31 March 2025
Take care of your bones and joints
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of disability in Irish farmers, according to data from the National Farm Survey, leading to farm income loss and reduced levels of part time employment.
In this article, Health and Safety Specialist at Teagasc, Francis Bligh raises awareness and tells us more about National Arthritis Week, taking place from Monday, March 31st to Sunday, April 6th.
Research found that:
- 57% of farmers lost full time workdays (with over 22% losing 15 days or more).
- Areas affected include the back and spine (37%), neck and shoulder (25%), hip and lower limbs (26%) and hand, wrist, spine (10%).
Each year, Arthritis Ireland strives to raise awareness of the challenges facing those living with arthritis, in addition to sharing and promoting self-management techniques. National Arthritis Week aims to highlight how simple changes can lead to significant improvements in the symptoms of arthritis and overall health.
Introducing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine
Lifestyle medicine is based around six key pillars that are known to have a big impact in the management of symptoms of arthritis, and possibly also playing a role in preventing it from occurring in the first place.
- Diet and nutrition: Promoting the importance of a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fibre and helps lower inflammation.
- Exercise and movement: Encouraging regular exercise like swimming, aqua-aerobics, walking, cycling, Pilates and yoga to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Sleep and rest: Emphasising good sleep practices to manage pain and fatigue.
- Managing stress: Providing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
- Smoking and substance misuse: Educating on the benefits of reducing or eliminating smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Relationships and connections: Highlighting the importance of supportive relationships and community involvement for emotional well-being.
FREE informative webinars
As part of this campaign, you can sign up for Arthritis Ireland’s free Empowering Lives with Lifestyle Medicine webinar series. Webinars will be held on Tuesday 1st, Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th April. Topics covered: an introduction to lifestyle medicine, including where to begin and how to incorporate the six pillars into daily life; the importance of social connections, sleep, stress reduction and mindfulness; and a taster Tai Chi class.
To register for information webinars click links to book your place:
Pathways to Wellness: Beginning with Lifestyle Medicine approach | Arthritis Ireland
Building a Healthier Life: The Impact of Sleep, Stress and Social Connections | Arthritis Ireland
Tai Chi Taster Class with Kevin Copeland
For further information or support, please call the Arthritis Ireland Helpline on 0818 252 846, open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.