They look after their animals, crops, and machinery better than they look after themselves, but we hope something has changed after this year’s Fovember campaign. Over 300 farmers were health screened this November in marts around the country, in an effort to raise awareness of men’s health among farmers. The results
They look after their animals, crops, and machinery better than they look after themselves, but we hope something has changed after this year’s Fovember campaign. Over 300 farmers were health screened this November in marts around the country, in an effort to raise awareness of men’s health among farmers.
The results
All the results have been put together and obesity appears to be the biggest problem facing our farming men, with 86% being classified as overweight or obese. The average BMI was 29.4, with most claiming that the only form of exercise they received was on the farm.
Almost 70% were also found to be suffering from high blood pressure. 36% had a high cholesterol reading, with 52% reporting to be eating red meat three or more times a week.
“Red meat is high in fat,” says Dr Jack Halligan from Full Health Medical, who carried out the free health checks.
Almost half of all farmers said they consumed full-fat dairy products such as milk and butter. 6% of farmers also reported mental health problems.
“In reality, this was a much bigger issue. I think many farmers didn’t want to disclose information on this as it was only a semi-private setting,” say Dr Jack Halligan.
The positives
Despite the health problems facing the farming community, such as obesity and high blood pressure, there were also some positive results noted.
Only 10% were active smokers, in comparison to a figure of 23% for the overall population of Ireland.
Almost 40% of men have had a prostate blood test (PSA blood test) with their doctor in the past, and 42% report self-examining their testicles regularly. And, finally, just 55% drink alcohol compared to 76% in the general population.
The Irish Farmers Journal teamed up with Full Health Medical, ICOS and Movember Ireland to bring these free health checks to marts in Roscommon, Raphoe, Fermoy, Castleisland, Ennis and Kilkenny this October and November. 291 men and 21 women received a free health check, which included a full heart check (blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol), a diabetes screen, mental health advice, prostate cancer awareness, and nutrition, lifestyle and exercise advice. The average age of those attending was 58.
We would like to congratulate our farming men and women for taking the first step towards living longer, happier, healthier lives.
Visit www.moteam.co/fovember today to give one final donation to our Fovember team.
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