Saving Lives In Slow Motion

In this episode I look at smart phones. They have changed the way we live beyond imagination but are they doing us any harm in terms of the way we think and behave? Links: Life before smartphones: https://medium.com/be-unique/before-smartphones-were-a-thing-87208717b8d7 Teenage brain: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Whats-Going-On-in-the-Teenage-Brain.aspx Teenagers and smart phones: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-smartphones-really-destroying-the-lives-of-teenagers/ Alpha brain waves: https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves#bottom-line Multitasking and switching focus: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/why-multitasking-does-more-harm-good Phones and attention: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36256-4# Alpha waves: https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-brain-waves Dopamine fasting: https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/dopamine-fasting-smartphone-addiction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Addictions can ruin lives but why do they occur in the first place and what can we do to acknowledge them better? In this episode Iook at why they can be so hard to conquer and touch on different aspects of addiction. Links: How the addicted brain works: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-an-addicted-brain-works Sugar - why most of us could easily have a sweet tooth: https://theconversation.com/a-taste-for-sweet-an-anthropologist-explains-the-evolutionary-origins-of-why-youre-programmed-to-love-sugar-173197 Addiction and childhood: https://www.jkacap.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5765/jkacap.2017.28.1.4# Heroin detox in Thailand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13674101 Dr Gabor Maté on trauma: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/apr/12/the-trauma-doctor-gabor-mate-on-happiness-hope-and-how-to-heal-our-deepest-wounds Gambling addiction: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/ A personal story: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/30/studied-neuroscience-understand-addictions-not-cure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming a parent is a gift but it has its challenges. In this episode I look at some factors to be mindful of including the difference between the child and adult brain plus micro tips to help navigate your way through the maze of parenthood. Links: Parenting styles: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/parenting-styles-explained/ Brain development in children: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/early-childhood-brain-development-and-health/ Parenting styles and psychological complaints: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4873100/ Hoffman Process for understanding how early life connects to your adult behaviours: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.co.uk/about-the-process/ Unconditional love: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/201504/how-give-unconditional-love-your-child-and-yourself?amp Steve Biddulph’s advice: https://www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au/blog/steve-biddulph-key-takeaways The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Skin - it’s known as our largest ‘organ’ and most of us have had some kind of skin issue. This is my 101. Enjoy! Guttate psoriasis: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis-guttate Pitiryiasis rosea: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/pityriasis-rosea-symptoms Scarlet fever: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176242 Slapped cheek syndrome: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/ Omega 3 and skin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7892455/ Probiotics and skin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9386980/ Acne: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/ss/slideshow-acne-dictionary PCOS: https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease Rosacea: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/all-about-rosacea Non IgE cows milk protein allergy: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/allergy-in-childhood/cows-milk-allergy/ Dermatitis herpetiformis: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/dermatitis-herpetiformis/ Elimination diets: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elimination-diet Atopy: https://www.healthline.com/health/atopy Demodex: https://www.healthline.com/health/demodex-folliculorum MI allergy: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-methylchloroisothiazolinone-allergies Contact dermatitis: https://www.healthline.com/health/contact-dermatitis Melanoma and ABCDE: https://www.melanomauk.org.uk/the-abcde-rule Sunlight and cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4571149/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health screening has exploded over the last 20 years. Is it a money making exercise or actually worth it? In this episode I look at the pros and cons and how you can decide what may be worth doing and the reason people decide they need it. Links: UK ethics of health screening: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nsc-ethical-framework-for-screening/uk-nsc-ethical-framework-for-screening Health Screening - a recent paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436014/ RCGP screening statement around extra work for NHS GPs from screening companies: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/representing-you/policy-areas/screening Karen Brady’s story: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/apr/20/healthandwellbeing.health1 The pros and cons of PSA testing: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test Genomic (DNA) testing for propensity to disease (eg breast cancer): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genetic-and-genomic-testing/ MTHFR: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326181 