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First Online Community Forum a Success

JUNE 2020 On June 15, UMASH hosted a community forum for the western Wisconsin/eastern Minnesota region. The focus was aging on the farm, an important issue given the aging of America’s farmers. The turnout was terrific, with more than 80 participants. Professor and director of University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, Joe Gaugler …

SPOTLIGHT: How Old is Old? Aging in Agriculture

JUNE 2020 How old is old? Depending on who you ask, you may get a number of answers. 45? 55? 65? Is it when you are eligible for senior discounts, safe driving courses or Social Security benefits? What does one mean by “old?” The average age of farmers is 58, and many continue to work into later ages including 65 and older. Farming is a dangerous …

FYI on PHI: UMASH Teaches New Course Online

JUNE 2020 COVID-19 has changed how we live, work and learn, and UMASH has been adapting with everyone else. UMASH staff taught a new course at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health’s summer Public Health Institute, which went online for the first time ever. The course built on our center’s work in stress and mental health support in …

SPOTLIGHT: Aging is a Public Health Issue

JUNE 2020 The United States and many communities around the world are “growing older.” With the changes in demographics today and in the future, aging is an increasingly important public health issue. The average age of farmers is approaching 60. Many continue to live and work on the farm well beyond typical retirement age. How can we as a community …

SPOTLIGHT: Aging on the Farm – A Community Forum

JUNE 2020 Aging is part of life and if Benjamin Franklin had his way, none of us would grow old. But we do and with aging comes many changes – physiologically, mentally and sensory. Many of these changes can challenge our safety and health particularly when staying in one’s home. NDSU Extension Service is an educational leader in the area …

SPOTLIGHT: Tick Tock! Time for Tick Awareness

This spotlight features an article from Patrick Wagner, SDSU Extension, with tips on preventing tick bites, as well as resources available on tick prevention, removal, and implications ticks carry with possible disease. …

SPOTLIGHT: What to Do About the Respirator Dilemma During COVID-19

MAY 2020 Producers and farmworkers face a dilemma during COVID-19. If a pesticide label lists a respirator, the applicator must wear a respirator. It’s legally required. So what does the farmer or farmworker do when the respirator isn’t available? To answer this question, we contacted experts at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) …

SPOTLIGHT: Safety Should be a Team Sport in Dairies

MAY 2020 Dr. Gus Brihn is a Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident with the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Brihn is part of our UMASH team with the Promoting Worker Health and Safety for Immigrant Dairy Workers project and has been instrumental in providing insights of the veterinarian’s …

Dairy Star Highlights Promoting Worker Health and Safety for Immigrant Dairy Workers

MAY 2020 The Promoting Worker Health and Safety for Immigrant Dairy Workers project was recently featured in the May 11, 2020 Dairy Star. The story highlighted the work of Chela Vazquez and Ana Contreas Smith who make up the training team. Chela and Ana provide free safety and health training on site for dairy farms with their Spanish speaking employees. …