Amy Nance Nelson works as a registered nurse and integrative health coach at NC Agromedicine Institute. Founded in 1999, the institute is a collaboration between East Carolina University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and North Carolina State University. The collaboration aims to address unique health and safety risks to farmers, farm workers, foresters, fisherman, and the families dependent upon them. Amy’s team will be presenting a new workshop at ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (Feb. 28), Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout, as well as offering on-site health screenings throughout the day.
Please share how you came to this combination of healthcare and farming.
I have a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina State University and a background in commercial farrow to finish hogs, stocker cattle, and cow-calf. I decided to pursue nursing school, and in 2014 I found the NC Agromedicine Institute. I was ecstatic and surprised to find a job that combined both nursing and agriculture! Currently, my family has a 20-acre farm in Boone. Although we have dabbled successfully in various pastured meats, we now grow cut flowers and organic vegetables in our high tunnel for ourselves and a few friends and customers. In my empty nester period, I have enjoyed taking up horseback riding again with a bunch of gray-headed cowgirls.
Why are NC Agromedicine Institute’s services so important to the farming community?
Farmers have atypical demands that often don’t allow them the convenience to pursue medical care. Farmers are tough and proud and may sometimes put off health concerns that need more immediate attention. They have unique environments that may cause chronic exposure to air quality and mechanical risks. They face the stresses of finance, weather, family issues, community pressures, and logistical problems such as the loss of farmable land. We bring the “nuts and bolts” of healthcare to farmers where they are. Because all of us at NC Agromedicine Institute have an agricultural background, we understand their issues and we have genuine sentiment and concern about their well-being as farmers. We offer resources and education specifically tailored to this population. We love farmers!
Tell us a little more about your work with the NC Agromedicine Institute.
As a registered nurse and consultant, I do a lot of free public screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar. For farmers who are required to wear respirators, I do their medical clearance as well as their fit testing. Additionally, I teach CPR and first aid with a rural farming twist and I counsel farmers, families, and workers on lifestyle improvements and resources that may benefit their physical and mental health.
This is your first time presenting at the Business of Farming Conference. What can attendees expect to learn in your team’s workshop and health screenings?
In addition to recognizing common farm stressors, identifying signs of stress and burnout, and learning practical strategies to project well-being, be ready to learn the two most important aspects of rendering aid in a cardiac event: AED use and high quality compressions. Should time allow, we will address traumatic bleeding, how to pack wounds, and the fine points of CPR first aid with a farmer twist on it. While my team will be presenting, I will offer on-site health screenings to help farmers better understand their health and learn about resources to support both physical and mental well-being.
Please share a few tips that can support farmers through the cold, winter season.
One of the best tips is to nourish your body with good whole foods (and local when possible). Additionally, staying well hydrated, getting good sleep, washing your hands often, and keeping your fingers out of eyes, mouth, and nose can go a long way for your health.