Darryl Jensen: Farmers need to check own health

Farmers need to be aware of their own vital statistics by check-ups with their GPs.

When was the last time you visited your GP? I know most farmers are busy and would rather forget those aches and pains.

Some might even be feeling a bit low or talking things down.

With the lingering dairy industry downturn and the outlook for sheep meats not so positive, another tough year ahead beckons for farmers.

Sometimes we forget there is readily available help and support to get through these difficult, uncertain times.

Farmstrong, Rural Support Trusts and DairyNZ 'Good Yarn' workshops are a start and a great resource for farmers. Around 400 rural professionals have been to the 'Good Yarn' workshops. They've been upskilling themselves on how to identify and manage signs of stress and depression.

In my area I know the local DairyNZ consulting officer is endeavouring to visit all farmers to see how they are coping.

I attended a Farmstrong workshop where Dr Tom Mulholland gave a very insightful presentation on coping with stress in a farming environment.

He pointed out farmers are great at knowing the numbers around the pasture, stock and machinery but not their own vital statistics.

Dr Mulholland told the workshop, "A healthy body and mind will add years to your life and life to your years."

So just like getting a WOF for your car or utility you need one for yourself. Ideally you should be booking in with your local GP once a year for a health check.

I had a health check at the workshop with my blood pressure and cholesterol taken. I did get a pass mark but was told for a man of my age (I'm in my 50s), I should be having yearly checkups.

"As a birthday present to yourself, go and see your GP," said Dr Mulholland.

Farmstrong wants to be the ambulance at the top of the cliff, not at the bottom of it. If farmers took ownership of their health it would go some way to preventing unexpected health issues such as heart attacks and strokes. I encourage you to at least go and visit the website, farmstrong.co.nz. What have you got lose? It might just save your life.

- Darryl Jensen is president of Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers