2017-05-12: Speaking the unspoken – RM Williams Outback Magazine

A new research project is tackling one of the most taboo subjects in the bush.

Story by Amanda Burdon  Photo Neil Newitt

Rural suicide rates are double that of metropolitan areas and men in remote Australia are up to three times more likely to suicide than their urban counterparts. These figures meant very little to Jen Irrgang until April 3, 2013 – the day her larrikin husband of 25 years, Mark, became one of the statistics.

“Mark was an ordinary bloke. There were no signs, nothing,” says Jen, of Sedan, north-west of Adelaide. “Even his best friend didn’t know he had been suffering from depression. I am still shocked, years later. You never come to terms with it. You just come to accept it.

“Suicide is a very difficult subject for people to broach. At first, people asked me did I want others to know how Mark died. Right from the outset, we never covered it up. There’s no hiding it and I am not ashamed of Mark. It’s a tragedy, that’s all.”

Still, there’s no escaping the unanswered questions that Jen and her two teenage daughters were left with – especially why a popular, sociable man who could “talk the leg off a table” could not tell anyone he was hurting. “That’s the hardest thing,” she says. “I just wish he’d spoken up and asked for help.”

Jen is bravely sharing her family’s heartache courtesy of a National Centre for Farmer Health research project that aims to reduce the stigma associated with suicide, curb suicide rates in rural Australia, and provide more effective support to those affected. The Ripple Effect gives those who have been touched by suicide an opportunity to share their experiences and insights, to help others and themselves. It is hoped that their short videos and deeply moving postcards – recalling suicide attempts and the distressing fallout of suicide but also delivering messages of hope and support – enable participants to see that they are not alone.

Click here to read more: 2017-05-12: Speaking the unspoken – RM Williams Outback Magazine

2017-05-06: Rural Bank gives farmers health check ups at Agfest – The Examiner

Farmers visiting Agfest were reminded about the importance of putting themselves before livestock, machinery and crops.

Rural Bank, in partnership with the registered nurses from National Centre for Farmer Health, checked farmer’s body mass index, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and more.

Read more: 2017-05-06: Rural Bank gives farmers health check ups at Agfest – The Examiner

Parliament of Australia Media Release – Hearing Health Focus in Victoria & South Australia

Click here to view as a PDF with links.

Farmer Health eNews May 2017

Find out all the latest from the National Centre for Farmer Health

• HMF702 Scholarships open today!
• Run 4 Farmer Health 2017
• Digital Storytelling Workshop
• Wellness Wednesday Topics

View the May 2017 e-News

2017-4-19: New test to reveal pesticide exposure – Deakin Research News

Concern over how the regular use of pesticides may affect the health of farmers is not new, but a lack of data specific to the Australian context has hampered efforts to develop evidence-based guidelines.

Now, the results of a study by the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH), a partnership between Deakin University’s School of Medicine and Western District Health Service, will help develop a new test to monitor farmers’ exposure to pesticides and provide valuable longitudinal data about Australian farmers and their chemical use.

The study, funded by the Shepherd Foundation Victoria, followed 64 farmers from different regions and farming types over 12 months, testing them each month for levels of cholinesterase enzymes.

Read full article: 2017-4-19: New test to reveal pesticide exposure – Deakin Research News

Farmer Health eNews April 2017

Find out all the latest from the National Centre for Farmer Health

• NCFH attending upcoming conferences
• The Pain Revolution Tour comes to Warrnambool on 5th April
• How often do you get a FREE service for your farm equipment?
• Wellness Wednesday Topics

View the April 2017 e-News

2017-03-24: Study finds possible link between pesticide exposure and farmer health- ABC Rural

By Jess Davis and Cath McAloon

A study has found farmers’ nervous systems might be impacted by exposure to the some of the most widely used pesticides.

In the first study of its kind, the Victorian-based National Centre for Farmer Health tested a group of farmers once a month over 12 months for levels of cholinesterase enzymes, which are needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Toxicologist John Edwards said preliminary research results found those enzymes were lower in farmers with high exposure to organophosphate pesticides.

