This is a great topic which feeds into all sort including self-care, information gathering, overdiagnosis and  the accuracy of resources online plus the dangers of counterfeit medication. Here are some interesting links: Doctor vs Internet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p019px0x The pros and cons of AI based diagnosis: https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/13/chatgpt-assisted-diagnosis/ The story of AccuRx, one of a few companies which offers triage for primary care: https://www.accurx.com/our-story Ada Health, an example of an AI driven symptom analysis: https://ada.com Counterfeit medicines: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacies/dangers-of-buying-medicines-online/ Overdiagnosis (there is a separate podcast episode on this topic): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430655/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a phenomenon that occurs when someone stops trying to escape pain or bad situations. It is linked to depression and there are certain risk factors for it. In this episode I look at how it can just manifest and how to help yourself out of it. Learned helplessness - Seligman et al: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920136/ Link to depression and anxiety: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1185158/ The ABCDE model: https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Cognitive distortions: https://psychcentral.com/lib/cognitive-distortions-negative-thinking#list-and-examples Attribution testing: https://testyourself.psychtests.com/bin/transfer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I struggle with this myself and am grateful to one of my listeners for suggesting it as a topic. In this episode I look at the reasons why some people seem to do this with ease and others seem to find it much harder and tools that can help us make it easier. Links: Delayed gratification - the benefits: https://jamesclear.com/delayed-gratification Self-awareness: https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-self-awareness Self regulation theory: http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/self_regulation.htm ADHD and impulse control: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-impulse-control-social-spending/ Niksen: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2019/jul/22/people-just-do-nothing-is-the-dutch-concept-of-niksen-the-best-way-to-relax Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what in our environment might affect our health? Often these things are ‘invisible’ or we are not consciously aware of them, but they can have a continued and profound effect on our health. In this episode I look at some everyday environmental hazards and what we can do minimise their effects on us. Links: Air pollution: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044178/ Paper on micro plastics and health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7068600/ Diet and air pollution: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35179602/ Background to MI allergy: https://www.occderm.asn.au/health-professionals/epidemic-of-allergy-to-preservative-methylisothiazolinone-mi/ MI allergy and the effect of reducing it’s prevalence: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.15875 Social media and mental health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7785056/ Carbon monoxide poisoning: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/ Sick building syndrome and mould: https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/47/Supplement_1/S217/1073035 Minimising air pollution in a city: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-35885569 Mercury in large fish: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-35884051 Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine: https://www.practiceunbound.org.uk/product/prescribinglifestylemedicine/home The Health Fix (contains my health loop): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=1ba53367-030f-4f3f-ad09-4a1fc81eadf5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longevity seems to be in fashion at the moment. Almost everyone wants long and healthy lives but how can we achieve that? How long is too long?  In this episode I look at commonalities between the populations on earth that live the longest ‘best’ lives. Links: Blue Zones - Dan Buettner’s work with National Geographic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125071/ Smoking bans and how they change community behaviours: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33928714/ 'Community Cure': https://www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the-community-cure/ How disease increases with age: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2018/02/01/richard-smith-doctors-and-patients-heading-in-opposite-directions/ The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=1ba53367-030f-4f3f-ad09-4a1fc81eadf5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people have heard of the placebo effect but is it real and why does it occur? In this episode I look at how placebos may exert their effects and some examples of where they have worked.  Is the placebo something that can be used to our advantage? And why do some people experience a nocebo? Links: Ted Kaptchuk and his work on placebo:  https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2013/01/the-placebo-phenomenon Mechanisms of the placebo effect: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513296/ Knee surgery (placebo as good as surgery): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013259 Placebo and treatment resistant depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784479 Nocebo: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/science-blog/harmful-placebos Balint and the doctor as a drug: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-power-rest/201103/the-doctor-is-drug?amp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the hardest things people often find is to get going with things. How do you motivate yourself and how do you keep momentum going? I have struggled with procrastination myself in the past. In this episode I look at ways to make motivating yourself easier, the different drivers involved and what makes us tick when it comes to turning contemplation into action. The science of motivation: https://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2018/06/motivation Daniel Pink on motivation: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation?language=en How to motivate others with MI techniques https://motivationalinterviewing.org/understanding-motivational-interviewing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our monkey brain is the part of our brain that is impulsive and powerful, hijacking us when we are tired or stressed. Ever regretted shouting at someone? Ever gorged yourself on food and then regretted it?  