Comprehensive Wellness for Firefighters: Fitness and Health Guide for Fire and Rescue Workers

The life-threatening risks that fire service personnel face are taxing both physically and mentally. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel have a higher rate of heart disease, lung disease, cancer, substance abuse problems, and injuries than the general population. Studies show that high levels of cardiovascualr conditioning, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility allow firefighters to perform their jobs safely and more effectively. Now, fire and rescue workers can turn to Comprehensive Wellness for Firefighters for all the information they need to evaluate and improve their personal lifestyles. This uniquely accessible book focuses on self-assessment methods and action planning procedures that emphasize personal responsibility for good health and enable readers to apply the information to their own lives. In addition to the personal health evaluations, sample workout routines, and instructive exercise programs, the authors integrate materials essential for total health including information on diet and nutrition, drug and alcohol issues, and critical incident stress management techniques. By using this book, readers will be able to effectively:

-Evaluate their current level of physical fitness in order to monitor their future progress
-Select exercise options that best meet their preferences, needs, and objectives
-Develop strategies and personal action plans that promote and improve total health and fitness
-Adopt a long-term commitment to a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle

Designed as a valuable resource and practical guide, Comprehensive Wellness for Firefighters not only attempts to minimize risk in an inherently hazardous line of work, but also promotes behavior and attitudes that contribute to long-term health and well-being.

About the Authors Jon Pearson is the President of Summit Fitness Services, which provides wellness training programs for emergency service groups and other clients. He managed a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fire service and health sciences to design this manual specifically for fire and emergency medical service personnel. Previously he served as a consultant to the United States Fire Administration and as an instructional designer and developer on many National Fire Academy courses and videotapes.
John Hayford, M.S., is Exercise Physiology Coordinator for the National Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. He directs programs for health and fitness promotion involving a comprehensive series of medical and physical fitness examinations and assessments. Mr. Hayford's clients include fire and rescue departments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, athletic teams/clubs, and members of the general public.
Wendi Royer, M.S., is a certified Professional Aerobics Instructor, and aerobics director for the Citicorp Fitness Center. She develops and conducts training for aerobics instructors, and participates in training development projects for the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute. She has also served as manager and nutritional consultant to weight loss centers.