No matter your age, fitness level or how tough you think you are, health complications can strike at any moment and if you don't act on them quickly, you could be putting your whole life in jeopardy.
Pretty stern words we know, but as Manager at the Paraburdoo Power Station, Bob Mackie can tell you, it's worth a wake up call if it means saving a life.
Bob went through a hair-raising experience a couple of weeks ago when he was alerted to the fact that his health was not in tip-top condition.
"I experienced pains and tightness in my chest as well as pressure in my arms. I had read about an exercise tip to breathe deeply and rapidly for these symptoms, so I gave that a go to try and relieve the pain," he said.
"However, these feelings persisted for about four days and then eased but came back about a week later, again lasting about four days," he said.
On his week off, Bob thought It might be time to bite the bullet and go to the doctor.
"I was a little hesitant at first because I was worried about what the problem might be but I just picked up the phone and made a booking," he said.
The doctor ran a couple of tests and referred Bob to the hospital for further heart monitoring and blood tests. After several hours, the doctors requested chest x-rays. When the results arrived the problem was clear to all.
"I had a huge hiatus hernia. My stomach wall and oesophagus had blown up through my diaphragm...not surprising I had pain in my chest!" Bob said.
Men are the worst offenders when it comes to seeing a doctor even if they know something isn't right. When you experience symptoms outside the ordinary, double check that everything is working as it should with your local GP.
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