**Greetings!** {contactfield=firstname},
From My Desk...
Each week, I’ll be sharing a little about what’s happening in my world—whether it’s in my role as a cardiologist, the work I’m doing with the Healthy Heart Network, or even personal updates from my family and life. My goal is to give you a closer look at what’s been keeping me busy, while also sharing tips and insights to help you on your own heart health journey. I hope you enjoy these updates and find them helpful as you strive to live well and stay healthy.
I hope this finds you well.
The weeks really do fly by! I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Right now, I'm at the OsteoStrong center in Hobart, where we're seeing fantastic results among our members—improved strength, better balance, and a boost in vitality.
I've also been enjoying my work as a cardiologist, currently consulting three mornings a week.
This reduced schedule has been a huge change from the intense pace I kept before open-heart surgery.
Though I still feel a bit tired by the end of each session, I've given myself time to adjust, and as a result, I can enjoy my patient interactions much more.
This week, I had a deep dive with a patient on cholesterol science.
He was keen to understand its role in coronary artery disease, especially given his calcium score is over 1000.
Dr. Karam Kostner, Penny Edman, and I are working hard on our upcoming book, *Cholesterol Explained,* so watch this space!
I’ve also had time to analyze the St Luke’s Health data, and the findings are remarkable.
In our cohort, only three scans were needed to identify someone who would benefit from a therapeutic intervention.
And based on relative risk reduction, for every 12.5 scans, we can identify one individual who, with appropriate intervention, could avoid a major adverse coronary event over the next decade.
Given that a calcium score test is just a few hundred dollars, this is a small price for such significant health benefits.
A shout-out to St Luke's Health—a leading private health insurer for their support and forward-thinking approach in supporting this pilot program. If you're in the market for health insurance, check them out!
In other news, Guy Leech has reached out, and I'm excited to join his *Younger Longer* project starting next year.
I’m also putting plans in place to be part of a global "Podcasthon" for charities, potentially in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia.
Set for March next year—watch this space!
On a personal note, Chelle and I recently put an offer on a house nearby, and it looks like the beach house settlement is moving forward as well.
My son has finished exams and is planning a trip to the Cook Islands, hopefully supported by a FAT scholarship.
My daughter has settled back into her routine after her European travels.
We’re both participating in the “Point to Pinnacle” event this weekend—she's running, and I'm walking the “Point to Pub” half-distance!
Chelle and I are also busy with wedding and celebration plans.
We’re tying the knot on my 60th birthday in early December, with a party on Australia Day for friends to celebrate with us.
We’re also exploring a new business, setting up a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy mat rental service in Hobart.
This could be a fantastic support for those undergoing orthopedic surgery like hip or knee replacements. The research on PEMF is impressive, with randomized controlled trials showing it can reduce fracture healing time by up to 50%!
If you're interested in checking your heart health, the virtual heart check is available at [ www.virtualheartcheck.com.au ]
This is a great way to arrange a calcium score without needing a GP or specialist referral and is accessible in major centers across Australia.
This week was Cholesterol Awareness Week, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting *Hearts for Heart*, a patient support group, with various media engagements. I’ve done several radio and TV segments; if you’re interested, here's a recent clip from *Seven News Melbourne*.
Finally, some exciting podcasts are coming up, including topics on induction cooktops and pacemakers, an interview with a fellow atrial fibrillation patient, and a discussion on premature coronary artery disease.
A special note to Colin—I’ve answered your question about AV node ablation in an upcoming episode.
If you enjoy my podcasts, please subscribe and share with others who might find them useful!
As for me, I’m back to working on the cholesterol book, St. Luke’s Health projects, and preparing a presentation on omega-3 oils for GPs and specialists this week. Fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday for the walk!
For now, I wish you the very best—live well, and live long!
Take care,
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest books HERE
