The job of a firefighter requires an individual to be in peak physical condition and to maintain physical strength, agility, aerobic capacity and flexibility during one’s entire career. On an average, 100 firefighters die annually. Sadly, 50% are from cardiac related illnesses. But most unbelievable is that some of these firefighters are in their forties and fifties. Does this mean that firefighters are in worse physical condition than individuals in other professions. No, it just means that individuals in other professions have a sedentary work environment compared to firefighting.

Before a firefighter is called into action, their heart rate is normally at rest somewhere between 60-100 beats per minute. When on the fire ground, a firefighter’s heart increases to approximately 200 beats per minute. This acute tachycardia could conceivably last for fifteen to twenty minutes. Add a weak heart or clogged arteries, and a heart could go into sudden arrest. This is why firefighters are going into sudden cardiac arrest in their forties and fifties. If accountants, lawyers, bankers, etc., in their forties and fifties, had their resting heart rate increase from 80 to 200 beats per minute for fifteen minutes, they too would go into sudden cardiac arrest.

It’s no secret that during the course of our careers, we will inhale toxic agents that will damage our hearts and lungs. But, we also contribute to some of this damage by our poor eating habits, by not staying in good physical condition, and by not living a prudent lifestyle. In order for a firefighter to retire and enjoy the fruits of their pension, they need to make a healthy lifestyle a lifetime commitment. Otherwise, someone else is going to reap the benefits of their hard work.

Real Age is an online health assessment company that provides the latest health tips to help you lead a stronger, longer, and happier life. They, also, have an assessment age tool that analyzes your real age. The survey takes about fifteen minutes to complete but it is well worth your time. Take the Real Age Test. It’s free, and it just might add years to your life.