BOOK: Administration SECTION: Physical Wellness (SERGEANT NOTES) Page 1 of 1

Physical Wellness Program
(Updated through 8/7/04)

§  Heart disease, lung disease, and cancer are the 3 leading causes of death and occupational disease disability.

§  The goal of the Wellness/Fitness Program is to benefit the entire department, decrease the frequency/severity of injuries/illness, promote health and longevity, awareness of fitness and nutrition, and to ensure members have the physical strength and flexibility to perform job duties.

§  Each member of the program, regardless of their fitness level, may attain better health and well-being.

§  The Health Risk Questionnaire is evaluated by the City Physician.

§  The Body Composition Analysis determines body fat, lean body mass, and total body hydration based on individual age, sex, height, and impedance number.

§  Participants under 35 years of age and that do not solicit certain risk factors will be cleared for exercise.

§  Individuals over 35 years of age will complete a medical evaluation prior to exercise.

§  The fitness evaluation measures aerobic capacity, flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.

§  The Wellness/Fitness Program is separate from annual physical fitness evaluations.

§  Objectives set to meet program goals include providing a Body Composition analysis, training Certified Fitness Instructors, building personalized fitness programs, accommodating to personnel's needs, purchase of weight machines, providing periodic medical evaluations, and satisfying NFPA and OSHA regulations.

§  Certified Fitness Instructors are trained in anatomy/kinesiology, health guidelines, strength training, exercise, and physiology relating to performance standards of firefighters.

§  When fully implemented, the Wellness/Fitness Program will replace the "Reach for It" Program.

§  Non-punitive physical assessments are mandatory.

§  All 24 hour shift personnel will be allowed 1 1/2 hours per shift to participate in the physical fitness program.

§  All 40 hour uniformed personnel will be allowed 1 1/2 hours, 2 times per week to participate in the physical fitness program.

§  All other 40 hour personnel under the bargaining agreement will be allowed the same 1 1/2 hours, 2 times per week allotment on a voluntary basis.

§  Personnel may use other public facilities in their immediate district with District Officer approval.

§  When using public facilities in immediate district for fitness program, Company Officer is responsible for ensuring activities minimizes chances of injuries and/or citizen complaints.

Copyright FireNotes, Inc.® (OCFD.com) Duplication Of Hard Copy Prohibited Without Consent