Long hours, physical labour and the pressure of managing a farm in an unpredictable environment takes a significant toll on farmers’ health, both physically and mentally, according to nurse Laura Tully, whose Fit Farmers lifestyle intervention has yielded an impressive outcome.
Laura, the creator and facilitator of the Fit Farmers lifestyle intervention, has a passion for promoting health and wellness.
Laura has channelled her expertise as a nurse into developing an innovative approach to improving the lives of farmers in Roscommon.
“The Fit Farmers programme aims to address the vital need for holistic wellness among the farming population in Roscommon, going beyond mere physical exercise routines – delving into mental health, nutrition and community support,” said Laura.
The most recent initiative, delivered in Kilmurry, Co. Roscommon, has shown a remarkable outcome for the 29 participants, ranging from 37 to 83-years-of-age hailing from Castlerea, Tulsk, Ballintubber and other areas in Roscommon, she said.
“Improvements in cardiovascular fitness and lower limb strength were recorded in pre and post-programme testing. In just five weeks, participants increased their lower limb strength by over 40% and fitness by over 11%.
“Regular exercise routines tailored to their needs resulted in increased strength, flexibility and endurance.
“These positive changes should lead to farmers feeling more energised and capable of handling the physical demands of their work,” Laura said.
Recognising the requirement for a targeted intervention to address lifestyle-related health issues in farmers in Ireland, Laura conceptualised Fit Farmers in 2019.
The programme is designed to empower farmers to take control of their wellbeing through education, motivation and practical lifestyle changes.
She guides farmers on a transformative journey towards better health over the six-week programme, often maintaining links with participants who keep up their healthier habits to join her frequent Sunday ‘Walk and Talks’ long after the formal programme concludes.
Under Laura’s leadership, the Fit Farmers programme is delivered in Roscommon by Roscommon Sports Partnership and partners at Roscommon County Council.
They fund the intervention through The Healthy Ireland Fund, supported by the Department of Health.
The initiative, Laura said, has resulted in numerous positive outcomes, that have significantly improved the quality of life of the participants.
Participants engage in a variety of activities tailored to their needs, including group workouts, health-promoting workshops and peer support.
A celebratory event was held at Kilmurry Hall on February 14 to mark the outcome of the most recent programme.
Presenting a summary of the tangible outcome on the night, Laura explained to those present that one of the most noticeable changes had been in participants’ physical health.
The programme was lauded as a ‘game-changer’ by Bernard Brennan, a Ballinaheglish farmer who was awarded a ‘Fittest Farmer’ award at the event in Kilmurry.
Bernard embraced a healthier lifestyle with outstanding results in terms of health indicators such as weight loss, waist circumference reductions and boosted fitness, mood and energy levels, Laura said.
“As well as making simple swaps to the diet, I would have walked nine miles three times during the week and spent most Sundays on Slaibh Bawn getting the steps in.
“The programme was excellent, with Laura providing all the motivation we needed to make changes and there was a great atmosphere in Kilmurry Hall. I hope more farmers in the county can attend programmes like this in the future,” he said.
Michael Greene was also awarded a ‘Fit Farmer’ award for his enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the programme.
Praising the programme for giving him the motivation needed to embrace healthier eating and a significant increase in physical activity, Michael credited “cutting out the junk food and moving more” for his transformation.
Laura reminded all present that contrary to the belief that taking time off for wellness activities may hamper productivity, participants in this programme found the opposite to be true.
“By investing in your health, you can become more focused, efficient and resilient in your work. Continue to take time for wellness so you don’t have to make time for illness,” she stressed.
Details of upcoming Fit Farmers programmes scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2024 in Roscommon will feature on Roscommon Sports Partnership website and social media pages.
Laura can be contacted on: [email protected].