Arthritis, Agriculture, and Rural Life Conference:
State of the Art Research, Practices, and Applications
May 11-13, 2011
Purdue University's Beck Agricultural Center
West Lafayette, IN
Conference made possible by the National AgrAbility Project, the Arthritis Foundation, USDA NIFA Special Project 2008-41590-04796.
A supporting sponsorship has also been provided by the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation, the non-profit disability services partner of Oklahoma AgrAbility!
The AARL conference snack breaks are sponsored by LeanLever!
The AARL Conference was a new opportunity for rural professionals. The AARL Conference assisted rural professionals in becoming more aware of evidence-based strategies to aid farmers and ranchers battling the many forms of arthritis.
This conference was open to any professional interested in, or currently involved in, working with rural populations regarding health care and arthritis. Extension educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, state departments of health, rheumatologists, vocational rehabilitation staff, farm business representatives and others were encouraged to attend.
Several keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and farm workshops were presented. A half-day farm tour was given at the Purdue Animal Science and Research Educational Facility. The Purdue farm tour included stops at dairy and sheep operations, and agronomy and animal science machinery facilities to showcase the daily stresses of arthritis in the workplace. Attendees had a chance to experience the work first hand.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE FARM WORKSHOPS!
Conference Objectives
Present current research regarding arthritis and medication, assistive technology, programs, health services and biomedical practices.
Discuss practical application regarding the affects of arthritis on farm workers and families in rural America.
Network with professionals from the health and agricultural industries for resource sharing.
Develop partnerships between health and agricultural/rural organizations.
Provide education and awareness training to those who live in rural areas and suffer from arthritis to be good self-managers of their condition, and to understand how to most effectively manage the workplace and activity schedule in a way which minimizes the effect of the disease on their health and daily quality of life.
Help employers understand how workplace modifications and encouraging employees to practice good self-management may result in benefits for both the employer and employee.
Educate and protect farm youth/children from early physical or more severe arthritis.
***************************************************************
For more information regarding the conference, please email Amber Wolfe at awolfe@arthritis.org or call 1-800-783-2342.
Conference made possible by the National AgrAbility Project, the Arthritis Foundation, USDA NIFA Special Project 2008-41590-04796.