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.

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232 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes232

Newest first

Jun 30, 2023 · 15 min
Midlife - why it can be so hard and how to navigate it
Midlife can be a hard time of life to navigate, but why is that the case? When we are younger and trying to establish ourselves we look forward to midlife but when we get there it can feel uncomfortable. I explore why this is the case and what we can do about it Links: The midlife crisis: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/midlife-crisis/ Another take: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/09/14/truth-midlife-crises-painful-many-confront/ The happiness curve and the midlife dip: https://www.inc.com/magazine/202303/ali-donaldson/need-some-help-heres-how-to-hire-a-remote-assistant.html Change during midlife: https://hbr.org/2008/02/the-existential-necessity-of-midlife-change Emotional healing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/rethinking-mental-health/201309/10-tips-emotional-healing U3A: https://www.u3a.org.uk/ 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 23, 2023 · 15 min
Medical Ethics - why it is a cornerstone of medical practice
Medical ethics is involved in every aspect of healthcare yet it is invisible. In this episode I look at why it is important and some of the nuances that make it a hard topic to grapple with. Links: Ethical principles via the Clinical Ethics Network: http://www.ukcen.net/ethical_issues/ethical_frameworks/the_four_principles_of_biomedical_ethics The story of baby Charlie Gard: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40554462 Ethical guidance for doctors: https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/ethical-guidance-for-doctors Private medicine: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health-specials/private-healthcare-must-fuse-ethics-with-efficiency-8052382/ Duty of candour: https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/candour---openness-and-honesty-when-things-go-wrong/the-professional-duty-of-candour Another recent example of medical ethics in the press: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/12/woman-in-uk-jailed-for-28-months-over-taking-abortion-pills-after-legal-time-limit Rationing in healthcare: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-021-00404-8 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 16, 2023 · 15 min
Types of Intelligence - think you're not that clever? Think again
In this episode I look at the concept of intelligence, what it means and whether it even matters on a practical level. What are the different types, how is it measured and are there ways that we improve our IQ? IQ testing - a discussion: https://theconversation.com/the-iq-test-wars-why-screening-for-intelligence-is-still-so-controversial-81428 Howard Gardner’s work: https://pz.harvard.edu/resources/frames-of-mind-the-theory-of-multiple-intelligences Virginia sterilisation act 1924 based on a flawed eugenics theory: http://www2.vcdh.virginia.edu/lewisandclark/students/projects/monacans/Contemporary_Monacans/racial.html Jason Arday: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/feb/23/jason-arday-to-become-youngest-ever-black-professor-at-cambridge Young chess grandmasters: https://khelnow.com/olympics/2023-02-top-five-youngest-grandmasters-in-chess-history# Multitasking and it’s harms: https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/multitasking-and-how-it-affects-your-brain-health The cleverest man to have ever lived? William Sidis: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/william-james-sidis Improving intelligence: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/you-can-increase-your-intelligence-5-ways-to-maximize-your-cognitive-potential/ Mensa (high IQ society): https://mensa.org.uk/ 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 9, 2023 · 13 min
The Pandemic Effect - how people, society and the world have changed
In this episode I look at the effects of the pandemic which still linger. How has it affected us and our health and outlook? It’s been over 3 years since COVID-19 enveloped the planet and there have been myriad effects on people which have affected us in overt and subtle ways. Big picture effects of the pandemic: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/covid-decade-understanding-the-long-term-societal-impacts-of-covid-19/ The COSMO study: https://www.suttontrust.com/cosmo-the-covid-social-mobility-and-opportunities-study/ The effect of the pandemic on young people: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/an-isolated-generation-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-children-and-young-people Global perspective from Chatham House: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/05/how-build-better-world-post-covid-19 Rebuilding relationships: https://facultyadvancement.duke.edu/how-can-we-rebuild-relationships-after-covid PTSD and COVID: https://www.ptsduk.org/the-link-between-covid-19-and-ptsd/ 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 2, 2023 · 14 min
Neurodiversity - an overview
Neurodiversity is becoming more of an important aspect of our lives as people are increasingly becoming more neurodivergent. In this episode I look at examples, the origins of the term neurodiversity and what it means for our lives now and moving forward. And I hope you like the quote at the very end of the show. Judy Singer: https://www.forbes.com/sites/drnancydoyle/2022/08/26/hidden-figures-in-neurodiversity-judy-singer/?sh=4ab1f6765446 The spectrum and what it means: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/autism-awareness Spiky profiles: https://stimpunks.org/glossary/spiky-profile/ Dr Asperger: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/aftermath-hans-asperger-expose Morrisby tests: https://www.morrisby.com/ Psychometric testing: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/psychometric-tests One example of hiring initiatives in the work place: https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/professionals/neurodiversity-hiring-initiative.html The Gaps Diet: https://www.gapsdiet.com/ Scattered Minds: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scattered-Minds-Origins-Attention-Disorder/dp/1785042211/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AWYVNX2OO5IO&keywords=scattered+minds&qid=1685032359&s=books&sprefix=scattered+minds%2Cstripbooks%2C97&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.
