Farmers test physical health and wellbeing with Farmstrong

Tuesday 16 June 2015

More than 400 farmers test physical health and wellbeing with Farmstrong at Fieldays

Farmstrong, the country’s newest rural wellbeing programme has been a huge hit at Mystery Creek, with 70 farmers receiving a free health check and 376 testing their physical health with the Fit4Farming bike challenge.

Farmstrong takes a positive and preventative approach to wellbeing and has been built on research as well as on farmers’ personal advice and experiences.

Its site at the National Agricultural Fieldays was an opportunity for farmers to learn more about Farmstrong, get a free heath check with medical doctor Tom Mulholland and take on a cycle challenge where farmers had to see how far they could cycle in two minutes.

At Fieldays:

• 376 people took up the cycle challenge
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• 540 kilometers were cycled over the four days
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• Challengers included: All Black Sam Cane, Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker and Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy.
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“We found farmers were competitive and enjoyed the challenge and were quite shocked at how tough cycling for two minutes was,” says Farmstrong’s Fit4Farming project lead Ian Handcock.

“Most acknowledged that they could be fitter and thought the challenge was a great idea - an eye-opener around their own physical wellbeing.

“Many commented that they used to get more exercise before family and work commitments increased, and said that exercise was a good time to clear the head and manage stress. The challenge certainly got people thinking about how fit they are and what they may need to do to improve their personal wellbeing” says Mr Handcock.

Farmstrong also provided free health checks for farmers with medical doctor Tom Mulholland. Seventy people took up the opportunity to get tested with 48 men and 22 women heading through the pop-up clinic.

Among the findings,

• Two people were diagnosed with diabetes

• 14 people were at high risk of developing diabetes unless they made changes to their lifestyle

• Nine people had high blood pressure – with one showing as dangerously high

• 19 people were found to have high cholesterol levels

• Only two identified themselves as smokers

Each person through the clinic was given a copy of their results to pass on to their doctor. People were very grateful for the early warnings, and more than 95% committed to making healthier lifestyle choices such as reducing sugar, salt and fat intake and increasing exercise.

“Overall the feedback and support Farmstrong received from farmers and the agri-business sector while at Fieldays was overwhelmingly positive” says Farmstrong spokesperson Gerard Vaughan.

“We were inundated with people who wanted to know more, who wanted to pledge kilometres, who wanted to get involved, or just tell us they fully supported the positive approach we’re taking.

“It’s incredibly humbling to hear these comments from the very people we’re trying to support, so it shows we’re on the right track to achieving our overall aim of making a positive difference to the lives of farmers and growers across the country” says Mr Vaughan.

About the Farmstrong Fit4Farming Cycle Tour

The cycle tour kicks off in early 2016. In the meantime, farmers can make a commitment to get active by pledging kilometres they’re prepared to either walk, run or cycle to help hit the collective target of 4 million kms. Since launching on Wednesday 3 June more than 160,000kms have already been pledged.

Farmers can make a pledge from now through to the start of the tour. Farmers can sign up as individuals, as families or form a team by challenging their neighbours or friends. Getting others involved is a great way to get fit and active and to also connect with others and give yourself a great break from the farm.

Studies show that when a person makes a public commitment to do something – such as physical exercise - then they’re more likely to do it. Pledging can be done at www.farmstrong.co.nz

More details about the tour and how to pledge kilometres can be found here.

DATE

ROUTE OVERNIGHT
18 March Ngatea – Cambridge TeAwamutu
19 March Waikato Farmers Event day TeAwamutu
20 March TeAwamutu - New Plymouth New Plymouth
21 March Taranaki Farmers Event day Whanganui
22 March Whanganui -Palmerston North Palmerston North
23 March Manawatu Farmers Event day Palmerston North
24 March Palmerston North-Wellington Wellington
25 March Picton – Blenheim Blenheim
26 March Rest Day Blenheim
27 March Molesworth Station Hamner Springs
28 March Canterbury Farmers Event day Ashburton
29 March Ashburton - Tekapo Twizel
30 March Twizel - Cromwell Cromwell
31 March Cromwell - Invercargill Invercargill
1 April Southland Farmers Event day Invercargill

Ends

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