Live Longer: The Podcast (Dr. Millicent Stone)

Join me in conversation with Mr Masoud Teimory, a consultant eye surgeon, a visionary poet, photographer and entrepreneur.

His resilience in the face of life’s challenges is truly remarkable. From revolution to illness, to struggles as an immigrant in a foreign country, he tells us that having a purpose in life propelled him to do good and live by his Iranian culture of giving; something he frequently does with patients and friends alike. 

He combines art, empathy, science and photography to bring his patients a better experience.

"Creation's purpose is to make Man see, the beauty and purpose of chaos." Mr Masoud Teimory

Oscar J Ryan is an aspiring Director and inspirational young photographer who found his calling in life as he emerged from darkness himself, by picking up his camera and focusing on what was in front of him.  The art of living for Oscar is his contentment of doing what he loves the most and living his dream reality, by bringing stories of people and issues to life from behind his camera lens. Along the way, he breathes life into others by helping them find their voice and document their dreams in life. His work ranges from photographing musicians such as KSI and Mukhy as well as models like Mia Regan, to bringing to life the passion for dance his little cousin Billy with Down Syndrome has. Family, friends, education and pursuit of happiness are the key ingredients in Oscar’s art of living.

 

"What enabled me to see the light when I was in a dark place was the full blown support of my family and friends." Oscar J Ryan

A photograph captures a moment in time preserving a memory forever. The photographic exhibit Hold Still by HRH Duchess of Cambridge is an example of how photography can ensure we don’t forget what’s important in life.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we bring our first series of Live Longer: The Podcast to a close, with conversations with a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist and eminent doctors and surgeons who use photography to enhance their own lives and that of their patients.

In episode 11 of the series, Prof Furnham told us that of all the various artistic disciplines, photographers live longest. In my conversation with Dan White, I discover why this is so. This episode also sets us up for the finale of season 1 of Live Longer: The Podcast.

Join me in conversation with art therapist, poet and artist Sundar Kanta Walker. Imagine a world with personalised medicine and nutrition, where people heal themselves through science and good food. In this podcast I learn how creative writing gives us food for thought and change by bringing together innovation, health and art to make our world a better place. 

“Meditation can put us in touch with our inner selves and enable us to live better” Sundar Kanta Walker

Marilyn Stafford epitomises what it means to live a longer, fuller life.

From finishing drama school, to photographing Albert Einstein as well as spending the day with the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, there is no end to the incredible twists and turns in this fascinating woman’s life.

Now, in her later years, she is working tirelessly to empower women with her photography competition which aims to inspire and make a difference in the world and to people’s lives. Marilyn is a true change maker herself. She is a 96 year old going on 26 years. What really is her secret to longevity? Might it be art?

“I survived despite my art, not because of it.” - Marilyn Stafford

Marilyn Stafford - A Life In Photography (exhibition)

There must be a new deal with the public to invest in their own health; to take ownership of their well-being. To make this a reality, clinicians need to empower their patients to look after their health and wellness as well as provide them with personalised information.

The government also needs to provide a mandate for clinician-patient engagement in this new era of healthcare.

“Invest in your arteries” Prof John Deanfield

The keys to Surviving and Thriving inside and outside a life of service are attending to physiological needs, self esteem, mental well-being as well as achieving purpose in life.

Join me as I chat to Ashley Pawson, former Royal Marine Commando about finding his purpose inside and outside of the Royal Marines.

The search for a community attracted him to a career in the forces but ironically his desire to provide for family and friends brought him out of service.

Transitioning to a life outside was difficult and after hitting rock bottom he got his life back on track and is now thriving. His mission now is to give back and help others who will follow a similar path.

Getting the right information at the right time is key for those transitioning out of service. iOWNA supports the forces and can provide a digital solution to this problem. 

