Saving Lives In Slow Motion

Dr Ayan Panja

Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with over 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

232 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes232

Newest first

Jul 29, 2022 · 17 min
Mentoring - the power of giving back through a magical relationship
This episode is about mentoring which I think is much needed in the world today. Many of us will have had incredible mentors who selflessly give up their time and knowledge in order to help others. I feel it is a way of paying it forward and that both mentors and mentees to help each other grow and learn. Beyond Ed Peile who I mention in the episode I would like to acknowledge and thank Jon Fowler, Mark Allen, Julian Godlee and my late father for their inimitable ability to mentor, inspire and transform others. Links: The power of mentorship: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8406889/ Mentorship behaviours: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8406889/ Mentoring for UK doctors: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/career-progression/mentoring/mentoring-for-doctors The 5 stages of mentoring: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/phases-of-the-mentoring-relationship/27693 Ed Peile: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/staff/peile/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 22, 2022 · 15 min
Singing - the healthy hobby?
Singing is something close to my heart and I feel it does not get enough attention for it’s multiple health benefits. It is accessible to so many and is an easy thing to take up and enjoy. In this episode I explore the benefits to almost every body system which singing can confer. Links: Social prescribing: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/26/nhs-should-prescribe-tango-dancing-book-clubs-not-pill-every/ The vagus nerve: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318128 Alexander technique: https://alexandertechnique.com/ Breathing and singing: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/common-misconceptions-breath-support-singing-1872/ Singing and COPD: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-25237125 Singing and cortisol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854222/ Immunity and singing (in a choir): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15669447/ The effect of singing on pain: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/147470491201000403 Effect on memory and cognition: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210210133432.htm Bereavement and singing: https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2019/06/26/bmjspcare-2018-001642 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 15, 2022 · 16 min
Triage - how we work out who needs healthcare and attention first and foremost
Triage is increasingly being used in healthcare outside the emergency setting to help filter urgent from non-urgent. With the growing use of artificial intelligence, triage algorithms are becoming more reliable. I look at the pros and cons of triage from the view point of both patient and practitioner. Links: Triage and it’s background: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5649292/ Continuity of care: https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n2468 And article on the ethics of triage: https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/coronavirus-covid19/2020/3/31/21199721/coronavirus-covid-19-hospitals-triage-rationing-italy-new-york Sample triage protocol: https://www.medicalprotection.org/ireland/practice-matters/may-2014/example-triage-protocol-for-non-clinical-staff Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 8, 2022 · 24 min
Gut symptoms - how to make sense of them
In this episode I look at symptoms affecting the gut. They are one of the most common presentations in general practice. Most of us experience some kind of gastrointestinal symptom at some point in our lives. I delve into my understanding on how the gut works and how and why things can go wrong and what we can do to help ourselves. Links: Mintel gastrointestinal problems data: https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/beauty-and-personal-care/86-of-brits-have-suffered-from-a-gastrointestinal-problem-in-the-past-year/amp Mintel article on gut health determinants: https://www.mintel.com/blog/food-market-news/gut-health-goes-beyond-digestion/amp Ultra-processed foods: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7399967/ Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5777317/ Short chain fatty acids: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025/full Diet and reflux disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702398/ H. pylori infection and reflux disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502218/ Low FODMAP diets: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33585949/ Probiotics and their potential role in reflux disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019778/ SIBO and IBS - is there a link?: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29761234/ Gallstones and SIBO: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392773/ A review of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns and Ulcerative colitis): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6685307/ ‘Red flag’ gut symptoms needing medical assessment: https://bowelinterestgroup.co.uk/resources/red-flag-symptoms-in-gi-conditions/ Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgery (healthline.com) The popular ‘4 R’s of gut health’: https://thenutritionalinstitute.com/resources/blog/292-the-4-r-s-of-gut-health Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 1, 2022 · 21 min
Prejudice and inclusion
*TW* Today’s episode is on a topic which affects us all. Prejudice, bias and inclusion are all ongoing hot topics which can affect our wellbeing, how we feel about ourselves and our experience of the world. Here I look at the reasons why it is such a complex area to navigate and not as simple as it should be. There are some anecdotes on this episode that might be difficult to listen to. Links: Protected characteristics: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics A paper on similarities and differences in people and their perceptions: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00849/full Health inequalities and gender: https://eurohealthnet.eu/publication/gender-health-and-inequalities-before-and-after-the-pandemic-where-we-go-from-here/ Microsoft video training on bias and inclusion: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/inclusion-journey/learn Medical regulators and racism: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/06/29/racism-and-the-general-medical-council/ The 2004 film Crash that cleverly gets under the belly of prejudice and bias: https://youtu.be/DEJH0hEoHc4 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 24, 2022 · 14 min
