“But honestly, it still kind of works. It’s just a different kind of fellowship.”

It’s exactly the kind of answer you’d expect from Anya, who’s funny, warm and a little unexpected.

But beneath the humour is something important.

IDAHOBIT is about standing against discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ communities and recognising that visibility, allyship and inclusion still matter.

For Anya, those things are deeply personal.

By day, Anya works in Bupa’s Customer Relations team and co-leads Bupa Pride. Outside of work, she’s a lifelong gamer, former improv theatre facilitator and someone who believes humour can change almost any interaction.

Even difficult ones.

“Even when I’m dealing with frustrated customers, I’ll try to crack jokes to help make them smile and build rapport,” she says.

“My favourite thing is when I realise someone shares a birthday close to mine. It instantly changes the mood.”

For Anya, humour helps build trust.

“Something I learned from theatre is the idea of swift trust. That instant connection where people feel safe with you. A joke can do that.”

Creating safe spaces matters to Anya because she knows what it feels like when acceptance isn’t guaranteed.

She says she first felt a sense of who she really was as a teenager.

“For the first time, I was allowed to grow my hair long,” she says.

“When I pulled it forward, I looked almost identical to my sister. It was both a little creepy and amazing.”

But understanding what that meant took time.

Like many trans people, Anya spent years trying to convince herself otherwise.

“When I was younger, I kept repeating to myself, “That’s not what normal people do.”

Today, her message to that younger version of herself is simple.

“It is normal. It is okay. It is fine. And you’re going to be so much happier when you stop resisting it.”

Three years ago, Anya transitioned after moving to Melbourne.

Unexpectedly, social media became a source of understanding and connection.

“Trans creators started sharing their stories, and for the first time, I could actually relate.”

Gaming communities helped too.

Anya plays Warframe, a game she describes as welcoming and supportive. She even customised her in-game character in the colours of the trans flag.

“The comments are always positive. People are just like, ‘Hell yeah. Go for it.’”

That sense of belonging shaped how she thinks about inclusion more broadly.

“Community support is everything,” she says.

Whether at work, with friends or even in everyday moments.

She remembers walking past a pastry shop she had no intention of entering.

“The person behind the counter said, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, would you like to buy something?’ and instantly I was like… yes.”

That small moment of recognition meant more than they probably realised.

Inclusion is often found in moments that seem small.

“Feeling safe and included at work can be as simple as being comfortable enough to use the correct bathroom and not feeling like someone’s going to cause a hassle,” Anya says.

She believes visibility matters too.

“As much as policies say a place is inclusive, having visible reminders makes a difference. Pride flags, posters, signs that show support. It’s the difference between being told something and actually experiencing it.”

For Anya, genuine allyship is easy to spot.

“When something is genuine, it feels genuine. When it’s performative, something feels off.”

Her advice for people wanting to better understand trans experiences?

“Treat people how you’d want to be treated.”

“If you wouldn’t want someone questioning who you are, why would you do that to someone else?”

IDAHOBIT is a reminder that creating safe, inclusive spaces matters.

And sometimes, that starts with something simple.

Making someone feel seen.

Making someone feel safe.

Making someone feel like they belong.

After all, eye issues mean a whole lot more than squinting and blurry vision. It can mean:

• Slower development for children
• A negative impact on your employment or education prospects
• Implications on your social life if you are unable to drive or get around independently
• Poor mood or fatigue from constant straining of your eyes
• Something symptomatic of a broader, more dangerous health concern

I have heard first-hand from our wonderful optometrists at Bupa Optical & Hearing about how we have changed lives by prescribing glasses that help people interact with the world in a new light.

But we also hear stories that touch on other serious health situations. For example, one of our Optometrists recently had a customer come in to see her when she noticed unusual symptoms with her vision.

After further investigation, the Optometrist discovered significant visual field loss and made an urgent referral to a neuro-ophthalmologist, as well as the patient’s GP for an MRI, in case the cause was further into the neural pathways of the brain.

It is this potential for life-changing interventions that drives us to invest in the latest technology such as EyeInspect and our exclusive Microvascular Health Assessment tools that use artificial intelligence to assist in the early detection of eye and general health problems such as diabetes and heart disease… and all as part of a customer’s eye -test appointment.

We know optometrists have an important role to play in global wellness, which is why this week during World Optometry Week we pay tribute to the amazing work our, and indeed all, optometrists play in keeping people healthy, happy and living up to their full potential.

The mere fact Vali is here to tell her story, more than 25 years after her first diagnosis, is nothing short of miraculous. She’s endured more than 30 surgeries, drawing on seemingly endless strength and self-proclaimed stubbornness to survive.

At 16,  Vali first suspected something was seriously wrong, and recalls doctors dismissing symptoms and pain as just part of her periods and nothing more.

An accomplished basketballer, and someone who knew her body, Vali eventually changed doctors when she was 19. That’s when she was then diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery, which revealed Vali’s right ovary was a solid tumour - and was removed.

“I knew something wasn’t right, but I guess I wasn’t confident enough to keep advocating for myself. For three years that cancer was able to keep growing and the impact on my body became even greater,” Vali said.

“Thankfully the tumour I had was slow growing and I think one of the reasons I survived.”

Five years later, aged 24, Vali became unwell again and doctors discovered 15 tumours in her abdomen, leading to her other ovary being removed.

“There was no time to have any eggs frozen so the prospect of me becoming a mum in the traditional sense seemed almost impossible,” she said.

“A few months before I was married, I became part of a clinical trial to help me become a mum.”

Doctors used frozen tissue from Vali’s second ovary and implanted into her abdomen allowing her to start IVF treatment.

“For anyone who’s ever done IVF, you’ll know it’s a rollercoaster,” she said.

After 17 failed cycles, she had it in her for just one more go.

“On that cycle, I became pregnant with my twin girls and despite a challenging pregnancy, they arrived at 37 weeks – full term for twins,” she said.

“After my girls were born, my doctors checked to see if I had any tumours. Pregnancy hormones, especially having twins, it was a risk. They found cancer on my diaphragm and when they removed it my lung collapsed which sent me into ICU in a different hospital."

“I worked so hard to have my girls and after all that, I could have died without knowing them."

“Now, they’re both in Grade Six and have been fundraising for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. One wants to become a doctor and the other wants to become a research scientist to support women like their mum.”

Bupa Medical Advisor, and practicing GP, Dr Suanu de Jong describes ovarian cancer as a silent killer.

“We don’t yet have a screening program, or even an early detection test for ovarian cancer, and there’s often no obvious symptoms until the cancer is advanced,” Dr de Jong said.

“I would encourage you to have regular check-ups, whether you’re sick or not. If you do have symptoms – no matter how vague, discuss them with your GP and don’t try and explain them away.”

“It’s my role as a doctor to make space for you to tell me your symptoms including your concerns, then try and piece together what’s going on. If there’s nothing immediately obvious and symptoms persist, I’ll advise you to come back so we can look into it further.”

Learn more about ovarian cancer 

When Matthew Carter became a dad, he admits it was a lot to cope with.

After struggling and being diagnosed with postnatal depression, his first reaction was – “I didn’t know this was something that could happen to men.”

As PANDA ambassador, Carter, shares his story in the hope more people like him don’t suffer in silence.

I was really scared to become a dad. But meeting the love of my life, and seeing her dreams of being a mother, along with her support and confidence in me encouraged me to want to become a dad,” Carter said.

All three of my children’s births were traumatic for my wife and I, and my anxieties and fears of failure overwhelmed me after the births of my first two children. I was diagnosed with postnatal depression and, until then, had no idea it could happen to men.

My wife was an absolute rock throughout it all and luckily, we were able to find some light in the darkness in each other.

I started seeing a clinical psychologist through my employer. I’m such an advocate for not only therapy but finding the right therapist for you.

I was more recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism. I then went through a period of grief and mourning before staring to heal, educate and find the right supports.

I’m confident in saying I’m now on the other side and beginning to thrive as a neurodivergent father, husband and human.

My advice to other parents would be:

• Talk it out!
• Fill your bucket with love and be around people who bring you up, not pull you down.
• Don't be afraid to walk away from relationships or friendships that leave you feeling drained.
• Find like-minded communities online to workshop your emotion.
• Get professional support. Don't be afraid to reach out to therapists to find out a bit about them before requesting a referral through your GP. 
• Most important of all, be kind to yourself. Take comfort in knowing you aren't alone and if you feel like you have no support, contact PANDA or any of the other incredible and necessary resources available to you.

Bupa members also have access to our Parent and wellbeing program, delivering mental health support for new parents and parents-to-be. It’s designed to support anyone having trouble adjusting to pregnancy and parenthood, including feeling low, anxiety and other mental health challenges during this time.

After a routine blood test and subsequent investigations, Michelle was diagnosed with cancer.

Today the 64-year-old Bupa customer says she’s more active than ever and embarking on a personal training course so she can help others on their journey to a healthier life.

Michelle’s sharing her story, in the hope of inspiring other people to take that first step, saying it feels like she has a new lease on life.

“Exercise completely changed my life,” Michelle said.

“A routine blood test in 2019 uncovered that I have chronic lymphoma, but I was also suffering from osteoarthritis, and I couldn't walk. I was too embarrassed to go out, I was 40 kilos overweight, and it was crushing my knees.”

“That’s the point when I told myself I had to keep going. I had to try because I didn't want cancer to take over my body.”

“I started with a personal trainer and followed their exercise and nutrition program religiously. The weight was starting to come down and I began being called the Gym Girl.”

“One of the other positive side effects of my new way of living was the boost in my mental health.”

“In 2021, in lockdown, I started having alarming symptoms and was diagnosed with colon cancer - that devastated me. Within three weeks I was on the operating table and had 30 centimetres of my colon removed. I was very lucky the cancer hadn’t spread.”

“As soon as I recovered, they wanted to start chemo to make 100% sure that it was gone. I used that time to keep going to the gym, the whole time I was on chemo. I just did what I could and then I’d go home and rest.”

“I’m now cancer-free and making the most of life. Exercise is in my blood now. It’s my passion and I want to help anyone around my age to see just how important movement is. Even increasing your steps can make a big difference.”

“It’s not too late. I started training at 60 and I'm the strongest I've ever been, and this week I’m starting a TAFE course in Personal Training,” she said.

Learn more about Michelle’s experience and find information on prevention, key checks and living with cancer on Blua. 

He’s sharing his insights and top tips with us.

Your Building Blocks

When it comes to making a new habit stick, forget the fads and focus on being consistent.

Research shows, no matter how enthusiastic you are at the start, if change everything in one go, you’re more likely to have a ‘behaviour relapse’ from too much change, too fast. Slow and steady wins the race.

Much of the work you’ll find yourself doing is in your head. If you can find the right headspace, change will be a lot easier, and more likely to stick for the long haul.

Start with Your "Why"

This looks different for everyone. You might want to move more easily, live longer or feel better in your body.

It's important to understand your ‘why’, because when you’re a few weeks into your new healthy eating or exercise programme, that ‘why’ will help keep you on track with some real perspective and motivation.

We all find barriers along the way – the key to success is working out how to get around them. If it does go wrong, my advice would be to forgive yourself, start small again and build up.

Back to Basics

Be selective in the advice you seek and take on board. That goes for social media as well.

Forget the green cleanse – cleanse your social feed instead.

Think about unfollowing accounts that make you feel guilty or bad about yourself.

Ditch the guilt and surround yourself with your own cheer squad, virtually or in real life.

Plan, Prepare, and Keep It Simple

Think about all the things you can eat, rather than what you should avoid.

New habits are easier with a little preparation. Have a think about what you can realistically do in the next week. It might be prepping your food or a realistic exercise plan that can help you stay on track.

• Meals and snacks: Know how much you want to spend on food and avoid certain aisles at the shop, for instance, the confectionary or biscuit aisles.
• Healthy snacks at hand: Try and keep simple, healthy snacks at your fingertips. I like to have nuts, dried fruits like sultanas, and fruits like apples or bananas that are easy to keep with you on the go.
• Prep meals in advance: Make healthy meals in bulk. This saves both time and money and takes away temptation as it’s all ready to go.

