Eye injury – flash burns

From time to time, farmers need to weld. Flash burn, also known as ‘welders flash’, ‘arc eye’, or ‘arc flash’, is a common and painful complaint reported by farmers after workshop or situational welding on the farm. Flash burns occur when the cornea (the clear tissue that covers your eyes) has been exposed to ultraviolet light. Flash burns is like really bad sunburn in the eye. Flash burn occurs when the eye is exposed to bright ultraviolet (UV) light which can occur when using a welding torch. Flash burn symptoms will start to develop a few hours after exposure, and become increasingly and incredibly painful.

Symptoms of flash burn include:

• pain – ranging from a mild feeling of pressure in the eyes to intense pain in severe instances
• tearing and reddening of the eye and membranes around the eye (bloodshot eye)
• watery eyes
• sensation of “sand in the eye”
• abnormal sensitivity to light
• inability to look at light sources (photophobia)

The treatment of flash burn will depend on the severity and includes local anaesthetic drops, pain killers and eye padding to rest the eye.  Darkening the room and avoiding light can assist. If you have contact lenses remove them.  is important to always seek medical advice if symptoms of flash burn continue as burns can become infected. If infection occurs, antibiotic treatment will be required. If an infection is left untreated there is an increased risk of vision impairment and loss.

The most common cause of flash burn on farms is when welding is undertaken without using appropriate UV eye protection. Flash burn is easily prevented by using personal protection equipment such as a welder’s visor with an Australian and New Zealand Standard approval (AS/NZS) Eye protection against radiation generated in welding includes AS/NZS1338.1 for eye protection and AS/NZS1337 and AS/NZS1337.1 for face protection.

Importantly, if welding and performing a task which generates particles damaging to the eyes, an auto darkening welding helmet / visor should comply with AS/NZS1337 or AS/NZS1337.1 face protection for high impact, otherwise protection is not suitable.

Other sources of UV radiation burns (flash burn) on farms include exposure to direct sunlight and the reflection of sun off water or snow. It can also occur during a solar eclipse if you are looking directly at the sun for a prolonged period of time. Given farmers, at times, need to work in direct sunlight, owning and wearing a pair of approved UVA and UVB protectant sunglass will assist with preventing an episode of flash burn.  

Find out more information on flash burn visit Better Health Channel

See your local doctor or healthcare professional if:

• you have increasing pain in your eyes
• your vision is getting worse (or is blurry)
• your eye is getting more sensitive to light
• you are concerned for any other reason.

For health advice from a registered nurse you can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.

Fast facts:

• Flash burns feel like sunburn in your eyes and is caused by bright ultraviolet (UV) light If you experiencing symptoms of flash burn, see medical attention and follow instruction.
• Untreated flash burns can cause infection and permanent eye damage.
• Always use a recommended AS/NZS welder’s visor when welding.

CPR

When the heart stops pumping, it is known as cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of techniques designed to pump the heart, keep blood circulating and deliver oxygen to the brain until medical treatment can stimulate the heart to start pumping again. CPR can be life-saving first aid and can increase an individual’s chance of survival.

Survival rates of cardiac arrest differ between urban and rural patients. This is largely due to a difference in ambulance response time and for this reason, it is important that everyone on the farm is trained on how to perform basic life support, including CPR.

It is important to note that the CPR steps for children aged 8 years or younger are the same as for adults and older children, but the technique is slightly different for young children and infants. If you’re applying CPR ensure you’re aware of the technique difference for children aged 1- 8 years and infants aged up to 12 months.

To find out more information about CPR visit Better Health Channel 

Fast facts:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) CPR can be lifesaving first aid if a person’s heart has stopped
• Always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. You will be given advice if you are unsure what to do while you wait for paramedics.
• Learn CPR from an accredited trainer, it’s a skill that everyone on a farm should learn.
• CPR accreditation needs to be updated annually

Suicide – signs to look for

Suicide continues to be a cause of avoidable death among farmers in Australia, although rates of death vary significantly in different areas of Australia. Occupational, environmental, social, cultural and climatic conditions, limited access to appropriate health care services and stigma, all contribute. People living on farms also have greater access to lethal means than people in the city, which increases the chance of a fatality when a suicide attempt is made.

