Ohio

Ohio AgrAbility (OAP) Project Director Dr. Dee Jepsen presented "Ohio AgrAbility - Providing Resources and Assistance to Ohio Farmers with Disabilities" at the Amish Health Care Conference in early August. Dr. Jepsen has worked with the Amish for several years, sharing educational opportunities and resources on Ohio AgrAbility, agricultural safety and health, and horse and buggy safety, among other topics.

Ohio AgrAbility has been very busy with outreach and education this summer. In early August, OAP held the annual Peer to Peer Summer Meeting. This meeting gives staff an opportunity to share updates about OAP, give previews of OAP workshops and events at the Farm Science Review in September, and present information on new assistive technology and equipment. OAP farmers have the chance to ask staff questions about OAP outreach and upcoming events. Farmers get to see old friends, meet new ones, and network with farmers from across Ohio. At the summer meeting, OAP staff partnered with the OSU Buckeye Wellness Innovators for "Fitness for Farm Life: Everyday Stretches and Exercises." The exercises were taught and demonstrated by Leah and Josh. Activities included using resistance bands, modifying an exercise or stretch based on the participant's ability and range of motion, how to stretch after exercise, and during the workday. Everyone enjoyed the exercises. Many people asked for resources for the exercises and suggestions on where to find more ideas for adding exercise and stretching to their workday.

"Fitness for Farm Life" will not be limited to the OAP summer meeting - OAP is holding daily sessions at the Ohio AgrAbility tent at Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, September 17-19. Several nursing students will be joining the OAP fitness experts to lead sessions and answer questions. The routine will include stretches to reduce the odds that peoples' backs, necks, and knees won't rebel at the end of a long day on the farm. At the Review, participants will discover what they can do to support their back and neck as well as effective ways to carry, push, or pull equipment, so they don't suffer pain later.

OAP staff presented a session on Ohio AgrAbility, OSU Extension, Generation Rx, and "PROSPER Ohio - reducing substance misuse and building strong communities" at the annual Ohio Rural Health Conference. OAP staff exhibited posters and resources and made connections with professionals from rural health, rural transportation and mobility, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and several Ohio colleges with programs focused on rural health.

Submitted by Ohio AgrAbility Project