Every month Tough Guy Book Club sets a challenge to all members. These challenges are to add a page to your story, because at TGBC we are obsessed with stories. For March 2025 the goons were asked to go get their cholesterol checked and post the evidence in the Pool Hall Facebook group with the tag #sauced. High cholesterol, if not managed well, can lead to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease. We are a book club that meets in pubs, so this is something we want to be keeping an eye on.
Rolling up your sleeve to give a blood sample is not the easiest challenge for some. So, we’re going to hit you with a few stats to give you a picture of why this challenge is important. In Australia 8.4% of men are known to have high cholesterol, this number is rising. While in the US this number is 10%. A recent study in the UK found 46% of men are living with high cholesterol and many in this study did not know their levels were too high. We reckon these numbers are enough of a reason to get out and checked.
Talking about stats, blood tests, and doctors' visits may sound a bit boring on the surface, don’t think that this was an easy one – it was hard for some and important for all. Our guys, in true TGBC fashion, took the challenge on in full spirit, showing they are serious about their health. When someone posted his results showing his cholesterol was much higher than the target level, he was supported with many encouraging the next steps he should take, and to also not freak out just yet. The numbers are useful indicators. Now you can spring into action to get them in those desired ranges.
It was also great to see lots of guys sharing recent results from checkups they were already doing. Others shared their journey in finding out they needed to look after themselves better, some describing what medications they are already on. One fellow goon told his story that his results were still higher than they should be. As an older man with young adult children, he was determined to up his daily walks and continue the gym routine. He is monitoring his cholesterol with his doctor and has a follow up check-up later this year – great stuff!
This challenge sparked lots of chats about physical health, with tips shared about how guys are managing their own cholesterol levels already. More exercise, cutting back on the booze, eating oats, all being adopted by many - heck it may save a few lives. If you don’t know your health is suffering, you can’t do anything about it. So, show how tough you are. Get checked. Talk to a health professional. Take your health seriously.
