RPH Research Foundation

High blood pressure affects millions of people and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. What many people do not realise is how closely the kidneys and blood pressure are linked, and how problems in one can directly affect the other. In this talk, Professor Markus Schlaich will explain the important role the kidneys play in regulating blood pressure and why kidney health is essential for overall cardiovascular wellbeing. He will discuss common risk factors, early warning signs, and practical steps people can take to better manage their blood pressure and protect their long-term health. You can have your blood pressure checked for free at this event.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of serious illness, yet many people don’t realise that family history is one of the strongest predictors of developing it at a younger age. The good news is that there is a lot you can do. Simple health checks and everyday lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk, even if heart disease runs in your family. Join Dr Nick Lan to learn what your family history really means for your heart health, how to recognise early warning signs, and how new research like the CASCADE-MI study is helping improve early detection and prevention.

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that develops when abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. It can appear without warning, or it may develop in people who already have chronic bone marrow conditions. More than 50,000 Australians live with the uncertainty of knowing they are at increased risk of progressing to leukaemia. One of the biggest challenges to treating leukaemia is early detection. Current tests cannot detect the presence of these abnormal cells before symptoms develop. Once symptoms appear, treatment becomes more difficult. A/Professor Hun Chuah and his team are working on a promising new approach to identify leukaemia much earlier. They have developed a highly sensitive WA-invented laboratory test that can detect tiny genetic changes in blood cells, even when only 1 in 100,000 cells is affected. This breakthrough technology has the potential to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention, particularly for people with existing bone marrow disorders. Join A/Professor Chuah to learn how this WA-developed innovation could change the future of leukaemia detection and improve outcomes for those at risk.

Did you know that falls are not a normal part of ageing, and that simple, practical steps can significantly reduce your risk? This talk will share easy, evidence-based tips to help you stay steady on your feet, build confidence, and maintain your independence as you age. Many older people do not think about falls until one happens, or assume they are unavoidable. In reality, falls are one of the most common and serious challenges facing older adults in WA and around the world, but they are also largely preventable. You can take action at any age and stage to reduce falls and improve your wellbeing. Join Professor Anne-Marie Hill for an informative and practical talk on how to reduce your risk of falls while maintaining confidence and independence. Learn simple actions you can take at any age and be part of a growing community of older adults who are committed to ageing well and supporting family and friends to do likewise.