Take care of the intake valve to your heart

When I first started the fire service, I knew the importance of staying fit as firefighting is a strenuous job. I worked out regularly and ate right. I would make healthy meals like taco salads, stuffed eggplant, chicken and vegetable meals, but the older guys hated them. They wanted their “meat and potatoes” or “structure burgers” filled with grease and a side of fries. I caught a lot of grief for my healthy heart-smart meals. Some would even order pizza to satisfy their cravings after picking at my meals.

Back then, not much was known about cardiovascular disease and firefighters. Through re...