Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/460636
1 3 S TJ O E S C H I P FA L L S . C O M IF HAY OR GRAIN becomes moist, mold can form and send fungus spores into farmers' lungs when they breathe. Regular exposure to moldy crops, grasses, or bird waste can, over time, inflame the lungs—a condition called farmer's lung, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Symptoms include: ✳ chest tightness ✳ chills ✳ dry or persistent, phlegm-heavy cough ✳ fatigue ✳ fever ✳ loss of appetite ✳ shortness of breath ✳ weight loss "Farmer's lung symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, so it's important to pay attention to your surroundings when symptoms begin or worsen," says LeAnn Balsiger, RRT, Lead Respiratory Therapist at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital. "Identifying and avoiding the triggers of inflammation is the most effective treatment." Early detection of hypersensitivity pneumonitis through imaging, blood tests, lung function testing, or biopsy is important—farmers may be able to reverse the disease if they avoid exposure to mold spores during the disease's early stages. "To prevent farmer's lung, dry crops before storing, wear respiratory masks with HEPA filters, and properly ventilate high-silage buildings," Balsiger says. "Try to create as little crop dust as possible and limit your exposure to it." THE SECOND-LONGEST-RUNNING FARM show in Wisconsin returns to the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center on March 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Once again, HSHS Sacred Heart and HSHS St. Joseph's hospitals will be the event's exclusive healthcare representatives. When you and your family need a break from admiring new farming equipment, enjoying the crop contests, and bidding in the live auction, visit the HSHS Sacred Heart and HSHS St. Joseph's booths for free health information and screenings, including: ✳ blood pressure tests ✳ cancer information ✳ hearing checks ✳ vision screenings "The demands of farming often lead many farmers to neglect their health," says Steve Henry, Original Founder of North Country Enterprises and Director of the Eau Claire Farm Show. "We love having HSHS Sacred Heart and HSHS St. Joseph's represented at the Farm Show because their booths give farmers a quick, easy way to check their health status and gain insight into potential areas of concern, all while attending an event that's focused on them and their livelihood." Bales of T R O U B L E FOR FARMERS, THE CONDITION OF CROPS AND FEED CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON RESPIRATORY HEALTH. If left untreated, farmer's lung can cause lung scarring and long-term breathing problems. Speak with your primary care physician if you have symptoms of farmer's lung. SOWING THE SEEDS OF GOOD HEALTH AT THE 52ND ANNUAL EAU CLAIRE FARM SHOW, FARMERS CAN TAKE TIME OUT FROM BROWSING THE LATEST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO FOCUS ON THEIR HEALTH. The Eau Claire Farm Show is a free event. Be sure to visit the HSHS Sacred Heart and HSHS St. Joseph's booths to complete your day at the show.