Free health checks for farmers at Teagasc events
A collaboration between Teagasc and the Irish Heart Foundation is bringing free health checks to farmers and farm families at four Teagasc events across the country this autumn. Diana van Doorn and Francis Bligh tell us more.
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the open call for farm safety projects the initiative aims to make health checks more accessible by bringing them to events already attended by farmers.
The first health check event took place on 29 September at the Teagasc Portlaoise Advisory Office, where farmers and family members availed of free health checks as part of the advisory service’s ongoing support for farm families. Farmers responded positively and all available health check appointments were fully booked.
What Health checks will be available
The health checks are carried out by the Irish Heart Foundation and are free of charge. Farmers and family members taking part will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and other health measurements checked. Results will be provided on the day, and each participant will receive tailored health advice.
Upcoming opportunities to avail of free Health checks
- Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Clinic on 7 October in Carlow
- Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Clinic on 15 October in Mayo
- Teagasc Rooted in Health Tillage event on 30 October in Carlow
The next opportunity to avail of a free health check will be at the Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Clinic on 7 October at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow.
Planning the transfer of a family farm is a significant milestone. As farmers plan for the future of the farm, it is also a good opportunity to think about their own health and wellbeing. The event will offer professional advice on farm transfer as well as free health checks.
To book a free health check slot at this event contact Sinéad Barrow at the Teagasc Oak Park Advisory Office on 059 9183555 or come along to the free event on October 7th from 10am.
Following the Carlow event, free health checks will also be available at the Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Clinic on 15 October at the Park Hotel Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo from 10am and at a Teagasc Rooted in Health Tillage event on 30 October in Oak Park, Carlow.
For more information on the health checks contact Diana van Doorn, diana.vandoorn@teagasc.ie
Photo caption: Free health checks took place at the Teagasc Portlaoise Advisory Office on 29th September. In the photo (from left to right): Patrick Farrell, Stephen Collins, IHF nurse, Evelyn Finnerty and Sandra Hayes.