Farmer Health Checks Programme dates announced
Dermody, Getting From Lead, Charlie Stroke Marine, Minister Agriculture, Heart Mcconalogue And Caroline Health For Check Food Munity Nurse Charity His And Croí
The Irish Farmers' Association has announced the rollout of the Farmer Health Checks Programme.
The initiative, which is run in partnership with Croí Heart & Stroke Charity, will provide farmers with a free health check worth €200 at pop-up clinics at livestock marts over the next six weeks.
Those who attend the clinics across the country will also receive a detailed and helpful Health Information and Advice Pack.
The first of the clinics takes place at Ballyjamesduff Mart, Co Cavan, on October 1, with the last in Macroom Mart on November 9. Other Munster dates include Thurles Mart on October 28, Kilmallock Mart on November 4, COrrin Mart on November 5 and Castleisland Mart on November 6.
Minister Martin Heydon confirmed last week that IFA’s farm safety, health and well-being project had been approved as part of a new farm safety initiative announced earlier this year.
IFA President Francie Gorman is appealing to farmers to make an effort to attend their nearest health check clinic and to be more conscious of their health in challenging times for agriculture.
“As a farmer and IFA president, I’m proud to introduce this Health Promotion Pack, part of the 'Farmer Health Checks' initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). More than ever, it is important that farmers take time to have themselves checked, and this programme is a perfect opportunity to do so," he said.
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche said farming is more than just a job, but a lifestyle that comes its own set of demands.
“Often, the focus is on the health of our livestock and land rather than our own health and well-being. This initiative is a reminder that looking after ourselves is just as important as anything else," Ms Roche said.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue added: “I urge all farmers to take the time to avail of this comprehensive health check which provides one-to-one health screening and advice on a range of risks. I was grateful to avail of the health check myself at the National Ploughing Championships recently and was very glad to receive a positive result on the day. However, our health can never be taken for granted.”
