NOVEMBER 29, 2014: We need a ‘Beyond Blue’ for backs. We treated 19 far East Gippsland farmers to free back health check-ups and a tai chi lesson at the buoyant Bairnsdale cattle sale on November 28. It attracted a variety of people: from high-country cattlemen to Pakenham store buyers. Our survey at facebook/pages/Betterspines4farmers/684170351656830 showed that 13% of people said back pain was the biggest problem in their farming day and 70% of respondents had suffered pain for more than five years. However, less than 20% of respondents did any preventative exercise like pilates or yoga. Agribusiness Gippsland executive officer Sue Webster said: “The link is obvious. Pain puts you off farming … and everything.” Here’s the evidence we garnered at Bairnsdale: 1. Young ag people are suffering. A young farm manager from Toongabbie came to find relief for his leg pain and a young mum working for a stock agent came along for her constant back pain. 2. Older attendees need serious help: one buyer was recommended to a doctor for a possible shoulder reconstruction. 3. The really buckled-up blokes wouldn’t come. The men with the ‘worst-as’ backs stayed away, but watched-on when we ran the tai-chi lesson … The event was backed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, East Gippsland Shire Council and supported by Coles supermarkets. We thank physiotherapist Kaye McNeill, pictured below with Rita McMahon from Dargo high plains and tai chi instructor Jill Thio with students ... farmers from Benambra, Buchan, Lindenow and Pakenham.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 10:34:03 +0000
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