An article in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association stated, " Cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal injuries are significant causes of death among emergency responders..." They also stated that, "...obesity can be a cause of sleep apnea making for drowsy, less-alert firefighters and paramedics." A Harvard study published in The New England Journal of Medicine stated that heart attacks were the most frequent cause of firefighter deaths on the job.
Apparently the unique hazards of the profession are what may be putting emergency responders, especially firefighters, at increased risk of heart attacks. Those hazards include dealing with high heat, extreme exertion, psychological stress, and the increased risk of exposure to toxic fumes. Overweight firefighters are at an extra disadvantage as are those with undetected coronary heart disease risk.
Health and wellness programs specifically for emergency responders are quickly surfacing such as the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, Wellness-Fitness Task Force and even The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation are expanding their focus to include disease risk prevention.
Firefighters are encouraged to have regular medical evaluations, get involved with fitness programs and maintain a healthy diet. Fire chiefs are encouraged to provide these new programs for their own departments.
A healthy dose of praise can do wonders for our rescue heroes too. When you get the chance, send a Thank You to your local Ann Arbor or Livingston County Fire and Police Departments. If you see them on the street, shake their hand and tell them "thank you." If you are a physician get involved in a program to help our rescue heroes stay healthy.
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