Farmer Heart 2 Heart: Cultivating Healthy Hearts in Our Farming Community

In the middle of National Heart Health Month, amidst the bustling atmosphere of an annual farm machinery auction at the fairgrounds, a unique initiative took place aiming to improve the wellbeing of farmers. Cardiovascular disease is a group of health conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 deaths that happen in the U.S. every year is due to cardiovascular disease—that's one cardiovascular-related death every 34 seconds. Recent research suggests that farmers, especially adult male farmers, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-farmers of a similar age.

Dubbed "Farmer Heart 2 Heart," this program emerged as a beacon of health and support for the farming community, thanks to the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals. Leading the charge were Lindsay Arthur, Bourbon County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Kay Denniston, Bourbon County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and Kacy Wiley, Bourbon County Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant. Together, they orchestrated a comprehensive health event tailored specifically for farmers, recognizing the importance of prioritizing their cardiovascular health.

Adding depth to the initiative, nursing students from the local high school eagerly stepped in to conduct health screenings under the watchful eye of a certified healthcare provider. This not only provided invaluable real-world experience for the students but also ensured the accuracy and professionalism of the screenings. Their participation not only counted towards their community service but also contributed to the completion of their training hours.

On the day of the event, 27 farmers took advantage of the opportunity, recognizing the significance of monitoring their health amidst their demanding lifestyles. The screenings, encompassing crucial metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate, vital insights into their cardiovascular wellbeing.

Upon completing the screenings, each farmer received a personalized wallet card containing their recorded health information, serving as a tangible reminder to prioritize their heart health in their daily lives. But the support didn't end there. The farmers were also furnished with publications from the University of Kentucky addressing topics ranging from blood pressure management to fostering healthy lifestyles, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health.

To add a delicious twist to the event, Kacy Wiley prepared her signature SNAP-ED Sunrise Granola recipe, offering farmers a taste of nutritious yet delectable fare that aligned with their health goals. This culinary treat not only tantalized taste buds but also served as a testament to the notion that healthy eating can be both enjoyable and accessible.

As the sun set on the fairgrounds, the Farmer Heart 2 Heart program left an indelible mark on the farming community, sowing the seeds of awareness and empowerment. Through collaboration and education, it not only fostered healthier hearts but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie and care with the farmers. In the fields of both agriculture and health, the harvest reaped was one of resilience, community, and wellbeing.