Birr Mart to host IFA Farmer Health Check

Birr is to host an event as part of the IFA rollout of Farmer Health Checks Programme in locations around the country.

The initiative will provide farmers with a free health check worth €200 and is in partnership with Croí Heart & Stroke Charity.

Health Check Clinics will be set up at livestock marts over the next six weeks, with the event taking place on October 21, at 11am, at Birr Mart on Pound St.

Minister Martin Heydon confirmed last week that IFA’s farm safety, health and wellbeing project had been approved as part of a new farm safety initiative announced earlier this year.

IFA President Francie Gorman is appealing to farmers to make an effort to attend their nearest health check clinic and to be more conscious of their health in challenging times for agriculture.

“As a farmer and IFA President, I’m proud to introduce this Health Promotion Pack, part of the 'Farmer Health Checks' initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). More than ever, it is important that farmers take time to have themselves checked, and this programme is a perfect opportunity to do so,” he said.

IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche said farming is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and with that comes its own set of demands. “Often the focus is on the health of our livestock and land rather than our own health and wellbeing. This initiative is a reminder that looking after ourselves is just as important as anything else.”

Those who attend the clinics across the country will also receive a detailed and helpful Health Information and Advice Pack.

Minister Martin Heydon said “I am delighted to be able to support this pilot programme through my Farm Safety budget. Health and wellbeing are closely linked to safety and this programme will provide an opportunity for farmers to assess their overall health and take action to protect their physical health and mental wellbeing. Investing in health and wellbeing can have long-term benefits for farmers and their families and help make farms safer places to live and work.”

Minister McConalogue added “I urge all farmers to take the time to avail of this comprehensive health check which provides one-to-one health screening and advice on a range of risks. I was grateful to avail of the health check myself at the National Ploughing Championships recently and very glad to receive a positive result on the day. However, our health can never be taken for granted”.

Mark O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Croí Heart and Stroke Charity said Croí looks forward to working with the IFA to deliver this important initiative to provide free health checks within the farming community. The project aligns fully with Croí’s focus on preventative engagement to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke.