Don't Wait for Symptoms with Dr Preeya Alexander

If you have ever wondered:

“I feel fine, so why would I book a check-up?”

“Is one glass of wine really affecting my sleep and next day?”

“Which health checks am I actually meant to be having at my age?”

This episode is for you.

This week on Ask the GP, Layne and Tess put Dr Preeya Alexander, practising GP, author and AIA health expert, in the hot seat with the health questions high performers Google most and act on least.

Preeya starts with the pattern she sees every week: people coast while they feel fine, put off prevention because there is no symptom forcing them to act, then arrive when something is already wrong. Her message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms, and if one does show up, go early.

The conversation covers AI and where it helps or fails as a health tool, bowel cancer screening, gut health and the SMILES trial, GLP-1 medications including Ozempic, unregulated peptides, alcohol, sleep and the health checks people commonly miss.

You’ll hear about:

Why prevention matters even when you feel completely healthy. Where AI health advice can help, where it gets things wrong, and the risks of treating it like a doctor or therapist. Bowel cancer screening: two pinpricks, microscopic blood, free screening from 45, opt-in from 40, and why so many Australians never return the kit. The SMILES trial and how a Mediterranean-style diet improved symptoms of depression. Gut health and Preeya’s simple advice: feed your gut bugs a rainbow. GLP-1 medications: who they can help, where the risks are, and concerns around unregulated peptides. Alcohol and sleep: Australia’s guideline of no more than 10 standard drinks per week, why alcohol can help you fall asleep but disrupt sleep later, and practical ways to drink less. The checks people often miss: heart disease risk assessment from 45, cervical screening every five years, breast screening from 50, bowel screening from 45 and conversations around PSA testing.

Preeya also shares her own non-negotiables: colour and variety on the plate, regular movement and protecting her sleep.

The episode closes with the AIA Do It For Life toolkit and one simple challenge: choose one action this week and start there.

Guest: Follow Dr Preeya Alexander on Instagram @doctor.preeya.alexander Listen to Preeya’s podcast Happy to Health and hear her on ABC’s Health Report Mentioned in the episode: AIA Vitality Age Calculator https://www.aia.com.au/en/health-and-wellbeing/aia-vitality/age-calculator National Bowel Cancer Screening Program https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program The SMILES trial, Deakin University Food and Mood Centre Kate Save on Food as a Performance Tool, Episode 42 Join the Awake Collective Community https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/awake-collective-sales Get Awake’s book Know Yourself Grow Yourself https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869 Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer Follow AWAKE on Instagram @awake_academy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_ Sponsor the podcast or book a workshop: https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact

Disclaimer The A Wake Up Call podcast is for general informational, educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological or therapeutic advice.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you heard on this podcast.

This episode discusses eating disorders, weight-loss medication and alcohol. Nothing discussed is individual medical advice. Speak to your own GP about screening, medication and your personal health.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.