While diagnosable mental illness can be a factor in suicide, this is not always the case. Farming can be extremely difficult at times and challenges can accumulate. After years of drought some farm families then face crop and stock losses due to floods, fires, market changes or insect attack. It can seem overwhelming. Suicide risk in farming families has also been linked to family breakdown, children leaving home, or anything that jeopardises farmers’ ability to continue farming (e.g. a debilitating injury or illness, or problems with farm transfer and farm finances). Alcohol misuse can also increase the risk of suicide.

Signs to watch out for

If someone close to you is talking about ‘ending it all’ or that they ‘can’t take anymore’, don’t ignore it. However, not everyone talks explicitly about their intention to suicide. Some signs that a person may be thinking of suicide include:

• Talking about death or hurting themselves
• Drinking more or using drugs
• Saying they feel there is no way out of their problems
• Saying their family is better off without them, or they are better off out of the way
• Abandoning social activities and isolating themselves
• Indications of anger or rage.

Things you can do which may help

Your role as a support person is similar to performing ‘first aid’.  That is, you do your best to support the suicidal person and link them up with professional mental health services. If someone expresses a desire and a plan to take their own life, do whatever it takes to get them help. Remember that people who consider suicide often change their mind. If you can offer support—even as a listening ear—you may help get them through a critical time.

• Tell the person how important they are to you and how you and others need them.
• Let them know that you recognise how bad they are feeling, but don’t ignore the problem.
• Acknowledge that they are feeling terrible but that things are likely to improve with time and support.
• If they want to talk, listen. Don’t make promises to keep your conversation secret—you may need to call on others for support.
• Ask them if they would like to talk to someone outside the family, like an Outreach Support worker, a psychologist from the Farmer Health/Lysn Online Psychology Service, a phone counsellor at the Suicide Call Back Service (details below), or Lifeline.
• Offer to accompany them to an appointment with their GP or a mental health professional, if this would make them more comfortable.
• Ring a phone counselling service yourself—the counsellor may have some advice that will help.
• Remove any means of suicide available (where possible)—including weapons, ammunition, farm chemicals, medications, alcohol and other drugs, even access to a car. Be aware of your own safety.
• For immediate crisis intervention when life may be in danger, ring the ambulance or police on Triple Zero (Tel. 000), or take the person to your local hospital emergency department.

Fast facts:

• Suicide continues to be a cause of avoidable death among farmers in Australia.
• If someone close to you shows signs of not coping, or talks about ‘ending it all’—take them seriously and support them any way you can.
• Encourage the person to Ring a 24 hour service like the Suicide Call Back Service Tel 1300 659 467 or Lifeline Tel 131 114, or ring them yourself for support and advice.
• Remember, some people talk about suicide in some way before they act and others may demonstrate this through their actions.

Depression – the facts

Depression is a common condition which is not always identified and diagnosed and affects men, women and young people. Depression is more than feeling sad or stressed. Learn to recognise the symptoms so you seek help when you need it.

There are a range of behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms that, when experienced together for more than two weeks, may indicate you are depressed. These include:

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Struggling to get things done at work
• Difficulty concentrating
• Struggling to find things you enjoy
• Feeling overwhelmed, sad, frustrated, guilty and indecisive
• Feelings of failure and worthlessness
• Chronic tiredness
• Weight gain/loss
• Digestive problems
• Getting sick all the time
• Poor sleep

It’s important to realise that we all experience some of these symptoms at some time, so seeking further support and advice is important. Your GP is a good place to start.

Particular factors and experiences in farming life can contribute to the development of depression and may also mean it goes untreated. These can include:

• Being in the habit of ‘working it out yourself’, which makes it difficult to seek help when it’s difficult to cope.
• Isolation and limited access to services.
• Finding it difficult to approach local health workers because you may know them socially.
• Practical issues to do with leaving the farm to seek help.
• Financial, climate related and other pressures that may seem insurmountable.
• Particularly for rural women, isolation, exhaustion and postnatal depression are some of the most common contributing factors to poor mental health.
• Learn to recognise the symptoms so you seek help when you need it.

