METABOLIC HEALTH EXPERT SHARES INSIGHTS ON HEALTHY AGEING AND GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE FIELD
With
David Beard,
Senior Exercise Physiologist,
Metabolic Health Specialist, HFRC,
Nedlands, Western Australia &
Chair Western Australia Chapter
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Nedlands, Western Australia | April 2025
David Beard is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist with a specialisation in metabolic health and healthy aging. He has spent over 40 years in this profession, even before exercise physiology was formally recognised as a discipline. His extensive background includes over a decade of working in aged care and a strong focus on adult health and fitness. David has authored a book on healthy aging and dedicated the last 10 to 12 years to advancing his expertise in metabolic health issues such as diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory conditions. He is a co-owner of HFRC in Nedlands, Western Australia, where he has worked for nearly a decade.
A pivotal moment in David’s career occurred when he became one of the first exercise physiologists to work in the aged care sector, making significant contributions to the health of older adults. Passionate about the benefits of exercise and its impact as individuals age, David focuses on improving clients’ metabolic health through personalised strategies involving exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications.
In his role as State Chair of Exercise and Sports Science Australia in WA, David advocates for greater recognition of the profession’s value in managing chronic health conditions. He believes that raising public awareness of metabolic health is essential, as it empowers individuals to understand how their daily choices significantly affect their long-term well-being. Through education and support, David strives to help others lead healthier, more active lives, particularly as they navigate the challenges of aging.
Source: Written by AUDIENCED from transcript
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Raising awareness, engagement and inclusion of Allied Health
Anita Hobson-Powell holds the position of Chief Allied Health Officer for the Australian Government within the Department of Health and Aged Care. With a background as an exercise physiologist and extensive experience leading allied health professional associations*, she has been entrusted with three main priorities. First, she aims to raise awareness about the significance of allied health professionals and their role in the healthcare system. This involves ensuring that decision makers and individuals engaging with health services understand the contributions of allied health professionals.
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Analogy of the system, rather than the ED front door
“The problem of blockages shows up in ambulance ramping and long wait times, but this is a complex issue requiring whole-of-health system solutions,” according to Professor Hugh Grantham, Chair of Emergency Medicine Foundation in an interview with Australian Health Journal.
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Medical research institutes association responds to draft national research strategy
On 27 August 2025, the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing announced the release of the draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy (the National Strategy).
Involved in the initial consultation phase, was the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), the peak body for medical research institutes across Australia. Member institutes work on a broad spectrum of human health issues such as preventive health, chronic disease, mental health, immunology and Indigenous health. Their research ranges from fundamental biomedical discovery through to clinical research and the translation of research findings.
