The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has shared their tips to promoting heart health, after sharing that the leading cause of on-duty firefighter deaths is cardiac arrests, according to data from the United States Fire Administration.
Dr. Dan Why, IAFF Chief Medical Officer shared: “Fire fighters are more susceptible to cardiac disease and heart attacks than the public due to the physical and emotional stress that comes with the job.
“Additionally, fire fighters are exposed to excessive heat, smoke, pollutants, and other hazardous substances that can also contribute to disease.”
In honor of February being American Heart Month, established by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, Whu has shared the three areas he believes firefighters should focus on:
The standard American diet often consists of processed foods, saturated fats, sugar and sodium. Consuming these foods contributes to increased cholesterol levels and inflammation, both risk factors for heart disease.
Whu has recommended that firefighters should instead focus on a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains, such as the Mediterranean diet.
Whu also mentioned the importance of staying active, saying that firefighters who maintain a high level of physical fitness through targeted exercise routines are better prepared to meet the physical demands of the job.
Routines should include aerobic exercise (running, swimming), high-intensity interval training and strength training.
Shiftwork and unpredictable sleep schedules make it difficult for firefighters to maintain a lifestyle that supports heart health.
Most firefighters work one day on, two days off. It’s important for them to establish a sleep routine on their days off to avoid arriving on shift already sleep-deprived.
Whu’s advice was to schedule an early afternoon nap when on shift, if possible and try to fall back to sleep as quickly as possible after an overnight run.
He added that there are other lifestyle choices that can improve health, such as minimizing exposure to toxins by wearing protective gear, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
The IAFF’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dan Whu has shared his tips for promoting a healthy heart, noting that cardiac arrests are the leading cause of off-duty firefighter deaths.
