FARMER health checks being conducted at selected marts across the country through October and November can be ‘lifesavers’ in terms of early detections relating to heart, blood pressure and stroke issues.

National IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair, Teresa Roche, told the Farming Tribune that in the past there was no doubt in her mind that such cheques had helped to save the lives of farmers.

The latest round of such health checks – worth in the region of €200 per person – began at the Ploughing Championships last month and are continuing at selected marts until the end of November.

“These health checks have helped to save farmers’ lives with the early detection of heart problems, high blood-pressure and the risk of strokes. It really is a case of prevention being better than cure,” said Teresa Roche.

The current round of checks – launched at The Ploughing – has received funding of €210,000 from the Dept. of Agriculture in a partnership arrangement involving the IFA, Dept. of Agriculture, and the Croí Heart & Stroke Charity.

The Farmer Health Checks Programme includes ‘clinics’ at marts across parts of the West including Tuam, Gort, Ennis, Roscommon and Balla.

According to the IFA the checks provide ‘a quick and comprehensive overview’ of your health, focusing on areas such as heart disease risk, early detection of diabetes, mental health and wellbeing, as well as crucial information on prostate and skin cancer.

“We are also placing a big emphasis on thinks like a farmer’s mental health, loneliness issue and stress which can surface for example in cases where a farmer might have serious problems with bovine TB.

“There are also issues like drug and alcohol addiction -and domestic violence – which have to be faced up in an open and honest manner.

“We want to get the message out there that help is available; there are people to talk to an services in places which can provide potentially lifesaving aids to farmers and their families,” said Teresa Roche.

The assessments being carried out at the different marts are two tier – medical and lifestyle. The Medical Assessment [10 to 15 minutes] include checks on blood pressure, waistline circumference, cholesterol, blood sugar and a mental wellbeing evaluation.

The Lifestyle Assessment [5 to 10 minutes] looks at issues such as smoking, healthy eating, physical activity and alcohol consumption.

Pictured: Teresa Roche: Health checks have saved lives.