Laura’s Fit Farmers programme shows that 'exercise is medicine'

Ballydangan nurse Laura Tully, also known as the Movement Mentor, has spent the last five years running her 'Fit Farmers' programme across the Midlands, and it is proving more popular than ever.

Laura, who is the Clinical Manager of Sexual Health Services in TUS, explained: “When I first launched the programme in Roscommon I had to work really hard to recruit farmers, but now I have a waiting list!”

“I've always been really passionate about farmers' health and empowering them,” Laura said. “I've been working with farmers since 2019, mostly in the Midlands.”

Her six-week 'Fit Farmers' programme focuses on four key pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep, and balance.

“I've had farmers say that there's no way that they can be unfit, since they can do up to 30,000 steps per day, but actually a lot of farmers have musculoskeletal aches and pains. Medical education has advanced. 20 years ago the recommended treatment for aches and pains was rest, but now it's movement.”

Laura believes that movement is the key element of her programme, and that it proves the old adage that 'exercise is medicine.' Her programme focuses on building up strength and mobility. She focuses on small, sustainable changes, such as something as simple as standing on one leg for a few seconds, which can help to improve your balance. This works for farmers of all ages.

“The average age of the farmers I work with is 69, but the youngest was 21 and the oldest 92! I see myself as a mentor, passing my expertise as a nurse to others in a practical way.”

“Back in 2019, when the programme began, it was the first time that anyone had focused on a solution to these problems, the first programme of its kind. It went a bit viral! Nationwide, Ear to the Ground... Most counties now have healthcare initiatives for farmers. The Department of Agriculture are now helping to fund more help for farmer's healthcare. And when farmers are healthier, farm safety is better too.”

The programmes run from autumn to spring, avoiding the summer when farmers are at their busiest. Laura's next programme will take place in Moore, starting the first week in September.

Those living in Moore, South Roscommon or its hinterland are welcome to apply for the 'Fit Farmers' intervention which will commence at Moore Community Hall on September 4. Details of how to apply will be available on the Moore Community Council Facebook page and local notes.

Then the programme will begin in Elphin, in the first week in October. More information on how to get involved will come out closer to the time.