Croí, the heart and stroke charity, along with Healthy Ireland, Pobal and Teagasc, are inviting the farming community in Co. Mayo to get involved and make heart healthy changes during Mayo Farmers’ Month, launching on today (Tuesday December 29).
The charity said that looking after your overall health and wellbeing is important for everyone, but especially for farmers as they are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Farmers have historically been seen as a physically active group, but daily ‘sitting time’ for farmers can be as high as eight or more hours.
Croí physiotherapist Denise Dunne said: “We know that the occurrence of heart disease, cardiac events and stroke is significantly higher among Irish farmers compared to other groups of employees.”
Announcing details of the event, Dunne said: “This is a great opportunity to learn more about the medical and lifestyle risk factors for heart disease and stroke, the impact these risk factors can have on your overall health and wellbeing and more importantly the steps you can take to reduce your risk.
“People usually think of cardiovascular disease as an older person’s problem but small changes matter and it’s never too late to start,” she concluded.