A shopping list of healthy foods that are budget-friendly also helps.

• Bulk buy foods like beans, lentils, oats, and rice.
• Vegetables: Focus on colourful, fibre-rich vegetables. They’re low in calories but packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
• Mediterranean-style meals: Incorporate whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and lean proteins. These foods are affordable and have long-term health benefits.
• Seasonal produce: Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season is usually cheaper and fresher.

Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get discouraged when you slip up or don’t see immediate results. It takes time for these changes to take shape, so focus on all the smaller things that you’re doing well. If want to increase your movement, gradually increase your steps each day, rather than a big goal for each day.

Building a habit isn’t about being rigid - it’s about creating balance. In the early days, focus on understanding the nutritional value of your food and it will get easier to make good food choices.

Everyone is going to fall off their plan at some point, but the key to success in the long term, is knowing how to get back on.

Reflect and Learn

I encourage you to reflect on how the week has been. What were your biggest wins, no matter how big or small? What was a challenge? Celebrate all the wins - it helps build self-confidence and you’ll soon become your own health expert.

You’ll begin to understand what works best for your body, what motivates you, and how to adapt when challenges arise.

Take it one step at a time, enjoy the journey and be proud of the gift you’re giving yourself of a healthier lifestyle.

As fate would have it, she was on the phone with Bupa telehealth nurse, Kirsten, who’d called to check in on Leonore after a recent hospital stay.

The 88-year-old says she owes her life to the former intensive care nurse, who recognised Leonore was having a stroke , called for an ambulance, and made sure she stayed on the line until help arrived.

In an emotional reunion, Leonore and Kirsten recount what happened, drawing comfort in the fact fate had connected them on that day – and admit it may have had a very different outcome.

Leonore’s story

“I remember Kirsten saying, there's something wrong. You need help, I'll call an ambulance.”

“I have to say there was no warning whatsoever. Not a headache, nothing to pre-warn me. Nothing unusual about it.”

“I remember I got a phone call and as I answered it, I was sitting down, comfortable and relaxed, talking to this lovely lady from Bupa who was calling to see how I was after being in hospital.”

“We're having a lovely chat, but it didn't last very long. My voice just went a little bit strange and then I found it was really, really difficult to talk.”

“I was making the noise but they weren't forming into words.”

“My children will vouch for you that I'm pretty good talker usually.”

“I remember Kirsten saying, there's something wrong. You need help, I'll call an ambulance.”

“I was wearing my emergency bracelet, so I pressed that too which brought our village manager down and she sat with me and held my hand.”

“Kirsten stayed on the phone and kept talking to me and kept me calm, which was really wonderful to have her voice all the time. To have a nurse on the phone as it was happening, I am absolutely blessed. 100% blessed.”

“If I’d been by myself, I probably wouldn’t have called for help.”

“At hospital, an MRI showed I’d had a small stroke. I was cleared within a week to come home, which is what I really wanted to do.”

“I’m not ready to leave this earth yet, too many good things happening in life. Especially when there's a lot of little younger ones in the family, we've got to be around for them.”

“It's just that I would love to thank everybody that was around on that particular moment in life to help me. I think the quicker you get treatment or anything like that, the better it's going to before you later off down the line.”

“If you feel there's something not quite right, just get help straight away and be perhaps a little bit alert if you've got something that you feel isn't quite feeling right in your head.”

Kirsten’s story

“I remember just talking to Leonore to reassure her I was there, to stay on the line and help was on the way.”

 “I've been nursing for nearly 20 years now, mostly in hospitals and in intensive care units.”

“I think you learn over time that when you are in an emergency situation, it's very rarely a straight line. It's very rarely textbook. You have to critically think, and problem solve your way through it, and I know through experience, you have to stay really calm to do that effectively.”

“Leonore’s was a routine call that was part of Bupa’s Recovery Support Program, where we reach out to our customers within a few days of coming home from hospital. We’re there to make sure they’ve got all the information and support they need for a safe recovery at home.”

“We'd been talking and having such a clear conversation, then when Lenore suddenly became quite confused. I knew that something was really wrong - I was immediately very concerned,”

“I initiated our emergency procedure, and it became obvious we needed to get her urgent help, as her speech continued to deteriorate.”

“I kept talking to Leonore to see if this had happened before. However, she became more and more confused. I reassured her I was getting an ambulance and asked her to press her emergency button. I remember just talking to Leonore to reassure her I was there, to stay on the line and help was on the way.”

“We hear a lot about strokes these days and what signs should people look out for. As with Leonore, people have changes in their speech or become confused and not be able to finish a sentence.”

“Time is very important. You need to get that person help straight away.”

The emotional reunion 

Leonore and Kirsten meet face to face for the first time

“I’m in debt for you for the rest of my life.”

Leonore: How incredible to meet the voice at the other end. Darling, it’s so good to see you. I’ve wanted to hug you so many times. That was such a special moment in our lives. You are just meant to ring at that time Our stars were aligned, weren’t they? I’m in debt for you for the rest of my life, you realise that. Your voice gave me that feeling of “don’t worry”. You had that positiveness that it’ll be ok.

 Kirsten:

It was so lucky that I was able to be with you at that time and support you. I’m so grateful I was able to be there with you and am grateful you are now okay. To see you  now, in person, and be able to connect face to face has been really incredible. I wouldn't call myself a hero. I think, you show up as a health professional and you’re here to help people. I was just doing my job.

 Learn more about the signs of stroke and how Bupa’s supporting stroke survivors, like Leonore.

When Anna, Bupa member and employee, was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief that it had been caught early.

“I felt grateful that I had caught it when I did,” Anna says.

 “BCC doesn’t usually spread, but it’s something that needs to be removed before it becomes a bigger problem.

“I feel really fortunate. It makes you think, though—what if it had been a melanoma? What if it had been something worse? I’m just grateful that it wasn’t, and that the hardest part is behind me.”

“I’ve got a long list of things to do, and getting a skin check wasn’t at the top of it.

For Anna, her skin check raised questions about a small, stubborn patch of dry skin on her face that just wouldn’t heal.

“I knew there was something a little dodgy about it,” Anna recalls.

Anna booked in a telehealth appointment through Blua, Bupa’s digital healthcare platform, and obtained a GP referral to a specialist. That biopsy then confirmed Anna had BCC.

But the real turning point came when she encouraged her brother, Steve, to get checked too.

That check uncovered a BCC on his leg but Steve admits, it was a relief to know what it was.

"I'd been meaning to do it for ages, and never got around to it. But my sister told me how easy it was, and pushed me to do it, and so I booked in and got a skin check,” Steve says.

“Sure enough, I also had a BCC on my nose. Thankfully it was removed at an early stage, so I am very glad I got that skin check when I did."

Anna says she’s now vigilant with sun protection.

“We grew up in a time when skincare wasn’t as much of a priority. But now, I’m making sure my kids know the importance of it,” she says.

“I’ll also be stocking up on sunscreen for family Christmas stocking stuffers this year.”

Bupa’s Clinical Director, Dr Simon Benson, says BCCs are the most common form of skin cancer and are usually found on areas that experience higher exposure to the sun.

“We usually see BCCs on older skin, but Anna and Steve’s story of finding them at a younger age is not unique,” Dr Benson says.

“Prevention is key, with the Cancer Council of Australia finding more than 95% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Australia’s climate does us no favours in the UV stakes and you can be doing damage to your skin, even if you don’t get burnt.”

In addition to applying sunscreen, other measures to protect your skin include wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses to protect your face, and seeking shade.

This was one of the reasons I decided to take part in Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program: to not only find ways to improve therapy outcomes for patients but also to challenge myself to think differently about how physio can be more engaging and effective for all. The experience has been nothing short of inspiring!

The perfect match

Through our process of scouting for a start-up, we came across LusioRehab, a developer of rehabilitation exercise therapy ecosystems and specifically LusioMate.

LusioMATE features a growing library of engaging games designed to entertain and motivate players through tailored physical training programs. Sensors attach to any part of the body, tracking movement and progress with precision. Clinicians can monitor progress remotely in real-time, adjusting therapy goals as needed. 

While the technology is amazing, what drew us in was their origin story which all began with one little boy.

The story began with Arshia, a 5-year-old boy living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who struggled to complete his at-home physiotherapy. The routines prescribed by his clinician, were critical to help improve his mobility.  But the monotony and repetitive motions drained Arshia’s enthusiasm and motivation. Recognising this as a universal challenge, Arshia's doctor reached out to Armin, an innovator and robotic engineer. Armin knew the answer for Arshia - cars.  

He set to work, transforming an ordinary remote-controlled car into something extraordinary: a prototype that responded to Arshia’s wrist movements.  

As Arshia manoeuvred the car, his eyes lit up with delight. The once tedious therapy sessions were now exciting and engaging and Arshia began to do them consistently.  The foundation was laid for what would become Lusio Rehab. 

The possibilities are endless

For my team it was the genuine passion to improve therapy outcomes, and the scalability and sustainable mission of LusioRehab that made us excited to support this start-up. 

While the product was developed to support children living with a disability, it’s now being used in clinics and hospitals in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia for a range of conditions supporting children through to older people. 

At Bupa we trialled the innovation in one of our Aged Care homes in New Zealand and found it had a truly positive impact on residents in terms of joy and engagement. From a clinical perspective, the home’s physiotherapist noted its potential for a wide range of residents, from those with limited mobility to individuals living with Parkinson’s, who benefit from focusing on larger, purposeful movements.

LusioMATE aligns with Bupa’s ambition to give more customers the opportunity to actively interact with Bupa on our digital platforms and has enormous potential to transform therapy in Bupa’s aged care homes as well as for pre/post- surgery rehab. 

As we near the end of our eco-Disruptive journey, we are reminded of the profound impact we can have on lives like Arshia’s. Our commitment is unwavering: to empower people to engage with their at-home therapy to meet clinical goals and improve their quality and enjoyment of life.

When Bupa announced the opening of registrations for eco-Disruptive 2024 with the theme ‘Healthy Societies’, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to step outside my current role and contribute to a cause that resonated deeply by working with an innovative start-up and a team of Bupa’s people from across Asia-Pacific. 

Access to affordable glasses

As part of my team’s work, we were thrilled to discover OOXii Global, a start-up that is reshaping how we bring vision screening to the 1 billion people globally who don’t have access to affordable glasses. 

OOXii’s mission aligns perfectly with Bupa’s purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. Founded by Dr. Sarah Crowe, OOXii’s Vision Kit enables basic health workers in remote communities to test vision and dispense glasses on the spot. This innovative kit is designed to work in areas where trained professionals are scarce such as Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. 

Vision screening and glasses for those who need it most 

Joining forces with OOXii as part of eco-Disruptive 2024 is a unique opportunity for us to make meaningful strides in inclusive health by helping bring vision screening to the 1 billion people globally who don’t have access to affordable glasses.

For our Bupa customers, we see an opportunity to reach remote and regional customers across aged care and optical. By combining the power of technology, creative problem-solving, and sustainable social impact, we aim to ensure that vision care reaches those who need it most.

With these drivers in my personal and professional journey, I was excited to participate in this year’s eco-Disruptive program to work on a solution related to Supporting Disability as part of this global Bupa competition.   

As my team researched the subject, we gained a real appreciation for just how wide this opportunity is and considered several approaches, before landing on our start-up, BindiMaps. 

Revolutionising indoor navigation

BindiMaps is an indoor mapping system usable on a mobile device that tailors a route to the user’s needs, using highly detailed, audio described maps, to support people of all abilities. The mapping is accurate to 30 centimetres. 

We know that navigating complex and unfamiliar environments can be challenging and can add to anxiety, so we saw the opportunity through BindiMaps to support our customers and our people every step of the way in our facilities. 

BindiMaps and Bupa

Our team, recently met with Dr Anna Wright, BindiMaps Founder, to determine how the indoor mapping could potentially be tested at a Bupa space.  

