Also known as 'That Farming Physio' Storm Baynes-Ryan is a Gisborne-based physiotherapist and farmer, who joins Dom George to delve into the intersection of healthcare and agriculture, addressing the unique challenges commonly faced by rural communities.
She provides insight into the disparity in healthcare outcomes between rural and urban populations, highlighting the specific hurdles such as cultural understanding and the reluctance of rural men to seek medical care.
Baynes-Ryan emphasises the importance of practical and accessible health solutions for farmers. She discusses how 'micro-dosing' exercise or integrating short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, can be a game-changer for those with physically demanding jobs.
"Doing something's better than doing nothing and exercise is exercise," Baynes-Ryan remarks, debunking the myth of needing 10,000 steps a day and instead suggesting a more achievable target of 7,200 to 8,000 steps.
Moreover, Baynes-Ryan sheds light on the economic strains on farming operations, mentioning her own experience of returning to physiotherapy to support her farm financially.
"If I don't work, then we aren't going to continue to be able to own our farm," she candidly shares, reflecting on the harsh realities of increased costs and dwindling income for farmers.
Throughout the conversation, Baynes-Ryan offers a wealth of practical advice, such as dealing with common farmer ailments like back pain. She likens injury prevention to "putting up better fencing" rather than striving for an unattainable "bulletproofing" of the body.
Her philosophy resonates with the everyday struggles of farmers, emphasising the importance of building a solid foundation of health to mitigate the impact of injuries.
That Farming Physio remains a beacon of hope and a source of pragmatic wisdom for those grappling with the physical demands of rural life and the broader health challenges faced by their communities.
Listen to the full chat between Storm Baynes-Ryan and Dominic George above.
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