“When we look at cholinesterase, what we see is the cholinesterase inhibition is also higher in the farmers with higher chemical use,” Professor Edwards said.

He said researchers also found that farmers in predominantly cropping regions had higher levels of exposure than other regions.

“We’ve been able to show that in terms of chemical exposure it does vary throughout the year,” he said.

“We have some times of relatively intense exposures and other times of less exposure.

“What we identified was the areas that we expected would have the higher levels of chemical exposures have been shown qualitatively to have the highest level of exposure.”

Read more: 2017-03-24: Study finds possible link between pesticide exposure and farmer health- ABC Rural

Skin cancer – risks and early signs

Farming men and women and agricultural workers spend much of their time working outdoors.  Not wearing sun protection while outside can increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be a life-threatening condition and protecting skin from Ultraviolet (UV) radiation should be taken very seriously.

People who work outdoors get up to10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation and one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, accounting for over 80% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia each year (Cancer Council Australia, 2020).

Skin Cancer – risk factors

Common risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, many moles and freckles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, excessive UV exposure and solarium use.

Unlike the light or heat from the sun, which we can see and feel, your senses cannot detect UV radiation, so you won’t notice skin damage until it has been done. Some UV radiation from the sun is important for bone and muscle health, but too much UV can cause sunburn, premature ageing of the skin, and damage to the eye. UV levels are affected by the time of day, time of year and cloud coverage. To help prevent skin cancer and high UV exposure try to do outside work when UV levels are at their lowest.

To find out more information on skin cancer risk factors visit Better Health Channel

Skin Cancer – prevention

Fortunately, most skin cancers are preventable. Being SunSmart and protecting your skin using these five sun protection steps is an effective way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

Slip on a long sleeve shirt and long pants
Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen to all skin not protected by clothing
Slap on a broad brim hat
Seek shade between 11am – 3pm
Slide on 100% UV protective sunglasses

Where possible try to avoid outdoor tasks in the middle of the day, or when UV levels are highest. Download the SunSmart weather app and check out the UV forecasts from the weather bureau on the Farmer Health weather pages.

Check your skin (including friends and family skin) regularly for any changes in moles or sunspots. Take photographs if this helps. Look for any changes in shape, colour and size. If you notice changes or are concerned take action and see your GP for a skin check or request a review with a skin specialist.

To find out more about this topic go to Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

Skin cancer – risks and early signs

• Farmers spend a lot of time outdoors; this can increase the risk of skin cancer.UV radiation is dangerous. It is unlike sunlight as it can damage skin without us realising.
• Check your skin regularly for any changes, especially moles or freckles that change.
• Have an annual skin review with your GP or skin specialist.
• See your GP if you notice any skin changes between skin reviews,
• Be SunSmart: protect your skin from UV radiation and remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses during sun protection times.

Sunburn

Sunburn occurs when your skin is burned by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Sunburn, whether mild or severe, can cause permanent skin damage and increase the risk of wrinkles, freckles, pigmentation, skin lesions, and skin cancer including malignant melanoma.

Whilst we need some exposure to sunlight for Vitamin D production, we don’t need sunburn! In an Australian summer, sunburn can occur within 15 minutes. Skin burnt by UV radiation turns red within hours and the sunburn will continue to develop for the next one to three days. Most people who have been sunburnt will also peel. This is the body’s way of healing and shedding dead and damaged skin cells to make way for new skin underneath.

Farming men, women and agricultural workers are at an increased risk of sunburn as they spend more time working outdoors during peak UV times.

UV radiation levels vary depending on location, time of year, time of day and cloud coverage. The UV index scale tool is a great way for farmers and agricultural workers to check peak UV times during the day and the times sun protection is required. The UV index scale can be accessed by downloading the Sun Smart app on a smartphone or the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Recommendations to prevent sunburn include a combination of five sun protection measures:

1. Slip on long clothing,
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen,
3. Slap on a broad-brim hat,
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses.

