The Health & Wellbeing Podcast

Understanding and Managing Dependence on Prescription Medications

In this insightful episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast, our host Nick is joined by Robert Ralph. Together, they explore the complexities of supporting patients prescribed with dependence-forming medications and the evolving landscape of substance misuse.
Robert shares his journey from working with autism-specific services to pioneering a pilot service focused on deprescribing dependence-forming medications. This initiative led to the development of a county-wide service in East Sussex, eventually expanding to West Sussex. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his work, as well as his personal experiences managing a demanding career while raising teenage children.
The conversation delves into the shifting patterns of substance misuse, particularly among Generation Z, and the impact of social media and digital lifestyles on their behaviours. Robert highlights the importance of understanding the underlying trauma that often drives substance misuse and the need for resilience-building and coping skills.
Robert also addresses common misconceptions about dependence-forming medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, and emphasises the importance of informed prescribing practices. He provides valuable insights into managing the risks associated with these medications and the benefits of a holistic approach to patient care.
The episode concludes with practical advice for patients concerned about potential dependence on medications, highlighting the role of open communication with healthcare providers, self-research, and the importance of a balanced approach to medication management.
You might also find the following resources helpful:
Home - Live Well with Pain
Pace Yourself: A Game-Changer for Arthritis Management
Pain Toolkit - Pain Self Management by Pete Moore

Embracing Change: Male Wellbeing and Mental Health

In this episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast, Dr Nick Harvey engages in a profound discussion with Dr Roger Prentis on the critical topic of male wellbeing. Dr Prentis shares his unique insights drawn from a rich career that spans medical research, mental health consultancy, and leadership development.
Together, they explore the challenges men face in prioritising their health and the societal pressures surrounding traditional masculinity. Dr Prentis emphasises the importance of recognising one's "normal" and seeking help when necessary, providing practical advice for men to embrace a more balanced approach to emotional wellbeing.
The conversation also delves into the role of organisations in promoting mental health awareness, the impact of workplace culture, and the value of investing in employee wellbeing. Dr Prentis offers actionable steps for both individuals and organisations to foster a supportive environment where mental health can thrive.
Join us for an engaging session filled with expert advice, personal anecdotes, and a call to action for a more inclusive approach to male wellbeing. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring Robert Ralph, who will discuss supporting patients prescribed dependence-forming medications.

Cancer. From Diagnosis to Determination: Fler Wright’s Inspirational Journey

In this episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast, hosted by Dr Nick Harvey, we delve into the personal and inspiring journey of Fler Wright, co-founder of the Wolo Foundation. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, Fler shares her story of resilience, family, and the foundation's mission to support others facing similar battles.
Fler discusses the emotional and psychological challenges of a cancer diagnosis, the importance of a positive mindset, and the creation of support networks. Learn how her experiences have shaped the Wolo Foundation's efforts to help families navigate the complexities of living with cancer.
Join us as we explore the impact of cancer on families, the power of empathy over sympathy, and practical advice for those supporting loved ones through their health journeys. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of living life to the fullest.
For more information about Wolo Foundation, please visit their website: www.wolofoundation.org

Unlocking Weight Loss: Introducing SCHC's New Service

Welcome to a special episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast, where Dr. Nick Harvey introduces Dr. Miriam Malak, our medical director and lifestyle medicine specialist. In this episode, we dive into the barriers people face when trying to lose weight and how our new weight loss service can help.
We discuss the exciting potential of Mounjaro, a medication originally used for type 2 diabetes that has shown significant weight loss benefits. Dr. Malak explains how Mounjaro works by targeting two crucial hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to control blood sugar, regulate appetite, and slow digestion.
Dr. Malak also outlines who might benefit from Mounjaro, the amount of weight loss one can expect, and the correct method of administration. Additionally, she discusses other health benefits and potential side effects, emphasising the importance of a thorough medical assessment before starting the medication.
Tune in to learn more about how Mounjaro can be a transformative option for weight loss and how to get started with this promising treatment.

Overcoming Adversity: Reeta Minhas-Judd's Journey to Empowerment and Empowering Others

Welcome to SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast, hosted by Dr Nick Harvey. In this episode, Dr Harvey interviews Reeta Minhas-Judd, the founder of RMJ Wellbeing, to discuss the importance and awareness of mental health.
Reeta shares her personal journey from being racially bullied in her youth to becoming a mental health advocate and therapist. She talks about her struggles with mental health, the impact of her upbringing, and how she transformed her experiences into a mission to help others. Reeta also provides practical advice on how to manage mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the role of organisations in promoting employee wellbeing.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into resilience, empathy, and the steps we can all take to live our best lives.