There are a range of strategies used to treat depression and varying types of depression respond to different treatment. including medication, psychological, physical and self-help/alternative therapies. Your GP will know more about the options.

Rural issues – alcohol and depression

There is a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and depression. Self-medication with alcohol is a common (but unsafe and ineffective) coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Alcohol only masks the symptoms of depression and stress, and can make you feel worse. Support services can assist you to find other ways to tackle depression.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

Depression – the facts

• Depression is a common condition and it’s important to understand the symptoms.
• If you feel you’re not coping, you’ve lost interest in things you normally enjoy, can’t sleep, don’t want to eat and can’t concentrate, you may be depressed.
• Don’t battle on, seek help—depression is a condition which can be treated.

Hay fever

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a common immune response caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollens, dust, mould and animal hair.

There are three types of allergic rhinitis; seasonal, perennial and occupational. Hay fever often occurs during spring (seasonal), when there are many airborne pollens, dust, moulds and animal hair particles in the air. Some people can develop hay fever all year round (perennial) or it can be triggered by an allergen they have become sensitive to in the workplace (occupational). Farmers have an increased risk of hay fever as many farming tasks involve direct contact with environmental allergens.

If farmers experience seasonal, perennial or occupational hay fever it is important to identify the triggering allergen and attempt to eliminate or reduce symptoms. Symptoms begin immediately after exposure to an allergen and will last until allergen exposureis eliminated. Farmers who experience seasonal hay fever may have symptoms that last for several weeks.

Common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Blocked or runny nose
• Itchy ears, nose and throat
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Headaches

Common hay fever causes:

• Grass, weeds and tree pollens
• Dust mites and dust
• Animal fur or skin flakes
• Moulds and fungal spores
• Air pollutants

When to get help

Sometimes hay fever will clear up without treatment. If it doesn’t, it is important to seek medical advice, particularly if feeling tired and finding it difficult to concentrate, work and sleep. If an onset of thick green mucous from the nose occurs, it could indicate a sinus infection which requires medical treatment.

Where to get help

If experiencing seasonal hay fever, ask your local pharmacist or GP for medication. Ensure you explain the type of work you do on the farm as some hay fever medications may make you drowsy making it unsafe to operate farm machinery or drive. If hay fever develops due to ongoing exposure to an environmental allergen in the workplace discuss this with you GP.

Prevention

• Identify the triggering environmental allergen.
• Eliminate and reduce exposure to the allergen.
• If allergen exposure can’t be eliminated, attempt to reduce exposure.  For example, if the dust in the livestock yards is an allergen, hose down the yards when mustering stock to reduce airborne dust.
• Check the daily pollen forecast and try to stay indoors on high pollen days if possible.
• Purchase respiratory protection such as an Australian Standard P2 dust mask if allergen is caused by dust. Ensure the mask fits and seals the face correctly. Facial hair can reduce mask effectiveness.

Seek an AgriSafe™ clinic to have a P2 dust mask properly fit tested

Fast facts:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic immune response that causes sneezing, runny nose and watery, itchy eyes
• Hay fever can be triggered by pollens and grass, or dust mites and animal fur.
• Farmers are at risk of hay fever as many farming tasks involve direct contact with environmental allergens.
• Identify hay fever triggers and develop strategies to eliminate, control and reduce exposure.
• Seek medical advice from your local pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist and affect your quality of life.
• Don’t operate or drive machinery if hay fever medication makes you drowsy.

Bushfire smoke

Smoke from bushfires, planned burns and other sources can impact air quality. Bushfire smoke contains toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and particles, all of which can be hazardous to your health.

