Friday, April 23, 2010

Farmers with arthritis can learn to work within limitations

Forty-six million Americans suffer some form of arthritis, according to the National Arthritis Data Workgroup. Many aging farmers continue to farm well into their 70s, making them more affected by arthritis than most workers.

“Farm work is constant bending, twisting and lifting. Many farmers also work long hours under stress at times like planting and harvesting. That is why it is important for farm families to learn the psychological, emotional and physical impact of arthritis on their lives,” said Karen Funkenbusch, a University of Missouri Extension safety specialist and coordinator of the Missouri AgrAbility Project, which helps agricultural workers with disabilities adapt their homes and farms to allow them to continue working.

May is National Arthritis Month and spring is a good time for families with a member suffering from arthritis to keep in mind operational limitations imposed by chronic joint symptoms, Funkenbusch said.

“Reduced mobility and reaction time may result in injury for machine operators. Reduced endurance may also put farm workers at risk as they push their limits,” she said.

Methods to help control joint stress and pain can be as simple as wearing quality, non-slip footwear or using appropriate assistive aids.

Other ways farmers can reduce the risk of injury and strain while staying productive:

-Use the largest joint possible to complete a task.

-Maintain proper posture when sitting on a tractor for a long time.

-Avoid gripping and grasping for extended periods.

-Simplify tasks and pace the amount of working time throughout the day.

For more information about the Missouri AgrAbility Project, see www.agrability.missouri.edu or call 800-995-8503

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