Hi {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 and our new Healthy Life 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.
Although this newsletter lands in your inbox with a short delay (usually a week or so after I write it), I’m sending this edition with a sense of reflection — last night I went to bed with the election settled and Labor returned to government. Whatever your views, it’s a fresh chapter and a reminder of how quickly time moves.
And speaking of time flying — it’s been another big week!
From My Desk: Final Edits and Fresh Starts
I’ve been hard at work pulling together the 14-Day Blood Pressure Challenge for the Younger Longer platform with Guy Leech. It’s shaping up beautifully — practical, evidence-based, and designed to help people take control of their heart health through small, powerful daily actions. It’s not quite live yet, but it’s coming soon.
At the same time, we’re completing the final edits of Cholesterol Explained — the last rounds of checking and polishing with our brilliant designer Cathy, co-author Penny, and of course Dr. Karam Kostner. We’re excited to get this book into your hands very soon........ I know many will find it a great read, I won't give away the ending.
On that note, I was honoured this week by an invitation from Karam’s father, Professor Gerhard Kostner, to join the Editorial Board of Advances in Lipoprotein(a) Research as a founding member. It’s a privilege I’m grateful for.
In the Centre: Bone Talks & Special Guests
At OsteoStrong Hobart, I gave a talk this week on vitamin K2 and other essential nutrients for bone growth and health. It’s always great to connect with our members and share the science behind what we do.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Jackie Slyp, CEO of Arthritis and Osteoporosis Tasmania, who came to visit the centre and learn how we deliver our program. A great discussion with plenty of alignment — exciting things ahead!
At Home: Settling In and Catching Up
We’ve had our second round of guests at the new house, which is starting to feel more like a home every day. Chelle’s been working hard on the business side of things — and tonight we’re heading next door to meet our new neighbours!
Sean is well and starting to explore long-term career options — including a potential future in the police force.
Max is still in Queensland, regrouping and looking for work while re-evaluating his scholarship path.... so if anyoone in Townsville has some work for a young fellow, reach out.
Ella is clocking hours at both a coffee shop and a jewellery store, working hard to fund her independence — and her social life! She has certainly delevoped a maturity over this last year which is great to see.
And next week, we’ll be marking my mum’s birthday with dinner and reflection alongside my Dad — a moment of remembrance, and quality time with Dad.
On the Airwaves: HDL and the ABC
I had a bit of fun chatting about cholesterol on ABC Morning Radio earlier this week — always great to help demystify the science in ways that resonate.
Also, don’t miss this week’s podcast episode on HDL — that so-called “good cholesterol.” Is it always your friend?
🎧 Have a listen here
Looking Ahead: PEMF Therapy Business Underway
We’re in the early stages of developing a PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy business to support people undergoing joint surgery. It’s a fascinating area with strong potential for reducing inflammation and improving recovery — I’ll share more as this project evolves.
Weekly Health Insight: Does Vitamin D Build Bone?
It’s a common belief that vitamin D “builds” bone, but that’s not quite accurate.
✅ What it really does is help the body absorb calcium and phosphate, the raw materials needed for bone mineralisation.
Without vitamin D, you can have active osteoblasts but still develop osteomalacia or rickets due to poor mineral availability.
So — no, vitamin D doesn’t lay the bricks, but it does make sure they’re on site.
Last Week’s Question:
Which mineral is most directly involved in forming hydroxyapatite crystals in bone?
A. Magnesium
B. Phosphorus
C. Potassium
D. Zinc
(Answer is Phosphorus)
Quiz Question of the Week:
What is MK-4 in relation to vitamin K?
A) A type of calcium supplement
B) A form of vitamin D
C) A subtype of vitamin K2
D) An enzyme used in bone resorption
Call to Action:
💡 We’re close to launching the Younger Longer 14-Day Blood Pressure Challenge, developed in partnership with Guy Leech.
It’s designed to help you make daily, evidence-based improvements that add up to lasting impact.
If you’d like to be one of the first to hear when it goes live, just hit reply and let us know.
Until next week, stay curious, stay well, and keep moving forward.
Warmly,
PS: And with Osteoporosis Awareness Month kicking off, it’s a timely reminder that strong bones support a strong life — reach out if you’d like to learn more about what we offer at OsteoStrong Hobart.
Also, don’t forget to explore the fascinating science behind C15 — click here to learn more and claim your discount.