IGNITE Program Podcast

Arguably, all fire fighters want to be able to operate safer on the job. Many factors which impose risk on a fire fighter are non-modifiable, because they can't be changed (are “part” of the job), or change so slowly that they aren't within the every day control of a member. Some factors however, such as mobility capacity, are modifiable within meaningful limits, and can yield strong positive effects to a fire fighters health and longevity. In this episode, we pick up where we left off on EP006, and discuss the various interventions that can help address the mobility needs of fire fighters in different categories of ability. Throughout the conversation we build on the big conceptual “rocks” of mobility, and emphasize the importance of using sound reasoning and judgment when embarking on improving mobility capacity. Links to the mobility resources discussed in the show can be found below. Movement Hygiene Mobility Screen Mobility Exercise  

Most fire fighters have come across the term “mobility” being used as a reference to an individuals ability to move; whether freely, or in a restricted way. This is a good starting point, however mobility can be better defined conceptually and practically for the fire fighter, and this is what we aimed to achieve in this episode. Along with defining important terms under the umbrella of mobility such as passive mobility, active mobility, and control, we discuss how movement can be impacted (positively or negatively) by someones mobility capacity. Our objective was to produce a comprehensive mobility primer for fire fighters, so they can appreciate WHY mobility is important within the large context of fire fighter health and wellness.

This episode is a round table discussion with three members of the fire service:  Grady Valencis, served 26 years with the Prince George's County Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief. He is now a Deputy Director with the Health & Safety Operational Services Department at the IAFF headquarters in Washington, DC. Luke Pedersen, is an acting Captain with Waterloo Fire & Rescue, where he serves on the Health & Safety Committee and is also the Wellness & Fitness Chair. He has been working with the IAFF for over 10 years as a master instructor in the Peer Fitness Trainer, and now, Fit To Thrive program. Garrett Kim, is a rescue Captain with the Hawaii Fire Department, where he as served for over 23 years and has a background in coaching and sports medicine. He has been working with the IAFF for over 10 years as a master instructor in the Peer Fitness Trainer, and now, Fit To Thrive program. The guests share their thoughts on WHY they are physically active, WHAT they do for physical activity and exercise, and share practical tips that have helped them maintain a consistent level of physical activity across their careers (HOW). 

Our physical activity habits are influenced by many factors that relate to our capabilities, opportunities and motivation. Changing our habits can be difficult, which for fire fighters is made even more challenging by having to deal with the unique demands of the job. In this episode we look at physical activity habits through a behaviour-change lens. We discuss the range of reasons why we are active (our WHY), how these reasons can impact our behaviors, and make an important distinction between being being physically active and being physically fit.

Public health agencies across the world have synthesized years of research into physical activity, exercise, and health outcomes, to produce best practice, physical activity guidelines for people to follow to optimize their health and wellness. In this episode we unpack the World Health Organization's guidelines on physical activity (published in 2020), with a focus on making these guidelines understandable, and thus, more easily implementable, by fire fighters in their lives immediately. The links below point the WHO guidelines, in addition to other guidelines published by public health agencies across the United States and Canada.   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128 https://csepguidelines.ca/ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm

In this episode we talk with Tommy Grimshaw, a retired fire fighter from FDNY, about the role exercise has played in his professional and personal life. Tommy was a fire fighter in Harlem for 20+ years before moving to the fitness unit at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

In this episode we unpack one of the foundational concepts in fire fighter wellness and fitness: The Demands and Capacity Framework. We discuss how fire fighters can apply this framework, and how doing so can assist them in making their exercise and physical matter to the things that are most important in their lives.

Welcome to the IGNITE Program Podcast. In this very short espisode, we introduce the podcast and describe what listeners should be expecting from this feed. We look forward to sharing high quality content with you! Contact us: podcast@performanceredefined.ca