Search Results

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello highlighted the availability of mental health resources through the Farm Family Resource Initiative while in Carbondale on May 30. He was joined by representatives of SIU Medicine and Josh and Emily Reinhardt, dairy farmers from Red Bud, Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges now have a new resource. A new helpline ( 1-833-FARM-SOS ) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative. In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families. Free webinars and trainings on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid offer program participants skill-building tools to

Farming is a challenging and sometimes dangerous business. Weather, machinery, logistics and livestock can cause difficulties within a day’s work. Yet these can pale next to the concerns and stress that a farmer carries inside. Farmers are among the most likely to die by suicide, compared with other occupations, according to a 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study also found that suicide rates overall had grown by 40% in less than two decades. A new support system is available to help the Illinois farming community. It’s as close as your phone. A helpline (1

May is Mental Health Awareness month and also coincides with the spring planting season.

Do you ever feel like you're moving through your days on autopilot? Are you always thinking ahead to all the chores that need to be done around the farm, instead of focusing on what you're doing at the moment? Do you frequently react strongly to other people or situations instead of thoughtfully responding? These common experiences indicate a lack of awareness, or mindfulness, in your day-to-day life. What does science say about mindfulness that you, as a farmer, can you use to feel healthier and more joyful? What is mindfulness? Researchers and doctors define mindfulness as the state of being

Old MacDonald had a farm and probably an aching back, too. Research shows that farmers experience more back pain than the general population due to the physical demands of the job. Because back pain can reduce productivity and increase medical costs, preventing back injuries is imperative for farmers.

Nearly half of women age 40 and older have dense breasts, which can make mammograms harder to read and increase the likelihood of missing cancer during screenings. To address this, the FDA now requires mammogram facilities to notify patients about their breast density.

The February issue of the Library Newsletter is now available on our newsletter page. Contents include: Introduction of Lynne Ferrell, our new Head of Scholarly Resources Information about an upcoming study break with Gibson the therapy dog New resources The PA-Phase 2 student poster session Upcoming exhibits The memorial of Reed Williams and unveiling of the Library's Founding Figures Collection of Medical Education Our Februray training schedule Volume 9, Issue 3, Feb 2019

The Civil Service Employee of the Month for February 2019 is Melissa Smock, Medical Education Program Specialist, in the Office of Education and Curriculum. Her nominator said: “Melissa is cheerful, friendly, reliable, professional, dedicated, organized and willing to go the extra mile. She is proactive in learning new tasks and in expanding her skills. She is a self-starter and works well independently. She anticipates upcoming annual events and prepares for these events while completing daily assignments. She interacts well with others in a professional and friendly manner and is an asset to

The winter issue of the Library Newsletter is now available on our newsletter page.