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Milking their health for all its worth? Improving the health of farming families through facilitated learning

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journal contribution
posted on 2010-01-01, 00:00 authored by Susan BrumbySusan Brumby, S Willder, J Martin
The Victorian Dairy Industry has an annual turnover of $5,125 million and produces over two thirds of the nation’s fresh milk and cheese, but what do we know about the health of the dairy men and women who drive this industry, and how can health professionals and industry assist them to focus on the health of the people involved in the farm business? The Sustainable Dairy Farm Families (SDFF) program undertook research exploring the health, wellbeing and safety of Victorian Dairy farming families across eleven locations. The program involved physical assessments, reviewed health conditions and health behaviours and provided education relating to common health conditions. Risk factors were identified for chronic and lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Participants were referred to health professionals as required and reassessed over three years concluding in 2007. The program has influenced participants’ decisions about their health and improved some clinical indicators. A cross-sectoral intervention appears to be an effective method for improving health, wellbeing and safety in farm men and women and their families.

History

Journal

Extension farming systems journal

Volume

6

Pagination

1-10

Location

Orange, N.S.W.

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

1833-203X

eISSN

1833-2048

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2010, AFBM Network

Issue

1

Publisher

Charles Sturt University, A F B M Network

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