Heart Healthy News

10-25-07

June 3, 2008 In this issue: NVFC Booth Has Another Successful Show National Men's Health Week is June 9-15 Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week is June 22-28 Heart-Healthy Tips: Best and Worse Cookout Foods - Did Your Favorites Make the Cut? Recipe: Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon Calendar of Events NVFC Booth Has Another Successful Show Fire Expo was a great success for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), with hundreds of attendees stopping by the NVFC’s interactive booth to receive free blood pressure, cholesterol, and body composition screenings. The show took place May 16-18 in Harrisburg, PA. The NVFC booth featured important components of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, which provides education and resources to combat the number one cause of line-of-duty firefighter deaths – heart attack. More than 600 attendees took advantage of the health screenings to learn if they are at risk for heart disease. The free screenings were made possible thanks to a grant from the Department of Homeland Security and were conducted by L&T Health and Fitness. At the conclusion of the screening, each participant received a detailed, personalized health report and was able to discuss the results with certified health counselors. So far over 14,000 people have been screened through the NVFC booth at fire service trade shows nationwide. The booth also featured publications and resources, as well as information about other NVFC programs including Fire Corps and the National Junior Firefighter Program. If you were unable to visit the NVFC’s booth at Fire Expo, stop by the booth at these upcoming events: Firehouse Expo July 22-27, 2008 Baltimore, MD Fire-Rescue International August 14-16, 2008 Denver, CO ^ Back to Top National Men's Health Week is June 9-15 Men have a life expectancy about five years shorter than women’s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men also have a higher death rate than women from the top 10 overall causes of death. This is in part because men are less likely than women to seek medical care, resulting in delayed detection of health problems. National Men’s Health Week was created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. First established in 1994 by a bill passed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton, National Men’s Health Week is observed each year during the week ending on Fathers’ Day. The week is organized by the Men’s Health Network, an organization committed to improving health and wellness in men. Anchored by a large health education and screening program in Congress, National Men’s Health Week is observed across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The leading cause of death in men – and firefighters – is heart attack, which accounts for 27% of all male deaths, according to the CDC. Male firefighters and the male family members of firefighters can take action now to adopt a healthy lifestyle, reduce their risk of heart and other diseases, and increase their life expectancy. The National Volunteer Fire Council’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program provides resources, information, and tools to help first responders – both male and female – eat right, get fit, and enjoy a long and healthy life. Find out more about National Men’s Health Week. Learn more about heart-health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. ^ Back to Top Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week is June 22-28   The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to promote the 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week, scheduled for June 22-28. The theme for the week is “Committed to Long-Term Results,” which encourages long-term investments by both chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire and emergency medical services.   Suggested activities and materials incorporate three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies, and initiatives – along with the training and enforcement that support them – can limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death. Initiate an emergency vehicle policy, to include: Always buckle up. Always stop at red lights and stop signs. Always drive at speed limits and defensively. Fully implement the Wellness-Fitness Initiative: Provide annual medical and physical evaluations. Provide equipment and time for exercise. Provide nutrition information. Fully implement NFPA 1500, especially sections addressing PPE: Provide compliant PPE. Train and enforce use of PPE, including respiratory protection   Learn more about this year’s program and access planning resources developed by the IAFC Safety Health and Survival Section. Learn more about health in the fire and emergency services through the NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. Also stay tuned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site and E-news for more information regarding the second annual National Firefighter Health Week, to be held from August 18-22. Learn more about the NVFC/USFA Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations Initiative. ^ Back to Top Heart-Healthy Tips: Best and Worse Cookout Foods - Did Your Favorites Make the Cut?   