In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Dr. Allison Barry, assistant professor at the School of Health and Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University. Dr. Barry shares insights from her groundbreaking community-based research focused on improving physical activity and nutrition among volunteer firefighters. Her work highlights the unique challenges these firefighters face, from limited resources to rural isolation, and the critical need for sustainable wellness initiatives. They discuss barriers including time constraints, lack of policies, and accessibility issues. They also explore the potential benefits of department-level programs, peer support, and state collaboration. Dr. Barry outlines how research-backed interventions tailored to each community can reduce sudden cardiac events and cancer risks, ultimately promoting longer and healthier firefighting careers.

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