Ensure sunscreen SPF 50+ is available in the workshop, work vehicles and machinery. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for the sunscreen to absorb and reduce the likelihood of dust sticking to your skin.

Skin damage from sunburn can be mild or severe. To relieve mild discomfort drink plenty of water, gently apply a cool compress and take over-the-counter pain relief.

Seek medical advice if you experience nausea, fever or there is extensive blistering and pain.

Find out more at Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Even minor sunburn can lead to skin damage and skin cancer.
• Sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes.
• Protect your skin – limit exposure, especially in the middle of the day. –
• Use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Wear long sleeved shirt and long trousers and a broad brim hat.
• Protect your eyes with AZ/NZS compliant sunglasses with fitted side arms.
• Where possible seek shade and plan indoor activities for the middle of the day.

Trauma – supporting others

Trauma will affect everyone differently and there are a range of emotional, physical and behavioural responses. There is no ‘right’ way to react to trauma. Some people may react with anger, anxiety, exhaustion or sadness, while others might throw themselves into work or practical tasks. Teenagers especially may withdraw and seem not to react. People’s reactions may vary because of past experiences, available support networks, coping strategies, life skills, and in response to the reaction of others around them. While most people will recover with the support of friends and family, some people will need professional support.

Some people who have been through a life-threatening situation may be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. This could be a natural disaster such as a flood or bushfire, a serious accident, or an assault. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be recognised by a range of signs and symptoms experienced over an extended time period, and may need professional support.

Providing support and comfort is important to help someone who has experienced a traumatic event recover, but don’t assume you know what they need. Ask them how you can help. Offer practical support like taking care of some of the farm chores, looking after the children, or bring some ready-made meals for the family.

Even if you don’t feel like you are doing ‘enough’ be assured that your support is helping them recover, even if you cannot see any immediate effects. Often just sitting with a person over a cuppa, letting them know you are thinking of them, or inviting them to go for a walk with you can be of great benefit. Encourage them to look after themselves by getting plenty of sleep, eating well, keeping physically active and finding ways to relax.

Trauma – family and friends

Helping friends and family after a traumatic or distressing event can be difficult, but you can help. It’s always a good idea to ask the person how you can best support them through the trauma. Listening, talking and practical assistance are all important ways to help. It may take some time before people feel ready to talk about the event. Maintain contact over the long term, when the first rush of community support may have passed. Make sure you follow through on any support you promise.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• People’s reactions to trauma vary a great deal. Research shows that support from family and friends do help people recover.
• Children and teenagers may need extra attention if they’ve experienced a traumatic event.
• Don’t leap in and take over in your eagerness to help. Ask what you can do to help. Offer practical support, but don’t push it.
• Give the person the opportunity to talk about what happened, provide comfort if they become upset.

Trauma – reaction and recovery

Traumatic events can be either physical or mental, ranging from farm accidents and car accidents through to bushfires, floods, the death of someone close to you, or relationship problems.  Traumatic events can cause immediate, delayed and/or long-term reactions. Each person will react differently to a traumatic event, and no reaction is right or wrong.

You might feel physical reactions like nausea, headaches or lack of appetite. You might also experience psychological reactions like confusion, forgetfulness, ruminating about the event, or a search for answers about why the event happened. Other common reactions to trauma include guilt, depression and anger. You might also feel that getting back into everyday tasks is your way of responding to trauma. You are likely to find that people around you all react to distressing events very differently, and recover in different ways and over different periods of time. Individuals will need different types and levels of support at different points in time. Don’t judge yourself or others for these varied responses. Most people, given time, will recover by using their existing coping strategies or with the support of family and friends.

Beware of stress overload, when your body is pushed beyond its limits. Take time out.

