Health, Wellness, and Readiness in the Fire Service.

The past decade of research on the health of firefighters has identified several areas of need related to morbidity and mortality risks including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and injury. Data suggest that a number of occupational risk factors push firefighters toward poor health and increase their risks for a number of diseases and premature deaths. Underlying modifiable risk factors have emerged as playing a central role in increasing risks for poor health, including obesity, poor nutrition, low fitness, binge drinking, smokeless-tobacco use, poor sleep, and behavioral-health concerns. Understanding these risks, as well as prevention and intervention techniques, are necessary components to improving occupational health among this important population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]