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LONDON, Ohio -- Experts say one-third of all U.S. farmers have some form of arthritis that inhibits them from completing daily tasks.
A display at this year's Farm Science Review, Sept. 18-20 near London, Ohio, will show how farmers can make adaptations to equipment and otherwise cope with pain and stiffness in their joints due to the chronic condition.
Meg Teaford, assistant clinical professor in occupational therapy in Ohio State University's School of Allied Medical Professions, oversaw the development of the display earlier this year by students earning their master's degrees.
"Farming is a very physical occupation, and that puts farmers at high risk for developing arthritis, especially in the knees and hips," Teaford said. "Plus, the farming population is older than the general population, adding another risk factor."
Teaford will be at the display on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings of the Review to answer questions and provide additional information to Review visitors. The "Farming with Arthritis" display will be in the McCormick Building, 389 Friday Ave., in the "OSU Central" exhibit area.
"There are things farmers can do to protect their joints and manage, or possibly prevent, arthritis," Teaford said. Suggestions will be shared at the display. They include warming up and being smarter about movements when climbing on tractors, gripping throttles, shifting gears, as well as when lifting or loading materials. The display will also offer simple ways for farmers to make their own adaptive equipment, Teaford said.
The display and educational materials developed by the students were made in conjunction with staff from the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio State University Extension, Teaford said.
For more information on Farming with Arthritis, contact Teaford at teaford.1@osu.edu or (614) 292-8152.
Farm Science Review will be held Sept. 18-20 at Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. The event is sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $5 in advance when purchased from county offices of OSU Extension or participating agribusinesses. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept 18-19 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20. For more information, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu.
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