Proactive Wellness Program for Firefighters

12 Jun 2007

by: Deputy Chief Raymond Kalendek (518) 447-7879

Albany, NY – Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Fire Chief Robert C. Forezzi, Sr. today announced the launch of the Albany Firefighters Wellness Program, the goal of which is to encourage a more proactive and holistic approach to health and fitness among the City’s 260 firefighters.

With the exception of a 90-minute informational session, which all firefighters will be required to attend while on duty, this program will be strictly elective. Firefighters will be able to invest as much or as little time and effort as they deem desirable and/or necessary. The required informational component will consist of three 30-minute modules, which will discuss nutrition, physical training, and medical information and screening.

The importance of proper nutrition and diet will be presented by Sandra Varno, MS, RD, CDN of Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Firefighters will be provided with tasty but healthy alternatives to traditional firehouse menus, where, currently, red meats and dairy products prominently figure. The goal is to change the deeply inculcated firefighter perception that firehouse fare must necessarily be high in fats and cholesterol to be good.

Sandra will attempt to demonstrate how eating more sensibly can be both a gastronomic enjoyment and path to better health and fitness.

Ned Norton, City of Albany Department of Recreation Fitness Director will discuss the importance of a regular physical fitness routine. Ned will assist the members with individualized workout regimens and direct early morning physical training sessions at the recently opened training facility in the Lincoln Park bath house. “We are strongly encouraging our members to participate in this program, both individually and as crews. The importance of strength and endurance training for firefighters can’t be emphasized too highly”, said Chief Forezzi.

In addition to nutrition and regular physical exercise, firefighters will be encouraged to receive cardiac calcium screening, a service provided by Capital Cardiology Associates. This CT scan could help to identify those firefighters with increased risk of heart disease. When indicated, referrals will be provided for further pre-cardiac event testing and treatment. Albany Fire Department Medical Director Michael Dailey, MD will provide medical information and program guidance.

“This is a novel initiative to ensure that all City of Albany firefighters have available the very best opportunities to remain healthy and safe throughout their careers and into retirement. A program such as this one is a win/win for firefighters and their families, as well as for the residents of the City who must be able to depend on these men and women”, said Mayor Jennings.

The success of this program in Albany could significantly decrease firefighter morbidity, injury, and mortality. “I’d like to see every fire department initiate such a program”, said Chief Forezzi.