Farmer Health eNews – January 2020

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2020-1-1: Mental health care more accessible – Western District Farmer

Sustainable Fishing Families: Developing industry human capital through health, wellbeing, safety and resilience

An industry is only as healthy and sustainable as its members. In recent years, concern for the
health, safety and wellbeing of the professional wild-catch fishing industry has been growing in
Australia.

In response, this project conducted the first national survey of the health, safety and wellbeing of
the Australian professional fishing industry in 2017. The results of the survey provide a baseline
for the state of the wild-catch industry members across a range of indicators, including reported
physical and mental health, factors affecting health and safety, factors affecting levels of stress,
health and safety behaviours, and access to health services and information.

King, T., Abernethy, K., Brumby, S., Hatherell, T., Kilpatrick, S., Munksgaard, K., Turner, R.2019Sustainable Fishing Families: Developing industry human capital through health, wellbeing, safety and resilienceFisheries Research and Development CorporationProject No. 2016/400Go to page

2019-12-12: NCFH to host youth workshops in 2020 – Hamilton Spectator

2019-12-09: Media Release – Supporting health and wellbeing for farming communities

Staying healthy, both physically and emotionally is important in good times and even more so in trying times.

The National Centre for Farmer Health is partnering with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) to provide free farmer health and lifestyle assessments alongside the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Drought assistance van visiting the Murrumbidgee region next week.

Farming men, women and agricultural workers are invited to visit the mobile drought assistance van next Tuesday 10 December at McCann Park, West Wyalong between 10:00am and 12:30pm, Paleface Park at Temora between 2:00pm and 4:30pm and on Thursday 12 December at the Wagga Wagga Saleyards between 8:00am and 12:00pm to check their most important asset – their health.

Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager Cecilia Fitzgerald said ‘Our farmer health and lifestyle assessments take just 20 minutes and include a lifestyle survey focusing on health behaviours, farm practices and social and emotional wellbeing.’

‘The health assessment also includes a clinical component checking cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure readings, BMI and diabetes risk, all of which help our agri-health professional provide people with meaningful knowledge and skills to improve their health.’

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said “We’re so pleased we have been able to bring the farmer health checks to complement the services of the DPI Drought Van visiting our region next week and I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the health assessment.”

***ENDS***

For more information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Cecilia Fitzgerald Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
(03) 5551 8586
Cecilia.fitzgerald@wdhs.net

 

Matthew Biddle, MPHN Communications and Marketing Coordinator
(02) 6923 3168
matthew.biddle@mphn.org.au

2019-11-3: Wimmera farmers to receive mental health support through new telehealth service – Stawell Times & Ararat Advertiser

WIMMERA farmers now have an easier way to access mental health services.

The National Centre for Farmer Health has partnered with online health platform Lysn to help people access farmer health trained psychologists through telehealth and face-to-face consultations.

The service allows rural residents to access psychology services at home, and arrange a confidential one-on-one session with an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency approved psychologist.

Lysn founder Jonathan King said the service had a 48 hour turnaround and would also offer access to further support information.

“Access to psychologists has often been restrictive for those living in rural and remote communities. This is a concern when you look at the statistics and know that almost every farmer has known someone who has taken their own life,” Dr King said.

Member for Lowan and Shadow Mental Health Minister Emma Kealy said the service would help fill a gap.

“It’s fantastic to see we have enhanced mental health access for farmers in the Wimmera, however it doesn’t negate the need for more face-to-face support services. More needs to be done to close the gaps,” she said.

Ms Kealy said telehealth services gave people a greater feeling of confidentiality.

“Having this option will give people a greater sense of privacy. Walking into a health service can be daunting and is often a barrier for people seeking support in the first place, especially in smaller towns,” she said.

“Some people think there’s always someone worse off than them which means they don’t seek help. We need to keep talking about mental health and break down the stigma.

“Christmas can be a really difficult time for people who may have lost a loved one or feel like they are under financial stress. People need to be encouraged to reach out and use the services that are available to them.”

Statistics show that people living in remote Australia die from suicide at twice the rate of city residents.

In its 680-page interim report released last week, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System said years of under-investment led to a system that was “woefully under prepared for current and future mental health challenges”.

The commission said rural communities had poorer access to and lower levels of use of mental health services, and identified an immediate need to provide more support to those living in rural communities.

Dr King said people could access Lysn’s online farmer health psychology services via the National Centre for Farmer Health’s website.

People must have a current mental health care plan to qualify for video consultations, and must live in a rural or remote area.

Consultation prices range from $19 to $139. Medicare rebates are available for people living in remote areas.

If you, or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help on 1800 55 1800 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467; in emergencies, phone 000.

