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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.
As I write this, Chelle and I are now in beautiful Passau, Bavaria — partway through our Danube River Cruise which began in Budapest. We've enjoyed an incredible journey so far: from the vibrant streets of Budapest, to the medieval charm of Dürnstein, the stunning Český Krumlov, Bratislava, and most recently Regensburg, where I had the unique pleasure of trying a sausage in bread from the oldest continuously operating takeaway food outlet in the world — a wonderful moment of history with my lunch.
Each destination continues to remind us why this part of the world holds so much charm, history, and simple pleasures. This slower, immersive way to see Europe has been a great experience — a chance to pause amidst a very full year of projects and ongoing work.
🎙 This Week’s Podcast: Commotio Cordis & Nocturnal Leg Cramps
This week, I explore two seemingly unrelated — but surprisingly relevant — topics in cardiology:
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Commotio Cordis: The rare but serious condition where sudden chest impact can trigger dangerous arrhythmias. A topic with important implications for sports, safety, and awareness.
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Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A common, often frustrating issue for many — including patients in our wellness clinics. I unpack some of the causes, prevention strategies, and why proper evaluation still matters.
👉 Listen to the episode here
📘 Cholesterol Explained — Closing In
While we’re here in Europe, I’ve also carved out time for final tweaks and proofing of Cholesterol Explained. We’re getting very close now, with plans for the formal launch to align with the Cardiac Society Meeting in Brisbane this August. The feedback from Penny continues to refine and strengthen the book — ensuring it delivers clear, balanced, and practical insights for patients and clinicians alike.
💡 Vitality Hub — Taking Shape
Even while we’re away, exciting things continue to evolve back in Hobart.
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James, Moonmoon, and the team continue progressing our plans for the upstairs expansion at OsteoStrong — building toward a comprehensive Vitality & Performance Hub.
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Our vision remains to integrate VO2max testing, hot/cold exposure, IV therapy, breathwork, and flexibility/mobility — creating a highly targeted program for metabolic health, resilience, and healthy aging.
👉 Once we're back, I’ll be sharing some of the early mockups of the space — very exciting!
👨👩👧 Family Update
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Max continues in his new role as a support worker and is now also working toward completing his scuba diving certification — another adventure on his growing list of skills.
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Ella has had some excellent news with recent exam successes, which is always a great reward for her steady efforts balancing study and work.
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Sean continues to stay positive and loyal, holding hope for his beloved Melbourne Demons as the AFL season unfolds.
🧠 Quiz Corner
Last Week’s Question:
Which of the following does not reduce Lp(a) levels?
A) PCSK9 inhibitors
B) Estrogen
C) Niacin
D) Statins
✅ Answer: D) Statins — while highly effective at lowering LDL-C, statins generally do not reduce Lp(a) levels.
This Week’s Question:
Which of the following is most associated with commotio cordis? (you can listen to this weeks podcast to find the answer)
A) High blood pressure
B) Atherosclerotic plaque rupture
C) Sudden chest impact
D) Bradycardia
👉 Reply with your answer — I’ll share the correct response next week.
📣 Call to Action
Whether it’s heart health, bone strength, or metabolic performance — we remain deeply committed to helping you optimize your wellness journey. Book a session with the team at OsteoStrong Hobart to explore the range of technologies and assessments we offer.
You may wish to try our new Osteoporosis risk calculator here : Osteoporosis risk caculator
Until next week — this time from somewhere along the Danube,
