Making Connections: The 2014 Libby Harricks Memorial Oration [Monograph]
This is a story of engagement. Engagement with people who live in areas where access to services is difficult; people who live on farms and who have noise induced hearing loss. As they produce food and fibre for domestic and international consumption they also experience other health, wellbeing and safety challenges.
Cholinesterase Research Outreach Project (CROP) – Measuring Cholinesterase Activity of Australian Farmers
Q-fever and Australian farmers: is the health system paying enough attention? A literature review
Q-fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative bacterium
and Rickettsia-like organism. Transmitted from wild and domestic animals to humans, the most common route is inhalation of contaminated dust; however the oral route can be considered as a second pathway.
2014-08-15 Exploring the ripple effect of rural suicide – ABC Bush Telegraph
It’s often said that country people are a resilient lot. Alison Kennedy has attempted to test this theory in an area that many people find difficult to discuss.
She’s researching the way that rural communities deal with the aftermath of suicide and other sudden deaths.
Along the way she’s interviewed dozens of people who’ve opened up about the effect of suicide on them and their community.
She says participants in the study were motivated by the desire to get things off their chest.
…
Read the full article:
2014-08-15 Exploring the ripple effect of rural suicide – ABC The Bush Telegraph
Listen to the audio – Exploring the ripple effect of rural suicide
2014-08-13 Life after suicide in farming communities, shaping targeted health policy for the bereaved – ABC Rural News
It’s now widely known that suicide and accidental deaths are far more common in farming communities than in the general population.
There is much research around the cause of such deaths but very little is known about the effect.
Many of the challenges unique to farmers who suicide – isolation, financial pressure, a macho culture of silence – continue to plague those that are left behind.
…
Read the full article:
2014-08-07 Mechanised modern farming puts Australian primary producers at greater risk of high blood pressure and abdominal obesity – ABC Rural News
Australian farmers are at greater risk of high blood pressure and have higher rates of obesity than the general population.
That’s according to Deakin University associate professor Dr Paul Lewandowski who is studying farmer health.
He also found that poor physical health has strong links to poor mental health among farmers.
“The hypothesis that we’re working on was that individuals who were suffering from poor mental health would be having other aspects of their life affected.
…
Read the full article:
Tinea
Tinea is a highly contagious fungal skin infection that affects the feet (athlete’s foot/tinea pedis), groin (jock itch/tinea cruris), scalp and skin underneath the breasts, fingernails and toenails.
The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly via clothing, towels, linens and floors.
Symptoms
Infection is not usually serious but can be uncomfortable and have the following symptoms:
- Itching and stinging in the affected area.
- A red scaly patch that sometimes looks like a ring – this is often called ringworm (tinea corporis), however there is no worm involved.
- Blistering, cracking, splitting and peeling skin, particularly between the toes.
- Nails may develop a yellow or white discolouration (onychomycosis).
- Bald spots can appear on the scalp (tinea capitis).
Treatment
Treatment with antifungal medicines and good hygiene will help clear the infection.
- Anti-fungal creams and ointments can be purchased across the counter in a pharmacy, however speak to your pharmacist first.
- Use creams as directed – it can take weeks or months for the infection to clear and remember to continue the treatment even after the tinea appears to have gone.
- Some infections may not clear or keep coming back – this may require antifungal medication in tablet form from a doctor.
- Wash your hands after applying treatments.
- Keep the infected area dry and clean.
- Change your clothing such as socks, stockings and bra each day.
Prevention
Good hygiene can prevent tinea from recurring, such as drying skin thoroughly, particularly between toes, the groin and under breasts. You should never share bathmats, towels, shoes etc. when you have tinea because it is highly contagious. It will also help to:
- Wear thongs in public areas to prevent infection from floor surfaces such as wet areas in public showers, gyms and pools.
- Expose skin to as much air as possible.
- Wear cotton socks and using antiperspirants to control excessive sweating.
Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel.
Fast facts:
- Tinea is a highly contagious fungal skin infection that thrives in warm, moist environments.
- A red patch can appear, and the skin can become uncomfortable and itchy.
- Anti-fungal creams and tablets typically heal the infection.
References used for this topic
Better Health Channel
Tinea
Healthdirect
Tinea
World Health Organisation
Ringworm (tinea)
Farmers footwear
As farmers you spend a majority of your life on your feet so it’s important that we do what we can to look after them.
The best way that you can take care of your feet is to find the most comfortable work boot, that’s appropriate for your terrain and farm work.
You can apply a few general rules for footwear and adapt them to your work requirements.
Qualities to look for in a farm boot:
- Firm heel counter to support your heel and ankle. You should not be able to bend the back of the shoe down.
- Heel pitch: Boot’s should have a minimum of a 10mm heel pitch.