Unlocking Your Inner Athlete: The Power of Goal Setting and Self-Belief with Jason Newbery

Welcome to another enlightening episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast! Dr Nick Harvey sits down with Jason Newbery, a dedicated sports performance coach and founder of 'Then We Run'. Jason specialises in coaching triathletes, runners, cyclists, and functional fitness athletes, helping them achieve significant milestones such as completing their first races or hitting personal bests.
In this episode, Jason shares his inspiring journey from a non-runner to an accomplished endurance athlete and discusses how he balances his professional life with home-schooling his son, who has autism. Learn how Jason's background in PE teaching and his personal transformation have equipped him with unique insights into endurance sports and the psychology behind achieving athletic success.
Jason delves into the importance of goal setting, the power of self-belief, and the role of a coach in helping individuals unlock their potential. Whether you're aiming to complete a marathon, improve your fitness, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, this episode offers valuable advice on overcoming barriers, staying motivated, and finding joy in physical activity.
Join us for a conversation that will inspire you to dream big, set realistic goals, and take actionable steps towards a healthier, more active life.

Unleashing the Power of AI for Health and Wellbeing

Welcome to the Health and Wellbeing podcast from South Downs Health and Care, hosted by Dr Nick Harvey. This episode dives into the transformative potential of AI in healthcare with guest Dr Keith Grimes, a GP, digital health consultant, and founder of Curistica, a clinical innovation consultancy. Dr Grimes shares insights on how AI can enhance health and wellbeing, discussing everything from the role of AI in automating administrative tasks to its impact on patient care.
Dr Grimes also addresses common misconceptions and potential pitfalls associated with AI, emphasising the importance of understanding its strengths and limitations. He provides practical advice for both healthcare professionals and patients on how to safely and effectively use AI technologies.
Tune in to learn about the current state of AI in healthcare, its future possibilities, and how it can be a valuable tool in improving health outcomes. Don't miss the next episode featuring Jason Newbery, who will discuss promoting health and wellbeing through physical activity.

Deprescribing in Frailty: A Conversation with Kayt Blythin

Welcome to this episode of SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast. Join us as Dr Nick Harvey dive into the crucial topic of deprescribing in frailty with Kayt Blythin. Kayt, who transitioned from a career in human resources to pharmacy, brings a unique perspective to her work with older populations in seaside towns. She discusses the importance of medication review and optimisation, emphasising that not all medications are lifelong necessities.
In this episode, Kayt shares her journey and the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare. She highlights the collaborative efforts with the National Health Innovation Service and the proactive management of polypharmacy. Kayt and our host, Dr Nick Harvey, delve into the complexities of deprescribing, the impact of frailty on medication management, and the delicate balance between following guidelines and individual patient needs.
Discover the key considerations for deprescribing, including the role of anticholinergic medications, blood pressure management, and the importance of shared decision-making. Kayt also provides insights into the practical challenges and rewards of reducing medication burden for elderly patients, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and perspectives on managing medications in frailty and the evolving landscape of pharmacy in healthcare.
 
You might also find the following resources helpful:https://amzn.eu/d/ctOq4vrhttps://amzn.eu/d/ar9HhGwLink to Health Innovation Polypharmacy:https://thehealthinnovationnetwork.co.uk/programmes/medicines/polypharmacy/

Balancing Act: Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Finding Joy in Routine

Welcome to SDHC's Health and Wellbeing podcast! In this episode, we explore the intricate balance between mental health and physical activity with our special guest, Steven Clarke. Steven shares his extensive experience and insights from his career, spanning over 25 years in mental health and physical fitness.
Steven, a coach at Team Bodyworks and a former clinical exercise therapist, delves into the importance of physical activity for mental health, drawing from his work with South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. He discusses how exercise can be a crucial component in mental health care and the challenges of integrating it into routine care plans.
We also touch on the benefits of setting achievable goals, the role of nutrition, and the importance of maintaining a routine. Steven emphasises the significance of finding joy in physical activities and how this can lead to sustainable lifestyle changes.
Join us as we uncover practical strategies for staying motivated and consistent with exercise, regardless of the challenges life throws our way. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to better support your patients or someone seeking to improve your own health and wellbeing, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.
Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that highlights the transformative power of physical activity on both mental and physical health.
 
For questions or information on Exercise Professionals for Mental Health, please contact Steven at steven@epmh.org
For inquiries related to training with Team Bodyworks Performance Triathlon Club, please visit their website at www.teambodyworks.com.
 
You might also find the following resources helpful:
Exercise-Based Interventions for Mental Illness: Physical Activity as Part of Clinical Treatment: Amazon.co.uk: Stubbs, Brendon: 9780128126059: Books
Case Studies in Sports Psychiatry: Amazon.co.uk: Mistry, Amit D.: 9781108720557: Books
NHS Managing a healthy weight in adult secure services – practice guidance
Mind Charity – Physical Activity, exercise and mental health
Stubbs, B et al (2018) Physical Activity and mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry 5 (11) p873.
 
 

Embracing the Second Spring: Navigating Menopause with Katie Day

In this episode, host Dr Nick Harvey sits down with Katie Day, a leading voice on menopause in the UK, to delve into the intricacies of the menopause journey. Katie shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the symptoms, challenges, and transformative potential of menopause.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages, along with practical advice on lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and complementary therapies. Katie emphasises the importance of proactive health management and encourages women to embrace their "second spring" with vitality and purpose.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that offers hope, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on navigating menopause. Tune in to discover how to reclaim your power and live your best life post-menopause!