Heart-Healthy Firefighter E-news: March 2010

In this issue:

1. Build a Healthy Foundation During National Nutrition Month
2. Inspire Others with Your 2009 National Firefighter Health Week Success Story
3. Reminder: Visit Us at a Trade Show Near You
4. Check Out the Latest Firefighter Health News from FireRescue1
5. Heart-Healthy Tips: American Diabetes Alert Day
6. Heart-Healthy Firefighter February Challenge: Count Your Zzz's
7. Recipe: Banana-Nut Bread
8. Calendar of Events

Build a Healthy Foundation During National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year, National Nutrition Month is reminding Americans that good nutrition starts from the ground up. Making nutritional change doesn’t have to be extreme; you can work slowly to build a solid foundation of health eating habits. Read full article.

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Inspire Others with Your 2009 National Firefighter Health Week Success Story

Did your fire department focus on health and wellness during last year’s National Firefighter Health Week? The National Volunteer Fire Council’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program would like to share your story with first responders nationwide to serve as inspiration and motivation for the 2010 National Firefighter Health Week, August 16-20. Read full article.

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Reminder: Visit Us at a Trade Show Near You

The Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program will be bringing its Health Fair across the U.S. this spring to provide health screenings, a fitness challenge featuring Wii Fit, resources, and information to first responders and their supporters. Stop by the Program’s interactive booth at the California State Firefighters’ Association Conference in San Diego on March 2-4, and the Wisconsin State Firefighters’ Association Convention in Stevens Point on March 26-27. Click here to view the full schedule. Read full article.

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Check Out the Latest Firefighter Health News from FireRescue1

	Firefighter health exclusive from
	Antioxidants provide a simple, daily boost By Bryan Fass, FireRescue1 columnist Antioxidants help repair your body from the inside out, boost your immune system and help you get well sooner when you're feeling ill. Here are a few ways you can easily integrate them into your daily diet. Read more...
Health & Fitness Headlines Where MRSA hides and how to fight it 69 Nashville firefighters' cancer linked to diesel Fla. firefighter trains for 118-mile continuous run

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Heart-Healthy Tips: American Diabetes Alert Day

An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States - 7.8 percent of the population - have diabetes, a serious, lifelong condition. Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose (blood sugar), resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death. March 23 is American Diabetes Alert Day, a time to focus on the seriousness of the disease and what you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes. Read full article.

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Heart-Healthy Firefighter February Challenge: Count Your Zzz's

This March, challenge each of your department members to improve their sleeping habits as part of National Sleep Awareness Week (March 7-13). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day. With overnight emergency calls and required “watch” hours, it is often hard for first responders to get the recommended amount of sleep. View challenge.

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Recipe: Banana-Nut Bread

Courtesy of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

View recipe.

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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.

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