We see many potential uses for BindiMaps across our Bupa businesses. From visitors navigating our aged care homes to patients at our dental clinics, or even new staff finding their way around offices.

For Bupa’s customers, BindiMaps could mark the beginning of a new chapter, one of enhancing independence.  The challenge ahead is big, but so are the opportunities. 

However, in recent years marked increase in predatory scammers attempting to steal personal details and commit fraud. This can lead to increased anxiety and fear when you are online and impact our overall health. While we all should be diligent when transacting online, there are some simple things that you can do to help protect yourself.

Just like a regular health check can help keep you healthy, a digital health check can help with your digital wellbeing and maintain a positive, safe, secure relationship with our online world. 

It’s cyber security awareness month – so now is a great time to do your digital health check:

Create strong passwords –and avoid re-use!

Passwords are still one of the most important layers of security for everything in our digital lives. Choosing a strong, unique password or passphrase is one of the best ways to safeguard your accounts. While it might be tempting to have the same password across multiple accounts, its important to have unique passwords for all accounts and update them regularly.

Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Where available, activate or register for Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts to prevent unauthorised access to your personal information. This additional layer of protection requires at least two steps to verify your identity, which is especially important for to safeguard personal, financial or health information. 

Apply updates and keep your devices secure

Any device connected to the internet is vulnerable to security breaches. This is why it’s important to keep your devices updated with the latest security measures and have auto lock features just in case they are left unattended.

Ask yourself if this is phishing and be alert to scammers

Phishing and social engineering is a successful tactic used by cyber criminals – to get around anti-virus protection and get directly to us. It can be tricky to spot a scam, so double check where the email came from, and for common scammer mistakes, like bad spelling and grammar.  If you are not sure, ask a friend or family member or contact the company direct to check.

To learn more about staying healthy online or any Bupa related scams, visit our Privacy and Security Trust Centre | Bupa.

I know people want to help and it comes from their best place. But for me, I just wanted them to not assume or try and fix anything, just be present and listen. I always say, if you can offer practical support, even if it’s not taken up, I’m sure it would be appreciated.

People shouldn’t try to make assumptions about another person’s diagnosis. Often people when they find out I’ve had breast cancer, they say “oh that’s the good one”.

There is no good cancer. Everyone’s journeys are different.

The diagnosis

I had just been through a relationship breakdown and lost weight. That’s when I felt a lump on the underside of my left breast and immediately made an appointment with my GP who referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound.

The mammogram came up clear and I had to push for the ultrasound, because there was a lump and my doctor had requested both tests. I’m so glad I did because that potentially saved my life.

Then following my biopsy, I got the news I’ll never forget. My doctor said: “It’s not the news we wanted. You have breast cancer.”

There was no history of breast cancer in my family and I was just 39-years-old at the time. It’s been a wake-up call for a lot of people in my family and they’re now getting checked on a regular basis.

If you do have breast cancer symptoms and you’re not getting an answer, fight for yourself or get a second opinion. You know your own body and if something’s not right.

The treatment

Fortunately, I was in a town with a great doctor and team behind me. The McGrath Breast Cancer nurse came to all of my appointments and was able to translate the clinical words because my head was spinning.

I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed, followed by six weeks of radiation therapy and ten years of medication, which I’m still on, but I’m still here and living life the best way I can.

I spoke with the Bupa dieticians not long after I was diagnosed, because I wanted to be the best version of myself throughout all of this. It’s very easy to lose your appetite and they were really helpful and encouraged me to eat small, frequent meals – which I still do.

Everyone’s cancer journey is different

The type of breast cancer I had means I will never be in remission. While there’s no evidence of disease, it does mean ongoing scans and tests that mean a lot of anxiety. I am all over the place in the days leading up to them and then the wait for results feels like forever. When something goes wrong with my body, like my first frozen shoulder, which basically meant my shoulder was incredibly painful and I wasn’t able to move it. So, my first thought was is the cancer back?

I think a lot of people assume if you’ve finished your active treatment that you’re not a cancer patient anymore. I’ll be a cancer patient, in one form or another, for the rest of my life.

What you see in front of you isn’t always what’s happening behind closed doors. I put on a smiling face but sometimes, I’m just exhausted and fatigue is really a silent disability that you can’t see.

I don’t pretend that mine was an easy one. I was very fortunate not to need chemotherapy, but the radiation therapy burnt me internally which left me with heart issues.

I’m really back into my fitness and I am working with a physio each week to rebuild muscles. I also find solace in playing my bass trombone in a band. When things get down, I play my music and it’s a non-negotiable.

Joining Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program  has been exciting opportunity to further this mission through collaborating with the start-up community. The program also aligns with my values of innovation, prevention and sustainability, and I’m privileged to collaborate with like-minded individuals and startups who are equally passionate about making a positive impact in preventative healthcare.

My team chose to partner with LenexaCARE^® because it has the potential to make a significant impact in aged care homes by improving patient outcomes and reducing staff workload through early detection and prevention of pressure injuries. These preventable wounds can cause immense pain and hardship, yet they remain a challenge in many healthcare settings with pressure injuries costing the Australian healthcare system over $9B per annum. 

A new solution to an aged care issue

The Lenexa medical technology puts the patient at the centre. It provides clinicians with non-subjective, personalised data to monitor patient position, posture and presence, enabling early intervention and prevention, and saving nurses time. There are added benefits of falls prevention and reduction in accidental injuries.

A learning journey

Through participating in the eco-Disruptive program, we have learned a lot of new things, particularly about balancing innovation with everyday work responsibilities. Our biggest win has been the progress made in understanding how to integrate Lenexa’s technology into our processes.

Our vision is for a future of connected care and through our work in the eco-Disruptive program we want to help bring affordable and potentially life-saving technology to the people who need it most. It’s a cause that is not only noble but also deeply humane… looking forward to developing something special over the coming weeks!

When I saw that this year's eco-Disruptive competition theme was ’inclusive health’ - creating solutions for those with limited access to support their healthcare needs - I knew I had to be a part of it. The amazing eco-D program, now in its fourth year, is about discovering and partnering with innovative start-ups that embrace accessibility, sustainability, and innovation to create real solutions. 

Little did we know, we’d find a game-changing start-up that could help us unlock digital accessibility for so many people. 

A diverse team with a common goal 

Working alongside colleagues from customer experience, employee experience, telehealth, finance, aged care, and digital delivery is a unique opportunity to bring different skills, perspectives and personal stories to the table, united by our passion for inclusive health.

We were thrilled to discover Youngster to develop a solution to pitch as part of the global competition. Their mission aligns perfectly with our goal of making digital health accessible for everyone, including making it easy to connect with loved ones through a simple video call. 

Youngster: Bridging generations 

Youngster connects young people with older adults, helping them navigate technology while building meaningful connections and sharing valuable life skills. This service also supports mature-aged workers and NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) participants. 

The possibilities with them are seemingly endless. Such as giving customers access to a free one-on-one Youngster session at a local Bupa location. During these sessions, Youngsters teach older adults how to use apps, including myBupa or access our telehealth programs, and other digital tools. And at the end of each session, the older participants get to share some life wisdom. 

We’d be empowering those who might feel technologically challenged to manage their healthcare online, combat loneliness by engaging with others in the community and confidently connect with family members virtually. There is still lots of work to do but we all super excited about the possibilities.

Looking ahead 

Our vision is for a world where mental health improves, intergenerational connections flourish, and access to services expands for those who need it most.

Isn’t this the kind of world we all want to be part of? 

A place where we can live longer, healthier, and happier lives — together, inclusively.  

My foray into sustainability and environmental appreciation started when my son started bringing home materials about science and climate change from high school. Soon, I enrolled in a Climate Leadership Project, alongside a global community of changemakers.

A personal passion

With increased curiosity in sustainability, I was compelled to apply when Bupa announced its talent and innovation programme, eco-Disruptive. Now in its fourth year, the initiative offers incredible opportunities to create real solutions, and this year with a theme of Healthy Societies, it is focused on removing the barriers people face when trying to access quality health care.

This year’s challenge areas include Inclusive Health, Supporting Disability and Illness Prevention.

This year's theme resonates with me because my work in Health Insurance gives me the privilege of talking to people about what is going on in their lives, their pressures and anxieties. I have become an empathetic listener, motivated to solve problems and offer the right advice. 

Scouting and selecting a start-up

Our team is made up of individuals from across Bupa’s Asia Pacific network, most of whom I have never worked with before. This made for a great opportunity to learn from people with a wide range of skillsets and mindsets.

The search for a start-up to partner with to prevent illness was gruelling. Everyone felt unsure where to start. And while this was a massive learning-curve, we were delighted to choose ‘Bloody Good Tests’ (or BGT) as the start-up to work alongside.

Bloody Good Tests (BGT) – early detection for a longer, healthier, happier life 

Bloody Good Tests Australia helps people get basic blood tests without the need for a GP referral, empowering individuals with accessible testing and actionable health insights.

We found through research that many of the top 10 chronic conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers) are preventable with early detection and lifestyle modifications. However, our health system is predominantly reactive, and the incidence of chronic diseases continues to rise. 

eco-Disruptive is an opportunity for each of us to be brave, caring and responsible and help make a difference.  As a team, we are pumped to make BGT a winner, so we can help people live longer, healthier happier lives.

On a personal note, I want a healthier planet for my son and all children, so I hope he looks up to me for doing something purposeful.

When the lockdowns were over, Ottavio thought he should have a check-up.

“I had a routine blood test which found my cholesterol levels were a little high. I thought I was in good shape, but the tests were a wake-up call.”

Ottavio had follow-up cardiac tests which showed that he had high levels of calcium in his arteries and that his heart was not pumping enough blood. In fact, his doctors discovered that he had four blocked arteries – two of them were 90% blocked and the other two about 50%.

He was told that he would need quadruple bypass surgery.

"Hearing that I needed major surgery was a shock, but I felt reassured knowing I had the right support," Ottavio recalled.

Within two weeks, Ottavio was booked in for surgery, which was successful. He spent a week in the hospital recovering from the operation.

After returning home, Ottavio received a letter from Bupa about The COACH Program®, which is designed to support people recovering from a cardiovascular event. He admits that he was initially a little sceptical, but decided to give the phone-based health coaching program a try and says he benefited from the specific guidance and encouragement.

"The COACH Program® was a pleasant surprise. It really helped me get back on my feet," he said.

"My family were and are incredible. They were there every step of the way, giving me the strength to keep going.” 

To learn more about the COACH Program® click here.

A shock diagnosis of pre-diabetes kick started a healthier lifestyle for Natalie.

Aged 25, she was not about to just continue with the “same old same old” and hope for the best – her dad had diabetes and she knew how debilitating it can be.

Despite initial fear, her lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, boosted her confidence to take up karate, and she is now a black belt instructor who competes internationally.

The diagnosis

For people with pre-diabetes, weight loss, a healthy diet and regular exercise can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of cases.

 Natalie is living proof it can work, and nine years on, she’s fit, healthy and no longer pre-diabetic.

"I went to see my doctor because I was having some gut issues. My doctor knew my dad was diabetic and ordered blood tests to find out what was going on. It turned out I was pre-diabetic,” she says.

“My first reaction was shock. I was a disappointed that I'd let myself go like that. Once I got past the news, I was just determined.”

 Making the changes

Natalie says she told herself: “I have to change. I can’t go there.”

Initially, it was small, incremental changes.

“Pre-planning keeps me on focused by setting my meals up for the whole week, so I don’t have to think about it. The less I think about it, the less I think about other options,” she says. “After about six months of some gym training, working on my food and losing a little bit of weight, I built up the confidence to start karate.

“I recall walking into the Dojo for the first time, which is the hardest thing. But I felt better in myself that I could do that and that I could actually go somewhere with this.

Natalie encouraged others to be proactive about their health.

“If you haven't had a health check for a while, just do it,” she says.

“You don't know what's there or what's hiding. But it's all important to pick up early, to give you the best chance at reversing it if you can.”

What to look out for

There has been  a staggering 44% increase in the number of young Australians diagnosed with diabetes in the past decade.