- Lace up with zip side: Lace up ensures a secure fit around ankle, and ability to loosen around forefoot for wider/narrower feet. The zip is purely for convenience. Significant movement of your foot in the boot means you haven’t got enough support.
- Toe cap: For protection of the forefoot, boot’s now have lighter toe cap options that won’t squash toes.
- Padded/cushioned sole: Greatly filters the shock and impact of walking, reducing the strain on your feet and legs.
- Width and depth: Make sure the shoe is wide enough so that your toe’s are not squashed, and likewise with the depth under the toe cap.
Shoe life:
Everyone wears through their shoes at different rates, so it’s important to consider how often you are wearing them, and what conditions you are wearing them in (rain, mud, water, chemicals). Both these factors will determine the life of your shoe. If you find after a period of time your feet are starting to ache and feel very sore at the end of the day it may be time to replace your work boots.
Safety boot suppliers have moved away from an elastic-sided boot to a lace-up boot, in favour of function, comfort, support and general foot health. The traditional elastic-sided boot provides little ankle support, and tends to get sloppy and loosen with time. There are many different brands and styles to choose from so it’s important you find the boot with all the above qualities and durability guarantee.
Socks:
Socks can also increase the comfort and health of your feet. Materials that are breathable are recommended as they help regulate the temperature of the foot better, and can reduce moisture on the skin if you’re prone to sweating. Try and find a good quality sock that is mostly made from wool and cotton (60%-70%) as they will be warmer, more breathable, more cushioned and durable. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics as they will encourage moisture and can leave your shoes feeling damp.
- If you need any further footwear advice or are suffering with foot, ankle, knee, or leg pain then seek advice from a podiatrist.
- You can find your local podiatrist in the yellow pages, or ask your preferred health professional or GP.
- Find a podiatrist.
- For specific brands and where to buy footwear consult your local podiatrist.
- If you have diabetes, have regular checks with your podiatrist and always check your shoes for foreign matter before putting them on.
Things to remember
- Shoes are for protecting the feet.
- A good shoe should feel comfortable straight away.
- If you spend most of your time in your work boots it’s important to replace them once they have worn out (anywhere between 12-24months).
Feet – problems and treatments
Foot and leg pain or injury can be caused by many things, including the pattern in which the feet and legs move during walking and other activities. Corns, calluses, bunions, tinea and papillomas are other foot problems that can be treated, usually with the help of a podiatrist. Correctly fitted shoes are also important.
Find out more about this topic at Better Health Channel
Fast facts:
- There is a strong correlation between ‘sore feet’ and poor footwear.
- As farmers you spend most of your day on your feet, so it’s very important that they are well looked after.
- The best way that can be achieved is through wearing the best work boot possible for you.
References used for this topic
More information:
Research & reviews:
Australasia Journal of Podiatric Medicine
Footwear Suitability Scale: A Measure of Shoefit for People with Diabetes
Reviewed by:
AHPRA Registration: POD0001863137
Provider No: 4770501B
Farm Safety & Trauma Forum
“Keeping kids free from harm on the farm”
Please join in this FREE multidisciplinary forum where we will provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges in keeping children free from injury in the rural community.
WHEN Friday 15 August 2014 (8.30am–4.00pm)
Download Farm kids safety flyer
WHERE:
Ella Latham Lecture Theatre
Ground Floor
The Royal Children’s Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville 3052
PARKING Limited parking is available in and around the Royal Children’s Hospital. Trams 55 and 59 stop directly outside.
REGISTRATION
RSVP your name, workplace & any dietary restrictions to safety.centre@rch.org.au by Friday 8 August 2014. For further enquiries call 9345 5085.
This injury prevention forum has been made possible through trauma funding generously provided by the Department of Health Victoria.
2014-07-21 Thanks to all of our supporters
A Big Thank You!
We would like to thank all our supporters very much for their continued commitment to the National Centre for Farmer Health. Your advocacy, support and partnership has been essential and enabled us to continue providing services to our farming communities and the health and rural professionals who serve in those communities. We gratefully acknowledge the recent funding announcement from the Federal and Victorian governments, which has provided a welcome boost.
October 12th Run 4 Farmer Health
As the funding is not ongoing we still need your help. The NCFH is not sitting still and in October we will be running for farmer health at the Melbourne Marathon and we would love you to join us. Tom Whitty, Media Manager at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is aiming for the full marathon (42 kms) to show his support. All of us at the NCFH are participating.
You too can show your support for the unique programs we deliver in agricultural communities by walking, running or fundraising with us. There are different distance runs and a walk to choose from and they all finish with a lap of the MCG.
To find out how you can be involved as a runner, walker or donator go to this link. https://farmerhealth.org.au/run-4-farmer-health
Looking forward to running with you!