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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.
This week finds us wrapping up an extraordinary journey – from the medieval streets of Rothenburg to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam, and finally to Vienna for the 4th World Congress of Clinical Lipidology.
🏰 Vienna Highlights
Our time in Vienna has been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. Between presentations and sessions, Chelle and I:
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Visited the Lippizaner horses – an iconic symbol of Austrian grace and tradition.
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Immersed ourselves in the Mozart Mythos Experience – a beautiful celebration of Vienna’s musical heritage.
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Enjoyed a couple of rooftop drinks with stunning city views.
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And, in true travel style, Chelle grabbed a delicious sausage snack from a small sidewalk vendor – simple pleasures at their best.
🎤 World Congress Reflections
I had the privilege of presenting twice during the congress, sharing insights on cardiac CT’s role in lipid management and risk assessment. Both sessions went exceptionally well, and it was a pleasure to connect with colleagues including Professor Gerald Watts, who has kindly written the foreword for Cholesterol Explained. It was also fantastic to catch up with Derek Connolly from Birmingham, a respected leader in the field. Of course it was also a delight to catch up with Jackie Ryan, FH practice nurse based in Perth, WA.
The conference offered rich updates on:
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Lp(a) therapies and treatment paradigms
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The complexity of triglycerides, both manangement and treatments on the horizon
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Gene therapies and siRNA advances
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Practical discussions on implementation science in lipid management
I also distributed copies of my books to attendees, fostering valuable conversations and potential future podcast guests.
📘 Cholesterol Explained – Almost There
We are extremely close to completion. Some final clarifications with Karam have been resolved, and we remain on track for launch alongside the Cardiac Society meeting in Brisbane this August.
🎙 This Week’s Podcast: HDL, Vitamin D & Triglycerides
This episode covers three commonly misunderstood topics:
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What does HDL really do in the body?
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Why Vitamin D isn’t just about bones.
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And how to think about triglycerides as a marker or menace.
👉 Listen to the episode here
🏋️ Vitality Hub & OsteoStrong
Back in Hobart, James has been progressing the Vitality Hub plans steadily while we’ve been away. We’re excited to return and continue building towards our vision of a centre combining VO₂max testing, recovery modalities, and metabolic health programs under one roof.
👨👩👧 Family Update
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Max is now a certified Open Water Diver – an achievement to be proud of.
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Ella is on her term break, enjoying some downtime after strong results in her end-of-term exams.
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Sean has been well and steady as always, looking forward to catching up with him and Ella on our return
🧠 Quiz Corner
Last Week’s Question:
Which of the following most strongly influences the composition of your gut microbiome?
✅ Answer: C – Diet. While genetics, age, and blood type play roles, diet is the most modifiable and impactful factor.
This Week’s Question:
During menopause, which hormonal change is primarily responsible for increased cardiovascular risk in women?
A) Increase in progesterone
B) Increase in estrogen
C) Decrease in estrogen
D) Increase in testosterone
👉 Reply with your answer – the correct response will be shared next week!
✈️ Looking Ahead
We’re looking forward to returning home, getting back into our diet and exercise routines, and continuing preparations for upcoming travels – including the Amazon conference in October.
Thank you for following along on this journey. As always, if you’re ready to take the next step in your heart and bone health, the team at OsteoStrong Hobart is ready to support you.
Until next week,