2019-11-3: Wimmera farmers to receive mental health support through new telehealth service – Stawell Times

2019-12-1: Educate to avoid jab injuries on-farm – Stock Journal

CORRECT TECHNIQUE: Rick Foster, Haven Park, Casterton, Vic, keeps his non-vaccinating hand away from the needle, maintains stability and has a tight race to ensure minimal stock movement. Photo: DAVID RENDELL

EDUCATION is the key to both preventing and treating needle stick injuries, according to the National Centre for Farmer Health, which has warned agricultural workers and doctors to be vigilant.

During workshops the Centre hosted across the country, more than 80 per cent of livestock farmers indicated they had incurred a needle stick injury at some time.

Centre director Sue Brumby said several injected products used in production animals, such as vitamins, vaccines, antibiotics and hormones, could cause significant harm, including loss of fingers, miscarriage and loss of function.

“We take this issue seriously,” Professor Brumby said. “In particular, we find that autumn and spring can be the key periods for injury when high numbers of lambs come in for marking.”

She said the incorrect treatment of needle stick injuries could lead to complications including ongoing pain and inflammation and cause significant economic impact, which was particularly difficult for sole operators.

Rick Foster, Haven Park, Casterton, Vic, said it was important for farmers, agricultural workers and contractors to understand vaccination technique.

“Practice makes perfect.

“Keeping the non-vaccinating hand away from the needle, maintaining stability, adjusting the depth of the needle, not removing safety shrouds from the vaccinator gun and having a tight race or enclosure with minimal stock movement will all reduce injury risk.”

Mr Foster runs an East Friesian-Border Leicester self-replacing flock, alongside a Hereford-Simmental-Angus herd, selling steers and surplus heifers to grassfed beef brands.

He adheres to a strict vaccination program. Ewes receive a pre-lambing vaccination, maternal ewe lambs an OJD shot at marking time and lambs a six-in-one vaccine, a B12 injection and a “booster” vaccination seven weeks post marking.

Any lambs moving to summer crop or high grain feed are re-vaccinated.

Cows are vaccinated pre-calving, while calves are vaccinated, and receive a B12 injection at marking time.

“We go through a lot of needles,” Mr Foster said. “It’s important to get it right.”

Mr Foster chooses to use shorter, quarter-inch gauge needles, which he changes regularly, and only uses top-quality applicators.

“Don’t skimp on your equipment,” he said. “Spend $20 to $30, rather than freebies to save yourself in the long run.”

View full article here: 2019-12-1: Educate to avoid jab injuries on-farm – Stock Journal

Farmer Health eNews December 2019

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2019-11-29: Media Release – National Centre for Farmer Health partners with LYSN

Improving the health and wellbeing of farmers, their families and communities across Australia.

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH), who provide leadership to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of farm men and women and their families, has partnered with Lysn, a leading Australian mental health and wellbeing company. The partnership will provide enhanced access to farmer health trained psychologists, continuity of care and dramatically reduced wait times for Australian farmers and their families.

Australian rural communities experience a wide range of challenging circumstances including social and geographical isolation, the impact of drought and other extreme climatic events and diminishing face-to-face services. This has an effect on the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. On average, people in remote Australia die from suicide at twice the rate of city residents, with research consistently showing that farmers are among the highest risk groups at risk of suicide.

These alarming statistics are disturbing when considering that current wait times to see a psychologist can stretch to months. The Lysn and National Centre for Farmer Health partnership will dramatically reduce wait times to just 48 hours, whilst also offering access to vital support information and options to seek help. Lysn’s Founder, Dr Jonathan King further explains:

“Access to psychologists has often been restrictive for those living in rural and remote communities. This is a concern when you look at the statistics and know that almost every farmer has known someone who has taken their own life. It has always been a number one priority of Lysn to improve access to mental health support for all Australians and this partnership is one step closer to achieving that goal.”

This new partnership will see the National Centre for Farmer Health able to offer farming communities access to timely, tailored support services at the click of a button. Access to online psychology services will be possible via the Farmer Health website www.farmerhealth.org.au.

Professor Susan Brumby, Director of the NCFH said “This platform will provide farmers with the ability to access services from their own home and arrange a one-on-one confidential session with a fully qualified Australian AHPRA approved Psychologist who understands the many factors of farming life and work that contribute to mental health challenges.”

Both Lysn and the National Centre for Farmer Health are passionate about improving the wellbeing of Australians and providing care. The new partnership champions a customer-centered approach with secure technology and confidential services. Putting the client in the control seat offers an empowered wellbeing experience. The Lysn and National Centre for Farmer Health partnership is Australian Healthcare compliant and set to improve the access to mental healthcare across the rural farming regions of Australia.

*** ENDS ***

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

National Centre for Farmer Health:
Cecilia Fitzgerald, Business Development Manager
Ph 03 5551 8533
cecilia.fitzgerald@wdhs.net

Lysn:
Tahlia Crinis, Boss Media
Ph 0420 901 220
tahlia@bossmediapr.com.au

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR FARMER HEALTH

‘Making a difference to farmer’s lives’

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is a partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University and is based in Hamilton, Victoria.

