Digital Resources to Promote Online Learning for Firefighters

New Year-Healthy You
Subtle health changes can be tough to recognize at first and can be easy to ignore and minimize, but when they persist, they are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. To be able to recognize these health changes, you need to become aware of how you feel when you’re at your best–that’s your personal “great.” Start the new year off right by taking the “Identifying and Tracking Symptoms” (7 min.) course to learn how to tune into your body.  {LINK TO COURSES}

Cancer Prevention Month
Subtle health changes can be tough to recognize at first and can be easy to ignore and minimize, but when they persist, they are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. To be able to recognize these health changes, you need to become aware of how you feel when you’re at your best–that’s your personal “great.” Start the new year off right by taking the “Identifying and Tracking Symptoms” (7 min.) course to learn how to tune into your body.  {LINK TO COURSES}

February 4-World Cancer Day
Check out this 5-min. course and learn what cancer is in order to recognize the kinds of important health changes that could be symptoms and should be shared with your doctor. “What is Cancer?” can be accessed here as well as “Questions to Ask Your Doctor” (5 min.) Two micro-courses in 10 min. {LINK TO COURSES}

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
For those at normal risk, be sure to schedule your colonoscopy if you are 45 or older. For those at higher risk, check with your doctor. In addition, take the micro-course “Prevention, Early Detection and Screening” (10 min.) to have a complete strategy for recognizing possible warning signs of cancer. When diagnosed at Stage 1, the survival rate for colon cancer is 91%. When diagnosed at Stage 4, it is 14%.) {LINK TO COURSES} 

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-40. Some studies show that firefighters have TWICE the risk. But the good news is that when caught early, the survival rate for testicular cancer is 99%. Take 6 minutes to review the “How to Do Self Exams” course. It could save your life. {LINK TO COURSES} 

April 7 – World Health Day
Do you have a doctor? A critical part of being healthy is having a primary care provider you can see for annual physicals and when you’re experiencing health changes. Take 5 minutes to do the “Seeking Care” course to learn what type of provider is right for you and “How to Advocate for Yourself” (5 min.) to prepare for those important conversations including getting a second opinion. {LINK TO COURSES}
 

Melanoma Awareness Month
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but when caught early it is very treatable. When you consistently perform self-exams, you’ll know what is normal for you and you’ll be the first to recognize changes. The 6-min. “How to Do Self Exams” course could save your life.  When caught in Stage 1, the survival rate for melanoma is 99%. When diagnosed at Stage 4, it drops to 27%. {LINK TO COURSES} 

National Cancer Survivor Month
We hear about cancer all the time, but have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly it is? In the 5-min. “What Is Cancer?” course, learn what cancer is and how it develops. {LINK TO COURSES} It makes ite easier to understand why even subtle health changes matter.

Why Are Some People at Greater Risk for Cancer?
While a lot of things about cancer remain unknown, we do know that there are factors which put some people at higher risk. DetecTogether’s courses provide usable information to help you assess whether you or your loved ones may have an elevated risk for cancer. It’s an 11-min. course. {LINK TO COURSES}

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
On average, doctors have 15 minutes to spend with each patient. That’s not much time. Preparation is key. This 5-min. “Questions to Ask Your Doctor” course will help you prepare for and make the most of your doctor visits. {LINK TO COURSES}

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
When diagnosed early, the survival rate for prostate cancer is 99.9%. That drops to 30% for a Stage 4 diagnosis. All men 45 or older should talk with their doctor about when to get screened for prostate cancer. Those with a first degree relative who has been diagnosed should consider screening at age 40. Do you know your family medical history? How to Compile Medical History” (7 min.) will help you gather all the information you need. {LINK TO COURSES}

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many doctors suggest women begin mammograms at age 40 and continue annually. Women should talk to their doctor about when to begin mammogram screening and whether to repeat it every year or every other year. Mammograms can detect cancer before you may have symptoms. It’s also important to do monthly self-exams, and recognize possible warning signs of cancer. Learn “How To Do Self-Exams” (6 min.) Men, too, should know how to do a breast self-exam, as men can develop breast cancer. It’s a great time to check in with the DetecTogether Program offered here {LINK TO COURSES}.

Men’s Health Month
A growing number of men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis; and testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men aged 15-40. In some cases, you can be 10x more likely to survive cancer when it’s detected early vs. late. This is a great time to access the online resources from DetecTogether and empower yourself and your loved ones with a strategy to beat cancer. (LINK TO COURSES}

Holidays
When you spend time during the holidays with your families, use the opportunity to learn more about your family health history. Take the How to Compile Medical History” course (7 min.) to learn why knowing your family history is important to detecting cancer early. (LINK TO COURSES}