Inspired by Annie’s: Farm Stress and Wellness Webinars Summer 2021

The Inspired by Annie's: Farm Stress and Wellness event aims to address stress resiliency of farmers and ranchers in Louisiana. Understanding stress and its nature, factors influencing stress on the farm and the consequences of farm stress is key for a handing stress.

The webinars will cover a variety of topics, from identifying behavioral health, and to how to incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your day, to nutrition and wellness. These efforts are supported by La NRCS.

The webinar schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, May 13 at 1 p.m. CDT
  "Understanding and Improving the Behavioral Health and Resilience of Farmers" by Dr. Michael R. Rosmann
  Registration link: https://bit.ly/3tilbfV
  Nearly everyone engaged in farming has experienced significant distress during recent years from uncertain markets for their farm products, dealing with weather extremes, COVID-19 and more. How people involved in agriculture manage stress is one of the few factors over which they have some control. This webinar aims to help farmers, farm workers and their families recognize often subtle signs of stress and to understand why farmers often avoid seeking assistance even when needed.
  
• Tuesday, May 25 at 1 p.m. CDT
  “Finding Meaning in the Active Lifestyle of Farming: A Practical Approach in Physical Activity among Farmers” by Dr. Maria Kosma
  Registration link: https://bit.ly/3vFE8NB
  In this webinar, the presenter, Dr. Kosma, will challenge the dominant view of physical activity, whereby the emphasis is on achieving certain outcomes (e.g., number of daily steps taken, energy expenditure, amount of weight lifted, and daily exercise minutes). Instead, she will outline a practical approach in physical activity and public health, whereby farmers can rejoice an active and meaningful lifestyle via farming as an end in itself and not as a means to an end.
  
• Tuesday, June 15 at 1 p.m. CDT
  The Mediterranean Diet: Making Small Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle” by Dr. Elizabeth Gollub
  Registration link: https://bit.ly/2RlDGVW
  This presentation will provide an overview of the Mediterranean diet, its influence on markers of health (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight), and how to adopt key aspects of the Mediterranean Diet in a way that works for you.

Sessions are open to farmers, family members, extension agents-- and anyone who wants to learn more about to cope the stresses of farming. 

 

Annie's Project is a national program dedicated to providing educational programs designed to strengthen women's role in their farming operations. 

Registration for the webinars is free. Webinars will be held via Teams (no account, or camera needed).

For more information, contact Maria Bampasidou—State Coordinator at 225-578-2367, mbampasidou@agcenter.lsu.edu. Interested in our program? Please visit LSU AgCenter Annie's Project and at the National website www.AnniesProject.org.

Contact for article: Maria Bampasidou—State Coordinator; mbampasidou@agcenter.lsu.edu; 225-578-2367.