Farmers urged to undergo free health checks at Moorepark open day in Cork
The initiative, which is being hosted by the IFA in partnership with Teagasc and Croí, the West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Foundation, aims to promote farmer wellbeing through practical on-the-ground support.
Building on the success of last year's rollout, the health checks include blood pressure monitoring, pulse and rhythm screening, BMI assessments and lifestyle advice — all delivered by the expert nursing team from Croí.
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche said the collaboration demonstrated a shared commitment to the welfare of Irish farm families.
'The health of our farmers is just as critical as the productivity of their land and livestock. We are proud to partner with Teagasc and Croí for this event to ensure that farmer health and wellbeing remain a priority. These checks are quick, confidential and could be lifesaving,' she said.
Professor Laurence Shalloo, head of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Programme, highlighted the importance of integrating health awareness into farming life.
'Farming is a high-pressure occupation that often involves long hours and physical strain… Teagasc is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our broader focus on sustainable farming, and that includes sustaining the health of our farmers,' he said.
Prof Shalloo also encouraged farmers to stop by the health stand on the day, located in the Working Effectively Village.
'It only takes a few minutes, but it could have a lasting impact… Farmers are great at looking after everything on the farm; this is about giving them the chance to look after themselves too,' said Teresa Roche.
Croí chief executive Mark O'Donnell, said the foundation was delighted to partner with the IFA again this year to facilitate and deliver potentially life-saving heart health checks for farmers and their families.
Health checks are available on-site to everyone attending the Moorepark open day in Fermoy, Cork, on July 2, with no appointments necessary.
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