Current Announcements
CURRENT INFORMATION
New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control
Firefighter Health and Wellness Bulletin: Building a Resilient Firefighter
May 2024
1. Article: Firefighter Suicide and the Link to Burnout and Lack of Meaning
2. May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
3. Firefighters and Skin Cancer
4. Electronics and Sleep Quality
5. Resilient 50 – Back to Basics Health Routine
6. Move Your Way
1. For your consideration, Fire House Magazine recently published this article on Firefighter Suicide and the Link to Burnout and Lack of Meaning it can be found at this link: https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/article/53098148/firefighter-suicide-and-the-link-to-burnout-and-lack-of-meaning?o_eid=5118I0178445H7Z&oly_enc_id=5118I0178445H7Z&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|5118I0178445H7Z&utm_campaign=CPS240417004&utm_medium=email&utm_source=FH+Safety+%26+Health
2. May is Bladder Cancer awareness month. Here is an interesting and informative article about firefighters and bladder cancer. https://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/what-firefighters-must-know-about-bladder-cancer/
3. Firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer then the general public. A study published in South Florida found that about 1% of firefighters were diagnosed with melanoma and 3.5% had nonmelanoma skin cancers. Firefighters are also being diagnosed at younger ages; an average of 42 years old compared to 64 years old for the US population. Here are two articles where you can find more information: https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/ and https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/cancer-prevention/article/53056454/skin-cancer-and-firefighters-how-to-best-protect-ourselves
4. We are all connected to our phones, iPads and other electronics. How well are you sleeping afterwards? Have you ever wondered how the scrolling and playing games in the evenings affect your sleep? There is a surprising correlation between them. More information is available here: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-electronics-affect-sleep#:~:text=Numerous%20studies%20have%20established%20a%20link%20between%20using,more%20likely%20to%20feel%20tired%20the%20next%20day.
5. Has the New Year resolution started to lose its luster? Here is a challenge that you may be interested in participating in. Check out the Resilient 50! https://www.firerescue1.com/health-wellness/introducing-the-resilient-50-your-back-to-basics-health-routine
6. For your consideration, take a look at the attached Move Your Way health and fitness flyer for healthy tips to add to your daily routine from our partners at the US Department of Health & Human Services. ATTACHMENT: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service
Firefighter Health and Wellness Bulletin: Building a Resilient Firefighter
May 2024
1. Article: Firefighter Suicide and the Link to Burnout and Lack of Meaning
2. May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
3. Firefighters and Skin Cancer
4. Electronics and Sleep Quality
5. Resilient 50 – Back to Basics Health Routine
6. Move Your Way
1. For your consideration, Fire House Magazine recently published this article on Firefighter Suicide and the Link to Burnout and Lack of Meaning it can be found at this link: https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/article/53098148/firefighter-suicide-and-the-link-to-burnout-and-lack-of-meaning?o_eid=5118I0178445H7Z&oly_enc_id=5118I0178445H7Z&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|5118I0178445H7Z&utm_campaign=CPS240417004&utm_medium=email&utm_source=FH+Safety+%26+Health
2. May is Bladder Cancer awareness month. Here is an interesting and informative article about firefighters and bladder cancer. https://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/what-firefighters-must-know-about-bladder-cancer/
3. Firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer then the general public. A study published in South Florida found that about 1% of firefighters were diagnosed with melanoma and 3.5% had nonmelanoma skin cancers. Firefighters are also being diagnosed at younger ages; an average of 42 years old compared to 64 years old for the US population. Here are two articles where you can find more information: https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/ and https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/cancer-prevention/article/53056454/skin-cancer-and-firefighters-how-to-best-protect-ourselves
4. We are all connected to our phones, iPads and other electronics. How well are you sleeping afterwards? Have you ever wondered how the scrolling and playing games in the evenings affect your sleep? There is a surprising correlation between them. More information is available here: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-electronics-affect-sleep#:~:text=Numerous%20studies%20have%20established%20a%20link%20between%20using,more%20likely%20to%20feel%20tired%20the%20next%20day.
5. Has the New Year resolution started to lose its luster? Here is a challenge that you may be interested in participating in. Check out the Resilient 50! https://www.firerescue1.com/health-wellness/introducing-the-resilient-50-your-back-to-basics-health-routine
6. For your consideration, take a look at the attached Move Your Way health and fitness flyer for healthy tips to add to your daily routine from our partners at the US Department of Health & Human Services. ATTACHMENT: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service
ARCHIVED INFORMATION
Cardiac Care for the Living (you Tube Video)
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!
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!