If you enjoyed this episode, take a look at the full video, now available on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxaQHNvL8dg Photo & video by Oscar J Ryan

Join me in conversation with esteemed Irish artist Graham Knuttel for an entertaining discussion on how art impacts our health. Graham’s sense of humour is infectious! He has overcome many health challenges himself and he sets a stage with his art for us to participate.

Pre-transplant: “Going into hospital terrified me let alone the thought of having my insides cut up.” Graham Knuttel Post-transplant: “Thank God for doctors.” Graham Knuttel

I explore the art of living with Dame Marianne Griffiths; the Chief Executive Officer of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

She is a true trailblazer, not just because she was the first female NHS CEO to be named as one of the top five chief executives of the year at the 2021 HSJ awards, but for the outstanding work she has done throughout her successful career as well as her admirable perseverance. 

She exudes passion, charisma, humility and compassion and stands on the shoulders of those she leads and serves. Marianne has reached what some may say is the pinnacle of her career but she still strives for more with her Patient First program, empowering those around her and under her to innovate.

She is an energetic family person who loves her dogs and is not afraid of a physical challenge like climbing Ben Nevis and like all great leaders is an avid reader.

Marianne’s art of living through compassionate leadership, continued self learning and constant reflection makes her an incredible role model for us all.

 

"People can do great things when they are empowered." 

Dame Marianne Griffiths

Join me in conversation with my friend, colleague and mentor, Professor Tim Spector, who is a world renowned Rheumatologist, academic and author.   Tim has extensively studied twins, the microbiome and food science and published academic papers and books in these areas. He has co-founded JoinZoe, a digital app that will enable us to personalise food selections to beat disease and live longer, healthier lives.   Tim was recognised for his public service during the pandemic in the Queen's Honours List. He has published a number of books including The Diet Myth and more recently Spoon-Fed that will dispel the myths around food science and fundamentally change our philosophy towards food, health and longevity.   "You can change your destiny with your food choices" Tim Spector

I discuss The Art of Living with Dr Boon Lim, eminent cardiologist, author and lifestyle guru.

Boon is now living his dream life. He has had a transformative experience, from growing up in Kuala Lumpur with humble beginnings, to becoming a Cambridge scholar as well as one of the key opinion leaders for fainting (syncope) in the international medical community.

In addition, Boon is a pioneer and advocate for lifestyle change as a means to keeping your heart healthy, as reflected in his first book ‘Keeping Your Heart Healthy’ by Penguin Life Experts. 

Taking deep breaths, putting your phone down and meditating are some of Dr Lim’s top tips for living a longer, healthier life.

“If I had a magic wand to change the world, I would remove ourselves from the shackles of traditional ways of thinking.” - Dr. Boon Lim

Join me in conversation with fellow entrepreneur & classmate Suraj Thakrar, who runs a sustainable food distribution business called Turnells. His mission is to bring healthy food to all at affordable prices. In our stimulating discussion we touch on purpose, family values, sustainability and how to make changes to your life.

"I would like people to think of the impact of what they are eating" Suraj Thakrar

Covid has affected many acute and chronic services, both across the nation and globally, leading to long waiting times for both hospital appointments and surgeries and a severe backlog of cases. Interestingly, some patients self-manage their pain and symptoms resolve, especially for back pain.

Ways of working have changed during the pandemic with increasing virtual hybrid working set ups. We discuss the importance of face to face consults especially with surgeons and how this builds doctor-patient relationships.

Virtual work is a necessity but often not ideal for gaining trust of those that suffer. Join me in conversation with Mr Bell, a leading spinal surgeon to find out more about the challenges faced by surgeons in the face of Covid. 

“As a surgeon you have to develop a close and trusting relationship with your patients.” Mr David Bell

Join me in conversation with Lisa Butcher, a former TV presenter and top model who has turned to art to heal herself after bereavement and now helps others as a well-being expert with her iLAb therapy. Lisa believes healing takes many forms, from a simple walk in nature to medical intervention for serious illness, and as part of a holistic healing journey we, must listen to our bodies and be grateful for what we have each day.

