Q&A: 700 free heart checks for Glanbia Ireland farmers
Glanbia Ireland has officially launched free heart health checks for farmers in the Glanbia catchment area.
Seven hundred free heart health checks will be provided by Irish Heart Foundation nurses as part of its ‘Farmers Have Hearts’ initiative, supported by the HSE, at Glanbia Ireland branches across the south east of Ireland.
The health checks are being carried out as part of a four-year study of approaches to helping farmers improve their cardiovascular health.
The study is being conducted by Teagasc PhD Walsh Fellow Ms Diana Van Doorn at the National Centre for Men’s Health at IT Carlow and is also supported by Glanbia Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, the HSE and the UCD School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science.
The programme of health checks was recently officially launched by Minister for State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne, TD, at Glanbia CountryLife Tullamore.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State Byrne said: “This is a wonderful initiative designed to help and support farmers to take better care of their health.
“We all lead busy lives, and none more so than farmers, so it is important to take that first step and avail of your free heart health check.
“The Government’s Healthy Ireland initiative encourages everyone, young and old, to make small positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing, to get regular check-ups and to eat well, think well and be well.“
Research carried out by the Irish Heart Foundation has shown that more than 80% of Irish male farmers have four or more risk factors for heart disease.
Finding the time to look after their health and fitting in a healthy lifestyle can be challenging for farmers.
The four-year study adds significant value to the regular health checks undertaken each year through the ‘Farmers Have Hearts’ initiative.
Feedback on farmers’ experience of the heart health checks will help inform future health promotion programmes specifically targeted at Irish farmers.
A free male heart health check from a qualified Irish Heart Foundation nurse at your local Glanbia Ireland location is on offer.
Measurements of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and weight are included.
Results are given on the same day, along with hands-on advice on how to improve your health, with practical tips and follow-up encouragement and support to help you make changes to your lifestyle and improve your health.
Small changes make big differences!
A free repeat health check one year after your initial health check is on offer.
There is also a follow-up support service by phone and text messaging offering personal tailored advice to help them make simple lifestyle changes specifically designed for them.
Book your free heart health check today.
For bookings and more information contact:
Glanbia Customer Service Centre LoCall: 1890 321 321
Email: agricsc@glanbia.com
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am- 6pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.
The heart health checks are at:
- Kilmeaden, Co Waterford, Wednesday and Thursday, August 8 and 9, 9.30am-4.15pm
- Campile, Co Wexford, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14 and 15, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny, August 21 and 22, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Monasterervin, Co Kildare, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 4 and 5, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Donaghmore, Co Laois, Wednesday and Thursday, September 12 and 13, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Piltown, Co Kilkenny, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 9 and 10, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Ballitore, Co Kildare, Tuesday, October 16, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, Tuesday, October 23, 9.30am-4.15pm.
- Glanbia Ireland Factory, Virginia, Co Cavan, date to be confirmed, 9.30am-4.15pm.
