Though you all spend plenty of time outside in fresh air, there are risks to the health of your lungs that are important to be aware of.
Reducing your exposure to the fine dusts in hay, organic mould and grain could protect you from “farmer’s lung”, for which there is no real treatment besides a transplant.
This sounds dramatic, but farmers have a much higher risk than the general population of contracting a respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Smoking is one of the biggest contributing factors to lung disease. We can support you to stop smoking – call the healthline free on 08085 202030 or visit your local pharmacy.
You should also take care of yourself to reduce your exposure to dust. Wear a mask and create as much ventilation as possible when working in confined areas. Try to keep as far away as possible, for example by using a tractor, when opening hay bales.
Any increase in breathlessness is always worth asking your GP about. This is the time of year to think about getting your flu vaccine. Flu spreads easily and can affect people of any age, with those in higher risk groups more likely to experience severe illness (and even death). Free flu vaccination is available to everyone aged 65 and older, anyone under 65 with certain medical conditions.
Protecting your health should be part of your business planning. After all, if you catch flu, who will make sure that all those winter jobs get done?
Take action now to lower your risk of catching flu this winter and get the free vaccine by contacting your GP today or, if you fall outside of the eligibility group, you can still choose to get vaccinated against flu at selected local pharmacies.
You can also download a copy of our Fit for Farming booklet at www.nhsgrampian.org/fitforfarming
