On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Dr. Andrew Murray joins me to discuss the building blocks of population health. Dr. Murray is a Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor, GP and runner who has worked in the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and with various national and international squads. He currently works for the European and Challenge Tour Golf, the SportScotland Institute of Sport, and the Scottish Rugby Union. He is passionate about increasing physical activity for health and has worked for the Scottish Government as their first "physical activity champion", and enjoys research with the University of Edinburgh in this area.

In this episode, we discuss:

-The role of preventative care as the foundation for population health

-How much exercise is enough?

-How sleep and diet contribute to optimal health

-Practical tips to implement healthier lifestyle changes and ways to advocate in the community

-And so much more!

Modern medicine is capable at combating many ailments however, Dr. Murray believes, "What isn't working at the moment is preventative medicine."

From international government relations to community outreach programs, collaboration, education and other forms of social support are needed for more individuals to achieve optimal health outcomes. Dr. Murray stresses, "Everyone's got a role as being part of the solution."

Physical activity has been shown to be a key prevention tool. Dr. Murray encourages everyone to at the very least start small and get moving as, "Something is better than nothing…You're never too late, you still got time…Start today."

Although preventative medicine is not an immediate fix for patients, Dr. Murray encourages practitioners and the broader industry to adopt a long-term perspective for better outcomes over time. Dr. Murray is a proponent of, "If we do the basics right then good health will follow."

For more information on Dr. Murray:

My background is as a Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor, GP and runner, whilst I have written a couple books, enjoy a load of speaking engagements and do a little journalism.

As a runner, I have completed challenges including a 4,300km run from far north Scotland to the Sahara desert, 7 ultra-marathons on the 7 different continents in under a week, and with Donnie Campbell the first run across the mighty Namib desert and a run across East Africa. Race wise, I've placed first in the North Pole Marathon, the Antarctic Ice Marathon, the Gobi Challenge, the Indo Jungle Ultra, and races closer to home, whilst also competing for Scotland in various events.

Work wise I have worked at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and with various national and international squads. I currently work for the European and Challenge Tour Golf, the SportScotland Institute of Sport, and the Scottish Rugby Union from the elite sport side of thing, but am passionate about increasing physical activity for health. To this end, I worked for the Scottish Government as their first "physical activity champion", and enjoy my research with the University of Edinburgh in this area. Getting active, and staying active really is the best thing you can do for your health. Each step is a step to health.

I needed a good kick up the backside from a mate to get active again after university, and urge everyone to GET ACTIVE today, and spread the word.

Updates from various capers, health promotion stuff and injury advices will appear in my blog and the site content will be updated. My next big adventure is a husky riding, running extravaganza to Outer Mongolia in temperatures around -40 celsius in January 2016. Preparation and the adventure will be shared fully in my blogs.

Please take the time to check out my charities. Thanks to you all, over £150k has been raised through various runs for 3 amazing causes.

My books "Running Beyond Limits" and "Running Your Best – Some Science Medicine" are available via Amazon and the usual book stores.

For talks or inquiries, please get in touch !

Resources discussed on this show:

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health? Video

Yann Le Meur Website

Dr. Andrew Murray Twitter

Dr. Andrew Murray Website

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen

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