Small particles in smoke affect the lung’s ability to breathe and cause coughing, a sore throat and runny nose. For healthy adults, these effects usually disappear quickly once they move away from the smoky conditions. However, exposure to smoke over long periods of time (several weeks to months) during bushfire seasons can increase the risk of lung disease, anxiety and distress.

People with heart or respiratory conditions (including heart failure and high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airway disease) are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke. Smoke is also more likely to affect children, pregnant women and older adults.

Fine smoke particles can contribute to inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels in the heart and trigger bronchospasm in the windpipes (bronchi) of the lungs, making breathing more difficult. Farmers or agricultural workers with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should avoid exposure to bushfire smoke where possible.

Tips to reduce your risk of bushfire smoke exposure

• Stay indoors where possible. Close all windows and doors. Use only air conditioners that recirculate internal air, and not those that introduce external air. Use a portable indoor air cleaner equipped with a True HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.  
• Travelling. If travel by car is necessary and safe, use re-circulated air in the car. 
• Wear an AS/NZS approved P2 face mask. If you can’t stay indoors and you need to be outside – wear a P2/N95 dust mask that has been properly fit-tested. Note: P1 dust/surgical masks, handkerchiefs or bandannas do not filter out the fine particles of smoke and will not protect your lungs from smoke as effectively as a P2/N95 dust mask. It is important to note that while a P2/N95 dust mask will protect you from smoke, it can make it more difficult to breathe. If you do have a lung/heart or medical condition, you should seek medical advice about wearing a mask long before you actually need one. P2/N95 face masks with a valve will feel less claustrophobic to breathe through. 
• Protect your eyes. The small particles in smoke will also irritate and cause sore, itchy eyes. Wearing a non-ventilated goggle or a smoke visor/goggle combination will protect and assist with visibility if working outdoors.
• Reduce physical activity outdoors. If you need to exercise, access indoor gyms and pools with good air quality. 
• Quit smoking as it makes you more sensitive to air pollution.
• Trust your senses. If you smell and see smoke, the risk of high levels of exposure is likely. If you feel difficulty breathing, wheezing or a tight chest, seek urgent medical help and call triple zero (000).

On days of High Fire Danger Risk (FDR):

• Keep well and stay well hydrated.
• Follow local Fire Authority news and advice.
• Follow your fire plan to protect yourself from the threat of bushfires and smoke.
• Follow air quality information – be aware of the daily Air Quality Index (AQI).
• If you have a lung or heart condition and are on prescribed medication, make sure you update your management action plan, take your medication, and ensure you have enough medications for several days in case you can’t re-stock your supply easily.

It is crucial you remove yourself from smoke, seek medical help or call triple zero (000) if you start to experience the following:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Coughing.
• Chest tightness.
• Chest pain.
• Palpitations.
• Fatigue.

To find out more information about the dangers of smoke and your health visit Better Health Channel.

Fast facts:

• Bushfire smoke can affect your health, especially if you have lung or heart conditions.
• When bushfires are around, keep outdoor activities to a minimum where possible.
• Remember even after the fire has gone, smoke particles and gases can irritate and affect your lungs over the following days.
• Seek urgent medical help and call triple zero (000) if you have chest pain or breathing problems.

Drink / Drug driving

Consuming alcohol or other drugs has a significant effect on your ability to drive safely. Drink and drug driving are important causes of death and permanent injury. You might think that the risk of being ‘caught’ is less in country areas.  You also might think that you are okay to drive after a few drinks or recreational drug use, but you may be wrong.

Alcohol and country roads do not mix. Alcohol and working machines or motor bikes on the farm do not mix. Country people make up the majority of those who die on country roads and drink driving is a factor in the rural road toll.

It is well proven that being over 0.05 drastically increases the risk of death or serious injury—for you, your passengers, and people in other cars or pedestrians. As a supervising driver of a learner driver you must also be below 0.05.

While the general rule suggests two standard drinks in the first hour and one drink in every hour after that will keep you below .05, this can vary depending on gender, weight, etc.