Bupa telehealth coach and dietitian Morgan Sandeman says pre-diabetes can be silent and often has no symptoms.

“A GP may order blood tests if you have risk factors including being overweight, physically inactive or have high cholesterol. You may have other risk factors that you can’t change, like your age, a family history of diabetes, ethnicity or a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome,” she says.

“The great news about pre-diabetes is that it can often be reversed if it’s caught early enough. If you don’t get onto it quickly however, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, which could eventually lead to complications with your feet, eyes, kidneys or other organs.”

Ms Sandeman says alongside GP support, there is other help available for you, this may include the Bupa Health Coaching program or other healthy lifestyle support programs.

Take the health check

The first step is often the hardest but is also the key.

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where your body struggles to turn glucose (sugar) from food we eat into energy due to problems with the hormone insulin. Over time, type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications.

Take the online health check here and learn more about Type 2 Diabetes. bupa.com.au/campaigns/get-well/type-2-diabetes

Watch Natalie share more of her story.  https://youtu.be/aypFakgFVpk

My mum is Aboriginal South Sea Islander and dad is of German descent. Growing up I didn’t see many role models in health care other than my brother who is now a Torres Strait Islander doctor. Most of my family on my indigenous side never really had much of an academic background.

Dad is now retired but he was also dentist. He, along with my doctor brother, gave me positive male role models and I know that in the environment that I was raised in I could’ve taken a different pathway, that's for sure.

I grew up in Townsville in a blended household of 18 kids, mum had 10 and dad had eight. When my parents separated, mum had the 10 of us in a four-bedroom home and we did it pretty tough.

I went through two or three different primary schools, finished high school but didn’t have the grades to get into university. I was thankfully able to access an indigenous pathway through James Cook University which saw me redo all of my main subjects and complete my nursing degree. I then went on to do dentistry.

Where I’m going

For me, being a role model is important for my nieces and nephews who also want a career in health. I think it’s important for them to see that it’s a good opportunity not only to give back, but also for individual growth.

I think for most Indigenous youth these days, a healthcare career may seem like it's out of reach for people from certain backgrounds who don't have the academic start.

My brother is also now a Bupa dentist but used to be an electrician. We both started out working in the meatworks and we picked pineapples. It’s never too late to pursue a different pathway, but I also think those pathways need to be more visible for those who may not think it's possible.

I know that Bupa has its own Dr Evelyn Scott scholarships, awarded to indigenous students to support their health-related studies. I think that it’s that kind of support and pathways that give real opportunities to pursue successful careers. I have seen many people forced to leave university because they can’t support themselves and study at the same time.

My NAIDOC

NAIDOC week for me is about recognising and acknowledging my background. Sometimes I get so busy in my everyday work and career that I often forget where I come from. Taking a step back and acknowledging my grassroots and where I’m from is important.

Before Bupa, I worked on Palm Island off the coast of Far North Queensland. There, I was able to give back to where my family's from and that was very, very rewarding for me.

Now, being able to now work with my brother in Cairns a few days a month makes me so proud. I feel I’ve been able to make a real contribution by supporting him and being a role model for the younger generation coming through.

If I could ask one thing of non-indigenous Australians, it would be to understand our culture, where we’ve come from and what First Nations people have been through. My family, and grandma in particular, used to remind me of these things all the time.

Data is not scarce in dentistry because half of the world's population is unfortunately affected by some sort of oral disease. It's the most common health condition out there, and it can be expensive to treat. That's why integrating digital technologies to save time, predict oral health issues and improve clinical outcomes is the next big step for us in dentistry.

Let’s talk about data

As dentists, we're generating masses upon masses of data in practices around the world, which can be meaningless when look upon in isolation, but when collated and processed by AI this information can be harnessed to inform better practices and spark new innovations.

The potential of AI in dentistry is huge. We're seeing its impact across various disciplines, from disease identification to decision-making support, and even in predicting treatment outcomes. But, as with any new technology, there are hurdles to overcome, especially when it comes to the quality and coordination of data, particularly given we are dealing with sensitive personal health information.

From a clinician's perspective, if properly applied, AI can be a game-changer. It's like having an extra set of eyes that helps with diagnosing diseases, creating personalised treatment plans, and even predicting clinician mistakes before they happen. This not only improves the quality of care but also makes the whole process more efficient and cost-effective.

And let's not forget about the patients. AI can increase their trust in our diagnoses and treatments, enhance communication, and provide a more humanising care experience. Plus, with AI, we can democratise oral health knowledge, making it more accessible to everyone while improving educational resources in our universities.

A way forward… with caution

So, what's the plan? We need an industry framework that allows for the safe, harmonised use of data sets, enabling dental AI algorithms to produce reliable predictive models and outcomes. This framework should cover regulatory, legal, ethical, educational, and privacy requirements to minimise the risk of 'garbage data' and maximise the potential applications in practice, education, and industry.

We also need to upskill dentists and all people working across dental practices to become comfortable working across AI, even if just at a rudimentary level in the first place. That’s why I am excited that Bupa gives our people at Bupa Dental the opportunity to become more data and AI literate through programs like the Edison Academy which provides access to a series of self-paced online learning pathways. When it comes to AI, culture is king!

The future of big data and AI in dentistry is not a pipedream; it's a reality that's unfolding before our eyes. It's an exciting time to be in the field, and at Bupa Dental, I'm thrilled to be part of this journey toward smarter, more connected, and more patient-centred dental care.

By talking about feelings, children then get an understanding about what they’re experiencing. It helps them practice how to regulate and process their feelings in a way that promotes healthy development. The more we become more aware of the broad variety of our emotions and talk about them, the more emotionally intelligent we can become.

Without listening to how we’re feeling, emotions can affect how we behave without us realising.

The benefits to befriending your feelings.

Our feelings are there for a reason, so giving yourself time and space to experience them is powerful. Processing feelings in a healthy way gives us an opportunity to make positive changes within our environment, it also helps us better problem solve, understand ourselves, improve relationships and lower our stress levels.

Multiple feelings are normal – even if they’re conflicting.

Life isn’t black and white, and experiencing uncertainty is a part of human nature. We go through many different experiences resulting in conflicting feelings, sometimes they exist at the same time. When we can acknowledge and accept this, we don’t spend as much time and energy trying to work out which is the “right” emotion to have. That lets us focus on finding how best to navigate these complex experiences.

Big feelings and how to work with them.

Big emotions can be overwhelming and when they come up it’s often an indicator our sympathetic nervous system has been activated. This is the system that’s important for our survival in the face of threats, but it doesn’t help us to rationally think through challenges.

Quick tips to manage the big ‘feels’

• Take some deep breaths or engage in things that help us to feel relaxed or grounded. That way you might feel like you return to a place where we can think clearly about your feelings and remind yourself that they’re there for a reason.
• Talk openly about your feelings with those you trust. When we talk about how we’re feeling, it helps us to connect with people that matter and allows us to share validation of our emotions while better equipping us to support those around us.
• Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself as you navigate big feelings. Sometimes it can take time to work through challenging emotions.
• If conflicting or big feelings are impacting your ability to engage in the things you enjoy – reaching out for support is the best way to help process these feelings and make good choices to support ourselves as best as possible.

The role of elite dogs to support our vision impaired community is well documented, but there’s now a growing need for dogs trained to support people with a range of other specific needs.

Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) is a charity which provides specially-trained dogs for people who have a physical disabilities, autism, or PTSD – at no cost to them, and is one of the recipients in the latest round of Bupa Foundation Community Grants.

Luke describes his mental state as a merging of anxiety, avoidance, and major depressive disorder and says the beautiful yellow Labrador has changed his life in many ways.

“I am starting to live a life that is resembling something new,” Luke says. 

“I’ve needed a lot of time and focus, and after having Yoyo for over a year now I am starting to find a new normal with a daily life and routine.

“Yoyo distracts me to keep me occupied. I ask her to ‘Visit’, and she puts her head in my lap when we’re outside and it grounds me, reminding me that she’s there and that I have a purpose.”

Luke also experiences extreme nightmares, which Yoyo can sense and comforts him.

“Yoyo has started to wake me up before I have really bad screaming dreams. I feel like I am starting to get a hold on them slightly, but it means a lot to know she is there,” he says.

“The biggest thing is I can go shopping and down the street on a daily basis. I live in a small community and being able to go out most days and do normal things has been a blessing,” Luke says.

“It has been awesome having Yoyo to help with my everyday life and I feel like I’m starting to get a routine back to some degree.”

The funding from the Bupa Foundation helps ADA continue with this initiative, which aims to empower people with PTSD, guiding them in harnessing their assistance dog's capabilities to help regulate emotions and accomplish daily tasks.

When we talk about making the world more accessible for this part of the community, we are not talking about giving anyone special treatment, we are talking about making things work for everyone, regardless of their physical and/or cognitive abilities. It is not simply about physical spaces; it’s also about information, technology and environments being usable for people with different abilities and needs.

For many years, we have been working on making Bupa a disability confident workplace, but we are now taking a significant step in formalising this work in our first Access & Inclusion Plan. Building on the great work to date, the plan focuses on working on practical ways to expand our access and inclusion policies and practices for our people, residents and for our customers.

Our inaugural Access & Inclusion Plan, developed in partnership with Australian Disability Network, outlines our commitments under four pillars:

• Our People: We want all of our people to be responsible for fostering an inclusive workplace that ensures everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to participate to their full potential.
• Accessibility & Choice: We want to remove any unintended barriers to participation for our customers, including through our products and services, and physical and digital spaces.
• Employer of Choice: We want to make sure we have the right recruitment processes, tools and resources in place so that we attract people to work at Bupa who are representative of all of our customers and communities. 
• Community: Building relationships with the right people, communities and organisations to learn, share, and grow based on common values.

Key to the development and execution of this plan is our Access and Inclusion Employee Advocacy Group, AccessAbility. This group of employees with lived experience, who are carers and their Allies have been providing valuable feedback and advice for many years now and have been holding Bupa to account in our commitment to supporting the disability community.

It’s important to acknowledge that while this plan represents an important first step and strong foundation, we still have a long way to go. We hope that, through this plan, we can elevate this important work in creating a more equitable environment that will encourage more people to join our workforce, ensure that workplace meets their needs and ensure we’re meeting the diverse needs of our customers.

You can read the full plan here.

The macula is located at the centre of the retina, in the back of the eyes, and is responsible for our detailed central vision.  The macula allows us to look directly at an object and see it clearly.  Without it we wouldn’t be able to see the faces of our loved ones, we would have difficulties reading and writing, and we may not be able to do many of the things we love to do.

During May there is an increased focus on macula disease awareness, and you may have seen articles in the media recently.  However, we should be aware of the macula and macula disease throughout every month of the year.

Macula disease impacts millions of Australians and is the leading cause of blindness in this country.  And diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of preventable blindness amongst Australians.  But it is not all bad news!  There are some things you can do now to help maintain the health of your macula, helping you see well into the future.

To reduce the risk of macula disease I recommend:

• Having regular eye tests, every 2 years but more often if:

o   there is a family history of macula (or any eye) disease

o   you are diabetic

o   you are over 65

• Don’t smoke
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Eat well!

Interestingly, there are many foods that are good for the eyes, and for the macula in particular – and not carrots as you may have been thinking!  Things like green leafy vegetables, fish, fresh fruit and foods high in antioxidants can all help in keeping your macula healthy. 

Macula Disease Foundation Australia has created a ‘Macula Menu’. The Macula Menu features hints and tips, as well as recipes, to help you make good food choices.  Recipes included are designed to help you have a healthy macula, particularly for age-related macular degeneration, diabetes and general healthy eating.  I have tried a few of them, and they are great!  You can download your free Macula Menu here.

As with many conditions, early detection is key to minimise the risks associated with macula disease so I recommend getting your eyes checked if you have any concerns.

Our Bupa Optical optometrists are well-equipped to check your macula and perform regular eye examinations.

To book in an eye test at a Bupa Optical store near you visit here.

