How Tragedy Led to a Career in Exercise Physiology: Kale’s Men’s Health Story

Our Drummoyne Exercise Physiologist, Kale Barton- Bissaker, has unfortunately seen first hand the consequence of men suffering from poor physical and mental health. Kale’s Father passed away of oesophageal cancer in 2013. In 2019, his best friend tragically took his own life. Both of these events have strongly influenced Kale’s perspective on men’s health and physical activity.

As part of our men’s health campaign Longevity Exercise Physiology, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay, and Coburg,   ask Kale to relay his story in an effort to educate and encourage men to take charge of their health.

Men’s health is a huge part of my life that I that I hold with the upmost care and respect.  I have seen and experienced first hand the devastating effects pushing heath to the side can have.

 

In 2013, my Father was diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal cancer at the age of 66. His lifestyle behaviours were poor. He was a  heavy smoker, enjoyed a few beers of an afternoon and only performed incidental activity that was required by his job.

He did not have a great relationship with exercise for decades prior to his diagnosis. This was increasingly evident as he aged. 7 weeks from his diagnosis, my Father passed away on Christmas Day.

Fast forwards six years, and I was hit with another blow. My best friend Zeth took his own life in 2019. This was completely unexpected and out of the blue. I was absolutely devastated and heart broken, and something I hope no one reading this ever has to experience. What was most shocking about this was my friend seemed “ok.” He had great relationships with his friends and family and seemingly prioritised his health. He was actually the reason I started working out myself, going to the gym was “our thing.”

Both of these events had a profound effect on me and my attitude to men’s health. This is what led me to begin my career as an Exercise Physiologist.

If I could go back in time knowing what I know now, I would have strongly encouraged my Father and Zeth to see an Exercise Physiologist.

It is fantastic to see that has so longer surrounded men discussing and prioritising their health is dissipating. However, I still believe we have a long way to go in this area. That is why I encourage all the men in my life to consider speaking with one of our Longevity Exercise Physiologist.

At Longevity, we take a longterm approach to health. We are there to support our clients every step of the way. Having a weekly session with an Exercise Physiologist ensures your health is always at the forefront of your mind. You can’t not make it a priority when you have consistent  support from a health professional who is there to help keep you accountable. The rapport we build with our clients also gives them the opportunity to be vulnerable, and lean on someone else for support. This is something I feel is particularly important for the men I train, as thanks to stereotypes, they often feel they need to put on a brave face.

Everyday I am grateful I get to work as an Exercise Physiologist at Longevity. The fact that I now get the opportunity to have a positive and immediate impact with my male clients health means the world to me.

Thank you Kale for sharing your story. Give the Men in your life the gift of Longevity. Call  Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay and Coburg. on 1300 964 002 to book yourself, Dad, Grandad or Son an initial consult with one of our Exercise Physiologists.

Written by Kale Barton-Bissaker