I’m sure you would have heard the tragic news about Ironman legend Dean Mercer passing away at the age of just 47 this week.

Mercer crashed his car during a cardiac arrest on the Gold Coast on Monday at around 7am. The vehicle crashed into a fence in Mermaid Waters. Paramedics attempted to save him, performing CPR on the scene for approximately an hour before being taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he could not be revived.

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The worst part is that Mercer leaves behind his wife, Reen, and four sons aged six to 13. Mercer was still a fit and healthy bloke, having regular training sessions at the beach (in fact, he was returning from one when he died).

While a great loss, the death of Dean Mercer can teach us all a valuable lesson.

It is shocking to think that a fit, healthy and active man can have a heart attack at just 47. However, it shows that it can happen to anyone, regardless of age and fitness level. Although being active and healthy is often regarded as a good defence to heart issues, it can still happen to anyone.

It teaches us that regular checkups are a must, no matter how healthy you think you are.

This will help find problems before they start to truly affect you. Also providing time for treatments and potentially cures.

Perhaps more awareness of health issues would prevent them taking life in such tragic circumstances.

Regular health checkups are designed to find, prevent or lessen the effects of disease and illnesses.

Take note of the advice, regular health checks may save your life.