Our Future Health: https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/ Bill Turnbull's prostate cancer story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-62755001 My book THE HEALTH FIX - paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= "The only health manual you'll ever need..." Dr Rangan Chatterjee. "...lifechanging..." Dr Rupy Aujla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There isn’t a week in practice when I don’t get asked about food intolerances and how to test for them. It’s a contentious topic that needs some deconstructing. In this episode I look at what is and isn't intolerance and how to proceed if you think you have a food intolerance. Links: Food intolerance vs allergy - official guidance: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/food-intolerance/ IgG testing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004213/ Elimination diets: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elimination-diet SIBO and IBS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29761234/ Gluten sensitivity: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/gluten-sensitivity/ Deeper dive on mucosal tolerance: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-biology2/chapter/mucosal-surfaces-and-immune-tolerance/ Milk digestion over the years: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35896667/ My book The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyme Disease rates have doubled in the last 30 years in the USA and rates are rising across the world in affected areas. In this episode I look at Lyme, other tick-borne illnesses and the mystery symptoms they can give rise to, as well as strategies to treat and prevent them. Lyme disease factsheet: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/borreliosis/facts/factsheet The Bullseye rash: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/rashes.html The life cycle of a spirochaete: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro2714 B.Burgdorferi - the major cause of Lyme disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532894/ B.mayonii - another strain causing Lyme disease: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/mayonii/index.html Dr Horowitz Lyme questionnaire: https://caudwelllyme.com/do-you-have-lyme-disease-the-horowitz-questionnaire Differentiating arthritis from Lyme Diseases: https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-or-lyme Dr Horowitz interview: https://lymeconnection.org/support_and_resources/meet_the_lyme_disease_experts.html/title/dr-richard-horowitz-latest-treatments-in-lyme-disease Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cholesterol has become an obsession for so many people over the last 50 years. In this episode I look at the story of cholesterol and why it is important and when to worry about it. Links: The history of cholesterol: https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-19/history-in-medicine-the-story-of-cholesterol-lipids-and-cardiology Food and cholesterol: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/11-foods-that-lower-cholesterol Monacolin K (in both red yeast rice and statins): https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/monacolins Numbers need to treat (NNT): https://www.cebm.ox.ac.uk/resources/ebm-tools/number-needed-to-treat-nnt Diet and statins: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/29/mediterranean-diet-better-than-statins-for-tackling-heart-disease-study ApoB and Lp(a): https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-health-care-professionals/for-physicians/physician-education-and-resources/physician-interviews/2023/october/lipid-management-part-3-apo-b-and-lipoprotein-a Homocysteine and heart disease: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-021-01977-8 Flawed study or is it because not all LDL is bad? https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/cholesterol-and-statins TG:HDL ratio (Triglycerides to HDL): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664115/#:~:text=3%20The%20ratio%20of%20triglycerides,lower%20than%20this%20value4. NICE recommendation for statins: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2023/january/nice-recommends-statins-should-be-a-choice-for-more-people-to-prevent-heart-attacks-and-strokes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Sensitive topic: one in six people worldwide are now affected by infertility and rates have soared over the last 30 years. In this episode I look at the reasons behind it and what we can do about it on an individual and societal level. Childlessness: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/02/the-desire-to-have-a-child-never-goes-away-how-the-involuntarily-childless-are-forming-a-new-movement Rising infertility in men and women: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/reproductive-problems-in-both-men-and-women-are-rising-at-an-alarming-rate/ 1:6 with infertility: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/03/one-in-six-people-worldwide-affected-by-infertility-who-reports Birth rates in South Korea and reasons behind them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpkEEmnZNU Exercise and fertility: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10310950/ Female fertility and nutrition: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8634384/ Sperm counts and time of day: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32195611/ Semen and antioxidants: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687 Fertility support: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/support/ Infertility counselling: https://www.bica.net/ Buy THE HEALTH FIX now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1914239326?