Farmer Wants a Healthy Life
39 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago -Jam packed with stories from people that understand the farming life with a story to tell. From new farmers and the old hands, rural community locals, doctors and more. People that understand the farming life with a story to tell. Hosted by Brigitte Muir. The Farmer Wants a Healthy Life podcast series are stories of looking after you, whilst on the farm. The choices you make can change your life; hear it from those that have done it. West Wimmera Health Service created this series with the support of representatives from:• Grain Producers Australia• Grains Research & Development Corporation• National Centre for Farmer Health• Nhill & District Young Farmers• Rural Outreach Program• Southern Mallee Landcare Network• Victorian Farmers Federation•West Wimmera Health Service’s Allied Health Department• Wimmera Hearing Society
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Episodes
More to Me than Farming
November 16, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode we hear from Nick Blandford about the impact self-worth has had on his life. He shares what a community program helped him realise about himself and being a farmer. He also talks about what supports are out there for farmers now and what he would like to see for them in future. Interested in the topic and looking for more? What is self-worth? Find out at BetterHelp. Or find other tips and information if you are feeling worthless at Health Direct. Did you know self-worth a...
Land and People Working Together
November 09, 2023 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.78 MBIn this episode we hear from Mary Johnson on working with, rather than on, the land. Mary shares her experiences of growing up on the farm and how she has developed a strong connection to the land. She also talks about the benefits of working together and time off the farm. Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Mary talked about the importance of volunteers to small towns, are you interested in volunteering? Nor sure where to start? Volunteering Victoria lists a ra...
The Gambling Rollercoaster
November 02, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode we hear from Jan Brunswick about how her partner’s gambling affected her. Jan shares how she tried to help and the reasons she stayed as long as she did. She also shares why she left them for good and how she helps others in the same position now. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you like Jan needing support because of someone’s gambling? The following gambling services are there to help you and them: Gamblers Help or call 1800 858 858 Cafs - Gamblers Hel...
The Outback Mind
October 26, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MBIn this episode we hear from Aaron Schultz on his journey to better health for himself and men in the country. Aaron shares how alcohol, anxiety and exercise have shaped his life. He also shares what made him start The Outback Mind and his hopes for its future. The Outback Mind Foundation - website, Facebook and Instagram. Or listen to the podcast via the website, Spotify, Podbean or iTunes. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Aaron talked about alcohol effect on his life. Conce...
Child Safe Farms
October 19, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 6.09 MBIn this episode we hear from Jessie Adams from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Jessie shares how she is working toward making farms safer for children. She shares her top tips for what you can do now, and programs currently running. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about the surveys Jessie did? You can find out more information here. In the episode Jessie mentioned the VFF Children on Farms Handbook. The Handbook, part of the Making Our Farms Safer p...
At Home in the Garden
October 12, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.68 MBIn this episode we hear from Anna Johansson on her experience of being a Swedish woman on an Aussie farm. Anna shares her joy of growing and eating her own food. She also shares how she finds happiness outside of the money-making rat race. You can see Anna’s home grown produce and some of what she makes with them on her farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your health....
Farmer's Best Friend
October 05, 2023 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this episode we hear from Kelly Barnes about what led her to start the Mates Dog School. Kelly shares her passion for her dogs and how they have helped her mental health, and how she uses it to help others. She also talks about the way we as people, especially farmers, see dogs in our lives. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about Kelly’s Mates Dog School? Check out the Mates Dog School Facebook page. You can also find articles about the school done on the:...
Tell Your Story Once
September 28, 2023 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.64 MBIn this episode we hear from Mandy Noble, a Service System Navigator with The Orange Door Horsham. Mandy talks about what The Orange Door is and how it came about. She also talks about Family Violence and its different forms. In an emergency call 000 If you live in the Wimmera and need support, you can contact The Orange Door in Horsham by: Calling 1800 271 042 Or find them at 3-7 Madden St, Horsham. Don’t live in the Wimmera and need support? You can find other The Orange Door locatio...
Moving Marnoo
September 21, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode we hear from Tania Walter about how she is helping farmers to be more active in Marnoo. She shares her passion for running the group and the joy it brings to her and others that come. She also talks about how her and her husband run a bio-dynamic farm and how that came about. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Has listening to Tania inspired you to put more movement in your life? Not sure where or how best to start? Check out these websites for tips, advice, and...
