A pilot health check initiative for farmers has found that nearly half of those who took part presented with elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels, while many of those who participated said they valued the opportunity to discuss mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression.
The findings of the study, which was conducted last autumn, have been presented by the Irish Farmers' Association, heart-health charity CROÍ and the Department of Agriculture.
It was funded by the Department of Agriculture and was carried out to address health and wellbeing challenges faced by the farming community.
Between September and November last year, onsite health checks at livestock marts and agri-events across the country were carried out.
Services included preventative health checks, a mental health questionnaire and tailored educational resources for farmers, farm workers and their families.
Over 1,200 health checks were carried out in 16 locations as part of the project, which exceeded the target by 22%.
Another finding of the report was that demand exists for a wider rollout of the service to rural communities.
Among the recommendations from the project are the establishment of a national health check programme, a centralised digital platform offering health education, the expansion of holistic services and a stakeholder forum to raise awareness of farming-related health issues and increased risk factors.
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Teresa Roche said the success of the Health Check programme was "evident in the sheer demand".
"At some locations, queues extended beyond capacity. We can build on this momentum and develop ongoing preventative programmes," she said.
Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae launched the report at the Cillín Hill mart in Kilkenny, which was one of the locations that offered free health checks to farmers.
CROÍ Chief Executive Mark O'Donnell said the response to the pilot shows the "real need for accessible health checks in rural communities".
"Cardiovascular health is key to overall well-being, yet many risk factors go unnoticed," he said.
"With 80% of premature cardiovascular disease being preventable, early detection and early treatment is essential.
"The high rates of elevated blood pressure and cholesterol identified in this pilot highlight why regular heart health checks matter,"Mr O'Donnell added.