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_S32SMEDYMC4SBPSJ4CGV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minor illness seems trivial, but is it always simple to deal with and when do we need to think more carefully about what can seem like minor illness on the surface? Lay referral: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1316199/pdf/brjgenprac004944500617.pdf The debate about doctors and Physician Associates: https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2449 Sore throat causes: https://twitter.com/DrSteveTaylor/status/1761753922920694133/photo/1 Rincke’s oedema: https://voicefoundation.org/health-science/voice-disorders/voice-disorders/reinkes-edema/ PEWS (scoring system for acute illness in children): http://generalpracticemedicine.org/PEWSSheetApril2017Final2.pdf Recurrent UTI: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/expert-answers/bladder-infection/faq-20057833 The role of pharmacies: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/community-pharmacy-contractual-framework/referring-minor-illness-patients-to-a-community-pharmacist/ Managing uncertainty in medicine: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja2.51925 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The increase in diagnosis: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/jul/significant-rise-adhd-diagnoses-uk ADHD and dopamine - seeking rewards: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325499 Time blindness: https://add.org/adhd-time-blindness/ The risk and benefits of ADHD medication: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6697582/ Risk factors for ADHD: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/causes Time blindness: https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/coronavirus-self-isolation-time-blindness.html Hyperfocus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851038/ Rating scales for children: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/rating-scale#symptoms-checklist For adults (website with advice and help): https://adhduk.co.uk/adult-adhd-screening-survey/ Once of many ADHD podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/adhd-chatter/id1677158558 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s something that befalls most of us as we age, but what is it? It is a marker of vulnerability as we age and in many ways a soft tool to predict our risk of future illness and rate of decline. In this episode I look at how it is assessed and what we can do to prevent it. Links: Rockwood score: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/rockwood-frailty-scale_.pdf Standing desks: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-a-standing-desk Prognosis in frailty: https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/end-of-life-care-in-frailty-identification-and-prognostication Ageing well: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/stay-strong-four-ways-to-beat-the-frailty-risk An AI device tech example: https://www.miicare.co.uk/ Gait analysis: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2021.749274/full Creatine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7996960/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at what makes for good health in children. It’s clearly multifactorial and the latest reports show that the health of children has declined in recent years in the UK. I look at why this may be the case and what the root causes might be. Links: Children ‘betrayed’ in UK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68203749 WHO website on child health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/child-health#tab=tab_1 UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/ UNICEF child satisfaction tables: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/child-well-being-health-happiness-unicef-report/ Child development: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002002.htm Attachment theory: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337 What every child needs: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/what-children-need/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at the history of sexual health, our attitudes towards it and how we things have changed over the last 100 years. TW: use of sexual language and references to adult themes. HPV: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv Shame and STIs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8297218/ Philadelphia trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKDz2LVHz0Y Venereal Disease bill 1916: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11589807/ Dr Kellogg: https://www.history.com/news/dr-john-kellogg-cereal-wellness-wacky-sanitarium-treatments Erectile dysfunction and heart disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20045141 Pfizer propagated the term erectile dysfunction to replace ‘impotence’: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-12-11/the-little-blue-pill-an-oral-history-of-viagra?leadSource=uverify wall LARCs and teenage pregnancy: https://www.england.nhs.uk/atlas_case_study/increasing-the-uptake-of-long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc-in-general-practice/ Young men, erectile issues and pornography: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8569536/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week is my 100th episode. I reflect on some of the topics I have covered over the last 20 months or so and beyond the basics I talk about what I think is the most important aspect of our health in the modern world (and it's not food or relationships)! Links below for a deeper dive... let's go. School resources - how the NHS works: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/schools-resources-toolkit/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20toolkit%20of,NHS%20Services%2C%20health%20and%20wellbeing. My Symptom Web via NHS England: https://twitter.com/NHS/status/1167147825815314433 MTHFR gene mutation: https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene#symptoms MTHFR - more info: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318526 Free coaching framework: https://www.basic-coaching.com/ Mental health app Leafyard who I am proud to partner with: https://www.leafyard.com/healthfix How food can regain nutrients: https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/follow-the-food/why-modern-food-lost-its-nutrients/ Journalling for beginners: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z3hshcw Effect of trauma on the brain: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/neuroscience/researchers-reveal-how-trauma-changes-the-brain Systems Medicine - Leroy Hood: https://laskerfoundation.org/leroy-hood-there-is-going-to-be-a-fantastic-revolution-in-medicine/ Earth’s environmental problems in 2024: https://earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/ My book THE HEALTH FIX - on offer now!: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=zg_bs_g_362843031_d_sccl_1/259-3769703-6680765?psc=1 New Book: Why can’t I see my GP?