FireLife is dedicated to all things “off-duty” that are of interest to firefighters while they are not working/training. Some of the regular columns we will feature in the health section include:

Fire Station Cooking
-- Craig Nelson creates his own recipes and solicits them from departments across the country. Each article contains a quick introduction to those submitting the recipe, their department, their recipe, and any stories that may surround the legendary dishes. He also “scores” each recipe on ease of preparation, time, cost, and how many it feeds. Nelson has been in the fire service for nine years, working as a volunteer, paid-on-call, and a full-time firefighter/EMT. He works for the Fargo (ND) Fire Department and works part-time at Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead as a fire instructor.
On Fitness
-- Strength, stamina and conditioning is particularly important to all firefighters. This popular monthly column from Fire Engineering will be imported to FireLife and will soon be accompanied by a regular video section for the viewer to work out along side.
To Your Health
-- The latest news and information and research studies on firefighter health and wellness. Updates on medicine, recalls and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga for Firefighters
-- Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle dedicate this section to keeping firefighters balanced both on and off the job. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including "Yoga for Firefighters." He is a retired fire diretor and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department.

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Fire Life Health Articles

Some Recent News Relative to Cardiovascular Disease

In April, the EuroPRevent 2013 Congress of the European Society of Cardiologists was held in Rome. The two studies described below were presented at the Congress. They add to the international discussion of factors that may associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.

Getting Through the Flu Season

We are in the middle of the flu season, which health experts have identified as a “bad” season. Some hospital emergency rooms have had to resort to turning flu patients away.

Physical Activity at Any Level Can Add to Life Expectancy

According to the National Institutes of Health, physical activity "even if done at relatively low levels and regardless of body weight, can extend life expectancy."

Tea: From the Perspective of a Health Aid

According to researchers at the 5th International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health, held on September 20, 2012, at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), you may be overlooking a pretty remarkable health-improvement aid.

Recognizing Ischemic Stroke Victims, Cardiac Arrest in Athletes, West Nile Virus

In the never-ending quest to lower the number of deaths from cardiovascular events for first responders and the overall population of the United States, we continue to search for ways to prevent and to treat these conditions more effectively. One of this column’s objectives is to present information that could possibly bring us closer to these goals by presenting more “clues.”

Gastrointestinal Distress: Check Your Blood Pressure Meds

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have reported an association between Benicor^® (Olmesartan) prescribed for high blood pressure and symptoms of celiac disease, including chronic diarrhea and substantial weight loss.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Boosting Chance of Survival

Mary Jane Dittmar looks further into the #1 killer of firefighters everywhere.

Are You Feeling Sick? Check Your Meds!

In this overview of the important new book, "Are Your Meds Making You Sick?", Mary Jane Dittmar uncovers some new rules to live by regarding prescription drugs.

Some Beneficial Food "Switches" for National Nutrition Month, Label Changes for Cholesterol-Lowering Statins

It may be one of healthy eating's oldest cliche's, but Mary Jane Dittmar is here to remind you once more: Eat your greens!

Glaucoma Prevention; Proactive Heart Health "Quick" Tips

The first two months of the year are dedicated to the health of two of the most important parts of your body: the heart and the eyes.

Lung Health, Chemicals and Parkinson's Disease, Medicine Alerts

Mary Jane Dittmar closes out 2011 with an update on 9/11 exposure research findings.

Sweet Potatoes, Sleep Aid, Chemicals and Parkinson's Disease, Needlesticks

On this Thanksgiving, consider the nutritional value of the sweet potato, one of the holiday's most popular food items. Also, take a quick look at how the ancient art of thai chi can aid those with sleeping problems.