Behaviour Change 2 - the IDEAL framework from my book THE HEALTH FIX
This framework that I have created helps turn what is in your mind into action. IDEAL: Identify, Define, Engage, Activate and Look Back One of the hardest things can be to turn intentions into reality. This simple framework along with the work of known behavioural theory experts can help implement your behaviour change intentions. Links: BJ Fogg behaviour model: https://behaviormodel.org/ Susan Michie and COM-B: https://implementationscience.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1748-5908-6-42 Pre-order your copy of The Health Fix now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1655897648&refinements=p_27%3AAyan+Panja&s=books&sr=1-1 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 17, 2022 · 14 min
Brain health and Alzheimer’s Disease
*TW* This is such a trenchant topic and I wanted to cover it for so many reasons. Most of us get some kind of brain symptom at times but it is short lived, but that is not the case for many people. Alzheimer’s Disease is the commonest form of dementia affecting over 60% of all dementia sufferers worldwide. This episode looks at the determinants of brain health and the aetiology of Alzheimer’s Disease. Links: Facts, figures and information on dementia: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Food and brain health: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods (did not focus on this in the episode but in case you want to know more). Brain health and food chat with @Doctors_Kitchen: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-doctors/8-eat-to-boost-your-brain-W4eh8cIyNHf/ The hippocampus and memory: https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.12009 Association between diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4265876/ The ApoE gene: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.630502/full Cognitive stimulation therapy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5639131/ Alzheimer’s support: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ 101 on Alzheimer’s Disease - what it is and it’s pathology: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/alzheimers-disease/treatments/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 10, 2022 · 13 min
Drill down, Diary up
Sometimes in order to get to the underlying reason behind symptoms that may arise from your lifestyle and environment. It is a way of dissecting an area that may need more focus, for instance: diet, environment, movement, sunlight exposure, sleep, historic infections and your family history. They are good tools to use if you are not making huge progress with conventional habit changes. Links: Some benefits of a health diary: https://blog.vantagefit.io/health-diary/ Caffeine overload? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects Fish in your diet - risks and benefits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-35884051 Methylisothiazolinone and skin: https://mi-free.com/ Back pain and posture: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3828513/ Foot shapes: https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-feet#pronation-and-supination Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 3, 2022 · 16 min
Self talk - why it's so important in our daily lives
Self talk is something we all do. It’s how communicate with ourselves and it can have a significant impact on our health. In this episode I give examples of cognitive distortions which can lead to poor self esteem, false beliefs and negative thinking. Links: Cognitive distortions and CBT: https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-distortions/ Monkey brain: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/02/28/8-science-based-tricks-for-quieting-the-monkey-mind/?sh=699868ec1af6 Self help therapies and mental health apps: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/self-help-therapies/ There are many mental health apps which may be of benefit and there is also scope for doing CBT online. Disclosure: I am medical adviser to a web-based app called Leafyard which is AI driven and based on CBT: Leafyard.com/actnow Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 27, 2022 · 14 min
Overwhelm - how to deal with it
This week I cover the topic of overwhelm, suggested by a listener. It’s a feeling we all know and dislike. I try to get under its belly and look at the causes behind it as well as solutions to minimise the chance of it arising. Links: Overhelm and burnout: https://careerpivot.com/2020/overwhelm-and-burnout-whats-the-difference-guest-post/ Saying no: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/stop-saying-yes-want-say-no/ Perfectionism and its pitfalls: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180219-toxic-perfectionism-is-on-the-rise Anxiety and overwhelm: https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/feeling-overwhelmed Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 20, 2022 · 19 min
Supplements - how they work and do we actually need them?
This week I discuss supplements. It’s a veritable minefield. How do you know the quality of what you are taking? Are there some supplements that are essential and others that should be avoided? I give you my take on all this and more in this episode. Links: Vitamin D NICE guidance: https://www.guidelines.co.uk/nutrition/nice-vitamin-d-guideline/252552.article Types of vitamin D: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d2-vs-d3 B12 deficiency symptoms: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms Do probiotics work? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-probiotics-really-work/ Digestive enzymes: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements Antioxidants: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.00694/full A great go to resource for truly independent analyses and views on supplementation: https://examine.com/supplements/ Signs of nutrient deficiency: https://www.rush.edu/news/6-signs-nutrient-deficiency Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 13, 2022 · 11 min
How? What? When?
The How, What and When of our habits can have significant effects on our health. Here are some papers on related topics. The abstracts make interesting reading. Time restricted eating - changing when you eat: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7262456/ Sleep - the how and when: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174832/ Morning exercise: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492403/ Weblink for exercise: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/best-time-to-workout#The-Case-for-Sweating-in-the-Afternoon,-or-Night Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 6, 2022 · 10 min
Small changes - the power of adding in and removing
