No single study can ever be evaluated as conclusive, but Violanti's study showed a very significant difference in the life-expectancy of police officers to that of the general population. Officers displayed a mean difference of 21.9 years as compared with the general public. In other words, according to this study, cops die at a much-younger age, both while still in service and during retirement, than members of the public.
To put this into perspective, the study projected the probability of death for a general-population male, age 40-44, to be .0034 - and that of an officer in the same age range to be .171 - a major difference. Violanti et al also projected that same officer to live only another 12.38 years on average - while the general-population guy is slated to go on for 44.96 more years. The major questions here involve why do police officers die young and what can be done to attenuate that issue.
Let's start with stress. The major sources of stress originate from things over which we have little-to-no control. A relaxed conversation in the station can end quickly with a 911 call of a fatal accident, shooting, suicide or robbery. Waiting around in court waiting for your case to be called - while in a state of deprived sleep - can take a toll. Arguments and disputes with the command staff or fellow officers is all too common. Domestic-dispute calls can transition from calm discussions to through-the-roof violence in a heartbeat.
All too often, the officer that is passionate and dedicated to his job is not so determined to take care of him , her her, self. Obesity, poor diet, alcoholism, poor sleep patterns, lack of exercise and the every-present stress of the job are far too common. These are generally factors over which police have control. What you can't control may cause the most stress, but conversely, you have almost-total control over your fitness level - which in turn, positively affects your health. This is all about nutrition (You become what you eat), exercise and smart supplementation.
Nutrition
Trying to lose weight? Get off the treadmill! Cardiovascular exercise has little effect on weight loss for most. What to eat? Go for color. The chemicals that color the fruits and vegetables protect you from disease. Look for yellow, red, green, orange, purple. Eat wild foods when you can. What protects the wild blueberry in the field guards you against disease. Eat plenty of protein, including quality whey powder - which I don't include in the supplement portion of this article since I regard it as virtually necessary. Count calories. Guys eating 1,500 calories per day most of the time lose weight. Little time to eat right? Microwave a cup of cooked spinach - throw some turkey breast, red lettuce and sliced onion in a pita pocket. Learn nutrition. It is invaluable.
Exercise
Use exercise as a stress reliever. Walk, run, hike and bike for recreation and accept the calorie loss as a bonus. As already stated, 45 minutes on the treadmill or stepper won't get you lean. But 10-12 minutes of intense cardio can assist with health, sleep, mood - and general well-being. Do strength training. Go for power and strength. They can be developed relatively quickly. Police officers need both in their daily duties. Gradually let your body adapt to performing your first sets of a muscle group as a heavy, one-rep set - without a warm-up. It can be done. You won't be allowed a warm-up before taking down a large brute that wants to fight. That is my point.
Supplementation
As already stated, if you aren't taking whey protein, you are making a mistake. The benefits are tremendous, and it is a quick, effective way (no pun intended) to get additional protein. For regularity, nothing beats psyllium powder. You won't like the taste, but it works like a charm. Doctors usually don't recommend supplements, but many are now suggesting patients take vitamin D. Definitely a good idea. Most supplements are useless, so learn about them and choose wisely. Taking the right ones can improve quality of life and extend it.
The job of the patrol officer keeps getting more complex and stressful. Make an arrest and you can be criticized from all sides. You will be judged for years on a decision you had to make in one second. A judge will exonerate a criminal you and most others know is guilty. You can't control that. Focus on yourself. Work on your health, physique and mental attitude. One of the pluses in being a police officer is the retirement plan. You want to complete your stint in law enforcement and live a long time in retirement. You want to outlive the bastards that sought to bring you down when you patrolled the streets. That is your goal.
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