Making People Better

Karen Beattie, deputy clinical lead at Vita Health Group  discusses back care and focuses on pain, common problems and prevention.

The episode examines the importance of sleep and how it impacts on wellbeing. With contributions from sleep experts, Tom Bivins and Dr Omar Kowlessar, the podcast explores all aspects of sleep, how technology distracts us, its impact on our mental health and provides tips on how to prepare for a restful nights sleep.

This podcast delves into childrens mental health and provides help and guidance  including recognising the signs, how to support and advice for parents and family members. Featuring Sally Tribe and Dr Omar Kowlessar, Vita's mental health experts.

Vita Health Group's Phil Adkins and Lucie Ironman discuss the topic of mental health, explore the seasonal impact on wellbeing with a focus on the awareness day, Blue Monday. Phil and Lucie provide tips on good mental health strategies and how to get help if you need it.

Unlock the secrets to managing chronic skin conditions in our latest episode featuring Sophia Brown, lead dermatology nurse, and Dr. Toby Nelson, a consultant dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. Have you ever wondered why eczema has become more prevalent, especially during the pandemic? We dive deep into the factors contributing to this rise, from lifestyle and diet to the overuse of soaps and shifts in our skin biome. You'll gain invaluable insights into quick fixes and available treatments that can help you navigate this common yet challenging condition.

Join us as we explore the complexities of using topical steroids effectively. Learn about the "steroid ladder" and the importance of proper dosing with the "fingertip unit" method. We'll also address how to break the itch-scratch cycle in young children with practical nighttime tips. Toward the end of our episode, Sophia and Dr. Nelson share their expertise on the latest advancements in dermatology and stress the critical role of early detection in skin cancer. This episode is a comprehensive guide to better skin health and well-being, packed with expert advice and practical strategies. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Do you think sun protection is only crucial for fair skin? Think again. Join us for an essential conversation on skin health and dermatology with experts Sophia Brown, Lead Dermatology nurse at Vita Health Group, and Dr. Sharon Belmo, a Consultant Dermatologist. We dive deep into the critical role dermatology plays in healthcare, from medical and surgical treatments to holistic approaches. You'll learn about the importance of early detection of skin issues, the psychological effects of skin diseases, and how community dermatology initiatives can help reduce wait times.

Think darker skin tones don't need sunscreen? There's a lot more at stake. We break down common misconceptions about sun protection for diverse skin tones, highlighting the higher mortality rates of skin cancer in communities of color due to delayed diagnosis. Sophia and Dr. Belmo also discuss hyperpigmentation, the challenges of diagnosing conditions in darker skin, and the importance of culturally competent healthcare. Learn how cultural habits impact skin and hair health and why sunscreen is non-negotiable for everyone.

Struggling with textured hair care? We've got you covered. This episode shifts focus to specialized care for textured hair and skin of color, tackling seborrheic dermatitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps), and hair loss. Dr. Belmo shares practical tips for managing these conditions and the significance of early diagnosis through a GP referral. Discover the range of specialized services available at Dr. Belmo's private dermatology clinic on Harley Street. Don't miss this enlightening episode, packed with valuable insights from Sophia Brown and Dr. Sharon Belmo.

Get ready to pedal through the essentials of cycling safety and injury prevention with our distinguished guest, Charlie Bradford. Discover the vital strategies weekend cyclists need to adopt to keep their passion for pedaling pain-free. Charlie, an expert physiotherapist with a wealth of experience, shares his insights into the common mishaps that befall avid cyclists and how to sidestep these with smart preparation and a balanced lifestyle. We zero in on the art of cycling, emphasizing the importance of graduating activity levels to avoid injuries and the key role a physiotherapist can play in guiding you to a safer ride.

Find out why cycling could be your knee's new best friend, especially if you're battling against arthritis. We break down the benefits of this low-impact sport, discuss how a well-fitted bike can be a game-changer in preventing overuse injuries, and tackle the unique challenges hill-climbers face. Additionally, we delve into the exercises that can keep your knee joints in top form and why strength conditioning and weight-bearing exercises are non-negotiable companions to your cycling routine. Whether you're in it for the thrill of the race or a leisurely weekend jaunt, Charlie's expertise is geared towards helping you achieve a safer, more informed cycling journey.

 We're joined by Joseph Conway, a seasoned mental health trainer, to discuss the mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week. We reflect on the progress made in breaking down stigmas and the newfound openness that allows us to speak candidly about our struggles. 

Addressing mental health isn't just about overcoming major crises; it's about noticing the subtler signs that something's amiss. Together with Joseph, we examine the early indicators of mental distress, such as disrupted sleep, shifts in appetite, and unexplained physical discomfort, which could signal a need for timely intervention. We reinforce the crucial link between mental and physical health, sharing insights into how regular physical activity and stress management techniques can significantly boost mental fitness. Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder to evaluate our overall well-being and prioritize self-care.

Wrapping up our conversation, we turn our focus to the unique pressures of modern work environments and parenthood. For those navigating the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, especially in remote work settings, we share practical strategies to incorporate movement into your day and the necessity of setting boundaries. Join us for an episode that promises not only to illuminate the path to improved mental wellbeing but also to support you in rediscovering the joy in your daily activities.

Unlock the secrets to injury-free running with our latest guest, physiotherapist Matthew Riggs. A seasoned expert with a keen understanding of sports physiotherapy, tackles the 'weekend warrior' phenomenon, exposing the dangers of ramping up exercise too quickly. He doesn't just highlight the problems; he offers solutions, equipping runners with the know-how to steer clear of common mistakes. 

As we lace up for this episode, Matthew imparts wisdom on the vital muscle groups every runner should focus on that could turbocharge your running resilience.  So, whether you're just starting with the NHS's Couch to 5K app or you're a marathon veteran, join us for a conversation that's all about pacing yourself to peak performance and ensuring that every step is a stride toward enduring health.

To highlight Mental Health Day, Vita Health Group’s Phil Adkins and Lucie Ironman discuss the topic of mental health and provide practical advice and guidance on maintaining mental wellbeing, what to look out for and how to get help.