A recent (and very good) experience with paramedics and a hospital visit got me thinking about how fortunate we are to have such a good health system in Australia and New Zealand. I have historically been critical (at least privately) of the deficit model that our public health system generally operates under – focused more on cure than prevention.

However, on reflection there are a multitude of preventative interventions that start from birth. These include things like immunisations, health checks, dental checks, a variety of screening systems for both men and women, diet and exercise, to name a few.

As the home for Association Professionals, it is appropriate for AuSAE to promote the health and wellbeing of leaders in our sector. It goes without saying that people who are physically and mentally well are generally more productive, effective and valuable than those who are not. Yet how much focus do we take on the preventative aspects of our own health and wellbeing?

Do you proactively have an annual check-up, take a regular walk/run/swim/cycle/gym session, relax with a massage etc. Should you start, or at least stop procrastinating? Incredibly, I know people who spend more on, and take better care of, their vehicle than they do of themselves. Are you one of those people?

The same questions are relevant for the organisations we lead. This is why AuSAE has endorsed Enterprise Care’s Association Health Check. It is a great way to assess where your organisation is at and receive objective feedback on any priority areas for improvement.

Another beneficial way to proactively enhance your individual and organisational wellbeing and performance through professional development. The AuSAE annual conference and exhibition ACE 2016 is in Canberra at the end of May. Fantastic presentations and an impressive array of exhibitors have been selected to stimulate your thinking and inspire. I hope to see you there. Good health everyone!