Out of the Tunnel of Grief
September 14, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBIn this episode we hear from Margaret Millington about the impact death has had on her life. She shares the lessons she has learnt from losing people she loves, and the need to be aware of dangers. She also talks about what brought her to the Wimmera and how it offered her a chance for renewal. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Margaret shared her experiences of grief and what helped her. Find more on grief at: Health Direct Better Health Channel Beyond Blue Margaret lost her ...
Attitude is Everything
December 01, 2022 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.92 MBIn this episode we hear from Lyall McClure, Natimuk local who has not let close calls with death stop him. Lyall shares his four close calls with death and how he has moved forward with his life after. He also shares how he keeps a smile on his face and joy for life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Lyall mentioned one of his close calls was a heart attack, but what exactly is a heart attack? Check out the information here to find out. Had a heart attack or ...
The Ins and Outs of Stress
November 24, 2022 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.21 MBIn this episode, West Wimmera Health Service's own Leanne Yew talks about stress. Leanne is WWHS's lead social worker. She shares her knowledge on stress, our responses to it and how long term stress can affect us. She also share her tips for managing stress and where to get help. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The WWHS social work and welfare department can help with a wide variety of things, including: Counselling for individuals, couples and families. Support for pa...
Living Your Best Life with Pain
November 17, 2022 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.18 MBIn this episode we hear from Gary Smith on his experience living with chronic pain. Gary shares how pain effects his everyday life and how he copes. He also shares how his passion for his animals helps him deal with the pain and live his life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information on chronic pain in general at Health Direct. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Integrated Pain Service helps those with chronic pain. The service provides tailored treatments...
Being True to You
November 10, 2022 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this episode we hear from Leigh Dwyer, farmer, long time CFA volunteer and trans woman. Leigh shares her story and how she has come to accept all parts of herself. She also talks about her experiences since transitioning. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you part of the LGBTI+ community and looking for support? Check out these dedicated support services and advice pages: Rainbow Door – A free support service specialising in LGBTI+ Victorians, their friends and family. ...
The Hidden Harm
November 03, 2022 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MBIn this episode we hear from John Bradshaw about gambling. He shares his knowledge about the harm it can cause, tips for stopping and services available to help you. He also talks about the sessions he provides for kids on gambling and how it is not a normal part of sport. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Cafs is a proudly independent organisation, driven by the commu...
Farming Through Change
October 27, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBIn this episode we hear from farmer David Drage about how climate change affects farmers. David shares what he is doing to adapt to climate change and what help is available. He also shares what he is doing as part of Adapt Grampians. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Adapt Grampians is a regional hub working to ensure we adjust and thrive in our changing climate. It is a regional hub for: Information sharing Learning and Inspiration David talked about the rainfall loss ov...
The Wimmera Pride Project
October 20, 2022 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode we hear from Patrick Quiane about the Wimmera Pride Project. Patrick shares his knowledge about the LGBTI+ community, and some of their struggles. He also shares how being queer in a small town can be different to the city. He also talks about the joy coming out can bring and how important support is. You can find out more about the Wimmera Pride Project via their Website, Facebook page or their Contact form. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Patrick talked ab...
Not Worth the Gamble
October 13, 2022 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn this episode we hear from Dan Irwin, about his experience with gambling. Dan shares how he become addicted to gambling and how it affected him and his family. He also shares what made him quit and how he helps others to do so now. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Gambling help services: Gamblers Help or call 1800 858 858 Cafs - Gamblers Help or call 1800 692 237 ...
Understanding Chronic Pain
October 06, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode we hear from David Manning and Ben Weissner, who talk all things chronic pain. They share the ways they are working to help people with chronic pain to recover and function well. They also share a few tips for pain management. Find more on the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Integrated Pain Service here. Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information on chronic pain in general at Health Direct. In the episode David and Ben talked about how be...
Women Thriving on Farm
September 29, 2022 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this first episode of season three, we hear from some of the attendees of the recent Gather Grow and Thrive event. They share their experiences of being a woman on a farm and how it has changed over time. They also talk about the importance of connection and how they can be change agents. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The Gather Grow and Thrive event was hosted by Partners in Ag. You can find out more about the Partners in Ag organisation here. The second speaker in ...
