Fire fighters given health advice

Health officials said fire fighters needed 5,000 calories a day and would have to build muscle mass to do their job and keep their energy levels high.

DUBAI // A group of 135 firemen learnt about maintaining a good diet and keeping fit as part of a four-month training course on nutrition conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

According to the DHA, firefighters need 5,000 calories a day to build and maintain muscle mass to do their jobs well.

“What a person eats clearly either boosts or hinders their physical development, and given the job requirements of firefighters, it is important that they remain fit and healthy,” said Wafa Ayesh, the director of clinical nutrition at the DHA.

Workshops and lectures on body-mass analysis and dietary recommendations were held between March and last month at the Dubai Civil Defence training academy.

“The caloric expenditure required to perform fire fighting tasks is significant,” said Mrs Ayesh. “Add to that the mental stress that a person undergoes while performing such tasks.

“Therefore, optimal nutrition for firefighters is absolutely necessary. This is required for overall health and to build muscle mass, which is important for performing firefighting activities.”

The firefighters were advised to eat the right kind of carbohydrates and have regular meals to boost their metabolic and neurological function. “We also discussed the importance of eating healthy foods that fuel the body rather than slow it down,” said Mrs Ayesh.

Knowing how to fast and keeping healthy during Ramadan is also important. “During Ramadan, the most important thing for firefighters is to avoid dehydration and lack of energy,” said Mrs Ayesh. “We provided them with several healthy eating options for iftar and suhoor.”