Sound Living (British Society for Lifestyle Medicine)

In this first episode of the new season of Sound Living, host Dr. Mike Banna is joined by Dr. John Sykes and Dr. Punam Krishan to explore the foundations of lifestyle medicine. They discuss how this evidence-based approach goes beyond simplistic advice like “eat less, move more”, emphasizing the complexities of behaviour change and the importance of a person-centred, compassionate approach.

John highlights the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, while Punam shares personal experiences that shaped her understanding of sustainable health changes. Together, they address common misconceptions, the role of socioeconomic factors, and the need for gradual, long-term improvements rather than quick fixes.

Throughout the conversation, they advocate for small, meaningful lifestyle shifts that empower individuals on their health journeys. With engaging discussions and real-world insights, this episode sets the tone for Sound Living, a podcast dedicated to making lifestyle medicine accessible, practical, and evidence-based for both healthcare professionals and the public.

Guests:

Dr Punam Krishan (@drpunamkrishan)

Dr John Sykes (@healthandfitnessdoctor)

In this episode of Sound Living, Dr Mike Banna is joined by chartered psychologist and author Kimberley Wilson to explore the intricate connections between lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health. They discuss how this evidence-based conversation goes beyond simplistic notions of well-being, delving into the complex interplay between our dietary choices and brain function.

Drawing on insights from her book, How to Build a Healthy Brain, Kimberley explains how nutrition significantly influences behaviour and cognitive function, drawing on her experiences in high-pressure environments such as prisons as compelling examples. She also examines how societal structures and systemic barriers shape our dietary choices, advocating for both individual lifestyle adjustments and the development of compassionate, supportive public health policies.

Guest:

Kimberley Wilson (@foodandpsych)

In this episode about pregnancy, Dr Helen Lawal interviews Dr Julie Gray. Julie is an NHS GP and currently 35 weeks pregnant. Helen is bringing up a new-born baby in lockdown.  The pair share their experience as mums and explore: benefits of exercise in pregnancy and what precautions to take; how to maintain good emotional wellbeing and mental health during pregnancy; and practical tips to improve sleep both during and outside of pregnancy.

What is Lifestyle Medicine? In the first episode of Sound Living, Dr Helen Lawal is joined by Dr Rob Lawson. Rob is a former GP and cofounder of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. In this episode, Rob explains why he founded the BSLM and why our lifestyle is more important now than ever. He also explains what lifestyle medicine actually is, what group consultations are, and how small changes can have a big impact on our health.

This episode explores the neuroscience of habits and how we can use this to build the habits we want. Dr Sue Smith, a GP and health and wellness coach, takes Helen through the 5 steps to forming a habit that sticks. They talk about why it's so hard to change habits, and what you can do to succeed.

Download the worksheet from our website to join Dr Helen in taking the first step at https://bslm.org.uk/sound-living-podcast/

Sleep doesn't always get the credit it deserves, but it is one of the most important components of our health. In this episode, Helen is joined by Dr Alex Maxwell who explains the science behind why we sleep and why we can struggle to get a good night's sleep. The effect of caffeine, alcohol and blue light is discussed, with practical tips on how you can improve the quality of your sleep.

This is a healthcare worker’s special on how to manage stress for both clinical and non- clinical staff working within the NHS, with Dr Anna Huette. This has been a particularity stressful year. We talk about the importance of addressing stress in healthcare workers, and share some simple ways to approach this if you are feeling overwhelmed. Dr Helen and Dr Anna share their own experiences with stress and the strategies that work for them. Dr Anna also signposts us to where we can access help if compassionate self care measures aren’t helping and we are still struggling. You can find all of the resources mentioned on our website at https://bslm.org.uk/education/podcast/

Following on from our last episode on stress, this episode explores the effect of COVID-19 on our mental health with Dr Charlotte Marriott. Charlotte explains why the stages of grief may apply to how we're feeling, and suggests actions we can take to cope, manage and even thrive during this global pandemic. Helen and Charlotte also discuss the concept of post-traumatic growth, a positive personal transformation we can experience following stressful life events. All of the resources mentioned by Charlotte and more can be found on our website https://bslm.org.uk/education/podcast/

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