‘Healing comes in many forms’ - Lisa Butcher

Does being a writer reduce longevity? Is writing an occupational hazard in the modern day that can lead to mental illness itself or indeed premature death? Join me as I learn about the psychology of longevity of artists including authors from a world famous Psychologist, Academic, Author and Broadcaster, Professor Adrian Furnham.   "It's difficult not to be controversial when asked your opinion on certain issues" Adrian Furnham

Integrated health, social and leisure care for children with disabilities gives them the opportunity  to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

The Sparkle Charity in Wales is leading the way with their flagship Serennu Children’s Centre, led by a dynamic Irish born paediatrician, Dr Sabine Maguire MBE. Sabine’s art of living is selfless devotion to the public service for children with special needs, bringing hope and sparkle to the lives of many children and their families.

“Our aim with Sparkle is to have special children shine as brightly as they can.” Dr. Sabine Maguire MBE

Join me in conversation with Christopher Wilkinson, OBE, an eminent and award winning architect and artist who has designed many notable buildings, but Maggie’s Centre, Oxford, for cancer sufferers is his most proud achievement. He challenges us to think how the spaces we live in can impact our health and wellbeing. He tells us how buildings of the future need to be responsive and finally shares with us his vision for the spaces we occupy to be safe, yet interesting. Light is a key feature in his work and he believes art and science are linked and this linkage is a key to the longevity of our planet.

 

“Light is terribly important to humans. Without light we would die.” Christopher Wilkinson, OBE

As we come to the end of 2021, now more than ever, we need to better understand how we can achieve longevity. Throughout the year and in two seasons of my podcast, I’ve spoken to some fascinating people from different walks of life in my quest to discover the secret of longevity and help people live a longer, healthier life. This year has also taught us the importance of remembrance as we reflect back on those we've lost like my good friends Sarah Stenning and Chris Wilkinson, who I interviewed during the year.

In both seasons one and two of my podcast, I’ve highlighted various sectors of life which bring us longevity, including nature and the environment, colour and fragrance, the importance of eating healthily as food is our destiny, the focus on our thoughts and actions to bring wellness into our lives, as well as the necessity of purpose and vision.

Through these episodes, I hope you are also feeling inspired to achieve wellness in life and find your own road to a longer, healthier life.

#LiveLongerWrapped

Is chest pain a side effect of the vaccine? In this short episode, I discuss post vaccine care with consultant cardiologist Dr Alexander Lyon, Royal Brompton Hospital, as well as the importance of the vaccine and booster. 

Join me in conversation with Wendy Rolt; a Cornish based artist, as we explore the sense of self and identity and the impact on our wellbeing. Her work has some powerful medical themes featuring images of the human form, particularly women and our vulnerability as we undergo medical examinations.

"Having purpose enables us to live a longer healthier life." Wendy Rolt

Paul Monaghan is an award winning architect of international acclaim. His attentive, caring and compassionate characteristics translate the brief of his clients into reality and preserve the value to the end user. Within his healthcare projects, these traits reflect onto patients and clinicians alike.

He is insightful about what the working world needs in terms of infrastructure to maintain quality of life at work and he always puts the goal of living a longer healthier life into action. His artful approach to creating projects that help us all lead a longer healthier life is inspiring and motivational.

"Room with a view means everything, in the design of health buildings." Paul Monaghan

Do digital solutions enhance care and make patients and clinicians lives better? The answer is yes. Especially when deployed in a sustainable, collaborative way working with teams at the front line of care delivery.

It is important to develop easy to use, secure tools that save time on repetitive tasks to free up more time for those that need it.

One digital and key pathway at Milton Keynes University Hospital saves hours each week of nurses' time and reduces patient waiting lists. Join me as I chat to Nicola Daly RN, trailblazer and Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Milton Keynes University Hospital, creating a bridge between traditional and digital healthcare.

Dr Millie

If you are a health professional, download the iOWNA app now for access to key resources to help your patients: www.iowna.com.