 Whilst the rules of the game don’t change whether you’re playing home or away, the prevailing wisdom is that at home you’re operating in familiar surroundings with your fans, your community and all the idiosyncrasies and superstitions of your field. In short, familiarity should, and most often does, breed success.

Facing into challenges

In the lead-up to Earth Hour 2024, I’ve been thinking about the concept of a home-ground advantage when it comes to sustainability, and I think there could be something to it.

The issues around climate change can often seem overwhelming with melting polar icecaps in Antarctica along with record global temperatures and greenhouse gas levels, and it can be hard for an individual or a family to even know where to start. Or worse yet, to ask whether it’s even worth starting in the first place.

When you look at tackling a major challenge ahead, a successful outcome can often feel out of reach. But when you break it down into stages, one step (or one game) at a time, it helps the pathway become a little clearer, and more manageable.

 Of course, step 1 is winning at home.

 Your home ground and your planet

 At Bupa, we have strong ambitions to become a Net Zero Business by 2024. To achieve this we have implemented some significant initiatives to make this possible, such as switching to 100% renewable electricity, working with start-ups to address some of the challenges facing the health of our planet and finding new ways to deliver healthcare more sustainably.  

However, we know that it’s the power of individuals that will really drive this home through their engagement, their proactivity, and their everyday actions which, when added together, can make a monumental impact as a collective.

That’s why we are helping our people and our customers ‘win at home,’ through a range of grass-roots sustainability initiatives. We are helping them bring biodiversity back into their homes and local communities with the help of the Bupa Foundation and conservation partners and we are supporting our people to access savings, and reduce carbon, by moving to renewable electricity in their homes.

From a waste reduction perspective, we are giving health insurance customers the to claim with digital membership cards and move away from plastic options, while at Bupa Dental local communities have the opportunity to recycle their household dental waste at our practices.

Small decisions, big impact

Of course, one business or one household can’t fix climate change on its own, but when you add up all those little changes together can make a big difference to the health of our planet and our communities.

So, before you say to yourself, why bother switching off during Earth Hour, composting your food or taking a reusable coffee cup to the local cafe, it’s not going to change anything. Remember that each action you take at home, where you have the most autonomy to affect change, can help you win more broadly.

And if we as humankind can consistently win our home games year-round, we will go a long way towards fixing those bigger-picture environmental problems that once upon a time seemed insurmountable.    

So, let’s all do our part and #SwitchOff for 60 minutes this Earth Hour, get a win on the board and build some global momentum towards a healthier planet for healthy people.

While I’m not an Optometrist myself, I have worked within Bupa Optical for 2.5 years (and 7+ at Bupa APAC) and have come to understand Optometry isn't merely about prescribing glasses or fitting contact lenses; it's about nurturing and revitalising healthy vision and lifestyles within communities, households and workplaces.

Imagine a world where blurry vision hinders learning in classrooms, where road accidents spike due to undiagnosed vision impairments, or where the elderly struggle needlessly with diminished eyesight. Optometrists are there at the frontline working to prevent these scenarios, ensuring that individuals of all ages can see clearly and live life to their full potential.

At Bupa Optical, we believe that everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves access to essential eye care services. Through partnerships with local and international organisations, we extend our reach to communities around the world, offering screenings, education, and support to those in need.

As part of our commitment to promoting eye health amongst communities in need, Bupa Optical Optometrists coordinate yearly trips to regional and remote communities around the Northern Territory to provide eye care. We also donated over 5,000 pairs of spectacles and sunglasses frames to Cambodia Vision last year along with $5 from every frame sold as part of a World Sight Day campaign.

While the work we do in the community is really important and uplifting, even more inspiring is the attitudes I have seen amongst our Optometrists in recent years to see their role in enhancing and protecting general health along with eye health.

This commitment across our business has seen us invest in new holistic preventative health programs such as our EyeInspect which uses high-tech retinal screening technology and a database of more than 10 million retinal scans to identify eye and non-eye health problems such as diabetes. If detected, they can then be discussed further with the customer and with a trusted medical professional.

I have spoken to a few of our Optometrists who have customers come back to them and tell them that they have literally saved their lives because of an eye test and early medical intervention… and that is really gratifying and to be honest, something that gets me up and going in the morning.

So today, let’s raise our glasses (you see what I did there!), to our amazing Optometrists in Australia and around the world!   

I can remember when mum was diagnosed, we just didn’t understand how severe it would be, or how relentless. Mum would have chemotherapy and the cancer would be gone, but it just kept coming back and coming back. We could have never imagined the journey mum would have. She was so strong and resilient She could be having the worst day and she would still greet you with a smile and ask how you were.

Some people couldn’t believe that she was so sick because mum always put herself together and always picked herself up, every single day. But one message mum would share was to listen to your body. Know what’s going on and what feels different. If there’s a screening test for something, get it done and get a solid baseline for how you feel.

Unfortunately, we know that most of the time when ovarian cancer is discovered, it's already reached an advanced stage. There are often no symptoms early on, so that by the time a person experiences symptoms, the cancer has already progressed. That’s why we need an early detection test, so no family has to go through what we went through and no other woman has to go through what mum went through. This could be sorted so much earlier and people could have such a better chance.

We know that an early detection test will save lives. A little over a month after we lost mum, dad and a group of cycling mates known as ‘The King’s Men’ rode 400 kilometres through Victoria’s high country. They raised an incredible $128,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and that money’s already being put to work through an additional research grant.

Mum would always say “don’t be afraid to speak up for your health” - she saw it as her mission to raise awareness and fundraise. We just want that legacy to continue.

For further information about ovarian cancer - About Ovarian Cancer - Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (ocrf.com.au)

It’s also estimated that around three in every 10 Australians who died last year lost their lives to cancer.

The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia in 2023 were prostate, breast, skin and colorectal cancer. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of these cancers, which can improve health outcomes and quality of life. Even with the more uncommon cancers, earlier detection can result in a better prognosis and health outcomes.

We don’t have enough long-range data to confirm the impacts that the pandemic had on cancer screening and diagnosis. However, in Victoria for example, there was a 7% drop in cancer diagnoses in 2020 compared to the previous year, which coincided with the first and second waves of COVID-19. It’s estimated that there were potentially 2,420 people who were unable to benefit from more timely detection.

These statistics should be a wakeup call for all of us to take our health into our own hands. Make yourself aware of relevant cancer screening programs and access them. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss the ways in which you might prevent some of these cancers.

The World Health Organisation estimates that between 30 and 50% of cancers could be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle This includes not smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, and reducing unprotected sun exposure.

Acting early may have a profound impact on your health, with data showing there’s a 77% five-year survival rate for common cancers that are identified and treated in a timely manner.

So, whilst you may fear cancer, you can take many steps to reduce your risk of cancer. Be aware of any changes to your body or general health, and there are recommendations for cancer screening so make sure you take action and reach out to your GP for early support.

I am so glad I did, because the pathology later confirmed that the spot actually had pre-melanoma cells. These abnormal cells are often referred to as "precancerous" or "dysplastic" melanocytes. Detecting and treating these early-stage changes is crucial in preventing the progression to full-blown melanoma.

The spot in question wasn’t anything to cause alarm to me. It wasn’t raised, red or itchy. I would have put it down to just any other freckle, but it was actually slightly larger with some uneven edges. It goes to show that it takes an expert eye to assess your skin properly.

I sadly lost one of my cousins to melanoma, at a young age, but this spot still came as a surprise to me. It was on my back, so I didn’t really know it was there and never would have found it myself. It came as a surprise and I admit that I was quite blasé about it, like “it'll be fine”, but the results were eye opening. 

I have a nursing background, so I've always been conscious of preventative health and strongly believe that prevention is so much better than cure. So, when the dermatologist suggested that we initially take a scraping and then excise the area, I was very open to that. In fact, I believe that early action potentially saved my life.

Anybody who's thinking about getting a skin check or perhaps you haven't even thought about it, like the Nike ad, I would say: just do it. As a busy mother of two boys, finding time to squeeze in a skin check admittedly would have been low down on my ‘to-do’ list. But gosh, it took 15 minutes, and it was potentially lifesaving.

I have a pretty decent scar to show for it, but it's a battle wound that I'm very happy to have. If it helps start a conversation and encourages someone else to get checked, then that’s a win. I think it shows that skin cancer is far more prevalent than I think people realise and how vital regular skin checks are.

The sheer volume of emails in an inbox can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious.

But with a system and new habits, you can help keep on top of emails and find more time in your day by learning how to never miss an email, get rid of inbox cloggers and better prioritise your day. It will help you feel more in control of your workload by knowing what is there and planning time to get things done.

The quick wins:

• Unsubscribe yourself from the emails you don’t need
• Redirect any recurring emails that you don’t need to action straight away
• Use your calendar reminders to follow up on an email – removing it from your mental load while making sure that it still gets finished
• Block out time at the start of the day, or whenever works for you, to check through your emails and reply to emails
• Triaging your inbox and flag messages for follow up if they don’t need your immediate attention so that you don’t forget them
• Colour coding/ highlighting key emails coming from key stakeholders

If you redirect emails into a folder, with the press of a button you might find that hundreds of recurring emails are shifted from our inbox, so you can easily see what’s important. Such a simple task can really help relieve inbox anxiety.

I also find it helpful to highlight any emails that I’m just copied on. That way, I know if I've got 20 emails and 18 of them, I am just copied in on, I can prioritise the other two which are directly for me.

When you’re figuring out which emails you need to work on first ask yourself:

1. Can I do it later or delegate?
2. Will this take more than five minutes? Diarise it.
3. Less than five minutes? Do it now!

I ask myself those three questions whenever I'm going through my inbox and it really helps me cut through to the priorities, clear messages quickly and feel on top of things.

Finally, try and switch off when you’re not working. Try and resist the urge to check emails on your phone and turn off notifications during certain times of the day. Just like your phone, you too need a recharge.  

Remembrance Day is an incredibly important day for me. It’s a time to remember all those who served before us and, for me, it’s a time to reflect on the many I have served with who are no longer with us. I have many very good friends and work colleagues who suffer both the mental and physical injuries of war and it’s a very important opportunity for me to reflect on my own service.

My greatest sense of pride came from the opportunity to serve with, and later lead, some of Australia's finest young men and women in peace time. I was also part of war like operations and felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to bring people home to family and loved ones.

My time in the army taught me one very important lesson – don’t take life for granted. Things can and do change in a heartbeat.

With that in mind, I will always be true to myself, what you see is what you get. I make it a mission to laugh a lot, as life can be way too serious. I find the hardest wellbeing priority for me is being kind to myself – it’s a work in progress!

Susan Kruk was in the Army Reserve signed up against the advice from careers advisors in high school.

I put off enlisting after school, after being encouraged to go to university but soon found that the urge to be a part of something ‘bigger’ and to ‘doing something for my country’ was still strong.

When I enlisted, my initial goal was to complete 10 years’ service, which I did and to serve overseas which I proudly did twice.  

To me this is a day of reflection in remembering the diggers that fought on the battlefield and never returned.  It’s a day to reflect and show our respect to their selflessness and bravery also to the sacrifice that they and their families, made for their country in both war and peacetime.

I don’t consider myself the picture of health and wellness at the moment as injuries have reduced my physical capabilities. I do know that there’s always a way to keep moving. It could be as simple as standing up at the computer and having a stretch or walking to school pick up. 

Given people’s squeamishness on the subject, it’s easy for people to ignore the fact that adult incontinence products are a far bigger waste problem than baby diapers, with studies suggesting waste from adult incontinence products will outnumber infant diapers by between 4 and 10 times by 2030.

Taking action

 So why is it that I am blogging about this subject?

 Recently I registered to take part in Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program, where I joined a team of people across Bupa Asia Pacific to help develop a solution to some of the environment’s biggest problems with the help of an innovative start-up.

 While it may have been easier to investigate practices like minimising water use or planting more trees my team chose to investigate diaper waste understanding that Bupa is a major aged care provider around the world.

It may not be the most sexy or fun solution, but its importance cannot be underestimated and I’m so proud of my team for being brave in this respect.

