping the floors or washing and waxing the apparatus at your station are also great ways to get exercise. View challenge.
Recipe: Italian Vegetable Bake
Courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Calendar of Events
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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*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.