A week on the water, a family milestone, a story worth passing on, and a look at cancer treatment and bone health.
Hello and welcome.
A quieter week at the desk and a full one on the water. I came home rested, and a little salty.
Personal Highlights
Chelle and I spent the week in Timor Leste, catching up with Max and his partner Katie.
The days were spent on the water. Spinner dolphins. Two whale sharks, and we swam alongside them. Then a male sperm whale and a second sperm whale, a beaked whale, a sea turtle and a dugong…. unbelievable!
I also did my first scuba dive, and we snorkelled a small reef near Secret Beach.
In between there were dinners on the beach in Dili, and the walk up to Cristo Rei.
Thank you to Max and Katie for having us.
Closer to home, Ella turned 21. She has returned from Thailand with Tallam and her best friend Izzy, and is now in Perth working. We are very proud of her.
Sean is heading to Perth this week too. He is hoping to catch up with Ella, but the main reason is a wedding. He will be one of the groomsmen and the MC. He has been looking forward to it for a very long time, and feels blessed to share such a special day with dear friends in such a meaningful way.
Did You Know? Cancer Treatment and Bone Health
Some cancer treatments do an important job and also thin the bones as a side effect.
Two examples are androgen deprivation therapy, used for prostate cancer, and aromatase inhibitors, used after breast cancer. Both lower the hormones that help keep bone strong.
Like osteoporosis itself, this is quiet. There are usually no symptoms, and the first sign can be a fracture.
A few things are worth knowing:
Ask your treating team whether a bone density scan makes sense for you, ideally early in treatment.
Keep moving. Bone responds to load, so ask what kind of strength and weight bearing activity is right for you.
Look after the basics. Enough calcium, vitamin D and protein.
Please do not stop or change any treatment on your own. The medicine is doing a job. The answer is to know your bone health and protect it.
Professional & Business Updates
Education, Research, and Partnerships
The Healthy Life Network newsletter moved closer to launch this week.
Longevity Lab
While I was away, the team kept things moving. Preparation continued for the Thermal Wellness Pod and for the IV therapy marketing.
Sean has been working really well with John North to get Longevity Lab Hobart up and going. Thank you both.
OsteoStrong™ Hobart
The OsteoStrong Hobart team looked after the centre while Chelle and I were away. Thank you. That includes Sean, who has been doing a great job there too.
Podcast/YouTube Highlight
This week’s episode is EP461: Doctor Ted Shares His Cancer Journey Part 1.
This is a really good podcast. I highly recommend it for anyone on a cancer journey, or who knows someone who is. If you know someone on that journey, please share it with them.
It is honest sharing from a doctor who has been through prostate cancer. Ted’s perspectives are real and genuine, and he shares them in the hope they will help others.
Please share it with family and friends, and even with your medical carers if you think that is appropriate.
Featured Reminders
Here are a few products and tools that Chelle and I personally use and have discussed on the podcast.
These are affiliate links and are commercial in nature. They provide a genuine win–win — you receive access at a discount through your association with the Healthy Life Network, and I receive a financial benefit if you choose to purchase through them.
I only share products I personally use or believe may be of benefit, and you should always make your own informed decision.
NuCalm: www.nucalm.com, code DrWarrickNuCalm, 15% off for life, plus a seven day free trial
Fatty15: partners.fatty15.com/WARRICKBISHOP a fascinating story of science, dolphins and healthy cells.
PEMF (BestCellf): www.bestcellf.com.au/?ref=HealingMats amazing technology, thta seems to help even though e don’t fully understand it.
Community: Healthy Life Network, join free, here https://healthyheartnetwork.com/page/community
Cholesterol Explained: https://drwarrickbishop.com/bookstore/8/cholesterol-explained
Quiz Corner
Last week’s question: Are statins helpful for the older population? Yes or no?
Answer: Yes, for many people. The STAREE trial followed nearly 10,000 Australians aged 70 and over who had no known heart disease. Those taking a statin had about 30% fewer major cardiovascular events over roughly six years.
Two honest caveats. Disability free survival did not change. And this does not mean every person over 70 should take a statin. It means age alone is no longer a reason to rule one out. It is a conversation to have with your GP.
This week’s question: Can cancer treatment affect bone health? Yes or no? I will share the answer next week. Clue, it is in this week’s Did You Know.
Final Reflection
For years I have told patients that rest is part of health. It is not a reward for finishing the work.
A week of sun, salt water and long sleeps is a good reminder.
Time out makes the rest of the year better.
Warm regards, Dr Warrick
Helping people live as well as possible for as long as possible
Disclaimer: Dr Bishop is unable to provide individual patient advice over the internet due to the complexity and importance of health related issues. Australian guidelines prevent professional specialist advice being offered without an appropriate referral.