One of the most powerful things I took away from my conversation with Dr. Tahir Mahmud wasn’t about medicine, statistics, or even osteoporosis itself.
It was this simple idea:
We are the custodians of our own health.
Not our doctors. Not our family. Not “the system.”
Us.
The Moment It Clicked
Somewhere in the middle of our chat, Dr. Mahmud paused and said:
“Anything that we would do for somebody that we value, we should be doing for ourselves.”
That sentence stopped me in my tracks.
I thought about all the times I’ve rushed a loved one to the doctor at the first sign of trouble, stayed up late researching remedies for my child, or insisted that a friend “get that checked out.”
And then I thought about how many times I’ve ignored my own warning signs because I was “too busy” or “it can wait.”
Why is it so much easier to prioritise others than ourselves?
Custodianship Is a Daily Job
Dr. Mahmud made it clear: our health isn’t a one-time check-up or a quick fix. It’s a lifelong guardianship.
He’s seen countless patients wait until a crisis, like a fracture, before acting. But by then, osteoporosis has been silently progressing for years.
That’s why his message is about proactive care:
- Ask questions.
- Seek answers.
- Keep asking if you don’t get them the first time.
As he put it, “Don’t lose your sense of agency and authority.”
From Self-Neglect to Self-Respect
Hearing him talk about the awesome complexity of the human body was oddly emotional for me. He described how our ability to see, move, think, and heal isn’t just “something that happens”, it’s the result of countless intricate processes working in harmony.
It made me realise when we ignore our health, we’re not just being careless; we’re showing a lack of respect for the incredible system that keeps us alive.
If we treated our bodies with the same urgency and care that we give to our loved ones, how different would our health look in 10, 20, or 30 years?
Small Steps, Big Impact
Being your own custodian doesn’t mean obsessing over every health article you read or living in fear of illness. It’s about:
- Scheduling that scan instead of “waiting to see.”
- Taking the supplements your body needs (hello, vitamin D).
- Building strength and flexibility so your future self can move freely.
- Staying curious about your body and how it works.
A Shift in Mindset
After this interview, I’ve been asking myself one question whenever I’m tempted to put my health last:
If this was happening to my child, would I wait?
The answer is always no.
And so I act.
🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation
Hear Dr. Mahmud’s wisdom on self-care and osteoporosis prevention.
🦴 Your Turn
This week, pick one thing you’ve been putting off for your health, blood test, bone scan, exercise plan and do it.
Because the custodian of you is… you.
– Written by Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 