Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop |
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Overview The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program launched the Health and Wellness Advocate program to combat the leading cause of line-of-duty firefighter deaths - heart disease - by creating health and fitness advocates within fire/EMS departments. Participants learn basic principles behind developing a sound health and fitness program and how they can become advocates for health and wellness within their department. As Health and Wellness Advocates, they will encourage and motivate their fellow fire and emergency personnel to adopt heart-healthy behaviors. The free, two-day Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop is taught by ACE-certified instructors from L&T Health and Fitness, an award-winning fitness and health management company. The workshop mixes classroom components with hands-on learning to equip participants with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed as a health and wellness advocate. The Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop was presented at eight state fire association conferences in 2011. Stay tuned for information on workshops in 2012. 2011 Schedule.
Iowa State Fire School
Sissonville (WV) Fire & Rescue School
Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop
Health and Wellness Advocate and Behavioral Health Workshop
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Conference
New England Fire, Rescue, and EMS Conference The Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop provides Advocates with the basic principles behind developing sound health and wellness programs for firefighters at their firehouse. The free, two-day workshop includes an overview of fitness and looks at the areas of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which are the building blocks for designing a safe and effective exercise program. Advocates are given guidance on establishing health & fitness goals, safety and injury prevention, exercise and stress management, and how to develop a safe exercise program utilizing five components of fitness. Lessons on nutrition, healthy eating, and weight management are also topics of focus as it relates to health and wellness. At the end of the workshop all Advocates are encouraged to participate in a demonstration of functional training exercises which can be easily utilized at the firehouse with minimal equipment. Advocates will leave with a Fit Kit and a workshop curriculum binder in addition to other resources to assist in improving upon or beginning a health and wellness program within their department. New in 2011, this three-hour course empowers participants to be advocates for behavioral health and wellness within their department. Issues covered will include recognizing the stressors of the job in yourself and others, resources available to first responders and families, and finding the plan that works for your department. The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program is the only national program dedicated to saving America's firefighters and EMS personnel from their leading cause of death: heart disease. We invite firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families to explore the web site to find out how easy, fun, and rewarding it is to get healthy. Join us at the Heart-Healthy Firefighter booth to receive a free health screening, participate in a Wii Fitness Challenge, and learn more about the program. For questions or additional information please contact Rachel Buczynski, Program Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 887-5700 ext. 27. |