Help for Laois farmers who want to reap a healthy harvest
‘Harvest of Health’ programme to roll out in Laois
Laois farmers are being urged to sign up to a new programme which aims to boost their health and wellbeing.
Healthy Laois and Laois Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) in collaboration with the Laois Sports Partnership and UPMC Hospital Group, announced the roll-out of ‘Harvest of Health’. It is an eight-week multimodal physical activity and health education programme online and in Mountrath which also features free health checks at Ballinakill Mart.
Laois Sports Partnership has supervised exercise sessions twice weekly that incorporate strength, balance, mobility, flexibility, and aerobic training, along with weekly health education workshops. The organisers say this will greatly improve physical and mental health, which raises awareness of the importance of exercise for healthy ageing.
UPMC noted that farming is a demanding profession, both physically and mentally.
" Farmers work long hours, and it is difficult to reach farmers in traditional clinical settings, but we are reaching out by being available at the local mart, carrying out free health checks from hearing and eye tests, blood pressure, glucose assessment and cardiovascular assessments, including advice on any health issues,” said the hospital group.
As part of the campaign, the Laois Local Community Safety Partnership (LSCP) will host talks to raise awareness on the importance of farm safety and how exercise prevents the risk of falls and farm-related injuries.
Healthy Laois will promote the benefits of ‘Harvest of Health’ in terms of mental health, wellbeing, lifestyle and behavioural changes through exercise and social connectedness, while also raising awareness on the importance of health checks in preventing health issues.
The programme includes online and in-person fitness sessions starting on August 10.
- Mondays: 7.45 - 8.30 pm prime time for farmers via Zoom; 8.30 – 8.50 pm stretch & mobility via Zoom; 7.30 – 8.30 pm prime time for farmers at Mountrath Martial Arts in Bloom HQ.
- Wednesdays: 7.30 – 8.30 pm prime time for farmers at Mountrath Martial Arts in Bloom HQ .
- Thursdays: 1 – 2 pm health masterclass via zomm; 7- 7.45 pm LIFT online exercise via Zoom .
Participants are encouraged to choose two exercises that fit into their schedules and watch one health masterclass per week. The classes will be recorded.
Harvest of Health also includes health checks and farm safety at Ballinakill Mart on September 12 and October 3, 10 am – 1 pm each day.
The programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
Further information on realistic and practical tips on health and wellbeing through the ‘Action Man’ booklet. To register for Harvest of Health go tot he council’s website HERE