| Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department announces the launch of their first annual Fitness Challenge in an effort to help department members improve their physical fitness and have fun doing it. For six months beginning July 1, 2010, eighteen members, armed with a healthy nutrition plan and exercise routine will compete for the top spot by trying to lose the most weight and inches by December 31, 2010. Top prizes will be awarded to the three members who make the most progress and each member who completes the challenge will receive a participation prize.
With the recent additions of a Precor elliptical trainer, Treadmill, and Stairmaster 7000 PT; together with the friendly competition of a fitness challenge, fitness center use has increased significantly. In addition to their nutrition and exercise plan, each member is encouraged to increase their activity by joining a team sport or taking up a new leisure activity such as swimming, biking, hiking, or kayaking to begin living a more active lifestyle.
Cardiac arrest was the No. 1 killer of firefighters nationwide again in 2009. The National Fire Protection Association reported 82 on-duty firefighter deaths last year. Of the 44 deaths due to overexertion, stress and related medical issues, 35 of those were classified as sudden cardiac arrest and 5 were strokes. A healthy nutrition plan, regular exercise routine, and annual wellness checkups are the best prevention against cardiovascular disease. |
