KANNAPOLIS – The Kannapolis Fire Department recently hosted a health and wellness summit for firefighters in the region.

The first-time summit focused on helping both command and front-line firefighters deal with the physical and emotional effects of their jobs.

Firefighters and other first responders face physical challenges each day as they deal with heavy equipment, the hazards of fire, lifting patients and more. There are also emotional effects from their interaction with victims of emergency situations.

The summit featured speakers and exercises to help personnel prevent injuries and illnesses and promote a healthy lifestyle. Sessions including dealing with stress, PTSD, fitness workouts, and learning how to properly lift, pull and carry victims and equipment.

Firefighters from Elizabethtown, Salisbury, Albemarle, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, other municipalities attended.