By Jim Sayih

When we take our oath, we accept the risk that perhaps there may come a day when death is standing at our door. Some officers see death as an inevitable consequence of life and welcome doom at its unpredictable moment. Most officers, who don’t have a death wish, hope to contribute something back to life and enjoy it with family and friends. Disturbingly, many officers are dying at an alarming rate and its not as a result of shootings or vehicle crashes.

America is considered the country with state-of-the-art information and resources regarding health and fitness. America has more Health Institutions and Fitness Organizations who’s mission is to provide indefinite enlightenment to the science of health. America is on top of the capitalistic ladder in the sales and manufacturing of fitness equipment, literature and weight loss businesses, ALL proclaiming they have the product or service to give one the perfect physique. With resources available like this, shouldn’t America be the healthiest nation in the world?!?!?!?!? But America is not, by any means.

When we were admitted into the police profession, we endured the mental as well as the physical stress that accompanied the academy. During that chapter of our lives, we enjoyed the benefits of fitness and took for granted those benefits. Without those benefits, we could not have endured the mental stress and abuse supplied by our Instructors. Those benefits were reduced feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, sound sleep, increased stamina, controlled blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke, fat loss and strong bone density.

Once an officer has become acclimated into the police subculture and is genuinely comfortable with the police family, the first time he/she learns an officer has died, it simply crushes those who were close to the officer and an epidemic of mourners is felt by the department and the community. If the fatality is an unpreventable vehicular crash or shooting, the department searches for ways to improve methods to minimize the risk of those misfortunes. Still, when an officer dies as a result of a heart attack, stroke or cancer, co-workers reminisce about the officers poor eating and physical habits, knowing and even stating that their habits are as bad if not worse. What’s frightening is that these incidents are occurring so frequently that officers are seriously discussing ways at improving their level of fitness.

If we save and invest our money to enjoy retirement, when and if we reach that period, we may not be physically capable of relishing in the rewards of those financial dividends if we don’t have our health. Playing with our children and grandchildren may become a hardship or simply just a dream.

Where to START: Begin positive habits 6 days a week and cheat on the 7^th.

1. Follow the rule of three (3) by eating whole foods divided in 1/3’s rich in protein (40%), complex (30%) (starch & high grains) and fibrous (30%) (vegetables & fruits) carbohydrates.
2. Eat six times per day, once every 3 hours, small portions, each including the rule of 3.
3. Conduct aerobic activity at least 3 times per day at 15-20 minutes a session.
4. Incorporate a resistance (weight) training regimen at least 3 times per week 15-20 minutes, alternating days from your aerobic training.

By following these habits, your body will be fueled with nutrients for proper daily maintenance, plus added nourishment for recuperation after your physical exercise session. As a result, you will begin to tone your muscles, strengthen bones and reduce fat. Consequently, increasing your physical longevity.

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