Dakota Farmer

6 steps to protect your health on the farm

During National Public Health Week, it's time to think about staying healthy.

Compiled by staff

April 6, 2019

2 Min Read
doctor holding stethoscope
everythingpossible/ThinkstockPhotos

Rural communities face unique health care challenges, from higher burdens of chronic disease to limited access to primary care and prevention services. When compared to people living in urban areas, rural Americans face a greater risk of death from the five leading causes of death — heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke. Suicide rates are also higher in rural America than in urban areas, with that gap growing steadily since the early 2000s. The opioid addiction and overdose crisis has hit rural communities especially hard — the rate of fatal overdoses is higher in rural communities than in metropolitan ones. Complicating matters, rural residents are often more likely to face social determinants that negatively impact health, such as poverty, transportation barriers and lack of jobs that pay well.

During National Public Health Week, April 1-7, the American Public Health Association encourages people to take action for health.

For rural communities, they encourage support of telemedicine, school-based health centers and partnerships to overcome transportation barriers to care.

Farm Bureau Financial Services is offering a 6-step guide to stay healthy on the farm or ranch.

  1. Beware of UV rays and new moles on your skin - Working outdoors increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen can reduce your UV exposure. And don’t forget to review existing moles for the ABCDEs of melanoma.

  2. Protect your lungs against pollutants and dust - Farmers breathe in irritants from exposure to animals, chemicals, and agricultural dust. Wear proper facial masks when needed to protect from respiratory diseases.

  3. Avoid wear and tear on muscles and joints - Farmers may be used to an ache or pain due to daily hard work, however, if there is a consistent soreness, it’s time to get it checked out. Talk to your primary physician about any discomfort you have so that they can recommend a treatment plan that will keep you up and running.

  4. Care for your eyes, prevent squinting-related strain - You depend on your eyes for nearly every aspect of your business — to operate machinery safely or to let you know when your crops need some extra attention. So if you’ve noticed yourself squinting a lot lately or holding the newspaper a little closer to your face, it’s time for an eye exam.

  5. Reduce exposure to loud noises - If you are often around some of the loudest noises on a farm or ranch such as tractors, grain equipment, and chainsaws, using ear protection is recommended.

  6. Address stress anxiety and depression - Seek help from a mental health professional in your community, immediately, if you are experiencing anxiety or depression.

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