Help Close to Home
February 03, 2022 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.51 MBIn this last episode of series two we have tried something a little different. Through the interviews we noticed some themes about the role of family and friends and the benefit of making access to health support easier. You will hear from a number of people about ways to get health help close to home. You will hear some familiar voices talk about the topics of telehealth and mental health. You will also hear some new ones on how family members can help. Interested in the topic and lookin...
Health Quiz at Field Days
January 27, 2022 13:00 - 8 minutes - 6.16 MBIn this episode, West Wimmera Health Services own Trish Heinrich shares how she helps farmers at field days with on the spot health’ checks. Trish is a WWHS nurse, who also works for and trained by the National Centre for Farmer Health in Agrisafe’. She talks about what happens when you get a farmer health check and how they can help you. She also talks about her top tips for harvest time health. Interested in the topic and looking for more? National Centre for Farmer Health contact detai...
The Audited - Safety from the Dining Room Table
January 20, 2022 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.1 MBIn this episode we hear from Jason Mellings on his experience of having a VFF Making Our Farms Safer safety audit done. He shares what made him decide to get the audit done and what he has learnt from it. He also talks about the impact of bullying on the farm as an employer, and some things he has in place to help manage it. If you would like your own farm safety audit done contact the Make Our Farms Safer team at 1300 882 833. You can hear our podcast with John Darcy from the Make Our Fa...
Saving Your Skin
January 13, 2022 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.61 MBIn this episode Dr David Lester talks to us about all things skin related. He shares his knowledge on checking our skin and what we need to look out for. He also discusses skin cancer, sun protection and the importance of vitamin D. You can book an appointment with Dr David Lester at Australian Skin Face Body in Horsham at 03 5382 0897. You can also find more information about Australian Skin Face Body here. You could also get a referral from your GP, or call your local health service to f...
Alone, but not Lonely
January 06, 2022 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode we hear from Corinne Heintze, a farmer and Yarriambiack councillor. She shares what keeps her happy and healthy, and her tips for others to do the same. She also talks about her spirituality and how she takes part in her community, and why. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Throughout the episode Corinne talks about some of her important relationships. She also talks about how she has come to understand how talking to others helps her mental health. The You Got ...
Social Side of Exercise
December 30, 2021 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.51 MBIn this episode Daniel 'Bully' Keam shares why he is part of the Active Farmers Group lead by Justin Knorpp. He talks about why he joined the group and the benefits of it, with exercise being just one part of the story. He also talks about other changes to his lifestyle since joining the group. Live in or near Warracknabeal and want to join Justin's Active Farmers group? You can find more information on the Warracknabeal Active farmers group here or on Facebook. Interested in the topic a...
The Auditor - Man on a Mission
December 23, 2021 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.91 MBIn this episode John Darcy tells us what he does as part of the Make Our Farms Safer project. He shares what to expect from a Farm Safety Consult (free for Victorian farmers). He also shares information about other services (see full list below) the project provides. You can reach the Make Our Farms Safer team at 1300 882 833, to book an audit with John. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Making Our Farms Safer is a Victorian Farmers Federation project. The aim of the project...
Heart Hiccups
December 16, 2021 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.12 MBIn this episode we hear from Arnold and Colleen Bond about Arnold’s experience of having heart attacks. He shares how ticking a box on a form lead to lifesaving surgery. They also talk about what they have realised about farmer lifestyles and how it can impact the heart. If you think there is a possibility you are experiencing a heart attack call 000. Interested in the topic and looking for more? What exactly is a heart attack? Check out the information here to find out. Had a heart att...
The Art of Listening
December 09, 2021 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBIn this episode we hear from Robyn Kelm, a nurse turned hairdresser / makeshift counsellor. She shares what she has learnt about mental health and how to help someone who is struggling. She also talks about mental health stigma and how that can impact on people. Interested in the topic and looking for more? If you are concerned about someone and not sure how to start a conversation R U OK? can help. Check out these fact sheets on Depression, Relationships and family, and Stress. Check o...
Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
December 02, 2021 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.58 MBIn this episode we hear from Justin Knorrp about how he is helping farmers to be more active in Warracknabeal. He shares what made him want to start the Active Farmers group, who comes to the group and what they get from it. He also talks about what led him to the Wimmera and the need for down time in our busy lives. Live in or near Warracknabeal and want to join Justin's Active Farmers group? You can find more information on the Warracknabeal Active farmers group here or on Facebook. Th...
Special Edition – The need to know of COVID (Oct 2021)
October 10, 2021 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this special edition episode of Farmer Wants a Healthy Life we hear from Dr Rob Grenfell. The ex- Natimuk GP and CSIRO Director, and current public health expert talks all things COVID. He shares his knowledge on COVID vs the flu, long COVID, the different variants, vaccines and much, much more. Hear how masks can make you like your favourite superhero and how your town could win the COVID Cup! If you think you may have COVID you can call 1800 675 398 24 hours, 7 days a week. Any other...
AFL to Life with Depression
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.41 MBIn this episode Ex-AFL star John 'Jumbo' Sudholz shares his struggle with depression on returning to the farm. He shares the hard times he faced, and how he has learned to live with depression. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of suicide call triple (000). Contact Suicide Line Victoria: 24/7 phone number: 1300 651 251 Online or Video chat If you or someone you know needs urgent help contact Lifeline: Phone: 13 11 14 Website: www.lifeline.org.au If you ne...
Ill from the Animal World
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MBIn this episode we hear from ex-Natimuk GP and current CSIRO Director Dr Rob Grenfell. He shares his knowledge on diseases we can get from wild animals, as well as the domestic stock farmers deal with. He also talks about some ways you can protect yourself from these illnesses. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Check out these fact sheets on Handling Livestock and Animals and Diseases. There were a range of diseases Dr Rob Grenfell mentioned in the episode. You can find more ...
The Mental Tips
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.81 MBIn this episode we hear from Dr Alison Kennedy from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Alison shares some tips for things you can do every day to help your mental health on the farm. She also tells us about some of the things that can happen when you don’t look after your mental health. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The National Centre for Farmer Health has advice for specific to farmers on: Depression Relationships and family Stress Check out the You Got This Mate P...
The Other Side of Suicide
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 14 minutes - 9.75 MBIn this episode Gurjit Sondhu shares her story of her husband’s suicide and what hindsight made her realise. She also shares her experience of coming to farming life for the first time and life as a farmer’s wife. Contact Suicide Line Victoria: 24/7 phone: 1300 651 251 Online or Video chat If you or someone you know needs urgent help contact Lifeline: Phone: 13 11 14 Website: www.lifeline.org.au If you need immediate support for depression you can contact Beyond Blue at: 24/7...
From Footy Coach to Rural Outreach Worker
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.39 MBIn this episode Mal Coutts shares how he went from footy coach to a Rural Outreach Worker, and what he does in that role. He shares his insights into farmer mental health, challenges of the farming life, and how he can help. You can reach the Rural Outreach Program (Mal or one of the other M's) at 1300 688 732. Or find more information at https://ruraloutreach.org.au Interested in the topic and looking for more? Check out these fact sheets on Depression, Relationships and family, and Str...
The Pain of Ross River
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.67 MBIn this episode local farmer Glen Burke shares his journey with Ross River Fever. He talks about what it was like at its worst and how it still affects him physically. He also discusses how having Ross River affected other parts of his life, including the impact on his family. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking for some more information about Ross River Fever? Check out the Better Health Channel and Health Direct websites, or this NSW Health fact sheet here. Facebook: ...
A Prostate Journey
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn this episode ex-farmer Brian Nagorcka shares his story of having prostate cancer. He discusses what made him get tested and what has happened since. He also talks about the benefits of talking to others who experience prostate cancer and how the support group he runs helps. To get in touch with the support group go to Prostate Cancer Foundation. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking for some more information about prostate cancer? Check out the Health Direct and Cancer...
Men's Business
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.44 MBIn this episode we hear from Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Mandy Johns. She shares her knowledge on things that increase the risk of this cancer, and how to test for it. She also shares her tale of getting into this role. You can reach the Wimmera Cancer Centre at 5381 9169 or [email protected]. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking for some more information about prostate cancer? Check out the Health Direct and Cancer Council websites. Do you have prost...