If you are a patient, contact us to get access to those resources directly.

 

I discuss the art of living with Sarah Stenning; a mother, army wife, successful entrepreneur and cancer patient. The essence of Sarah is her connection with family and friends and her desire to live life to the full. Even when death stared her in the face she smiled right back at it. She embraces opportunities with a gusto. She is brave, warm, kind, creative and epitomises what it means to support her family and friends, even when she herself is struggling.   Sarah looks for an open door to walk through and brings the light with her, shutting out the darkness that can be all consuming. Her story will surely inspire you to get up after a fall and keep on moving forward.  As an army wife she has constantly supported her husband and helped him climb to the highest ranks in order to serve his people and country. As a mother, she has encouraged her children to be themselves and most of all she has stayed true to her own authentic self whether it be as mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, businesswoman, colleague or cancer patient.

"The most important part of me is my connection with family and friends." Sarah Stenning

I speak to Dr Alexander Lyon, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital about the effects of COVID on the NHS, the effects of long COVID on adults who have suffered with ongoing chest pains and heart palpitations as well as some great tips on how to keep your heart healthy.

"I’m a great believer in vaccination. It’s one of the great successes of the NHS." Dr Alexander Lyon

How does it feel to be Ukrainian living away from Ukraine right now? What defines the essence of Ukrainian culture and the psyche of the average Ukrainian person?

The answer is resilience, hard work, family values and a strong sense of community according to Dr Larissa Derzko-Dzulynsky, associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Toronto. A friend and former colleague of Dr Millie's, Dr Derzko’s call to action is to assemble supplies for those suffering with eye trauma in the war.

Some horrific eye injuries will lead to blindness if action is not taken and her mission is to save sight. Tune in to this fascinating conversation on International Women's Day between two female professionals trying to make a difference to the world.

Live Longer: The Podcast has created a Just Giving page in order to raise funds for Eyes on Ukraine. Please give generously. Our target is 10k. Link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/livelongereyesonukraine 

We need a coordinated medical response to the war, enriched with clinical training to equip clinicians to deal with medical issues that arise as a result of war, so in times of urgency, we are prepared for any outcome.

Patient empowerment is also key to a sustainable effort and thanks to companies like iOWNA we are a step closer to achieving this. 

"This is time to develop a well thought out & coordinated plan that could be used as a roll out for any conflict so we are ready to go into battle."  Prof Carlos Pavesio

Join me as I speak to Mr Donald Sammut, a talented artist and hand surgeon and a caring and empathic doctor. Donald uses art in his day to day work to improve patient outcomes as he gives people function back in their hands. In his work in Nepal with leprosy sufferers where some of his patients live hand to mouth, regaining hand function is vital to their survival.   Donald teaches his students to see not just look and to listen not just hear their patients. These are key skills to enable our patients to obtain improved outcomes and live longer healthier lives. Join me as I support his Working Hands' charity to bring life back to hands of those less fortunate than many of us.   "Art teaches us to see, not just look at the world around us." Donald Sammut

Join me in discussing the art of living in areas of the world with gross inequalities in terms of health care and access to resources. How can people there live longer, healthier lives in the face of such inequality compared to the western world?  

How can the average life expectancy of the male in central Africa be 23 years less than his counterpart in the western world? What sustainable measures can be used to reduce risk to life whilst maximising longevity and nurturing sustainability for the people and our planet?

Listen to a fascinating account by Mr Peter Lunn, a retired NHS hand surgeon and innovator who grew up in Africa and is now supporting a hospital in Uganda. He is part of a charity which has started building a hydroelectric plant to generate power so the people he serves can live longer healthier lives.

Stephanie Weager is a Gloucestershire based life coach, artisan and author. She has helped thousands of people find their way in life with her deep intuition. She is passionate about using natural fragrances and essential oils to heal the energy around us. Her passion for flowers started as a young girl when she experimented with fragrance from daffodils to bluebells. This curiosity  with flowers lead to her stunning candle designs, Fragrances by Stephanie. She believes in filling oneself with art and colour and the power of a lit candle to bring wellness and healing to the home and heart.