If you’re going to an event that involves alcohol, pick someone to be your designated driver—a person who won’t be drinking and will be responsible for getting others home safely. If you’re on your own and you’ve had too much to drink, don’t drive home. Stay with a friend or sleep it off in your car. Alcohol is also a serious contributor to interpersonal violence. Remember, just because you are not the designated driver doesn’t mean you should drink to the point where your judgement and behaviour is impaired.

Increasingly, drug driving (driving while under the influence of illicit drugs) is becoming a concern on rural and regional roads. Driving with illicit drugs in your system makes you 10 times more likely to cause a crash. In Australia, over 9% of all road fatalities involved a driver who had an illegal drug in their system. Across Australia, over 400,000 roadside drug tests were conducted in 2021, with 12.8% of tests recording a positive result. Purpose-built Alcohol and Drug Test vehicles have now been introduced on rural roads.

Be aware that certain types of prescription drugs can also affect your ability to drive safely, including antihistamines and opiates used for pain relief.

Drink Driving

Drink driving is one of the most significant causes of road trauma and death. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Victoria and all other states in Australia is below .05. Probationary licence drivers (P plates) and learner drivers (L plates) must only drive with a zero BAC. Across Australia, over 8.3 million random breath tests were conducted in 2021, with 0.8% of tests recording a positive result.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts

• Alcohol and other drugs are a factor in many vehicle crashes, causing death and permanent disability.
• In a small community a fatal car crash touches everyone.
• Driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.05 or more is not only against the law, but is very dangerous and irresponsible.
• If you’re on P plates or L plates you are not allowed to drive with any alcohol in your system.
• If you’re drinking, have a designated driver who won’t be drinking to make sure you get home safely.
• If you are not the designated driver it doesn’t mean you should drink to excess.

Alcohol free events

Alcohol is served at many social events; a family BBQ, birthday parties, Saturday afternoons at the football or netball club and community gatherings. Alcohol is the most commonly used social drug in Australia. When consumed in excess, alcohol can lead to a range of short and long-term health problems and increase the risk of accidents and violence.

Young people are at particular risk from alcohol. Current guidelines recommend that young people under 18 years of age should avoid drinking to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm and longer-term damage to the developing brain.

Young people’s decision-making ability can be compromised by alcohol which can have serious consequences. Heavy alcohol consumption at a young age is associated with higher levels of alcohol use in adulthood, alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence and increased rates of physical and social harm. Even single occasions of harmful drinking are associated with mental health issues in young people.

There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy, so it is recommended that pregnant women avoid drinking alcohol.

Alcohol and sport
There is a strong link between sport and alcohol, particularly in rural areas. Sporting clubs are often financially supported by alcohol sales and the bar at local sports clubs may be an avenue for socialisation in some rural communities. Social media plays an increasing role in encouraging alcohol consumption linked with sporting matches.

Community sports clubs can contribute to alcohol problems by promoting and accepting excessive drinking. Sport clubs often cater for many age groups and have a responsibility to create a safe environment, particularly for their younger players.

Programs like Good Sports can help community sporting clubs change their attitude to alcohol and model healthy behaviours.

Fun without alcohol
It is possible to enjoy sport and social events without alcohol. Make events special with decorations and serve glamorous, colourful mocktails in special glasses.

Make non-alcoholic options more appealing than alcoholic beverages by serving:

• Homemade iced tea and coffee
• Fancy water with fruit and herbs
• Mocktails
• Fruit punch
• Smoothies and juices
• Tea and coffee

Other things to do to make a party fun:

• Dancing– get people up and moving, it’s fun and lots of people long for a chance to show off their style, put on the Macarena, it’s sure to get people up!
• Games– bring out the inner child in your friends; ask everyone to come up with a suggestion for a game, for example, backyard cricket, charades, card games, twister, the limbo or even pin the tail on the cow! Look up party games on the Web.
• Food– provide lots of interesting food – or ask everyone to bring a plate to share.
• Alcohol-free challenge – ask your guests to bring along the ingredients for their favourite alcohol-free beverage to be served at the event.
• Music– ask around, there may be people of all age groups with a dusty instrument in a cupboard that they could bring out for a ‘Local Talent’ party!
• Themes– encourage some frivolity, have a Halloween party or a red party.

