Home News Tribune Online 01/7/08

CENTRAL JERSEY - Firefighting is one of the nation's most dangerous occupations. In an effort to help keep firefighters healthy and safe, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway, is presenting a firefighters' health and wellness program on Feb. 9 at the RWJ Rahway Fitness & Wellness Center in Scotch Plains.

The free course, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., not only tackles on-the-job safety but also examines the risk of heart attack, which is a leading killer of firefighters.

The course includes topics such as cardiovascular risk factors and how to implement a cardiac wellness program in local fire departments.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital created such a program with the Cranford Fire Department. Open to volunteer and paid firefighters, the program offers cholesterol and blood glucose screening, as well as a presentation by Robert Wood Johnson dietitian Stephanie Madeira.

The program features Cranford firefighter Paul Schroeder, a health and safety instructor at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway; Nurse Kathy Conlon of the St. Barnabas Burn Center; and Cranford Fire Department Capt. Helge Nordveidt. All are fire and hazardous-material instructors.

Registration is available by calling (732) 499-6193. Seating is limited.

The fitness and wellness center is at 2120 Lamberts Mill Road, Scotch Plains.