 Finding a sustainable partner

 While most people don’t want to talk about adult incontinence, let alone address it from a sustainability standpoint, you can imagine how hard it was to find a start-up that would be willing to help us on our journey. Until we met DiaperRecycle.

This amazing start-up separates the plastic and the fibre. The plastic goes to plastic recyclers, and from the super absorbent fibre, they make cat litter which was a huge tick from me as an animal lover!

Their cat litter is half the weight of other fibrous litters, so will release less carbon. If your pet uses 1L of DiaperRecycle’s litter it will save 1kg of climate-changing emissions.

Small steps forward

I don’t normally work in aged care or in sustainability so initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect when embarking on our eco-Disruptive journey. But as the months went by, I began to realise that we may be on the cusp of something incredible with DiaperRecycle.

We are working on a limited pilot which we believe can make a profound impact through a few simple and small changes to our operations. Depending on the results we hope to turn this into something even bigger for Bupa and indeed planet Earth.

So here’s to facing up to the challenges we don’t necessarily want to talk about. We all have them, it’s just a matter of being real with yourself and being brave in your business!

At home, this might be recycling more or walking to work instead of driving, while at work this may mean your business switching to renewable energy or reducing the use of single-use plastics. These are practices I have definitely become more engaged in since I joined Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program.

Discussing sustainability with my teammates and sustainable start-ups on a daily basis has definitely opened my eyes to the challenges facing our planet and the undeniable link between the health of the planet and the health of people.

Blind spots

Nevertheless, I have realised that no matter how hard one looks in the mirror or at one’s own activities there is a Scope 3 blind spot impairing our ability to achieve Net Zero.

But what are they?

Scope 3 emissions encompasses emissions that are not produced by the company itself, but by those that it's indirectly responsible for up and down its value chain. Think raw materials, resellers and rubbish collection. This makes it tricky to address and sometimes even tricker to identify.

A solution? 

Our team knew Scope 3 was a problem, but it was only when we engaged ClimateClever, that we opened our eyes to the new and novel innovative ways businesses could track and manage those emissions.

At its core, ClimateClever is empowered by cutting-edge software, designed to empower users to calculate, monitor, and benchmark their carbon footprints. Moreover, it provides the means to create individualized, data-driven sustainability action plans, offset emissions, and procure comprehensive carbon footprint reports. As part of a seamless digital platform, your suppliers just need to tag their emissions directly to projects or events which will then aggregate into your own impact score.

This is a vital tool because for many businesses, Scope 3 emissions account for more than 70 per cent of their carbon footprint.

The journey

We know that an app cannot be the be-all and end-all of sustainability reporting and that healthcare is a complex and humungous system comprised of thousands of suppliers, properties and practitioners. However, through a limited pilot, we hope to show how live digital tagging of Scope 3 emissions can be part of the conversation to simplify the process somewhat and more importantly shed light on the direct environmental impacts of non-direct business activities. 

There may be a long way to go towards decarbonising healthcare, but we know we can’t shy away from big challenges. So, here’s to taking a big swing for a big impact on the health of the planet and the health of humankind.

However, in my line of work you soon come to realise that the effects of construction on the environment is immense, with the industry generating an alarming amount of waste. Research shows that over 30% of all waste is a result of building, renovation and demolition activities.

Healthcare’s impact

The impact of construction on the environment really hits close to home, especially for someone who is involved in fit-out projects and works in the healthcare sector, one of the most property-intensive industries in the world over 165,000 hospitals alone. Add that to the countless GP practices, dental and other allied health clinics - our footprint is enormous.

With every passing day, we become increasingly aware of the world's environmental challenges. So I was pleased to learn that so many people within Bupa share my passion regardless of their role. Particularly my eco-Disruptive team who have come together to find a start-up to work alongside to create bold sustainable solutions. In short, we wanted to find people to help us enable Healthy Bupa Buildings!

Building sustainable healthcare

XFrame are an Australian-based start-up with a revolutionary solution for minimising building waste. Their brainchild? A modular framing system that's not just easy on the environment but also a game-changer in construction and commercial fit-outs.

The magic of XFrame lies in its simplicity. Their modular system, constructed from natural, renewable materials, is locally manufactured using sustainably sourced structural plywood. These structural parts effortlessly clip together, eliminating the need for nails, screws, or adhesives. What's more, they can be easily disassembled, reconfigured, and reused, significantly reducing waste in a building's lifecycle.

Big projects and big dreams

So, what do we hope to achieve with XFrame? We hope that there is an opportunity for XFrame to collaborate with Bupa beyond the Eco-Disruptive Programme, finding applications in some of the healthcare spaces we operate.

But more than that, our mission right now is to shine a spotlight on XFrame and sustainable building practices. We want to spread the word that a "Healthy Building" can indeed be synonymous with environmentally responsible construction.

A Change in Perspective

One of my squad members, Nathan McLeod, eloquently captures the transformation:

"Eco-Disruptive has made me realise that there are amazing companies out there making very real impacts on climate and the environment. We just need to be aware of them!"

The programme has indeed opened our eyes to the myriad of possibilities in the realm of sustainability as well as bringing us closer to incredible companies like XFrame, who are making significant strides in sustainably managing waste and reusing materials.

While some environmental challenges cannot be resolved overnight, there is plenty of innovation taking place towards creating not just a healthier building, but a healthier planet for our people. And that is a project worth stepping back and genuinely saying “hey I was part of that.”

To support health promotion, this year, we’ve invested in mental health by partnering with This Way Up to give each team member, and eligible health insurance customer, free access to an online mental health program. Eighty per cent of people who do an online program with TWU say they feel an improvement, as a result. While a focus on wellbeing and health promotion are important aspects of our approach, we emphasise that psychological health and safety is not about training people to be healthier, or more resilient - it’s about creating work environments and designing work that enables them to be the best version of themselves, to keep them physically and psychologically healthy and safe and also seeking their feedback about how to improve.

At Bupa, our Executive Leadership Team has supported a dedicated Psychological Health and Wellbeing team since 2016 and have a standing agenda item at their leadership meetings, to discuss mental health. This speaks to the commitment we have to our people in understanding any current and emerging issues, and prioritising solutions, with the decision makers.

For me personally, good mental health means that I can manage life’s challenges, while still being able to do the things I enjoy. This includes spending meaningful time with my family and feeling able to be really present, working towards accomplishing my goals, and feeling a strong sense of purpose. My work plays a big part in that, which is one reason why I am so motivated to help make work a great place for everyone. 

For workplaces and leaders who may be at different stages of the psychological health and safety journey - I know it’s not always easy. I do believe that we can all find small ways to be a part of the change, now more than ever before. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to a trusted Psychological Health and Safety specialist or service provider to help you out, because organisations must provide their people with a psychosocially safe place to work - and we all deserve that.

Healthcaring is more than a tagline, or a TV ad, we want it to demonstrate who we are and what we do, helping to shift the perception of Bupa from just a health insurer to a healthcare partner who puts words into action.

We believe Healthcaring reflects our unique ability to support our customers through their various stages of life. Whether it’s health insurance, new glasses, your regular dental check-up or choosing residential aged care, we’re striving to make it easier for our customers and residents to navigate and connect to services in our healthcare system.

It's exciting to see the campaign go live nationally across television, digital, outdoor and social channels, and across our communications, stores, care homes and clinics.

But what you might not see is what we’re doing behind the scenes to bring Healthcaring to life for our customers now and into the future.

Healthcare is personal, and we want to play an active part in creating a truly effortless and customer-focused healthcare experience. We will do that by better personalising our systems to support our 4.2 million customers to get well and stay well.

Today is just phase one of a new era for us as we are move forward on the future of healthcare, with improved and connected experiences for our customers and residents. There’s much work to do, and we can’t do it alone, but we hope Healthcaring will resonate with our customers and our people, taking us a step closer to a more connected future in health.

 I've always been sporty. I was actually a distance swimmer as a kid and, to be honest, I couldn't run across the road to save myself. Becoming disabled changed my life and has got me into this great sport.

 I got a neurological illness in 1999 and I went through a period where I walked again and then I ended up back in the chair.  It was very interesting to see both worlds, how I was treated by people when I was in the chair as opposed to being able to walk.

Just as I found running in 2017, I injured my shoulder and spent 11 months in hospital. I was told that I may not be able to live independently and end up in care, let alone be able to do long distance events. The drive to get back into running probably changed my life and saved my life.

My brother and I both love Disney and learned about Run Disney, which has you running through the Disney parks at 5am while they’re still closed. My brother signed up, so I signed up for a 10km run and did it in a day chair. I absolutely loved it. It became the start of a very long journey.

From then, I progressed to what's called a free wheel where you put in an extra wheel on front of a wheelchair and then I was very, very lucky when my friends did a Go Fund Me for a race chair. That has opened up even more opportunities the distance has got longer, the equipment got better, and I'm enjoying it so much.

I consider myself just another runner. Like 98% of the people out there, I'm not elite, but the community has just been so welcoming. Because I'm not super fast, I am amongst the pack, and I love chatting to runners while we're out there. They go past me on the up hills and I catch them on the downhills.

I've just completed my 10th marathon when I thought I’d never do one. I'm currently doing five marathons in five months. I'm travelling Australia, I'm travelling the world, and it's just amazing.

You can get into your own head and think you can't do something. Whereas if you get your head in the right space, you can prove yourself. It's amazing what you can achieve. I know that my shoulder is going to hurt if I sit and do nothing all day, so if I go and do 42km s it still hurts, so let's get out there.

I’ve come to realise this isn't just an elite sport for those of us with a disability. I used to think that if I'm not in a race chair, and I'm not elite, there's no space for me. We're breaking down those barriers now. Anyone can get out and give it a go, so please do!

That's where Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program came into play which has been a game-changer for me, professionally and personally.

While the program primarily involves working with start-ups to solve some of the major environmental issues facing our planet; it's also enabled me to work beyond the technology team and collaborate with people from across Bupa's Asia-Pacific network who do a lot of different things at work, but all share a passion for sustainability.

The big problem

When our team was discussing what we collectively wanted to get out of the program, one theme kept coming up. We all wanted to make an impact where healthcare is most often delivered… the hospital.

Healthcare is a resource-intensive industry with hospitals in particular using a range of disposable medical devices in their day-to-day procedures. Unfortunately, many of these products (important as they are) end up in landfill. As such it is not surprising that the healthcare industry is responsible for around 5 per cent of the emissions of greenhouse gases worldwide^[1].

Good for the planet, good for the hip pocket

There is a lot of scary research when it comes to sustainability and climate change, however when searching for a start-up to work with we discovered a little nugget of hope.

It came in the shape of overseas research which suggested: “a device may be labelled as single-use because the manufacturer chooses not to conduct the studies needed to demonstrate that the device can be labelled as reusable^[2].”

Enter Medsalv,

The ability to disrupt the medical device industry really appealed to us and led our team to reach out to Medsalv, a medical device company that specialises in the provision of reprocessed devices and refurbished devices.

According to their projections, hospitals can divert a staggering 80 to 100 per cent of target devices away from landfills while saving 40 to 75 per cent of the cost of new devices by opting for reprocessed devices from MedSalv.

Along with reducing wastage, this could also reduce the cost of delivering healthcare which is good for the planet and good for patient hip-pockets alike.

Early days and exciting times

I know what you’re thinking – “This seems like a big change for a small team.”

Well, you are right, there is a range of regulatory and clinical hoops to jump through when it comes to medical devices and the wellbeing of the patient must be at the core of any decision made. However, we are confident we can develop a test case to get the ball rolling and hopefully move bravely forward into a greener, healthier world, one reprocessed medical device at a time!

^{[1] The carbon footprint of healthcare settings: A systematic review - Rodríguez‐Jiménez - 2023 - Journal of Advanced Nursing - Wiley Online Library}

^{[2] GAO-08-147 Reprocessed Single-Use Medical Devices: FDA Oversight Has Increased, and Available Information Does Not Indicate That Use Presents an Elevated Health Risk}

My eco-Disruptive team accepted an important mission: to reshape industries, challenge the status quo, and accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable world. But we were missing one important element, a start up to work with. 