"Natural is good; use more natural products to prolong the life of our universe." Stephanie Weager

Join me in conversation with Penny Horne to discuss the garden of her dreams; a beautiful and artistically constructed safe haven to heal after life throws a curve ball. From relationship problems to family crises, a visit to her oasis in Somerset is a truly restorative experience cherished by many and showcased recently in Landscape magazine. Her garden is a lesson in transforming suffering into beauty and the perfect place to visit for anyone struggling to find themselves or simply wishing to optimise their mental well-being.

“I didn’t have a breakdown, I had a breakthrough because of art.”

Penny Horne.

Long Covid, otherwise known as the ‘post covid syndrome’ is a multi system condition affecting the individual physically, mentally and emotionally. It has pushed health service resources to the limits of their capacity and is widely impacting our society.

It can masquerade as other common illnesses, so as clinicians, we have learned we must keep an open mind on diagnosis in order for other pathologies not to be falsely attributed to it, as not everything is long Covid. 

Key to dealing with it are effective programs of collaboration and shared learning among specialists, hospitals and indeed insurers (as many people are crossing over into  the private sector to seek answers and solutions). 

The pandemic brought the country down on its knees, but many great innovations and learnings have come to light to help us rise up again, better and stronger than before. 

If you are a health professional, download the iOWNA app now for access to key resources to help your patients: www.iowna.com

If you are a patient, contact us to get access to those resources directly.

Dr Millie

Pain is a widespread problem but what causes it? Is pain an illusion? Why do some patients experience higher or lower levels than others? How do we help people who deal with pain live longer, healthier and happier lives?

We need to actively listen to people with pain and even though we can’t see it, we can try to work with those who suffer and help them live healthier, happier lives.

"Pain comes from physical, mental and spiritual damage and can be triggered by conditions of the mind, heart as well as by physical illness.‘ Dr Millie

Join me in conversation with Prof Fergus Shanahan, a leading Irish researcher in gut health and the microbiome, curious and passionate to find answers to questions that really matter to patients and author of 'The Language of Illness', a book recently published, that all clinicians and anybody affected by an illness should read!  

‘A healthy microbiome is the key to living a longer healthier life’ Prof Fergus Shanahan

Join me in conversation with Sarah May, a British designer of Trinidadian heritage, who brings the colour, movement and vibrancy of the Caribbean to her designs. She believes everyone has a gift and the power to align their gifts with the principles of sustainability, contribution and compassion, translating purpose into reality. In her case, she creates beautiful and everlasting pieces of bespoke jewellery. 

"Gold, silver and gemstones are all natural and have some healing properties." Sarah May

Long Covid or post Covid syndrome remains somewhat of an enigma to clinicians and patients alike. As doctors we want to understand how to diagnose, treat and help our patients with it.

We need to listen carefully to our patients and hear their concerns and worries, as it can be a frightening, frustrating and exhausting experience.

Join me as I chat to Dr Tamsin Lewis, a resilient athlete and doctor who shares her experience with us candidly and bravely.

"I thought I was going to die, but now I’m slowly getting better" Dr Tamsin Lewis

Join me in conversation with Professor David Isenberg, an eminent and world leading Rheumatologist and The Versus Arthritis Professor of Medicine at University College London who explains how combining medicine, science and art can improve deadly diseases such as Lupus. He eloquently outlines a case for improving longevity by asking deep questions and seeking answers through ground-breaking research as he has done over a 30-year career at UCL. We also hear how David keeps himself sane as a doctor through music. He translates this personal experience to a message for anyone dealing with illness on how to maintain wellbeing. He tells us how art, especially music is necessary and accessible for both the patient and clinician to live a longer, healthier life.

