Heart Attacks

Heart attacks

Cardiac events are a prime source of injury and death in emergency services. They are attributable to levels of physical fitness and dehydration primarily. Physical fitness is a no-brainer provided you attain it in a responsible manner. A good workout routine will promote flexibility, endurance and strength equally and not push the body to exhaustion or failure. We self-ingest caffeine, energy drinks and protein supplements in our efforts to remain awake and enhance our physical and mental performance; at what cost? Caffeine is a diuretic; it virtually guarantees a state of dehydration. Both caffeine and other substances present in energy drinks override the body’s protective mechanisms and can/do push your cardiovascular system beyond its ability, occasionally causing chest pain, arrhythmia or stroke. Protein supplements require proper hydration to prevent kidney damage, in a firefighting or any high heat, high stress situation you can easily cause yourself permanent damage, or even death when using these supplements while on duty if you are not careful. AP