Enter Coolsan! 

Waste not want not  

Our team was undoubtedly looking to produce something ground-breaking, something that could be a real difference-maker in the health industry and indeed broader society. But first, we needed to find a specific problem to address.  

 Then it dawned on us, that perhaps production itself is a problem that needs fixing, specifically food. It shocked us to learn that one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted and that up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gases comes from food that is produced, but not eaten¹.

This led us to Coolsan, a passionate start up with an amazing product, ChillSafe. This remarkable innovation, when placed in a cool room or fridge, absorbs water vapor from the air, triggering the activation of ultra-low-dose hydrogen peroxide vapor. This vapor plays a pivotal role in preserving fresh produce by inhibiting bacteria, mould, and spore viability, breaking down ethylene gas, reducing odours, and preventing biofilm formation. 

Translation: Food stays fresher for longer; you won’t be needing to throw out your coriander after just buying it from the market! 

The possibilities  

Whether it’s in an aged care home, hospital or rehab facility, food plays a major role in the healthcare industry.  That’s why we are working on a solution with Coolsan that will help us reduce spoilage and promote the use of fresh foods and ingredients within those facilities.  

After all, if your fresh fruits and veggies are lasting longer you are more likely to use them in place of packaged options that are often more plastic intensive. Fresher food also means better nutrition – win win. 

Our magic recipe for success is mixing their tech-know-how with our healthcare expertise, data and insights. 

A cause for optimism 

As I continue to bridge the gap between healthcare and sustainability, I am motivated by the belief that positive change is within our reach. Together, through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions like ChillSafe, we can shape a brighter and more sustainable future for all. 

Watch this space! 

That’s because I’ve associated it with being part of Bupa’s Healthy Cities program. This month, we launched the program across Australia and New Zealand to get our people active throughout September, and in doing so unlocking $1 million in project funding to help promote biodiversity and restore the environment. It’s our way of highlighting the inextricable link between the health of people and our planet.

As part of Healthy Cities, I personally challenged myself to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per day to help contribute to environmental projects, but importantly for me, to better focus on my own physical and mental wellbeing. And so far, so good, I’m hitting that target and feeling much the better for it.

The power of the collective

Over the years I have found that increasingly, the road to Net-Zero is paved with spreadsheets, strategy documents and emails. However, amidst all the numbers, projections, proposals, and meeting invites, we can often lose sight of the greatest asset a business has when it comes to the challenge of restoring and protecting our environment – people, and through them collective action.

I’ve been completely blown away by how enthusiastically more than 5,000 people jumped into the Healthy Cities challenge to help us achieve our goal. They’ve made changes to their personal routines, prioritising physical activity, and getting out and about into nature, while empowering and encouraging each other.

Suddenly we’re seeing Microsoft Teams as walking meetings, lunchtime jogging clubs, and I’ve joined some of my colleagues for Healthy Cities walking events, including Aboriginal cultural walking tours where we delved into the rich history of First Nations people.

So, through Healthy Cities, we are not walking alone.

Collaboration means restoration

As Sustainable September takes place across Australia and New Zealand, some of my colleagues from across the Bupa are attending and presenting at Climate Week NYC where the theme is (not coincidentally) ‘We Can. We Will.’

As my colleague, Group Director of Sustainability, Glyn Richards noted, the responsibility and accountability for action to deliver Net Zero cannot sit in one sector nor in one country; we need cross-industry and cross-border collaboration.

That’s why thinking outside the Bupa box is so important to our sustainability strategy.

Through Healthy Cities we’re partnering with organisations such as Airseed Technologies, Earthwatch Australia, Greening Australia and Project Crimson Trust to undertake regeneration projects.

Through our Bupa Foundation partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, we’re giving Australians an opportunity to bring biodiversity into their lives for the benefit of their mental wellbeing and local ecosystems by supporting their Nature Blocks campaign.

Teams of Bupa people across Asia Pacific are also working hand-in-hand with start-ups to develop innovative solutions that improve the health of people and the planet through the 2023 eco-Disruptive program.

Where to from here?

While the passion for sustainability and healthy living habits is alive and well at Bupa, our challenge is to help further spread the message of “a healthy planet for healthy people” throughout the communities where we live and operate.

We know by empowering people to take an active role in their health and wellbeing, we can reduce the risk of them needing treatment, which reduces the use of precious natural resources, carbon emissions and the waste produced by the healthcare sector.

We know by helping connect people with local environmental programs we can also create healthy communities that actively care for the spaces they work, live and play in.

Furthermore, we know we also need to innovate and think differently to meet the urgent challenges that climate change is presenting.

So, let’s continue to encourage each other, ideate together and make time to get active and exercise or volunteer together. Because together is the only way the greatest team of all, humankind, will win.

Right, with that said I can get back to humming Blue Moon, and enjoy looking at City’s lead over Liverpool in the Premier League table!

He says he's always enjoyed sports and started playing Australian Rules football when he was just 7 and more recently discovered running.

Keeping your food prep safe.

Try one of our healthy recipes.

Carb loading meal plans for the endurance athlete.
 

This year, I decided to challenge myself as part of my role at Bupa and volunteer for the eco-Disruptive program which gives employees the opportunity to form teams and work with start-ups to develop innovative solutions that improve the health of people and the planet.

My team, which is comprised of people across Bupa Asia Pacific decided to focus on the issue of urban restoration acknowledging the linkage between the health of a city’s eco-system and the health of the people who live there.  

Early visions

While we are only in the early stages of developing our solution, our broad goal is to leverage OPO's innovative tech with our health expertise, to put knowledge right at people's fingertips.

Picture this: You're taking a leisurely stroll in the park during spring, and your OPO app pings you about areas with more allergenic trees or better tree canopy coverage, helping you avoid those pesky allergies or unexpected sunburns. From a community involvement perspective, it can also give you ideas for where new trees or shrubs might best be planted to enhance the area.

An experience like no other

Thinking outside my regular role as Village Manager has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve been able to make new relationships and learn from fellow colleagues across APAC which has grown my skillset and passion for all things sustainability.

As we witness the effects of climate change and urbanisation on our environment, we've come to appreciate that our own well-being is intricately tied to the health of our surroundings. Urban restoration and regeneration aren't just fancy buzzwords; they're keys to unlocking a happier, healthier future.

By investing in greening our cities and promoting nature-centric healthcare, we have the power to reduce stress, boost our quality of life, and create a positive ripple effect in our communities. When we take care of our planet, we're taking care of ourselves, too. It's a win-win!

There is still lots of work to do ahead of the final presentation where we will showcase our prospective solution against teams from across Bupa’s network but I already feel like we are boldly stepping into a world where the well-being of the planet and its people intertwine in a beautiful, green dance, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and honour the rich cultural history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, ‘For our Elders’ gives all Australians an opportunity to learn more the role that Elders play in First Nations’ culture.

Helen, who lives at our Ballarat aged care home, is among those Elders that the  NAIDOC week committee describes as “the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and loved ones”.

We are fortunate enough to be able to celebrate NAIDOC week with several Elders who call our aged care residences, home.

Helen generously shares her story with us and explains how  Elders play a vital role in First Nations culture.

“They bring the stories out to the younger people and I think they help them that way,” she says.

 Helen says that she is still learning about her heritage and takes the time each NAIDOC week to spend time with her uncle, who has been able to tell her more about her beloved mother.

Helen says her mother, Carolyn Sandford, was from Arrente lands, near Alice Springs. Carolyn later became a member of the Maralinga Community and lived on the Dalhousie Cattle Station where she and other Aboriginal children were adopted by the owner. Helen says that although they worked around the station, they were treated well and not forced to work.

Carolyn married a travelling carpenter and they settled together in Ballarat, a city in regional Victoria. Together, they raised a family of nine children, including five boys and four girls. Helen says her mum had a remarkable ability to pass on knowledge and teach all her children, but it’s not known if she went to school herself.

In hearing about her ancestors, Helen says the Arrente people’s lands span the area of Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell Ranges. They are also known as Aranda, Arrarnta, Arunta, and various similar spellings. The Arrernte people coexist with neighbouring indigenous groups and they work hard to within Arrernte country protect diverse species and preserve the land.

Helen likes to support her community where she can and knits hats and booties to donate to premature babies at the local hospital.

People with a disability are approximately 50% less likely to be physically active resulting in many people missing out on the health, wellbeing, and social benefits of exercise.

With that in mind, the Bupa Foundation Community Grants awarded Achilles Melbourne $10,000 to support trail adventures for members and their guides in regional areas that would otherwise be too difficult to reach.

The Bupa Foundation Community Grants are awarded to groups nominated by Bupa people and Achilles was put forward by Natalie Blair, who works in our Melbourne office. She shares her experiences as a guide and why groups like Achilles are so important.

I first started with as Achilles guide in 2016, when the Melbourne chapter of Achilles International was launched with a small membership base. The focus back then was supporting our members to get out and get active by walking or running in organised events like Run Melbourne and the Melbourne Marathon. Over the years, we've developed our club and now also have a regional hiking program.

The Bupa Foundation Community Grant we received this year helped us do just that. The most recent event was the Achilles regional hike at the Werribee Gorge, which isn’t usually easily accessible to people with a vision impairment via public transport. The trail was technical and involved another level of verbal cues for our experienced guides, but it was a fabulous day out and our members loved it.

I started running in early 2016 when I was going through a difficult time in my marriage. Running helped me cope with anxiety and I started entering local running events in Sydney. It was the Mother's Day Classic when I found myself running behind a vision impaired runner and their guide and they basically became my pacers. I was fascinated listening to the guide calling out verbal cues like when to turn on the course and how to avoid obstacles. When I moved to Melbourne soon after, I was looking to join a running club. I thought oh I might look up to see if there's a Melbourne chapter of that club that I'd seen in Sydney, and I found it – Achilles Melbourne!

When I started running, I loved the feeling I got and really felt the positive impact on my mental health during a time of big change in my life. I thought if I can help someone else get out and get active, I’m in. 

As someone with sight, I know I’ve always taken running and being out in nature as a given. But for someone who isn't out in nature a lot because they can't access remote locations, they are so much more aware of their other senses like how it smells and sounds. They’ll ask me to describe what I can see in the horizon, or what is the type of tree they can smell as we hike along the trail.

Supporting people with vision impairment and support their physical and mental health was one of the main reasons for this program. Events are great too, because we train together, prepare for the challenge, and have something to work towards. The hiking events are different again because nature adds that extra element of enjoyment.

The Foundation awards grants of up to $10,000 to community organisations that are nominated by Bupa people.

Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Bupa Asia Pacific said local grass-roots organisations play a unique and important role in supporting people and their communities.

“We want our people to be active in the community and advocate for groups and causes they connect with, and I’m so pleased to award these funds to such a diverse group of recipients that are making a real impact in their local areas,”

“We’re proud to back Achilles Melbourne so they can run their regional excursions over 12 months, that aim to build the confidence of blind and disabled athletes, train locals to guide and support blind and disabled athletes, and grow social connections,” Roger said.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or winter, it’s important to protect your eyes from glare and UV.

For those who normally wear prescription glasses to help them see better in the distance,  having a pair of prescription sunglasses is also important to help make driving, sport or just spending time in the great outdoors as safe and as comfortable as possible.

How to choose a good quality pair of sunnies

It’s important to make sure that the pair you’re buying stacks up to local standards. If you’re shopping in Australia for sunglasses, the lenses must pass testing and be labelled to meet those standards. You can easily check the label, to make sure. Remember, darker lenses don’t necessarily mean greater protection.

Even the frames that you choose can help protect your eyes. There are plenty of options available now that sit close to your face by wrapping around and blocking UV radiation and glare, without that protection glare can actually bounce off the lenses into your eyes.

Another option is polarised lenses, which dramatically cut the glare on a sunny day, if you’re on the water or in the snow. They don’t, however, carry a higher level of UV protection.

