New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control Firefighter Health and Wellness Bulletin: Building a Resilient Firefighter April 2024 1.April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2.April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month 3.Get Active this Spring 4.Mental Health Resources for First Responders 5. Leadership plays a Critical Role in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease 6. 19th Annual IDMH Conference ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month – Esophageal Cancer is the 7th most common U.S. men’s cancer death. Firefighters have a 62% highest risk of getting esophageal cancer and they have a 39% increased risk of dying from esophageal cancer. The following link will bring you to a story about a firefighter battling Esophageal Cancer. ATTACHMENT: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service 2.April is also Testicular Cancer Awareness Month – Firefighters are at a 1.28 times greater increased risk of testicular cancer. Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. The importance of decontamination, including showering after carcinogenic smoke and fire exposure, cannot be overstated as a key component of prevention. When identified in stage 1, survival rate is 99% greater. Please visit the website of our partners at DetecTogether for information and free training about Testicular Cancer as well as other cancers: https://responsetimematters.org/ 3.Spring is here! Get out and exercise. Walking is one of the best benefits for our mind and body. You’ll feel better. ATTACHMENT: Health Benefits of Daily Walking 4.First Responders help people in need on the worst day of their lives. Our job can take a toll on our mental health. There is help out there. The following link will bring you to a list of first responder specific resources. https://www.dhses.ny.gov/mental-health-resources-fire-service 5. If your a leader and care about firefighter cardiac health please watch this video now! Approximately 45% of Line of Duty Deaths are cardiac related. Discover what you can do to reduce your risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF7FmbwAokw 6. The 19th Annual Institute for Disaster Mental Health Conference will be held on May 14th – 15th. ATTACHEMENT: IDMH Conference Flyer
Information from Center for Disease Control regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Prevention As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as: · Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. · Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands. · Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick. · Stay home when you are sick. · Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow. · Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. · Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician. More Information If you or a family member start showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, or the hospital emergency room, inform them that you may be a suspect case for COVID-19, and follow their advice. For more information, consider consulting these additional resources: 1. Novel Coronavirus (NYS Department of Health) 2. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC) 3. Information for Travel (CDC) 4. FAQ for Travelers (CDC) 5. Prevention & Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 6. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms. Updates from these sources can help to keep you and others healthy!