Working to end high early mortality among farmers

Friday, December 5, 2014

Rural Canadians have a higher incidence of respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease and diabetes than their urban counterparts, but it doesn't have to be that way. Not according to Jordan Jensen, project manager of Sustainable Farm Families Canada. He told Alberta Farmer that "farmers have a higher risk of early mortality, and it is preventable. It's just a matter of changing how they look at themselves and how important their role is on the farm."

The Sustainable Farm Families program began in Australia 10 years ago and had its Canadian debut in Alberta in November, with free workshops held in Lethbridge, Taber and Grande Prairie. There, farmers learned about common health issues such as stress, disease prevention, mental health, physical activity and nutrition. The workshops emphasized group learning and discussion over lectures, and were limited to 20 participants.

"Farmers tend to know more about their cattle, their machinery or their land . . . way more than they know about themselves and their health," Jensen told Alberta Farmer. "They're more concerned about taking care of their $500,000 tractor than they are about themselves. What good is having a $500,000 tractor or 1,000 acres of land or cattle, if you're not there to enjoy it or to make use of it?"

Workshops were led by farm peers and registered nurses, and included a free health assessment. In Australia, participants are monitored over a three-year period, a model Canada may also follow. BF