May 26, 2023 · 14 min
Pain - 101
Pain affects almost all of us at some point. But some types of pain is experienced more severely than other types. In this episode I look at the factors which affect pain and our perception of it and what we can do handle it better. Nociceptors: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-nociceptors-2564616 The nail in the boot: https://www.painscience.com/biblio/source-of-boot-nail-guy-a-popular-medical-anecdote-about-pain-without-injury-nociception.html COMT gene variation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151110/ Pain and attitudes in Chinese culture: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1084822314547962 Chronic pain review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6676152/ CBD oil and pain: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-for-pain Lifestyle based approach to chronic pain: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pain-Free-Mindset-Control-Overcoming-Chronic/dp/1785043390/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T1RG5XNM3Q6X&keywords=the+pain-free+mindset&qid=1685171099&sprefix=the+pain-free+mindset%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1 Latest pain research in chronic pain by Prof Shirvalkar: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2023/05/425386/has-science-cracked-code-chronic-pain Fibromyalgia overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540974/#:~:text=Fibromyalgia%20is%20a%20chronic%20pain,as%20emotional%20and%20physical%20trauma. The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11YZREGJ7IJRN&keywords=health+fix+kindle&qid=1684931474&s=books&sprefix=health+fix+kindle%2Cstripbooks%2C83&sr=1-1. (Kindle price 99p throughout June 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 19, 2023 · 14 min
Rejection - why it hurts and what we can do about it
Rejection is something that affects us all but how can we minimise its effects? The effects can be minor or major and in this episode I look at strategies for recognising that it might be an issue, how we can learn from them and how we can better handle it so that it does not continue to affect our lives negatively. Links: Functional MRI of the brain and rejection and links to pain: https://www.science.org/content/article/rejection-pain-brain Long term effects of bullying: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4552909/ Protected characteristics: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics Feeling rejected? https://psychcentral.com/lib/good-news-if-you-often-feel-rejected Rejection sensitivity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7424132/ 100 rejections by Jia Jiang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vZXgApsPCQ 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 12, 2023 · 16 min
The Power of Listening - could it be our most important skill?
Is listening an undervalued skill in today’s society? It is an essential part of communication and can have a therapeutic effect. Listening can be a gateway to empathy and compassion and I make the case that we should all do it better before it becomes a lost art. Active listening outperforms simple acknowledgement: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10904018.2013.813234 Active listening:https://psychcentral.com/lib/become-a-better-listener-active-listening Become a better listener: https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/be-a-better-listener Nushu: https://nushu.com/ AI listening: https://fortune.com/2022/09/08/ai-chatbots-empathy-manager-work-careers-tech-michelle-zhou/# The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org 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 5, 2023 · 15 min
The Hypochondriac - health anxiety unwrapped
It’s a word and characterisation we all know and use at times. Worried about your health? Perhaps too worried? What constitutes excessive worrying about one’s health? This episode explores the reasons behind it and what can be done to help allay health or illness anxiety. Links: Three Men in a Boat: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4921.Three_Men_in_a_Boat Redefining hypochondriasis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/psychiatry-psychology/news/dsm-5-redefines-hypochondriasis/mac-20429763 Case study: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/neuroprogress/202005/how-i-overcame-severe-hypochondria CBT based approach: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/18/well/a-new-approach-to-treating-hypochondria.html 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.
