Chapter 2 —Health Assessments
The health benefits of regular,
moderate exercise have been
confirmed by many research
studies. A number of medical and
scientific organizations encourage the
public to be physically active. The
American College of Sports Medicine
and the American Heart Association
recommend that every American should
have a total of 30 to 60 minutes of
moderate intensity physical activity
most days of the week. Even sedentary
individuals can begin a moderate
exercise program safely. If more
individuals adopt an active lifestyle,
public health will be enhanced.
Apparently healthy individuals who are under 45 years of age and have no symptoms, risk factors, or heart disease, can participate in more vigorous activity. Wildland firefighters who intend to train for the pack test and participate in arduous firefighting duties may need to take a medical evaluation required by their agency (table 2.1). Those training for other work capacity tests for moderate or light fire duties should check agency medical exam requirements, such as the health screening questionnaire, which helps to identify higher risk individuals. Higher risk individuals should consult with their physician before beginning training for work capacity tests or field duties.
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend that individuals complete a health screening questionnaire before they embark on a fitness program (figures 2.1a and 2.1b).
Figure 2.1a—Health screening
questionnaire; click on thumbnail
to download PDF.
Figure 2.1b—Work capacity
test informed consent form;
click on thumbnail to download PDF.
While physical activity generally is safe for most individuals, it increases the risk of muscle, joint, or more serious health risks. Risks are associated with exercise intensity (figure 2.2). Only about 10 percent of all heart attacks occur during exertion. Risk is associated with age (over 45 years), gender (male), being overweight or obese, and inactivity. The American Heart Association lists physical inactivity as a major risk factor for heart disease. The least active individuals are 50 times more likely to experience a serious problem during or soon after exertion than the most active individuals (American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association 2007).
Figure 2.2—Benefits and risks of exercise. Reprinted, with permission,
from B.J. Sharkey and S.E. Gaskill, 2007, Fitness & Health, 6th ed.
(Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 59.
To minimize the risks of exercise,
reduce heart disease risk factors (table
2.2) and have a medical examination or
health screening before training, testing, or participating in strenuous
work. If you have been inactive, walk
regularly for 4 to 6 weeks before you
begin strenuous training. When training, increase intensity and duration
gradually, scheduling easier days to
allow recovery. See chapters 8 and 9 for
specific training advice.
