Heart disease is the leading killer of law enforcement officers. And frequently, it comes for younger individuals who look and feel fit. Fortunately, new technologies can be combined with nutrition and fitness strategies to dramatically lower your risk.
Join Lexipol, along with a panel of industry experts, for an important discussion on heart health for first responders. Register now.
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Across public safety, personnel work in conditions that range from boredom to sudden periods of extreme stress. In addition, it’s no secret officers don’t get enough quality sleep or meals and work ungodly hours, as well as excessive overtime. But what are the lasting, long-term effects of these occupational hazards?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. John Violanti, noted police wellness researcher and LE veteran, about the increased risks police officers face from stress and cardiovascular disease.
About John M. Violanti, Ph.D.
John M. Violanti, Ph.D., is a full research professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, New York. He served with the New York State Police for 23 years as a trooper and criminal investigator, and later as a coordinator for State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP).
Dr. Violanti has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles on shift work, stress and PTSD. He has also written and edited 20 books on topics of stress, trauma and suicide. Newly funded projects include the effects of PTSD on decision-making among police and mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19.
He recently released Occupation Under Siege: Resolving the Mental Health Crises in Policing and Practical Considerations for Preventing Police Suicide. Access his Amazon author page here.
ADDITIONAL POLICE WELLNESS RESOURCES
- Why law enforcement executives should maintain their physical fitness
- Enhancing first responder resilience through mindfulness
- The mind-body connection: Emotional & biological effects of hypervigilance
- Want to extend your shelf life as a cop? Take a hike
- What we don’t know about stress might kill us
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