In this episode I explore why this happens, the links to our past experiences and our neuroanatomy. Links: Anatomy of the brain: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain Dopamine and impulsivity: https://www.jneurosci.org/content/30/26/8888 Schizophrenia and the amygdala: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74771-w Calming the monkey mind: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201709/calming-the-monkey-mind Prof Steve Peters work on this subject of the chimp or monkey brain: https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/the-chimp-paradox/ THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: (this episode mentions death)   Leadership takes many guises. Some people are born leaders and other have to learn it. What makes a good leader?  No business or organisation could survive without it and we know how bad leadership can damage organisations.  In this episode I look at types of leadership, the qualities of a good leader, what to do about toxic leaders and what sets a leader apart from other roles. Links:  Understanding leadership: https://hbr.org/2004/01/understanding-leadership 12 types of leadership: https://www.usa.edu/blog/leadership-models/ Bad leadership: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/10/18/15-ways-to-identify-bad-leaders/?sh=7f03512115da Good leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/ Traits of successful leaders: https://www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/03/22/11-powerful-traits-of-successful-leaders/?sh=5a85589e469f The future of leadership: https://quantic.edu/blog/2022/08/05/the-future-of-leadership-in-2030-6-new-disruptive-trends/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change can be fun or stressful depending on what it is. Until I did my GP training 20 years ago I didn’t realise that change needs to be managed. Change often happens ‘to’ us but we need to be mindful of how to manage it and particularly if we want to make changes for ourselves. Links: Bridges Transition model: https://wmbridges.com/about/what-is-transition/ Kotter’s Framework for change: https://www.kotterinc.com/methodology/8-steps/ The PDSA cycle: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf My IDEAL framework (at 29 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhN12lmePQE Order THE HEALTH FIX: https://rb.gy/uhvnxl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you for your support with the release of THE HEALTH FIX which has become an instant bestseller on Amazon. In this episode I dive into the method of the book by going over my own health story which was the catalyst for me writing it. I then look at The Health Loop which turns 'what' into ‘why’. I hope it makes sense and remember to cross refer to previous episodes. Links: Re-activation of viruses in long COVID: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20221116/SARS-CoV-2-infection-triggers-reactivation-of-latent-viruses-in-people-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.aspx The effects of sleep deprivation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449130/ The ‘when’ of eating: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520689/ Stress and its effect on body function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/ NICE guidance on Vitamin D supplementation: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph56 Buy THE HEALTH FIX now (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! In this episode I look at the different ways people approach a 'new year' and discuss the principles I use myself to get through what is undoubtedly a tough time in history. A lot has happened over the past 2 years and we need a way of coming out of that. What are your plans for 2023? I’d love to hear from you on my socials. Links:  Have people changed since COVID? https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/28/covid-might-have-changed-peoples-personalities-study-suggests Sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/why-do-i-wake-up-at-the-same-time-every-night Generalism and why I think it is crucial to society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST6XEDcD_C4 My book THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is on antibiotics. The balance between increasing resistance and lack of effectiveness and saving lives is increasingly difficult to navigate. Antibiotic resistance: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance Longer term effects of antibiotics: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32319703/ Vitamin D and sepsis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6377223/ Sepsis information: https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-basics/what-is-sepsis/ Invasive group A strep info iGAS - a particular type of group A strep: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/group-a-strep/ Health Freaks trailer 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEGH4hfxMfU Turmeric and infection: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326809 THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Today’s episode is on cancer which will affect one in two people. I look at the different types, the variables that cause it, whether there are ways of preventing cancer and also why some cancers are common and others not.  