Being a firefighter is a demanding job. Maintaining optimal health can be challenging between physical exertion, long hours, and unpredictable schedules. Here are five supplements that firefighters can consider to support their health and well-being: 1. Creatine: This naturally occurring compound helps your muscles produce more energy during bursts of activity, potentially improving performance and recovery. 2. Electrolytes: Firefighting often leads to sweat loss, which can deplete electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Replenishing these minerals helps maintain hydration and mus ..read more

The unwavering commitment of first responders comes with undeniable challenges to personal lives. Erratic schedules disrupt family routines, and the emotional weight of the job can create communication barriers with partners. While the camaraderie within our teams is strong, fostering healthy relationships at home requires open communication and mutual understanding. Unpredictable schedules are a hallmark of first responder life. Nights, weekends, and holidays are all fair game, making quality time together a constant challenge. This disrupts routines and can leave partners feeling lonely or ..read more

By: Katie Breazeale. MS, RD, LD Staying energized and focused on a long shift with high stress sounds like wishful thinking, but there are ways to improve your daily energy and brain power.  Check out these simple ways to improve your energy and foods to add to your daily routine to improve cognitive function. 5 Tips for Energy Create a well-rounded diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean protein.  When you eat foods that are heavily processed, high in fat, and high in sugar, you can negatively impact your health and energy.  High-fat and sugar foods cause us to feel ..read more

By: Destiny Clarkson Often revered as heroes, firefighters bravely confront the flames that threaten lives and property. Their unwavering commitment to public safety is commendable. Still, the demanding nature of their profession takes a toll not only on their physical well-being but also on their mental health. As society evolves, so must your approach to supporting those who risk their lives daily. It’s imperative to prioritize the health and wellness of firefighters, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive both on and off the job. Physical Demands The physical demands ..read more

By Megan Lautz, MS, RD, TSAC-F Ah, the elusive six-pack. Abs that are desired by many, achieved by few. As sexy as a six-pack might be, what it takes to get there (by healthy means) is sadly not as sexy.  Before embarking on a diet change, take a moment to assess your situation. Weight loss is like financial budgeting: reaching your goals will require willpower and sacrifice. Even a moderate calorie reduction can result in decreased strength, fatigue, trouble concentrating, cravings, and mood swings. If you need to make a change for health reasons, start small. Add an extra glass of wate ..read more

By Katie Breazeale, MS, RD, LD When you think vegetarian and vegan do you think about eating like a rabbit with constant salads?  This is a common misconception of those who eat plant-based foods. Vegans do not eat any animal product whereas a vegetarian may depend on the type of vegetarian; some eat eggs or dairy. Plant based is more than just salad. It is a great way to eat protein without extra cholesterol and fat.  5 Quick Tips to Add in Plant Based Foods It is not just about vegetables.  Vegetarians need protein too. Beans, quinoa, tofu, chickpeas, seeds, nuts, edamame, a ..read more

By Michael Baker, CRM, CPCU, AIC, Director VFIS Client Risk Solutions + Member of the fire/EMS community since 1989 Not everyone understands the gravity of ignoring your fire department’s guidelines. Your senior operator has just finished up his apparatus check, hops in, buckles up, and begins backing the vehicle into the station—just like he’s done an infinite number of times before. But this isn’t just like any time before. Unbeknownst to the operator, a local family stops into the station to bring some cookies to the crew and they’re right behind the apparatus. Luckily, another member real ..read more

By: Rachael Savoie For Denny Kimball, his first love was always art. Growing up in Seattle, he remembers his mom hand-drawing houses for real estate flyers or spinning wool and he took a keen interest in her passions. Throughout high school and college, he took art classes and was even accepted into a graphic design course, but changed his ambitions to focus on a career in firefighting. “Somewhere along the way, I had a conversation with someone that was a graphic artist and was given advice to not do “art” for a living,” Denny recalls. “I took the advice and working behind a desk at the time ..read more

By Caroline Godin Ever find yourself wondering where you went wrong? Or maybe something in your life feels out of place. You wonder where your future is taking you and things feel uncertain. We all feel that way sometimes, but when it’s taking over your thoughts repeatedly, interrupting your daily life, you need to face it head-on. That’s where self-reflection comes in. It’s not just some fluffy psycho-analyst jargon from a high-paid Ph.D. It’s real, it’s relevant, and it works. Self-Reflection Self-reflection is a tool used to get your bearings mentally and emotionally. It’s a method of find ..read more

Getting control anxiety before it controls you By Intuitive Relationship Empowerment Coach Geralyn St Joseph Anxiety is a natural stress response. The problem arises when anxiety becomes an everyday, or overwhelming occurrence. Anxiety is a part of our emotional toolkit that allows us to prepare for a potentially high-stress situation. However, there are times when it goes into overdrive. Having perpetual and/or overwhelming anxiety can greatly affect our quality of life. In time, our nervous systems acclimate to this exaggerated sense of threat. It becomes our normal, so much so that we will ..read more