Apr 28, 2023 · 17 min
Exercise - the daily medicine we all need
It’s essential to leading a healthy life but is all movement the same? Are there any common themes? What is that makes some of us enjoy exercise and others dread it. In this episode I look at the types of exercise and how we do not all have to do the same thing. Activation therapy: https://douglasheel.com Soleus push ups and their benefits: https://stories.uh.edu/2022-soleus-pushup/index.html NEAT: https://www.foodspring.co.uk/magazine/how-to-increase-neat Endorphins and exercise - feeling high on exercise: https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/13/health/endorphins-exercise-cause-happiness/index.html Physical activity guidelines: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-guidelines/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/ Sarcopenia: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sarcopenia Dr Mike Evans '23 and a half hours' (walking for health): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 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.
Apr 21, 2023 · 17 min
Stress - strategies to avoid the invisible factor that can silently kill us
Some say it’s a modern illness but accounts go back hundreds of years. It’s the ultimate invisible illness but is actually a reaction to a stressor. How can we handle stress, what are the different types and are there any principles we can use to deal with our stress given how individual it is. Links: Insomnia and stress in the BMJ in 1894: https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/30/bmj-110-years-later Stress and its effects on health: https://psychcentral.com/stress/long-term-effects-of-chronic-stress-on-body-and-mind#how-to-recover Stress in students: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8062254/ Stress and heart disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6568256/ Osler’s day-tight compartments: https://spectrummagazine.org/article/2016/06/25/living-day-tight-compartments 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.
Apr 14, 2023 · 17 min
Friendships - why true friends are so important
We all know that friendships can be complicated. In this episode I look at why they can be important to health, how they change over the years and the different types of friendship. Links: Childhood friendships and adult health: https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/22/3/378/507548 Meaningful interactions in younger people (conclusion is interesting): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617267/full Friendship jealousy and social media: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/INTR-02-2020-0103/full/html. (Listen to my episode on jealousy too) The nun study and Alzheimers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2734290/ Reciprocity in friendship: https://psychcentral.com/lib/fairness-and-reciprocity-in-friendships#2 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.
Apr 7, 2023 · 14 min
Kindness - the health boost for all that costs nothing
In this episode I look at the science and psychology behind kindness. Why is kindness important? Are there any downsides? And is it good for both the giver and receiver? Kindness and stress: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8848115/ The doctor as a drug: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-power-rest/201103/the-doctor-is-drug Oxytocin increases with age: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2022.846234/full Spreading kindness: https://www.kent.ac.uk/staffwellbeing/documents/Covid-19%20Articles/The%20Power%20Of%20Random%20Acts%20Of%20Kindness.html The anatomy of kindness (Radio 4) - interviews: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00154cp Study kindness (postgraduate course): https://study-online.sussex.ac.uk/news-and-events/what-is-the-psychology-of-kindness/ Action for Happiness: https://actionforhappiness.org Kindness in religions: https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/five-religious-australians-reflect-on-kindness-and-faith/11852608 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 31, 2023 · 15 min
Circadian Rhythm - the rhythm of life and why mastering our body clock can help prevent illness
Our body clock is something most of us have heard of but is more important than we might think, as it can literally make or break our health. It can be easy to take for granted and in this episode I look at some of the science and tips to change ‘timings’ of activities in our lives to our advantage. Links: Satchin Panda TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/erBJuxVR7IE Russell Foster’s work: https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/russell-foster Stephanie Romiszewski’s work: https://www.sleepyheadclinic.co.uk/stephanie-romiszewski-sleep-expert/ Nobel Prize on molecular mechanisms in circadian rhythm: The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017 nobelprize.org Responding to light: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/12/17/1139780998/light-brain-circadian-rhythms-blind Shift work and the WHO: https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-volume-124-night-shift-work/ Chronotypes: https://www.healthline.com/health/chronotype 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 24, 2023 · 15 min
