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The Rural Voice, 1982-10, Page 12Average dairy farmer more fit than urbanite. by Gisele Ireland The mechanization of farming in general has thrown into some doubt the physical fitness of farmers today. A recent test done on the dairy farmers of Wellington County by the University of Guelph, has removed that doubt. The School of Human Biology, of the University of Guelph, had four of their faculty professors involved in testing these farmers last summer. They were, Dr. S. Pfeiffer, Dr. T.E. Graham, Dr. R.D. Webb and Dr. D.A. Wilson. The results of last summer's test were analyzed and released a short while ago. There were 106 dairy farmers tested Wellington County and they were com- pared to an average, which was available from Statistics Canada who obtained this average by testing about five thousand urban males in the same age range, from 35 to 67 years of age. 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Dr. Pfeiffer did conclude that the average dairy farmer was more physically fit than the average urban Canadian in almost all aspects of testing. One of the more obvious tests, that of height and weight proved that the farmers were taller and heavier than the average urban. What was different, was the fact that even though the farmers were heavier, they had a below average or average accumulation of fat under their skin. The farmers also consumed roughly 900 more calories a day than the average urban, but the fat measurement showed they had a higher proportion of muscle tissue than the average. When their manual grip strength was measured it was also found to be considerably above average. The cardio -vascular capacity of the dairy farmers was average and above average, with the most impressive results from the farmers over 60 years of age. It was noted that 19% of those farmers tested smoked at the present time while the average for Canadian males is 45%. The professors testing these farmers noted that the bodies showed evidence of vigorous physical activity on a regular basis. While testing trunk flexibility, the ability to move your back and touch your toes, the dairy farmers showed signs of their profession. Farmers between the ages of 35-40 showed average flexibility, and this flexibility decreased with age and was accompanied by back pain and back injuries. An analysis was done on the diet of the farmers tested. It concluded that their diet was very high in saturated fats, which means a diet high in red meats, eggs and dairy products. The calcium level was not above average. The cholesterol level of these farmers tested out above average. Saturated fats are manufactured into cholesterol by the body. The body produces both high density and low density proteins from this. A correct balance of high and low density proteins is necessary for the flushing of the low density proteins which adhere to arteries and cause vascular problems. High den- sity proteins are manufactured from unsaturated fats (vegetable fats) while the low density proteins are manufactured from saturated fats (animal fats). Dr. Pfeiffer stated that if these farmers weren't so physically fit, they would be prime candidates for cardio -vascular ill- nesses because of their high fat diet. Dr. Pfeiffer, and the team of doctors doing the testing, noted that the physical fitness attained by these farmers came through work, because their participation in other activities such as sports was below average. The only area they scored higher than average on was the fact that they went dancing more often. It was also noted that due to the back discomfort suffered by some of the farmers, partici- pation in sports was limited because of fear of further injury or pain. This testing was done on farmers who have a very labour intensive profession. How other farmers rate, in the same areas of fitness, has not been proven recently. The only concern the testing team of doctors had about the participating farmers was the diet they ate, high in saturated fats, and well above the Canadian average in cholesterol levels. The body demands to be worked on a regular basis to keep fit. This means stretching, pulling and bending. The heart and lungs have to be worked to capacity to develop greater stamina. From spring to fall, farmers are involved in planting and reaping and although machinery takes a lot of the load, there is still a lot of walking, getting off and on, shovelling and definitely a lot of use of the arm and chest muscles. This type of exercise gives the body tone and flexibility. In the winter months, when the physical labours re- volve around livestock, sports and recrea- tion replace the work exercise. Dancing is a good exercise, skiing is excellent, skating is popular and generally just a lot of walking is very beneficial. When your body is physically fit, you are better able to handle minor illnesses and much more able to cope with stress because physically exerting the body already eases the effects of mental stress.