Marts survey shows up worrying health issues for farmers

THE general health of farmers continues to be a matter of concern with high blood pressure and obesity the main offenders, according to a recent survey carried out by Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation.

Over 60 farmers had their blood pressure taken at two marts in the county last month and also had weight and waste checks, giving results that did provide cause for concern for Croí.

More than half of the farmers checked out had high blood pressure with many of those advised to have a follow-up check – high blood pressure is a primary cause of stroke and heart disease.

Weight problems also featured highly in the survey carried out in early October at Tuam and Loughrea Marts with 61% of those surveyed either being categorised as overweight or obese.

The waistline measurement for those surveyed, indicated that 97% of them were over the recommended 37 inch measurement for men, also a worrying indicator in terms of diseases like diabetes.

Irene Gibson, Croí  Lead Nurse and Programmes Manager, told the Farming Tribune, that the results of the survey were warning indicators of potentially more serious health problems to come.

“The message we want to get across is a lifestyle one. We want people to take note of portion size, to cut down on their salt intake, to reduce the amount of processed foods they consume, and to exercise regularly,” said Irene Gibson.

She also advised that farmers – and the general public – needed to inform themselves better as to what the food they bought in the supermarkets contained. “We want to get them to read the labels and know what they’re consuming,” she said.

Irene Gibson said that they had got a very positive reaction from the farmers they had surveyed with nearly all of them willing to consider making basic lifestyle changes.

Early in the New Year, Croí will be holding a six weeks weight management programme in Athenry aimed at advising farmers on how they can enjoy a healthy lifestyle and still eat well. (Anyone interested in participating should contact Croí on: 091-893500.

“This is not about any short-term diets. It is about moving onto a sustainable lifestyle incorporating healthy and fresh food, regular exercise and blood pressure checks,” said Irene Gibson.

She added that the simple measure of a significant reduction in the salt intake of the general population could save 900 lives each year in Ireland.

The mart health checks – now a regular annual exercise – are organised in conjunction with Galway Rural Development with the support of the marts, who provide a private room for the checks to be carried out.

According to Irene Gibson, farmers have the opportunity to incorporate far more exercise into their daily routines.

“For example, instead of taking the tractor or the quad to check the cattle in the fields, they should either walk or cycle. These are just simple good habits to develop and to work into the daily routine,” she said.

She stressed the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, as high blood pressure was one of the major factors leading to stroke and heart disease.