When it comes to the actual fit, the frames should fit comfortably but not be too tight and your eyelashes shouldn’t touch the back of the lenses. You should be able to look down to your feet, while gently moving your head ‘no’ without the sunglasses falling.

What do the different ratings mean?

Just like sunscreen, there’s varying degrees of protection that sunglasses will give you from UV radiation. The standards rank them from 0, which is very little protection to 4 which is very good. Anything labelled 2 or above will absorb 95% of UV light, so we usually recommend category 2 or 3 for everyday use.

Category 4 sunglasses are for special purposes, like snow sports, because they have very high-glare reduction but they’re not suitable if you’re driving, because they’re so dark and can impact what you can see. 

That said, the Australian Standard doesn’t apply to prescription sunglasses so it is best to talk to your optometrist about your options. There are a wide variety of tints available, and a UV filter is recommended. If you spend a lot of time outside in high glare environments, you might like to have a polarised tint in your prescription sunglasses.

Picking the right style for you

Don’t just buy a pair of sunglasses because your favourite celebrity or influencer wears them, find a pair that sits comfortably on your face, is good quality and fits your budget. If you need some help, it can always be helpful to bring a friend or consult your local optometrist who can talk about which styles suit which face shape.

Have some fun with it and protect those eyes!

And a definition of what makes someone a runner can be as wide as some pavements that are pounded.

Is it how fast you go? Is it how far you go? Can you have walk breaks and still be a runner?

For some, the pandemic was a prompt to get out of the gym and try something new. For others, it’s a cost-effective way to get fit, with two in five of us citing costs as the main barrier to maintaining health and wellbeing, according to the latest Bupa Pulse Check study.

No matter what kind of runner you are, today we’re celebrating you on Global Runners Day.

 We caught up with some of our own team members to find out what fuels them to get running and stay on track.

Sarah is from Melbourne and part of our People team and says running for her is key to good mental health.

“It gives me time to sort through the issues that I am working on, work or personal, and gives them the attention they deserve. I often make big decisions during a run.

Jennefer works for Bupa Dental in Brisbane and says she loves running, rain, hail or shine.

Glen is Sydney based and works in our Wellbeing Rewards team and says there’s nothing like lacing up and getting out there.

Dan Baptista works in our Brisbane operations office and admits his running buddy may have an advantage, as she has four legs.

Man from Bupa Hong Kong runs three to four times a week and says it puts a smile on her face.

Keen to get started? We’ve got some top tips to get you on your way. Get started running.

Keen to get started? We’ve got some top tips to get you on your way. Get started running.

Inevitably, this involves a lot of meetings and reports; however, the most important ingredient in any sustainability strategy is people… Do people understand what we are doing, how we need to change and are they willing to get involved?

This is particularly pertinent around World Environment Day 2023, where the world unites to engage in activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution.

The universally understood issue of plastic pollution 

As a result of many years of education programs and reduction initiatives by governments, business and community organisations, most people are aware of the dangers of plastics impacting our oceans, filling landfill and (increasingly) entering the bodies of both humans and wildlife.

Closer to home, Bupa employees have not shied away from the fact that the healthcare industry is a product-intensive industry with many plastic products required to care for patients in a clinically safe manner. When also taking energy consumption and other factors into account, the stark truth is that if the healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth largest polluter on Earth^[1].

Thankfully though, whenever I mention the need to reduce our plastic use across our business, the answer is usually “Yes, how can I help?” regardless of a person’s position or business proximity to the central sustainability team. It’s encouraging to know our people understand this is an ‘everyone’ issue and they’re willing to get their hands dirty through innovation, business transformation or volunteering to help address it.

Early wins on a long journey

Through our eco-Disruptive program, we have invested in and are working hand-in-hand with Aussie start-up Cassava Bags Australia to help roll out 100% biodegradable bags made from the Cassava root, across our business. We’re planning to start with simple kitchen products such as bin liners but we see a multitude of uses across our retail stores, health services businesses and aged care homes.

In our health insurance business, for example, we are offering digital membership cards which have been taken up by more than 668,000 customers. That’s a saving of enough physical plastic cards to wrap around the MCG 119 times!

Our dental business is also moving away from using single use plastics across a range of common dental care products such as tray covers, headrest covers, and X-Ray sensor sleeves while our Optical stores have shifted to 100% recyclable bags across our national network of stores. Again, in many of these instances we are partnering with our 2022 Eco-Disruptive winner, Cassava Bags Australia, on the solution.

In aged care, our New Zealand operations have diverted more than 1.5 tonnes of textile waste (including plastic-based materials such as polyester) from landfill through a uniform recycling partnership with Upparel. While in Australia, Bupa Aged Care has prevented more than 36,000 pieces of plastic from going into landfill since partnering with The Turtle Tribe to deliver bamboo toothbrushes to every Bupa care home.

Boots on the ground

While the war against plastic pollution requires high-level systems, innovations, and partnerships, sometimes the best way to move forward is to do the smaller things that are right in front of you, such as removing plastics from local ecosystems through volunteering and identifying and removing plastics from oceans, parklands and waterways.

I've had the pleasure of joining our team for several volunteering sessions with the Bupa Foundation’s strategic partner, Conservation Volunteers Australia, and love the engagement, teamwork and passion these events create as we advance our strategies for creating a healthy planet for healthy people.

And rest assured we have some bold plans for a Plastic Free July campaign… so stay tuned!

Applying Medical principals to environmental impact

The concept of “do no harm,” is a central principle of the Hippocratic oath for medical professionals and I believe we can extend this to all practitioners, businesses and suppliers who are connected to healthcare.

So, on World Environment Day, I encourage you to think about how you can apply environmental “do no harm” thinking to your professional and personal life and engage with the global call-out to find “Solutions to Plastic Pollution.

Because no matter who you are and what you do, there is plastic nearby and positive change within reach.

^{[1] The nexus between climate change and healthcare - The Health Policy Partnership}

What is mindfulness?  

Mindfulness is often practiced through techniques like meditation, journaling, or cultivating gratitude. It’s a practice where we focus our attention on our breathing, sensations in the body, or specific thoughts and emotions. Essentially paying attention to what is happening right now. It brings you to the present, you become aware of what’s happening and are able to just observe. It is a simple act, but one that can help you feel more balanced and refreshed to take on the rest of the day.  

What are the potential benefits of mindfulness, and how can I integrate it into my daily routine? 

There are multiple benefits of practising mindfulness and some of these include reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, better memory, and increasing your confidence. Mindfulness empowers you to respond to situations based on the present moment, rather than reacting out of habit. It can help you to approach each situation with clarity and openness. 

You don't need anything fancy or to be in a specific place to practice mindfulness. Whether you're sitting in a calm room or walking outside, try giving it a go using any of these methods: 

• Journalling – write or draw whatever feels comfortable, even just 5 minutes of journalling can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviours.  
• Mindful breathing - check in on your breathing acknowledging the sensation of each inhale and exhale.  
• Observe your surroundings without distractions - taking notice of colours and textures, acknowledge any thoughts and feelings that arise and accept those thoughts, without judgement.  
• Build moments of gratitude with your loved ones - try asking them about the best part of their day and then share your own highlights in return. 
• Discover a useful meditation app and include it as daily practice in your wake up or wind down routine.  

How often are Australians practicing mindfulness?  

Currently, 15% of Australians engage in regular meditation, while 25% express a desire to start practicing but are not currently doing so. We know that journalling or practicing gratitude can also help with our mindset but just 12% of Australians say it’s something they do regularly and 17% say it’s still on their to do list.  

According to the Bupa Pulse Check survey, two in three Aussies aged 18-39 sought support for their mental health in the past 12 months. In addition to seeking appropriate professional help, integrating mindfulness into our daily routine offers a powerful tool to support our overall wellbeing, and something that we ourselves have control over. It’s a great complimentary practice, so why not give it a try today.   

And for one Bupa member in palliative care, a trio of flutes did just that and fulfilled her dream to play again.

Dorothy has a love for music and learnt to play the flute in the 1980s when she was teaching at a local, country school.

Dorothy was talking with her palliative care nurse, Claire,  and said how she longed to play the flute again. It had been too long between blowing magical notes through the flute, and she was keen to start playing again.

Claire started doing some asking around and then discovered that pastoral care co-ordinator, Susan, played the flute and was happy to join Dorothy. Claire couldn’t resist the temptation and also joined in.

Claire said it was a beautiful afternoon.

“We mostly played old band songs that she used to play. She could not stop smiling the whole time we were there. She was nervous to begin with, but it was very sweet,” Claire said.

Daughter, Charmaine, said that it was lovely for her and her dad to hear music playing in their home again.

“It was awesome, it brought tears to mine and dad’s eyes just to be seeing her play again and to be happy. It was beautiful,” Charmaine said.

This Palliative Care week, Bupa pays tribute to those supporting loved ones and the palliative care teams who are there for their patients and their relatives during some of life’s toughest days and moments.

For people and families living with a life limiting illness there are choices around their care, with research showing 70% would prefer to see out life’s journey at home. Access to home-based palliative care services has been found to double that chance, if that was preferred, and helped support family or caregivers.

Bupa’s Palliative Care Choices program manager Melanie Jones said the program supported people to choose where they wanted to be cared for.

“Depending on their needs and wishes, they can receive personalised, specialist palliative care at home or in hospital,” she said.

Melanie said Dorothy’s story warmed all of their hearts.

Dorothy’s story is a perfect example of how our people can help make a difference to our customers and their loved ones’ lives.

And for those few hours, Dorothy, this was Your Song.

Learn more about Bupa’s Palliative Care Choices program Palliative Care Choices Program | Bupa.

However, the workforce challenges facing the aged care sector are far more severe in regional and rural Australia, and without immediate action, in addition to the wage increase, there are very real risks to the future of homes in communities outside major cities.

In regional Australia, aged care homes are critical parts of the community, economically and symbolically. Along with providing care and support to older Australians who have grown up or moved into the area or its surrounds, these homes contribute significantly to the local economy and employment and support local small business.

The sector-wide workforce shortage has now reached a tipping point where many regional homes are now declining new residents, not because they don’t have room, but because there simply aren’t enough people to properly care for them. This means many older Australians are increasingly going without care or are unnecessarily taking up hospital beds awaiting a place in residential care. Others have been forced to find homes far from where they would like to be, separating them from their families and community.

We’re also working with WomenCAN Australia to support women from vulnerable backgrounds in regional Australia to embark on a career in aged care with a paid traineeship and a guaranteed offer of employment at the end of their training. These are initiatives that we can put into practice, but we know they cannot address the wider challenges at play.

With the looming crisis in regional Australia, coordination across all levels of government is required.  

We should start by sending a clear signal that nurse-led care for older Australians is important and should be rewarded and recognised.  Due to differences in pay under relevant awards and enterprise agreements, aged care nurses can often earn significantly more across the road in a hospital. We need to value those working in aged care the same as those working in a hospital, and the simple way to do this is through pay parity.

An immediate solution is to create a new visa to fast-track approval for aged care workers and provide them with better pathways to permanent residency, as recommended by the Productivity Commission and similar to what has been done in Canada. It’s estimated that up to 500,000 skilled people are waiting for visas – many of these people would want to work in regional Australia.

We can also make it more attractive for people to have a second career in aged care. We can harness the working power of the four million Australians aged 65 and above by making small changes to the pension and tax system that would allow them to work more than one day a week without losing their pension. New Zealand has done this and seen the benefit for both its workers and its community. If Australia had the same 65+ workforce participation as New Zealand, we estimate we would have more than 10,000 more people in the aged care workforce.

Finally, we need to encourage people to move from the cities to the regions, such as wiping HECS debt for RNs and carers who commit to working long-term in regional Australia. In many regions, better access to affordable housing is also key, with post COVID migration from cities and growth in short-term rentals has meant that many essential workers are unable to access housing in many regional centres.

While there is no quick fix, we believe that greater partnership across all levels of government is critical can resolve these issues in regional Australia. This will go towards plugging the short-term gaps while laying a smoother foundation for the future to ensure as a society, we’re delivering the care older Australians and their families expect and deserve, now and into the future.