FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Firefighters from Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma are attending the first Firefighters Professional Wellness Certification Workshop to learn strategies to reverse premature death and illness from cardio-vascular diseases and enhance performance and morale. The two-and-a-half-day workshop is presented by the University of Arkansas and Fayetteville Fire Department.

After passing written and practical examinations, the 16 firefighters enrolled will earn continuing education credits from the UA Center for Wellness and the American College of Sports Medicine and will be prepared to implement health and fitness programs in their hometown fire departments.

The workshop was developed by Bud Thompson, battalion chief with the Fayetteville Fire Department, and UA faculty members Barry Brown, University Professor in exercise science; Jerry Foote, assistant professor in dietetics; and Ed Mink, health education specialist with University Health Center. Workshop sponsors are HealthSouth Corp. and OfficeMax.

Barry Brown will be available for short interviews during the testing sessions, as will three of his graduate students-Koulla Parpa, Leigh Jurney and Marcos Michaelides-all of whom have been working with the Fayetteville Fire Department for the past year.

Photo Opportunity: Firefighters participating in the Firefighters Professional Wellness Certification Workshop will take part in body composition and fitness testing administered by UA faculty and graduate students.

When: Thursday, February 10, 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Where: UA Human Performance Lab, HPER room 321. The HPER building is on the corner of Stadium Drive and Meadow Street. Paid parking is available in Lot 67, located between HPER and the Women’s Softball Stadium with entrance from Meadow Street.