Croí, the heart and stroke charity, are urging farmers to take part in a free virtual webinar as part of an initiative based in Mayo with Healthy Ireland, Pobal and Teasgasc.

As part of Mayo Farmers Month, Croí are campaining to make farmers aware of the shocking statistics that almost half of farmers have high cholesterol and blood pressure, while 86% are overweight or living with obesity.

These are all major factors that can contribute to heart disease or strokes, yet many farmers consider themselves “healthy”.

We know that the occurrence of heart disease, cardiac events and stroke is significantly higher among Irish farmers

The webinar is free to join and takes place on Thursday January 21 at 7pm.

“We know that the occurrence of heart disease, cardiac events and stroke is significantly higher among Irish farmers compared to other groups of employees,” says Croí physiotherapist, Denise Dunne.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about the medical and lifestyle risk factors for heart disease and stroke, the impact these risk factors can have on your overall health and wellbeing, and more importantly, the steps you can take to reduce your risk.

“People usually think of cardiovascular disease as an older person’s problem, but small changes matter and it’s never too late to start.”

For more information you can visit the Croí website here.