You can have a fun event without alcohol! Try it, you might be surprised and you’ll wake up with a clear head in the morning. Look after yourself and set an example for young people; organise your next alcohol-free event!

When holding an event where alcohol is served, make sure people can check how much alcohol they are consuming by serving alcohol in original containers, or adding a sign next to the punch bowl to indicate what it contains. Use smaller glassware and offer lower-alcohol options.

Alcohol

• Alcohol is a social drug that affects different people in different ways.
• Heavy drinkers and binge drinkers risk serious alcohol-related harm. The less you drink, the lower your risk of alcohol harm. Not drinking is the safest option.
• During pregnancy no level of alcohol is considered safe; the safest option is not to drink during pregnancy.
• If you plan to drive, it is better not to drink alcohol.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Alcohol is served at many social events, but it’s not essential. You can have fun without alcohol.
• The size of a standard drink varies according to the type of alcohol.
• Create a festive atmosphere with stylish, colourful mocktails in special glasses.
• Serve teenagers special ‘adult’ drinks (without alcohol) that the younger ones can’t have till they’re older.
• Try dancing, games, live music, theme parties and talent quests to make an event fun.

2014-02-03 Your last chance for the last places in Agricultural Heath and Medicine program

The National Centre for Farm Health’s HMF701 Agricultural Heath and Medicine program will be run at its Hamilton, Victoria, headquarters from February 24-28.

With only a few places still available it has again attracted an impressive cross section of people working in, or with, rural and regional Australians.

A lineup NCFH director Susan Brumby says includes a paramedic from the Northern Territory, agricultural scientist from South Australia and mental health clinician from Camperdown in Victoria’s Western District.

Associate clinical professor Brumby says HMF701 Agricultural Heath and Medicine is a five-day intensive study unit offered by the School of Medicine at Deakin University and the National Centre for Farmer Health.

She says it aims to develop the next generation of rural and agricultural health leaders to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of rural and remote Australians.

“HMF701 is an excellent fit for a wide variety of graduate level students and professionals from nursing, medicine, health, agricultural science, agribusiness, social work, veterinary and environmental science backgrounds,” she says.

“And HMF701 is also a core unit for the Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine qualification.”

“The course will increase your understanding of the clinical, physical and mental health factors which result in higher rates of injury, illness and death in rural and remote communities.

This information will help professionals who want to improve:

• Agricultural production and sustainability.
• Enhance understanding of health research, policy and literacy in rural and remote communities.
• Gain an understanding of what is required for effective health provision in agricultural communities.”

Based at Katherine, paramedic Felix Ho is also studying medicine and says he considers the course will improve his ability to deliver in his current role and help provide him with a valuable grounding in his medical studies.

“Obviously my interest is in rural health, and even when I am based out of Darwin we are still working with a lot of people working in primary industry,” Felix says.

“From what I have heard about this course I expect what I learn in HMF701 I will be able to use it to help the people I work with, for my own career and to educate my peers,” he says.

A seven-year paramedic veteran in the Top End – and former Young Australian of the Year in community service – Felix says he has been picking up on the course from others in his field as well as from a range of rural bodies.

Which is also where agricultural scientist Dr. Sjaan Davey picked up on HMF701 and while she does not deliver health services she says she sees enormous value in improving her own understanding of the issues in rural health.

Dr. Davey says her role with the SA Research and Development Institute where she is currently focused on work in nematology sees her travel widely in rural and regional areas.

“I have always been interested in this, as the health side of life in rural Australia is so important and I don’t think there is anywhere near enough emphasis placed on it,” Dr. Davey says.

“I see all sorts of people so the more awareness I have the better. I come from a farming background in Zimbabwe, having moved to Australia in 2004, and I am confident that in the right circumstances what I learn in this course will enable me to promote, suggest and recommend what I have learnt,” she says.

