HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH PROMOTION

Human Performance/Research and Promotion

	"...ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS IN MEETING THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL FITNESS GOALS."

In addition to current CF standards (Firefighters, Search and Rescue Technicians, Land Force Command, and CF Minimum Physical Fitness Standards), supporting training programs have been developed and implemented by the Director Human Performance and Health Promotion (DHPHP) in the past year. These programs include an Army Fitness Manual, a Fighting Fires with Fitness Manual, and a Recruit Physical Fitness Training Program. All programs are considered valuable resources in assisting individuals in meeting their personal and professional fitness goals.

The validation of CF Minimum Physical Fitness Standards has been completed and presented to the Assistant Deputy Minister Human Resources – Military (ADM (HR-Mil)) and each ECS. ADM (HR-Mil) is now determining the extent to which the research and development will impact the current CF approach to minimum physical fitness standards.

For the first time, PSP fitness staff will deliver fitness and wellness sessions to participants in both recruit and junior leaders courses. These sessions will ensure that CF members receive this training not only from their first day of enrolment, but also throughout their careers as noncommissioned members.

DHPHP is also supervising other research initiatives, including:

• ageing and performance
• firefighter selection standards
• hyperoxia and self-contained breathing apparatus
• physical fitness program for primary leadership training
• pregnancy and exercise
• CF diving physical fitness maintenance standards

Health Promotion

In July 2001, the CFPSA signed a Service Level Agreement with Director General Health Services (DGHS) of DND to deliver a health promotion program to CF bases and wings entitled “Strengthening the Forces.” This publicly funded program is being offered by the CFPSA. However, policy and program development responsibilities will remain with DGHS. The PSP Division is in the final phase of creating a team of health promotion experts to deliver the program throughout Canada and Europe.

	"...HEALTH PROMOTION... TEACHES THE PREVENTION OF BOTH DISEASE AND UNHEALTHY LIFE-STYLE CHOICES."

While other CF medical services focus on the treatment of injury, disease, and social dysfunction, health promotion—according to the CF Health Services continuum of care model—teaches the prevention of both disease and unhealthy life-style choices. Health promotion aims at decreasing such high-risk behaviours as smoking, addiction, and unsafe sex. It also encourages physical activity, weight and stress management, and the development of healthy relationships. The program, which is designed to include CF members and the entire DND/CF Defence Team, is voluntary in nature.

PSP Division health promotion experts are partnering with other PSP and CF professionals to deliver programs in a minimum of ten component areas, including:

• physical activity
• weight management
• nutrition
• stress management
• nicotine cessation
• addiction-free living
• injury and violence prevention
• suicide prevention
• sexual health
• spiritual health