Links: How cancer starts: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/cell-division-and-cancer-14046590/ Why are cancers on the rise?: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/09/researchers-report-dramatic-rise-in-early-onset-cancers/ The commonest cancers: https://www.healthline.com/health/most-common-cancers Viruses and cancer: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/infections-that-can-lead-to-cancer/viruses.html  David Servan-Schreiber, the author of *anti-cancer* (survived over 20 years after being given 3 months to live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VNjuBgHIAw RAS genes and signalling: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2019.00965/full Dr Carl June and CAR T cell therapy: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2022/november/car-t-cell-therapy-reaches-beyond-cancer Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about prevention. What do we mean by it and how can we make prevention accessible? There is prevention on a public health level but also we take precautions as individuals. I look at examples of both and try to separate out the different types plus a living example of prevention at work (Dr David Unwin). Links:  Global patterns of disease: https://ourworldindata.org/burden-of-disease Non-communicable disease: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases Leading causes of global mortality: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death The DASH diet: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/dash-diet/art-20048456 Turmeric and Alzheimer’s Disease: https://actaneurocomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40478-018-0577-2 Press ups and heart disease: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2724778 Dr David Unwin and his work on diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKDM3SDHPA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Personalised medicine is the future. We live in a world of AI and machine learning and the expectation of medicine is to be more precise. Can we get half way there ourselves by thinking about things a certain way? How do we get to the root cause? Leroy Hood: https://isbscience.org/bio/leroy-hood/ P4 medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204402/ The counterpoint to P4 medicine: https://academic.oup.com/jalm/article/4/1/108/5603054 David Unwin’s work on type 2 diabetes: https://collegeofmedicine.org.uk/our-beyond-pills-campaign-dr-david-unwin-on-beating-diabetes-with-diet-and-how-his-own-merseyside-practice-has-saved-68000-a-year-on-drugs/ Group consultations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/case-studies/group-consultations-together-patients-are-stronger/ Leafyard: AI driven mental health app (COI: I am in a partnership with Leafyard): https://www.leafyard.com/healthfix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is teamwork important? Are teams all they’re cracked up to be? What makes a good team? Is it personalities, culture or beyond? In the episode I look at what makes teams work and what factors to consider when creating an effective team. Do listen right to the end until I get to the bit where you I leave you with some thoughts as I'd love to hear your analysis Links: Hackman’s five factor model: http://www.free-management-ebooks.com/faqld/development-03.htm Why teams don’t work: https://hbr.org/2009/05/why-teams-dont-work Belbin - Dr Meredith Belbin’s tool used commonly to work out what your role in a team might be: https://www.belbin.com A story of teams trying something different: https://willitmaketheboatgofaster.com/about/ "Forming, norming, storming and performing": https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: I talk about manipulation and harm in relationships. Toxic people drain us. Is it 'them' or their behaviours?  Many people develop these toxic behaviours because of their early life. In this episode I discuss the features to look out for and what we can do about them.  Toxic traits: https://www.betterup.com/blog/toxic-traits Toxic people - another view: https://www.purewow.com/wellness/traits-of-toxic-people Everyday narcissism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-author-speaks/201708/everyday-narcissism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allergies are on the rise and can range from mild to life threatening. In this episode I look at how they originate, why they are increasing in prevalence and what we can do about it. The show notes and links below contain texting methods and some of the many themes covered in this episode. (TW: I talk about a case of life threatening anaphylaxis). Links: The allergic cascade: https://www.medicinenet.com/allergic_cascade/article.htm Cows Milk Allergy - IgE and non-IgE: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/allergy-in-childhood/cows-milk-allergy/ Peanut allergy - the LEAP study: https://www.leapstudy.co.uk Anaphylaxis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ The Hygiene Hypothesis - outdated?: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1700688114 Rook and the Old Friends Hypothesis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868387/ Gut flora and allergies: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-microbes-may-be-key-to-solving-food-allergies/ Intolerances: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/allergy-vs-intolerance/ Vitamin D and allergy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369152/ Immunotherapy: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/allergen-immunotherapy/ MI allergy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4689087/ Testing methods for allergies: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/allergy-testing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both of these potentially debilitating conditions are often experienced together and affect up to 1 in 4 people at any time. In this episode I look at the underlying reasons, what we can do about them and how to approach depression and anxiety practically. Links: NHS waiting list: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/nhs-mental-health-waiting-list-b2145432.html Definitions and statistics: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/ The genetic basis of depression: https://journals.lww.com/hrpjournal/fulltext/2015/01000/genetic_determinants_of_depression__recent.1.aspx DNA methylation and depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6362194/ NICE guidance and treatment of depression: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222 CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy): https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/ Adolescent depression: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drt/2020/5951792/ Cultural influences on mental health: https://pha.berkeley.edu/2017/04/16/cultural-influences-on-mental-health/ Box breathing: https://www.healthline.com/health/box-breathing Mindfulness (being in the moment): https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/mindfulness/about-mindfulness/ The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/0340733500 Pre-order my book now: THE HEALTH FIX >  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 Leafyard (CBT based app): Leayard.com/actnow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.