Farmers urged to get a 'health check' as new national programme launched
An appeal has been made today (Thursday, July 24) to farmers to get a "health check" and be more conscious of their overall wellbeing, particularly in what has been described as "challenging times" for agriculture.
According to Francie Gorman, the president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) "having peace of mind that your health is good is important in facing daily tasks that carry risks".
The IFA, in partnership with Croí Heart & Stroke Charity, has launched the 2025 Farmer Health Checks Programme, which is a mobile health service offering free health assessments and tailored advice specifically for farmers and their families.
Gorman said: "As a farmer and IFA president, I am delighted that we are running this important project once again, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
“Following a very successful rollout last year, this initiative provides a great opportunity for farmers to participate in a health check process at a time and place that suits them.
"This year’s launch is also timely as it falls during Farm Safety Week".
Starting this month until October, the Farmer Health Check mobile health unit will visit marts and agricultural events nationwide to make it easier for farmers to access "vital services directly within their communities".
The programme will give farmers "a quick and comprehensive overview" of their health, focusing on areas such as heart disease risk, early detection of diabetes, mental health, and wellbeing.
It will also provide information on prostate and skin cancer and on local support services.
The programme consists of two key assessments firstly a medical assessment, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and a lifestyle assessment, which only takes 5 to 10 minutes.
According to Minister of State with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, this year's expanded programme will help address the health and wellbeing challenges faced by the farming community and build on the success of last year’s pilot programme.
“Last year, almost half of participants who availed of the health checks presented with elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
"This demonstrates the need for farmers to prioritise their health and wellbeing, and I am urging all farmers to take the time to avail of these free health checks," the minister said.