‘Asking questions helps us move forward’ - Professor David Isenberg

Join me in conversation with Emma Rose, a Bath based artist, whose colourful imagery is dramatic, uplifting and warms the heart. She paints in response to her environment and has used art as a healing tool to leave behind physical and emotional trauma. 

"The Bridgerton painting was inspired by the impactful Netflix series, set in Bath, which touched the nation's spirit during lockdown, helping light and colour shine through the darkness." Emma Rose

With the end of the year upon us let’s look forward to 2022. I discuss the art of coping with the pandemic as a medic, mother and a professional with a GP colleague Dr Tharshini Ramalingam and we reflect on what makes us whole and how to achieve wellness despite the pandemic.

Here are our top tips for wellness:

• Social contact is the backbone of our existence.
• Try and find the thing that motivates you in life.
• Healthcare is self care.
• The holy grail of wellness is mind, body and spiritual health.
• All any of us are guaranteed is today, so make each day, your best day.

I'd like to thank all our guests for joining our podcast this year and sharing their experiences with our listeners whilst always inspiring us to live a longer, healthier life.

Dr Millie December 2021

Join me in conversation with Dan White, a Pulitzer prizewinning photojournalist, who has captured the essence of many people from the jazz musicians of Kansas City to Professor Stephen Hawking at Cambridge University, from behind his lens. Dan thinks the biggest thing we can all learn from a photographer is how to look a little more deeply as we wander through our lives. He tells us to look where the light is to see the beauty around us. 

"The big lesson from photography is looking at the little things closely to see the bigger picture of life." Dan White  

Join me as I speak to Charlotte Froud; an inspirational young artist, as we discuss art and how it impacts our wellbeing and enables us to enjoy a longer healthier life. 

"Art gets you to observe the beauty of the little things in life" Charlotte Froud

Tune into my conversation on digital solutions for health and care as I take a deep dive into staff choices around digitising the NHS, patient empowerment and digital sustainability with Prof Joe Harrison, CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital.

The pandemic has brought forth change in patient care and there is no going back. We have a lot to learn from this flagship NHS digital hospital on how we move forwards to a better future in terms of health and social outcomes.

‘Patient empowerment is the most important factor here and getting sustainable digital solutions to support health and care.‘ Prof Joe Harrison

 

I explore the art of living with Ms Sarah Muirhead-Allwood, a renowned hip surgeon and talented photographer. Sarah demonstrates dedication, focus, attention to detail, passion and devotion to her patients and takes pride in achieving amazing outcomes for them. She has changed the lives of countless people suffering from hip pain with her work lasting decades; a testament to her talent.

From young to old, from Sir Andy Murray to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Sarah’s work is transformative to people from all walks of life. She pursues photography with the same rigour, zeal, patience and joy and obtains stunning results.

As Sarah grows older she thinks she might operate a little less and photograph a little more! Her art of living is to do what makes her happy and her legacy is how good she has made others feel along the way. Her photography gives us an insight into her art of living.

"After hip surgery I love to hear how patients are delighted and shocked by how good they are." - Ms. Sarah Muirhead-Allwood

Toby Tanser runs with destiny. An appropriate book title for a true changemaker.

As a professional athlete, fundraiser, philanthropist, author and extraordinary visionary, Toby’s art of living is to see what children less fortunate than most need to live longer healthier lives and with selfless devotion take action to meet their needs. 

Access to healthcare is key to preventing poverty and giving children the best chance in life.  

Toby has run with legends like Sir Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe MBE and worked with musicians  like singer songwriter Alicia Keys to set up schools and hospitals for children in need in Africa . 

“9 out of 10 children with cancer in Africa will die. I want to do something about that” Toby Tanser

Join me in conversation with food writer & author of 'Chemo Cookery Club' Penny Ericson. Penny writes from the heart and embraces art and science with her recipes, focusing on creating healthy and tasty meals, especially for those suffering with cancer.

"Food is the key to healthy longevity." Penny Ericson