FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Michal Kozok has travelled from one end to the other, of all inhabited continents and stays healthy exercising and adventuring.
1. What did you eat yesterday?
I have a Polish background, and my wife is an excellent cook – so I had one of our specialities. “Bigos” is such a classic and hearty Polish dish. It is such a difference to the food I ate during my 14 month Australia crossing. I was often hungry traveling across the desert – that’s why I appreciate nice food even more.
2. What exercise did you do yesterday?
I’m a runner, so I go for a run almost every day. Recently, though, I injured my leg and can’t run long distances for the time being. It’s ironic—I spent over a year covering thousands of kilometers in tough environments without a single injury. But since returning, I’ve had two accidents. First, I was swooped by a magpie and fell into a river, which left me unable to walk for two weeks. Then, I stepped into a hole a dog had dug, spraining the ligaments in my foot.
3. When did you last see a primary health professional?
Yesterday. I’m proactive about self-care and make it a point to schedule regular check-ups and follow-ups. I’m relatively healthy and fit, but I believe in prevention and staying on top of my health.
4. What do you do to improve your mental health?
Exercise is key for me—running always boosts my mood. I also love traveling, and planning trips for myself and my family brings me a lot of joy and gives me something positive to look forward to. In 2013 I crossed South America both on foot and using public transport, and in 2023, spent 14 months travelling 14,400 km from Western Australia, via Uluru, to Wilsons Promontory and up to Cape York all either on foot, bicycle or other non-motorised means. During my travels, I experienced hunger and fear, dingo and snake attacks, accidents, spinifex, snowstorms and blizzards, the humidity of the jungle and river crossings navigating crocodiles.
5. What are your health goals for the next month?
My goal is to cut back on sugar—sweets are my weakness, but I’m disciplined and already limit them to four days a week. My other goal is to get my leg back to full strength so I can increase my running distance again.
Health Referral Forms
Immunisation Weekly Update: New vaccination resources released Immunisation Handbook chapters updated Pharmacist Vaccination Standards updated…
Read MoreImmunisation Weekly Update: Updates to NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards Free ‘RSV Protection for Infants’ modules…
Read MoreImmunisation Weekly Update: NIP flu vaccine orders open National measles warning Catch-up measles vaccinations Vaccination…
Read MoreImmunisation Weekly Update: Childhood vaccination parent interviews Measles situation in Australia Flu vaccination messaging Flu…
Read More
Immunisation Weekly Update: New vaccination resources released Immunisation Handbook chapters updated Pharmacist Vaccination Standards updated Mpox disinformation corrected by experts New report on COVID-19 health impacts History of immunisation in Australia resource updated New vaccination resources released NSW Health Influenza Prompt Pack NSW Health has released their Influenza Vaccination Prompt…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Updates to NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards Free ‘RSV Protection for Infants’ modules Updated vaccine co-administration resource Report Q fever vaccination records before 30 June Flu vaccine orders and updates Your experience matters: Have your say on vaccine storage Respiratory Surveillance Report Updates to NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards…
Immunisation Weekly Update: NIP flu vaccine orders open National measles warning Catch-up measles vaccinations Vaccination coverage rates against measles Measles alert for Inner West Sydney NIP flu vaccine orders open Ordering of NIP flu vaccines is now open via the State Vaccine Centre. Approximate delivery time from ordering is 2-3…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Childhood vaccination parent interviews Measles situation in Australia Flu vaccination messaging Flu vaccine QI activities Updated Handbook flu chapter Maternal RSV resources Vaccines in pharmacy Childhood vaccination parent interviews Findings from a recent National Vaccination Insights project survey has shed light on real-life challenges and experiences influencing timely, complete…
Immunisation Weekly Update: School holidays – Immunisation checks prior to travel Global measles outbreak – Free catch-up MMR vaccines for everyone under 60 years Measles alert for Eastern Suburbs SKAI – discussing maternal RSV vaccination COVID-19 resources – New and updated AusVaxSafety’s 2025 flu vaccine surveillance begins Education In case…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Expansion of infant Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) eligibility Abrysvo® shelf-life extension ATAGI statement on administration COVID-19 vaccines 2025 Measles warning amid rise in global cases Free Pneumococcal SMS recall program Vaccine co-administration guidelines Free education module: RSV protection for infants Expansion of infant Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) eligibility Eligibility criteria On…
