Walkers tackle the Tarn for stroke prevention

On April 1, teams of keen walkers fundraised for Menzies’ stroke research by tackling the Tarn Shelf or Tarn Shelf Circuit at Mount Field National Park.

This initiative was organised by Tasmania Iconic Walks, who focus on challenging day walks that will make the world a better place while spreading the message that higher levels of physical activity reduce your risk of stroke.

Jo Cordell-Cooper sadly lost her father to stroke, which made her determined to make a difference and raise money for research into stroke prevention.

Tasmania Iconic Walks is a not-for-profit organisation offering unforgettable walking experiences through some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking landscapes –all for a great cause.

Due to Jo’s hard work and advocacy, the 2023 event raised more than $33,000. Thanks to all the teams who participated in the event this year and everyone who donated.

Thanks to all the teams who participated in the event this year and everyone who donated

Martin Shultz senior Research Fellow

What brought you to Menzies?

I first came to Menzies in 2009 to complete my PhD. It was the opportunity to complete several research projects in my primary area of interest (cardiovascular exercise physiology), combined with the infrastructure and support available that compelled me to move to Tasmania and start at Menzies. What is the focus of your research?

I undertake research in clinical cardiovascular physiology with a focus on exercise and its role in the identification and management of cardiovascular disease. A key aspect of this is focused on establishing the clinical value of exercise stress testing and the blood pressure response to exercise.

What are some of the recent findings from this work?

My research program has established

Kristyn w hitmore

cardiovascular Research nurse

What brought you to Menzies?

We just arrived in Tasmania only a few months before applying for the research nurse position at Menzies. As a nurse I have always been passionate about improving primary prevention of diseases through patient support and education. A job was being advertised at Menzies for a research nurse that abnormally raised blood pressure during exercise (termed a hypertensive response to exercise) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, likely because of uncontrolled high blood pressure that has not been detected via standard measures of blood pressure taken at rest. More recently, we now understand that to make an appropriate clinical interpretation of a hypertensive response to exercise, we must also consider individual fitness levels. of other clinical trials with a strong focus on patient empowerment.

What is the most interesting aspect of this work?

What is your role within the institute?

For me, the most interesting aspect of my work is seeing just how different the physiological responses to exercise can be from person to person, and when the responses are abnormal (such as a hypertensive response to exercise) we have the opportunity to positively influence the care of people with follow-up testing, interventions and referral. What other research-based activities have you been involved with?

I am currently leading a national working group of researchers, clinicians, and exercise physiologists developing a consensus statement on behalf of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) that outlines a best-practice clinical pathway to identify and manage high blood pressure via exercise blood pressure measurement in clinical exercise physiology practice. This is a great opportunity because it means we can translate some of the findings of my research into clinical practice guidelines. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? position that involved regular home visits for people with heart failure. The position had a strong focus on education to empower patients with the knowledge and skills they needed to make informed decisions about their health and take ownership of their wellbeing.

I enjoy spending my time outside of work with my wife and three young children, camping, fishing, walking, and being physically active.

I was very fortunate to be successful in gaining this position, and this has lead me to a number

I’m a cardiovascular research nurse and also a part-time PhD student. I coordinate a number of clinical trials with a strong primary prevention focus. My PhD is focusing on evaluating the clinical utility of cardiovascular imaging in guiding strategies for primary prevention of subclinical cardiovascular disease.

What is the most interesting aspect of this work? Study participants.

We have people who apply from all over Tasmania, young and old and so many of them have the most interesting stories. Sometimes I end up running late with my appointments as I am too busy talking to them about their lives/hobbies/work. What is the part of your work that makes you the proudest?

When we receive feedback from study participants who are very thankful to be a part of our clinical trials. Some participants have said that being a part of research has been a turning point in their lives, where they knew they might be at risk of a heart attack or stroke, but were not making the changes to reduce their risk. By being in our research, we have provided them with evidence based personalised information that has motivated them to make significant changes in their lifestyle, improving their health outcomes. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? in a healthier future for all Tasmanians. one-off i want to invest or

My family and I love anything outside. We are really into hiking and rock climbing. The aim is to do the Overland Track with the kids at some stage this year.

Gifts yes, of $2 and over are tax deductible.

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