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Studying risks of heart disease in farmers

New study being conducted in Nebraska

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Farmers are expected to look after the health and wellbeing of livestock, but who looks after the health and wellbeing of the farmer themselves?

A new, nine-county study being carried out at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Lincoln Division is investigating farmers and their risks of heart disease.

The study, funded by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, will look at farmers in Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Thayer, Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties.

Innovations and improvements in technology have led to farmers performing less physically-demanding work.

Paula Schulz, principal investigator of the study, said farmers are eating more fast food and spending more time in front of computer screens.

But she told the Lincoln Journal Star that very little is known about activity levels and dietary habits of farmers.

The study requires 40 people, ranging from 19 years and older, to complete survey questions and wear devices that monitor activity during peak farming season and off-seasons.

After one year, researchers will hope to collect information about physical activity, dietary habits, quality of life and cardiovascular disease.

Farmers interested in taking part in the study can call Paula Schulz at 402-476-7336 or email her.

Are farmers more vulnerable to heart disease?

A study by the Irish Heart Foundation found that nearly eight out of 10 farmers had four or more risks of cardiovascular disease – the most prevalent risk being obesity.


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