The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers), in conjunction with Ford Health, encourages all Western Australian farming families to make health and wellbeing their top priority, in the lead up to Healthy Farmer Week, commencing next Monday, July 26, 2010.

Healthy Farmer Week is part of on an ongoing program with WAFarmers and Ford Health, which recognises the importance of the State’s farmers and their families, and sets about providing them with essential health care information and services.

WAFarmers Occupational Health and Safety spokesperson Max Watts commented that Healthy Farmer Week is an opportune time for farming families to reassess their health and wellbeing practices.

“Farmers, by nature, understand the concepts of asset management, and are excellent at managing crops and livestock, however often neglect to maintain the most important asset on the farm – their own health.”

“Maintaining the good health of the farmer is an essential component of keeping the farm operating at its peak, and can be just as simple as visiting the local doctor, or participating in Ford Health’s Healthy Farmer program.”

Next week’s Healthy Farmer Week will see a number of farmers from across the State undertake detailed health assessments with Ford Health specialists. In addition, a rural health article will run on the WAFarmers page in the July 29, 2010 edition of the Farm Weekly, and another article will be included in this week’s Beyond the FarmGate; WAFarmers premier newsletter, distributed to over 4,000 of the States farmers.

The Healthy Farmer program, operated by Ford Health, has a number of options available for farmers and their families, ranging from a comprehensive 2.5 hour health assessment, to phone support and personalised health information on the Healthy Farmer website, www.healthyfarmer.com.au.

“WAFarmers encourages all farmers to take the time to schedule personal health checks, and consider their own health and wellbeing as part of their regular farm maintenance program,” concluded Mr Watts.

Farmers wishing to find out more about the Healthy Farmer Program, or to register, should contact Ford Health on 1300 660 986.