Sounding the alarm on health concerns among Tactical Athletes

Sounding the alarm on health concerns among Tactical Athletes

 

Tactical Athletes serve and risk their own lives to protect others’ lives and property each day.  However, it is clear that Tactical Athletes across the country don’t always take care of themselves.  These individuals often work long, strenuous, and unpredictable shifts.  They are placed in dangerous situations and are exposed to numerous hazardous materials.  With many cities and towns trying to cut back as much as possible, many Tactical Athletes do not have the proper equipment or resources to safely do their jobs.  In addition, despite great advancements made in injury prevention, the majority of cities and towns do not have health and wellness programs for their Tactical Athletes.  As such, these individuals are at higher risk for various medical conditions.  Below are some alarming facts: 

 

Health concerns and medical problems common among Tactical Athletes

·         Obesity

·         Diabetes

·         Hypertension

·         Heart disease

·         Vascular disease

·         Neurologic injuries

·         Mental illnesses

·         Head injuries

·         Orthopedic injuries

·         Cancer

·         Chronic pain

 

 Average life expectancy in the United States

·         US civilian:  78 years old

·         Firefighters – 52 years old

·         Police officers – 58 years old

 

 Common causes of death among Tactical Athletes

·         Heart disease (the number one cause of death among all Tactical Athletes)

·         Cancer

·         Trauma on the job

·         Stroke

·         Suicide

 

Clearly there is a large discrepancy among the life expectancies of Tactical Athletes and the general public.  Most of these medical concerns and causes of death are preventable.  Through education and different health and wellness resources, risk factors for many of these conditions may be reduced.  As knowledge and technologies improve, so should access to education on proper nutrition, hydration, weight management, exercise programs, up-to-date equipment, mental health resources, and proper trainings and skills drills.  America’s heroes need to start taking better care of themselves if they want to continue to serve and protect others.  If these individuals don’t start taking care of themselves, they place themselves, their fellow Tactical Athletes, and the general public in danger.

By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC

 

 

Sources:

American Academy of Family Physicians

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Fire Protection Association

Violanti J, et al.  Life Expectancy in police officers: A comparison with the U.S. general population.  Int J Emerg Ment Health.  2013; 15 (4): 217-228.