“This is the first time I will do a course like this and I got onto it through the GRDC magazine Ground Cover, which was promoting its value.”

For adult mental health team clinician Angela Winkler her involvement in HMF701 is a given.

Angela says she comes from a dairy farm, married a dairy farmer, and has worked in district hubs throughout the Western District in her current role.

She says she found out about the course on the NCFH website and could see its value immediately.

“Never mind six degrees of separation, the people I see are people I live and work with and the more I know to help them the better it will be for everyone,” she says.

“While I am sure I will know about most of what this course contains to be able to formalise it will be a valuable investment for me and the people I work with.

“We deal with people aged 18 to 64 and there is an ever-increasing demand for what we do.

“I think in part that is because today there is less stigma attached to seeking help. When you have senior politicians and high-profile sports people prepared to go public with their problems it helps your average person know they can too.

“And in the bush, sadly, we all know someone who has committed suicide so seeking help is the first step in recovery and having this specialist knowledge will be my next step in helping those people.”

Angela also says she and her colleagues have a good network of support working closely with local GPs, many of whom are also aware of the value of HMF701.

Associate clinical professor Brumby says anyone interested in securing one of the last places for the 2014 course should contact Dr. Jacquie Cotton on (03) 55518585 now.

Ski for Life 2014

Adrian and Alison attended the Ski for Life event March 5-7, in South Australia.  (more…)

Agricultural Health and Medicine 2014

Our fifth year offering Agricultural Health and Medicine to students from all around the country, and again we welcome the next generation of rural and agricultural health leaders to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of rural and remote Australians.

Agricultural Health and Medicine is offered by the National Centre for Farmer Health and Deakin University. Learn more about Agricultural Health and Medicine »

Alcohol and farmers

Alcohol is widely used in social interactions but it can cause health, social, and safety problems when not used responsibly. One in four Australians drink at risky levels. People in farming communities are more likely to binge drink (consume alcohol at short-term risky levels) when compared with the general Australian population.

Farmers must take special care not to be under the influence of alcohol while using (or supervising others using) farm equipment, tractors, bikes, and other vehicles; handling animals; or supervising children. Alcohol affects your attention, concentration, coordination and judgement–putting you and others at greater risk of injury or death. The short-term harmful effects of alcohol can be increased when taken with illicit drugs, and prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Misusing alcohol causes harm to people other than the drinker. Alcohol contributes to violence and family conflict.  Alcohol is involved in 23-63% of all family violence reported to the police. Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of violence occurring and an increase in the level of harm that results from this violence.

The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol-related disease and injury. Current government guidelines recommend limiting your alcohol to no more than four standard drinks on any one day and no more than 10 standard drinks per week. Drinking at risky levels can cause serious short and long-term health effects. 10-15% of all presentations to hospital emergency departments are alcohol-related. One in four road deaths are the result of drink driving. If you are pregnant or under 18 years of age, it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol at all.

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of a range of cancers including liver, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, mouth, oesophageal and throat. Risk increases as more alcohol is consumed. Alcohol can also reduce the function of the immune system, and cause or exacerbate sleep problems and sexual dysfunction. There is no clear evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol protects against heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use increased in rural areas. This was particularly notable for people experiencing higher stress and anxiety, those having to manage childcare challenges, and people whose employment was under threat.

Rural issues – alcohol and mental health

Alcohol plays a role in both the development and progression of poor mental health and suicide. Drinking can increase the chances of developing a mental health condition in at-risk people (e.g. people prone to depression or anxiety). Self-medication with alcohol is a common, but unsafe and ineffective coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Alcohol only masks the symptoms of depression and stress, and can make you feel worse. Alcohol misuse is also a risk factor for suicide. Support services can assist rural people to find other ways to tackle tough times.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Alcohol, when not used responsibly, can damage your health and contribute to violence and risk of injury or death
• Food may slow down absorption of alcohol, but it will still hit your bloodstream and affect your judgement.
• Don’t use beer to quench your thirst while working; it will increase your risk of accidents. Drink water or non-alcoholic drinks instead.