Alastair Lynch is well versed in the conversation on health and preventative action. ‘Lynchie’ as he is fondly referred to, is one of the all-time greats of AFL football, with a career which spanned 17 years and 306 games at the highest level.
In 1995 it was a mystery illness of unexplained fatigue that saw Alastair bed-ridden for much of the time and sleeping 18 hours a day. Diagnosis was difficult and medical treatment unknown to effectively treat or cure his body’s breakdown. Incorporating the professional learning applied at the Brisbane Lions Football Club where the focus was firmly on those things that could be controlled rather than those that couldn’t, he decided to do the same with his own health.
“With no clear solutions, I decided to take control of the situation I found myself in, and give my body all it needed to fix itself. I focussed on nutrition, hydration, exercise, good mental health habits and in turn improved my quality of sleep.
Most importantly I made changes that were sustainable, giving my immune system its best chance to return me to full health and also be well placed to prevent similar challenges in future.”
Prevention became an important part of Alastair’s lifestyle both on the field and at home. Post-AFL it inspired him to work in the health space, becoming a Director of HBP Group, specialising in workplace health risk and injury prevention, and join the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre Advisory Board, where he uses his profile to increase awareness of preventative dementia education.
Established in 2008 the Wicking Dementia Centre is at the forefront of innovative dementia research and education centred around the 3 key areas of care, prevention and cause. Supported by funding partners J.O.& J.R. Wicking Trust (managed by Equity Trustees) it also produces two free online dementia MOOCs (massive open online course), Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia. These dementia courses are delivered entirely online, designed to be accessible to everyone and are completely free.
Since 2013 the MOOCs have attracted over 170,000 enrolments in Australia and 250,000 around the world. The demand and uptake of the Preventing Dementia MOOC has proven critical in educating people on how best to protect themselves from dementia later in life.
Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Centre is positive about the impact of the Preventing Dementia course.
“Through the Preventing Dementia MOOC we aim to raise awareness of the risk factors for dementia, reduce the number of people who may develop dementia and ultimately reshape our ageing global community.
“Around a third of dementia cases are thought to be preventable through modifying behaviours earlier in life, such as remaining mentally active, cutting out smoking, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure.”
The next Preventing Dementia MOOC commences 14 May 2019. Enrolments are now open.
