A large number of Lexington firefighters will be able to participate in a new health and fitness program. It’s supported through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of just under a half million dollars. Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells said the series of seminars will examine issues beyond physical readiness.
“Not only is it fitness which we normally think of and job-related fitness but also things we don’t think about as much…flexibility..things like mindfulness, yoga, nutrition. This very holistic look at firefighter health and wellness,” said Wells.
Wells noted the grant funding will cover seminars for more than 300 firefighters over the next year or so. The fire chief added some of the information deals with the stress of the job.
“So I think a lot of the thought process behind some of the things like yoga and mindfulness is how we manage our stress and recognizing when you need help. We’re actually gonna have, as part of this grant, some seminars that are focused on the mental and behavioral side of things,” said Wells.
Wells said hopefully the remaining members of the fire department can also participate in the seminars. The first program will be held in January.
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