Courtesy of SparkPeople.com By Leanne Beattie, Health Writer, and Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer Summer is almost here, and that means outdoor parties and cookouts with friends and family. If you’re trying to eat healthier, it can seem hard to find good choices at the picnic table. But you don’t have to hide out until September just to resist temptation. Whether you're a host or a guest, you can enjoy the best of barbecue season without padding your waistline. Use this guide to choose food that's light, healthy, and refreshing at any backyard blowout. Burgers 'n Dogs Hamburgers and hot dogs are a big part of summer eating, but they don’t have to be a diet disaster. Start with a 100% whole wheat bun instead of white for a healthy dose of fiber, and watch the fat content of the meat. The average beef and pork hot dog contains about 180 calories and 17 grams of fat before you add a bun and toppings. Turkey dogs are tasty and won’t sabotage your diet—you can have two of them for less than 100 calories. If you’re going for a burger, stay away from the high-fat toppings like cheese, mayo, and bacon. Choose cheese slices made with skim milk to reduce the fat content and load your burger with mustard and fresh veggies instead. Here's the burger 'n dog breakdown: Worst Better Best Hamburger patty (4 oz) 290 calories 22g fat Turkey burger patty (4 oz ) 160 calories 9g fat Veggie burger patty (2.5 oz) 110 calories 4 grams of fat Bratwurst (4 oz) 300 calories 25g fat Beef hot dog (2 oz) 180 calories 17g fat Turkey dog (2 oz) 45 calories 5g fat Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms 150 calories 13g fat Cheese, lettuce tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mayo, and mustard 131 calories 9g fat Ketchup, pickles, and mustard 15 calories 0g fat Buttered bun 160 calories 6.5g fat Whole wheat bun 110 calories 1.5g  fat A lettuce leaf 5 calories 0g fat Chips, Salads & Sides If potato salad is your downfall, make your recipe healthier by leaving the skins on the potatoes (for more fiber and nutrients) and choose non-fat, Greek-style yogurt instead of mayo. Make creamy coleslaw more waist-friendly by reducing the fat in the dressing by swapping plain low-fat yogurt for half the mayo. Baked beans are usually a good choice, but opt for vegetarian varieties that aren't made with bacon, if possible. If you want to avoid the creamy salad temptations completely, fill your plate with fresh grilled vegetables. Spray chunks of red peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and eggplant with canola oil spray and grill them on the barbecue. Add freshly ground pepper and a dash of balsamic vinegar for extra punch. When it comes to dips, look for vegetable and fruit-based choices like guacamole (made from avocado fruit) and salsa (made from tomatoes and veggies). These pack healthy nutrients that creamy dips often don't.  Worst  Better  Best Potato salad (1/2 cup) 179 calories 10.3g fat Cole slaw (1/2 cup) 150 calories 8g fat Vegetarian baked beans (1/2 cup) 100 calories 1g fat Ranch dressing (2 Tbsp) 180 calories 18g fat Guacamole (4 Tbsp) 100 calories 8g fat Salsa (1/2 cup) 60 calories 0g fat Potato or tortilla chips (1 oz) 150 calories 10g fat  Pretzels (1 oz) 110 calories 2g fat Raw vegetables (1 oz) 16 calories 0g fat  Drinks Calories from beverages can add up fast. And new research on artificial sweeteners shows that even diet soda, although calorie free, can result in weight gain. When it comes to liquids, water is the only thing your body needs. But when it comes to grilling out, most people like to drink something both flavorful and refreshing. Use the chart below for some sweet ideas when you want something besides water. Worst Better Best Lemonade (8 oz) 120 calories Sweet tea (8 oz) 100 calories Water with lemon (8 oz) 4 calories or Unsweetened tea (8 oz) 2 calories Pies & Desserts Berries make fresh, nutritious choices for summer and spring, but the way they're prepared can often add much more sugar than these naturally-sweet fruits need. Opt for fresh fruit (like watermelon slices or fruit salad) as a healthy, guilt-free dessert. Can't resist that cake or pie? Pile on the fresh berries and fruit and try just a taste of the cake, whipped cream, or other dessert. Worst Better Best Blueberry pie (1/8 of pie) 473 calories 19g fat Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and sweetened strawberries (2.5 oz) 325 calories 8g fat Angel food cake (2 oz) with fresh strawberries (1/2 cup) 120 calories 0g fat   SparkPeople.com is a free weight loss and fitness web site that helps people transition from dieting to living a healthy lifestyle. This article has been reprinted with the permission of SparkPeople, Inc.  ^ Back to Top Recipe: Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon Submitted by Tay Robertson, Fire Chief, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, OR Ingredients: 1 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 3 Tbsp soy sauce 1 ½ tsp garlic, minced salt and pepper, to taste 1 untreated cedar plant (17”X10.5”) - optional 1 (2.5 lb) center cut salmon fillet with skin Greens from 1 bunch scallions Preparation: Simmer maple syrup, ginger root, 3 Tbsp lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper until reduced to 1 cup (approx. 30 min.). Let cool. Pre-heat oven to 400°.  If using cedar plank, lightly oil and heat for 10 minutes in oven. Arrange scallion greens on plank or in oiled shallow baking dish. Stir 1 Tbsp lemon juice into ½ of glaze and keep covered and warm. Put salmon skin side down on scallion greens and brush with remaining glaze. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until cooked through – about 20 minutes on plank or 15 minutes in pan. Cut salmon and use glaze from pan for a sauce. (Makes 6 Servings) ^ Back to Top Calendar of Events Below is a list of events the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program will be attending as well as nationally recognized dates the Program would like to acknowledge. National Men’s Health Week June 9-15 Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week June 22-28 Firehouse Expo Baltimore, MD July 22-27, 2008 Fire-Rescue International Denver, CO August 14-16, 2008 National Firefighter Health Week August 18-22, 2008 National Cholesterol Education Month September World Heart Day September 30 American Diabetes Month November Great American Smokeout November 20