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=why+can%27t+i+see+my+gp&i=digital-text&crid=3EHTLXLDL76C7&sprefix=why+can%27t+i+see+my+gp%2Cdigital-text%2C71&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at the work of doctors being done by other professionals and try to balance the issues that surround it. Links: My rapid response from the BMJ in 2006: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325146/ Labels and role confusion: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/13/public-confused-over-physician-associates-working-in-nhs-research-finds Pay issues and regulation: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12710201/Some-physician-associates-paid-90-000-year-twice-junior-doctors-salary-not-regulated.html A sad case of a death: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66211103 Endoscopy explained: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoscopy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at the work of doctors being done by other professionals and try to balance the issues that surround it. Links: My rapid response from the BMJ in 2006: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325146/ Labels and role confusion: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/13/public-confused-over-physician-associates-working-in-nhs-research-finds Pay issues and regulation: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12710201/Some-physician-associates-paid-90-000-year-twice-junior-doctors-salary-not-regulated.html A sad case of a death: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66211103 Endoscopy explained: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoscopy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meditation and mindfulness are both useful interrelated tools to improve one’s mental health. Meditation should ideally be a regular practice and in this episode I discuss some of the benefits as well as take you through a short guided mediation on self-compassion. Links: Mindfulness and CBT: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-24256-9 Mindfulness and changes in the brain - neuroplasticity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CBfCW67xT8 Meditation and mindfulness nuances: https://positivepsychology.com/differences-between-mindfulness-meditation/ Mindfulness and meditation during COVID-19: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7287297/ Measurement of brain responses to meditation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638869/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at the concept of ‘ideas’ rather than resolutions that might shape your 2024 on an individual and societal level, including a couple of things I managed myself in 2023. There are also some easy hacks to incorporate into your day which can work for everyone. My IDEAL framework for behaviour change: https://shows.acast.com/savinglivesinslowmotion/episodes/behaviour-change-2-the-ideal-framework Circular economy: https://unctad.org/topic/trade-and-environment/circular-economy Ban on single use plastics: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66946643 AI and personalised medicine: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/26/ai-personalise-medicine-patient-lab-health-diagnosis-cambridge Leafyard - AI driven mental health app with 20% off here: https://www.leafyard.com/healthfix My talk in London on Wednesday January 10th 2024: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-ayan-panja-the-health-fix-tickets-753931006937 Red January: https://join.redjanuary.com/ THE HEALTH FIX - all formats, paperback out NOW. Transform your health now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I look at the true essence of health. We live a world that is increasingly confusing in terms of health messaging and priorities given the amount of inequality in the world. I take a look at some basics of what is important to us in our lives which people may not consider important for health but not only nourish us as humans but are important to both our short and long term health. Links: Self-esteem and the brain: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2017/oct/self-esteem-mapped-human-brain Hugs (they really are good for us): https://www.healthline.com/health/hugging-benefits Quality of Life scoring: https://positivepsychology.com/quality-of-life-questionnaires-assessments Weightless by Marconi Union (the most relaxing tune in the world?): https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=weightless+by+marconi+union&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 Social connectedness (what we know): https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm Eating together (like my taxi driver): https://blog.swedish.org/swedish-blog/7-benefits-of-eating-together-as-a-family Salutogenesis: https://www.local.gov.uk/case-studies/salutogenesis-introduction Come and say Hi to me in London: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-ayan-panja-the-health-fix-tickets-753931006937 Pre-order THE HEALTH FIX paperback version now (thank you for your support): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=monarch_sidesheet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.