About the Guide
Background and inspiration
I was inspired to create the Proactive Health Guide by a close friend who discovered at lunch with some mates that you can have blocked, or partially blocked, arteries even when you have normal cholesterol levels. And it can kill you.
My friend didn’t know (nor do most people). His doctor had not advised him that it’s wise to have a calcium score test to check on his plaque level, especially if there is a family history of heart disease or any added risk (such as lack of exercise, being overweight, etc). He had the test followed by an angiogram that showed plaque had built up quite significantly. He was hospitalised and had three stents inserted. He is OK, but it could have been different.
What doctors don’t tell you
My friend’s experience made me reflect on the number of things that doctors haven’t told me, and the fact that almost all the doctors I have seen through my life have been reactive – responding to a health problem I had – rather than proactively advising me on things I should do to improve my health and prevent problems.
Despite the lack of proactive advice, I was lucky. I had an early warning sign in my 20s that kicked off my proactive health journey – I put on weight after I stopped playing football, so I became aware of the need to exercise regularly. I subsequently learnt about the importance of the right diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. As a result, I have enjoyed excellent health for the last 50 years.
Not everyone gets a tap on the shoulder that triggers a path to good health, but everyone should know about the critical importance of being proactive.
Helping people
I realised that I could do something to help people improve their health, and their quality-of-life, by collating proactive health information that people can access as a resource, and by summarising the issues that apply to each age group from the 20s to the 90s, including what to expect and what should be done in each decade.
So, who am I to create a Proactive Health Guide? I’m not a doctor and I don’t have scientific training. I am a lawyer, but I know how to do research and turn it into plain English so everyone can understand the principles of proactive health. There is a brief overview of these principles on the Home page.
Here’s to your good health!
Russell Wheeler BA, LLB
PS: I have included a section about “What doctors don’t tell you”. If you have a story you can add to this, I would love to hear from you on the Feedback page.