Established in 2008, the Centre encompasses university research, service delivery and education that provides leadership in improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farm men and women, their families and rural communities across Australia and globally.

Focusing on prevention and early identification of risk factors associated with farming populations, the NCFH develops timely, appropriate, effective and popular interventions.  Often working in partnership with industry, rural organisations and academia.

The NCFH team includes professionals from the health, agricultural, social sciences and information technology disciplines who have a proven capacity to deliver in the areas of education, training, applied research and community engagement.

ABOUT LYSN

Lysn has aggregated the qualifications and specialties of 315+ psychologists around Australia, providing users with a seamless experience of finding the right psychologist unique to their needs including:

Lysn connects users with Australian Qualified AHPRA Psychologists. The platform offers a simple one price structure:

Since its launch in 2016, Lysn is changing the current paradigm of mental healthcare. Hundreds of Australians have signed up for and had telehealth consultations using Lysn, with registrations and usage growing daily. Lysn is also improving access to mental healthcare for those in regional and rural areas, many of those who otherwise might not have access to mental healthcare.
For more information, head to Lysn.
If you are in crisis, or are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, contact 000 or your local emergency health service.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Farmer Health eNews November 2019

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2019-10-16: Farmers urged to beware of needle stick injuries at lamb-marking time – Media Release

The National Centre for Farmer Health has warned agricultural workers and regional doctors to be vigilant about needle stick injuries this lamb-marking season.

Centre Director Professor Sue Brumby said needle stick injuries were a common danger during lamb-marking time when farmers, agricultural workers and contractors were administering large numbers of vaccinations to livestock.

During recent workshops undertaken by the National Centre for Farmer Health with livestock farmers across Australia, more than 80 per cent indicated that they had incurred a needle stick injury at some time.

“There are a variety of injected products used in production animals, including vitamins, vaccines, antibiotics and hormones, which can put agricultural workers at risk of needle stick injury. Inadvertently injecting these products can cause significant harm including the loss of fingers, miscarriage and permanent loss of function, so we take this issue seriously,” Professor Brumby said.

“We find that autumn and spring can be the key periods for injury with lambs coming in for marking. So with a good season across some of the southern parts of Australia, now is a timely reminder.”

Professor Brumby said while accidental, the injuries typically had a few things in common: the use of vaccines with mineral oil adjuvants, unpredictability of animals and poor animal restraint, as well as dangerous vaccination technique.

“The resulting injury can then be worsened by inappropriate medical treatment, difficulty finding first aid information on vaccines, and delayed treatment,” she said.

Professor Brumby said effective treatment could also be hindered because little might be known about the adjuvant, the substance added to a vaccine to boost the immune response, and this could be an irritant.
“For example the Johne’s disease vaccine for sheep and vibriosis vaccine for cattle both use mineral oil adjuvants, which are an irritant,” she said.

“If anyone is reporting to a medical professional with a needle stick injury they should bring along the material packaging and material safety data sheet.

“Healthcare professionals should consult the label and manufacturer for appropriate management as the manufacturer holds detailed information about the active ingredients and adjuvants in each product.”

Professor Brumby said education was key to reducing preventable harms like needle stick injuries.

“It’s important to have a good understanding of appropriate vaccination technique, such as keeping the non-vaccinating hand well away from needle, not tenting the skin, maintaining stability, adjusting the depth of the needle, not removing safety shrouds form the vaccinator gun and having a tight race or enclosure with minimal stock movement. This will all reduce injury risk,” she said.

“It’s also important for health workers in agricultural regions to understand these risks, have access to appropriate information to treat any subsequent injuries, and to adhere to best practice in treatment.

“Sometimes farmers can be adamant that no vaccine substance has been transferred to them. However we’ve seen several cases where farmers felt that the needle barely penetrated the skin, but the damage had extended deep into muscle.”

Professor Brumby said delayed or incorrect treatment could lead to complications including ongoing pain, inflammation, and loss of function, that then have a significant economic impact, especially for sole operators.

Health professionals will learn about best practice in treating agricultural needle stick injuries, as well as a range of other important regional and agricultural health issues, through the National Centre for Farmer Health’s 2020 Agricultural Health and Medicine post-graduate course.

The Centre is providing a limited number of scholarships for the 2020 course, valued at $1650, with applications now open for a start date in February. For more information visit www.farmerhealth.org.au.

The National Centre for Farmer Health is a partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University, based in the agricultural area of Hamilton, Victoria.

Media contact:
Elise Snashall-Woodhams
Senior Media Coordinator, Deakin University
P: 03 924 68593 M: 0436 409 659
E: e.snashallwoodhams@deakin.edu.au
T: @DeakinMedia

Farmer Health eNews October 2019

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