Last year, 55 firefighters died of stress or overexertion.
Of those, 52 died of heart attacks, two succumbed to strokes and one death was attributed to a cardiac condition.
Firefighting in itself is stressful. That's why it's essential that personnel be physically fit to meet the demands of the job.
This week -- Aug. 18-22 -- has been designated National Firefighter Health Week. Sponsored by the National Volunteer Fire Council, organizers hope everyone will take advantage of the resources available.
"This is the second year we've focused on health issues facing the fires service. Heart health is a large part of it, but there are other things to consider as well," said Kimberly Ettinger, NVFC spokesperson.
Specific issues addressed this week include such as nutrition, behavioral health, cardiac, pulmonary and diabetes.
It takes a change in lifestyle to get healthy. And, the NVFC has gathered resources to help get personnel started down the right path. From exercise programs to menu ideas, there's a ton of information out there, Ettinger said.
The statistics regarding cardiac-related firefighter deaths are staggering. In 2006, 54 deaths were attributed to heart attacks or stress, while 62 died in 2005 and 66 in 2004. That doesn't have to be the case however.
Quitting smoking is essential for firefighters to start the journey toward being fit. Statistics show smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
More information about specific health issues and programs to combat them can be obtained from the NVFC.
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