As part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists remind Iowans to prioritize health and wellness during the busy harvest season. Just as a combine can’t run at full capacity if one system fails, a person’s overall wellness depends on every part working well together.

Physical health on the farm goes beyond strength; it includes proper nutrition and hydration, adequate sleep, rest and recovery, and hearing protection. 

Mental and physical health spans a wide range, from fatigue and stress during the demanding harvest to longer-term struggles with depression or anxiety. Communication is critical to both mental and physical well-being. Let others know where you are and when you are expected to return. If something goes wrong, reach out for help.

The Iowa Concern hotline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-447-1985 or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/iowa-concern.

Iowa Farm Bureau also offers resources to cope with farm and rural stress at www.iowafarmbureau.com/farmstress.