The Irish Farmers Journal teamed up with Full Health Medical, ICOS and Movember Ireland to bring these free health checks to marts around the country as part of our Fovember campaign, to raise awareness of men’s health this November.

Almost 100 men were screened between the two marts this week, once again showing a huge demand for these health checks among farmers.

The free health checks took place in Ennis mart in Co Clare on Tuesday 17 November, followed by Kilkenny mart on Thursday 19, and included a full heart check (blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol), a diabetes screen, mental health advice, prostate cancer awareness, and nutrition, lifestyle and exercise advice.

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Weight was once again the biggest problem facing farmers in both marts. The Clare boys in particular are being advised to limit the fry-ups, with 88% reported as being overweight or obese. Seventy per cent in Kilkenny were also struggling with their weight.

“Swap the frying pan for the grill, and fry the eggs in water,” was the advice offered by the nurse on the day.

Blood pressure was the second biggest problem facing men in both marts, with 70% having high readings in Ennis, and 60% in Kilkenny.

Cholesterol

Despite the slimmer appearance of the Kilkenny farmers, 45% were found to be suffering from high cholesterol, in comparison with 40% in Ennis.

Almost 60% of men in Ennis did not carry out testicular self-examinations, followed by over 50% in Kilkenny.

Dr Jack Halligan from Full Health Medical offered his advice for high cholesterol and blood pressure: “There are many ways to address high cholesterol and blood pressure without taking a tablet. The best way to do this is through lifestyle changes – get out walking, drop a few pounds, or cut back on food that’s high in saturated fats for cholesterol, and salt for blood pressure.

“Try not to change everything at once because this will most likely result in failure and frustration. Instead make just one or two changes at a time,” he recommends.

The results from all six marts will be revealed in next week’s Irish Country Living. Visit www.moteam.co/fovember to donate or to get involved in our Fovember campaign.