Trauma – reaction and recovery
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. The intensity of a reaction differs from person to person, but some reactions last for days, weeks or even longer. On most occasions though, these reactions subside as a part of the body’s natural healing and recovery process. Your own coping style is likely to have an influence on how your child or teenager responds to a traumatic event.

There are strategies to help people cope with and recover from these experiences. Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Sometimes reactions to trauma are delayed or are experienced over a longer period of time and may develop into post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). This is when a person continues to relive the traumatic event through upsetting memories, nightmares or flashbacks and feels physically and emotionally distressed when reminded of the event. Other symptoms of PTSD can include memory loss about the event, feeling socially isolated, sleep difficulties, feeling anxious and becoming angry easily. You may be experiencing post traumatic stress disorder if you have experienced these symptoms for longer than a few weeks. Effective treatments are available to help people through this.

Be aware of your reactions, your stress levels and your ability to cope following a traumatic experience and seek support if difficulties persist over time.

If you are struggling to cope after a traumatic event, make an appointment with your GP.

Fast facts:

• Trauma can cause strong physical, psychological and emotional reactions. This is a normal reaction to events that cause shock and extreme stress.
• Everyone will react differently—but support (in many forms) is important for everyone immediately after the event and further down the track.
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you feel you need it immediately or if you don’t begin to return to normal after three or four weeks.
• Avoid stress overload—you need to rest, eat well, sleep well and still find things to enjoy after a traumatic experience.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to social media/media commentary of a traumatic event—it can become overwhelming.
• Sometimes traumatic experiences can affect us for a long time.

Skin cancer prevention

Rural and agricultural populations across the globe have higher skin cancer risks due to the nature of their work.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Farmers have a 60% higher death rate from melanoma compared to the general population and skin cancer deaths in farmers over 65 are double compared to other Australians.

Hazards and risks

Farmers spend significant time working outdoors during peak ultraviolet (UV) times. Sun protective behaviours are vital to prevent skin cancer, however skin protection behaviours in farm men and women are often low. (Smit-Kroner & Brumby, 2015)

UV index measures UV levels on a scale from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme). Sun protection is recommended when UV levels are 3 (moderate) or higher. Factors including the time of day, time of year, cloud cover, altitude, and reflection will affect UV levels.

Skin cancer is preventable. The majority of skin cancers can be successfully treated, if found early. Be familiar with your skin and look for any changes, suspicious lumps or spots and act on any changes as soon as they develop. Don’t just rely on an annual skin check to detect any suspicious spots as skin spots can change between reviews.

Skin protective practice in farmers and agricultural workers includes wearing protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and trousers, a broad brim hat and sunglasses.)

Recommendations to reduce skin cancer with other sun protection strategies for farmers and agricultural workers to prevent skin cancer include:

• Become familiar with the UV index predicted for the day. Download an UV app onto your mobile device
• Seek shade and avoid working outdoors in the middle of the day if possible.
• Slide on sunglasses, ensuring they are AS/NZS compliant and fitted with side arm, as melanoma can also develop in eyes.
• Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen and remember to reapply during the day. Putting sunscreen on the skin before heading out in to the sun will allow it to dry effectively and reduce dust sticking to the skin.
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat as it provides more protection than a peak cap
• Seek regular skin checks with your GP or skin specialist.
• Ensure you apply a duty of care to farm workers by providing sun protection.

For more information on protecting outdoor workers visit Better Health Channel

Find out more information about skin cancer prevention visit Cancer Council Australia.

Fast Facts

• Farmers and agricultural workers have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
• UV levels are highest during the middle of the day
• Sun protection is required when the UV index is predicted to be 3 or above.
• Use the five sun protection combinations of: Slip on a long sleeve shirt and/or trousers, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brim hat, Slide on sunglasses and Seek shade.
• Download the free SunSmart App on your mobile to access the UV index throughout the day.
• If possible leave an outdoor task to later in the day or another day when the UV index is not as high.
• Monitor changes in your skin and have regular skin checks to assist with early detection of skin cancers.