In this episode I cover the concept of adding in and removing. It seems devilishly simple but can have profound effects on health. This is one of many concepts I cover in my book which is out in January 2023. Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 6, 2022 · 12 min
Introducing The Health Fix - my book that will change your life for the better
My book The Health Fix launches next January in 2023 and I submitted my draft last month. I wanted to let listeners know about what inspired the book and how it might be of help. It is a toolkit for self care like no other (in my opinion)! I will be sharing some vignettes from it over the next few weeks which I hope you enjoy. Links: Pre-order The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_nodl?qid=1655897648&refinements=p_27%3AAyan+Panja&s=books&sr=1-1 Monkey brain: https://www.stress.org/please-meet-your-monkey-mind Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2022 · 17 min
Relationships - keeping them healthy
Relationships (good ones) are essential to our lives. What do they go wrong and what factors are at play? How do we sustain them and what are the basic underlying pillars that make or break them? They need work and attention and there are many ways of looking at them. Links: Psychotherapist Esther Perel: https://www.estherperel.com/ Transactional analysis and the work of Eric Berne: https://ericberne.com/ Dysfunctional relationships: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/rediscovering-love/201401/is-your-relationship-dysfunctional How to improve relationships: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/mate-relate-and-communicate/201412/10-ways-improve-any-relationship Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 25, 2022 · 21 min
Loneliness - the epidemic no-one talks about
This episode is about loneliness. Why is loneliness an issue? What are the different types of loneliness and how do we define them? I look at this huge issue which is a global issue that can be deceptively hard to identify. Loneliness by country: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1222815/loneliness-among-adults-by-country/ Social isolation and health: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html Loneliness can be as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day: https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/americas-loneliness-epidemic-is-more-lethal-than-smoking-heres-what-you-can-do-to-combat-isolation.html Intergenerational connection: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/12/children-care-homes-residents-feel-more-human Seal (Killer - live in Paris): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5xAyX_U2GM Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2022 · 19 min
Empathy - why it is so important in healthcare
Today’s episode is all about empathy. Is it valued in today’s society? Is it important to us as human beings and what does it mean to you? Health care and the role of empathy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151200/ Physician empathy and patient satisfaction: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physician-empathy-a-key-driver-of-patient-satisfaction-300228070.html The three types of empathy: https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/there-are-actually-3-types-of-empathy-heres-how-they-differ-and-how-you-can-develop-them-all.html Some evidence that social media may actually marginally improve empathy (no causality): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336326078_Social_Media_Use_and_Empathy_A_Mini_Meta-Analysis An expert view on empathy and reasons for it decreasing: https://genius.com/Dr-sara-h-konrath-why-is-empathy-decreasing-annotated Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 28, 2022 · 17 min
Time - commodity, luxury or burden?
This week’s episode is all about time. The pandemic, people’s loss and the state of the world right now has brought time into sharp focus. Is it really the only thing that matters? I talk about ways that I have managed to see time in a different way and share some perspectives on how we might look at it and mould it to suit our own lives. Links: Myths about time management: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/11/05/11-time-management-myths-that-are-hurting-your-productivity/?sh=2fbb64254f80 Time management grid (leaving everything to the last minute makes it become urgent and important): https://weekplan.net/academy/weekly-planning/4-quadrants-of-time-management Time perspectives: https://psychcentral.com/lib/whats-your-time-perspective#1 Volunteering: https://worksmart.org.uk/news/any-volunteers-how-giving-your-free-time-good-your-career Ferris Bueller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsYBtfQ3QDo ABC method and time management grid: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/471/2019/08/Prioritization-Methods.pdf A great conversation between Sadiq Khan and Alistair Campbell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeA-7oS1Lhk Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 9, 2021 · 21 min
Language and meaning - more important now than ever
Language is important in all walks of life and has changed hugely over the years because of how humans communicate. In this episode I look at its importance and its role in health and medicine, nuances in language and how we can try to work out what someone means from what they say. You can cross reference to my episode on Consultations which overlaps with this nicely and covers the way in which we communicate. Links: Rita Charon's work on narrative medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949238/ John Launer’s 7 C’s: https://www.gp-training.net/communication-skills/communication-skills-theory/narrative-based-medicine/ Interesting paper on language, culture and medicine: https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=fmch_articles Pragmatics in language: https://all-about-linguistics.group.shef.ac.uk/branches-of-linguistics/pragmatics/what-is-pragmatics/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 26, 2021 · 20 min
The power of perspective - without it we lose context
This episode is all about perspective. How can we improve our ability to look at other’s points of view and why is it so important? Can we avoid conflict by being mindful about language and behaviours? Protected characteristics: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics Taking perspective:https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-power-personal-narrative/201906/the-power-perspective-taking Perceptual positions: https://www.brilliantminds.co.uk/video-perceptual-positions/ The age of the individual?: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/16/the-age-of-the-individual-must-end-tom-oliver-the-self-delusion Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.