Contributed by Nicholas E. Blonien, D.O. Hitting a hot sauna may be a daunting thought after fighting a fire for hours, but it could help clear toxicants from the body and boost cardiovascular health. While utilizing sauna therapy for enhancing the clearance of toxic chemicals and cancer-causing compounds is still being studied, the cardiovascular benefits...Read More
Contributed by Nicholas E. Blonien, D.O. Cancer remains a leading cause of firefighter mortality. Despite marvelous advances in diagnostic technologies and therapeutics, healthy lifestyle choices are still a powerful prevention strategy, especially for those in the higher-risk firefighting field. Earlier in 2023, leaders in firefighter research published a review of current evidence supporting the effectiveness...Read More
Cancer is unfortunately now the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide. Although this subject is certainly crucial year-round, January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to highlight the potentially life-saving protocols for cancer prevention, while supporting our fire service family members now living with a cancer diagnosis. Beyond personal risk factors like age...Read More
Critical Illness insurance through Hometown Heroes Assistance Program has been a financial lifeline during difficult time While a colorectal cancer diagnosis is not what Richard Taatjes was expecting after scheduling his first colonoscopy just after turning 51 in April 2022, he faced it just as he does all his life endeavors – with positivity. “It...Read More
As an organization advocating for firefighter health, MnFIRE extends its support for the joint statement regarding PFAS in PPE issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. The two national organizations presented the statement at the 2023 International Firefighter Cancer Symposium in late February to notify members of the...Read More
That’s a wrap on the 2023 Firefighter Health Forum! We appreciate everyone who was able to join us for this important annual conference in central Minnesota filled with meaningful discussions on firefighter health and wellness. An animated keynote from Dr. Jody Janati shed light on tips and tricks to communicate effectively and with zero drama. And...Read More
Austin fire chief prioritizes firefighter health with MnFIRE training Firefighters are in an others-first career, often focusing on people who need help before tending to their own needs. As a fire chief, Jim McCoy knows it’s part of his job to give the members of his Austin Fire Department resources to make their health a...Read More
Minnesota’s annual giving holiday is Thursday, Nov. 17, but you don’t have to wait to support your local firefighters! From now through Nov. 17, visit the MnFIRE GiveMN page and make a donation to help protect the health and well-being of firefighters across the state. Firefighters continue to face alarming rates of cardiovascular disease, emotional trauma...Read More
You’re invited! Join us Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia to experience meaningful health and wellness training at the second annual Firefighter Health Forum. The inaugural Firefighter Health Forum in 2022 was such a success – gathering mental health experts and fire service leaders from across the state, and sparking...Read More
Since it was passed in July 2021, the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) has supported hundreds of peer support calls and visits with mental health providers, trained the majority of the state’s firefighters on their occupational health risks, and has paid out nearly $800,000 in critical illness claims – all at no cost to firefighters,...Read More