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23 November, 2009

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Rural life ... all about

Rural life can be healthy. But farm life can also be stressful and dangerous. Animals, chemicals, machinery and stress can all cause accidents and injury. Vehicles like quad bikes and tractors are dangerous. Children are vulnerable to accidents, and first aid is important.

Bushfires

Bushfires are common in rural areas and even if you’re not in the path of the fire, the smoke and aftermath can affect your health.

Farm safety

Tanks, machinery, farm vehicles and farm work can all be dangerous. Chemicals also need special care.

Outdoors

Outdoor life is healthy but protect yourself from the sun and other environmental hazards like mine tailing which may contain arsenic.

Relationships

Farm life can be very stressful and this can affect relationships with family and friends. Seek help if you are having problems.

Safety around animals

Animals are part of country life but children and adults need to take care when handling animals. Psittascosis, Q fever and lyssavirus are spread by animals.

Stress

Droughts and floods are common but the affects can devastate families. Get help to cope with stress and depression.

Water

Water tanks, dams and recycling waste water are part of coping with dry weather, but make sure you avoid the risks.

General

Help is available in a crisis, concessions and support services are there to help people get through difficult times.

Quiz

Skin cancer risk - quiz

More information
Concessions.
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria - General farming.
Victorian Government Health Information - Cleaning up your property after a bushfire.
Victorian Government Health Information - Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
Victorian Government Health Information - Your private drinking water supply.

You might also be interested in:
Bushfires ... all about.
Drought ... all about.
Injuries ... all about.
Safety at home and work ... all about.

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Better Health Channel

Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.

•	This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

Last updated: December 2008

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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.

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