Online diagnosis & Internet medicine - a double edged sword
This is a great topic which feeds into all sort including self-care, information gathering, overdiagnosis and the accuracy of resources online plus the dangers of counterfeit medication. Here are some interesting links: Doctor vs Internet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p019px0x The pros and cons of AI based diagnosis: https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/13/chatgpt-assisted-diagnosis/ The story of AccuRx, one of a few companies which offers triage for primary care: https://www.accurx.com/our-story Ada Health, an example of an AI driven symptom analysis: https://ada.com Counterfeit medicines: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacies/dangers-of-buying-medicines-online/ Overdiagnosis (there is a separate podcast episode on this topic): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430655/ 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 17, 2023 · 14 min
Learned helplessness - what it is and why it affects us
This is a phenomenon that occurs when someone stops trying to escape pain or bad situations. It is linked to depression and there are certain risk factors for it. In this episode I look at how it can just manifest and how to help yourself out of it. Learned helplessness - Seligman et al: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920136/ Link to depression and anxiety: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1185158/ The ABCDE model: https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Cognitive distortions: https://psychcentral.com/lib/cognitive-distortions-negative-thinking#list-and-examples Attribution testing: https://testyourself.psychtests.com/bin/transfer 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 10, 2023 · 16 min
Self-control - why it isn't always easy and tips to improve it quickly
I struggle with this myself and am grateful to one of my listeners for suggesting it as a topic. In this episode I look at the reasons why some people seem to do this with ease and others seem to find it much harder and tools that can help us make it easier. Links: Delayed gratification - the benefits: https://jamesclear.com/delayed-gratification Self-awareness: https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-self-awareness Self regulation theory: http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/self_regulation.htm ADHD and impulse control: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-impulse-control-social-spending/ Niksen: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2019/jul/22/people-just-do-nothing-is-the-dutch-concept-of-niksen-the-best-way-to-relax 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 3, 2023 · 15 min
Environment and health - how our surroundings can help or hinder our minds and bodies
Ever wonder what in our environment might affect our health? Often these things are ‘invisible’ or we are not consciously aware of them, but they can have a continued and profound effect on our health. In this episode I look at some everyday environmental hazards and what we can do minimise their effects on us. Links: Air pollution: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044178/ Paper on micro plastics and health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7068600/ Diet and air pollution: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35179602/ Background to MI allergy: https://www.occderm.asn.au/health-professionals/epidemic-of-allergy-to-preservative-methylisothiazolinone-mi/ MI allergy and the effect of reducing it’s prevalence: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.15875 Social media and mental health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7785056/ Carbon monoxide poisoning: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/ Sick building syndrome and mould: https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/47/Supplement_1/S217/1073035 Minimising air pollution in a city: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-35885569 Mercury in large fish: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-35884051 Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine: https://www.practiceunbound.org.uk/product/prescribinglifestylemedicine/home The Health Fix (contains my health loop): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=1ba53367-030f-4f3f-ad09-4a1fc81eadf5 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 24, 2023 · 17 min
Longevity - the art of living well for a long time
Longevity seems to be in fashion at the moment. Almost everyone wants long and healthy lives but how can we achieve that? How long is too long? In this episode I look at commonalities between the populations on earth that live the longest ‘best’ lives. Links: Blue Zones - Dan Buettner’s work with National Geographic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125071/ Smoking bans and how they change community behaviours: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33928714/ 'Community Cure': https://www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the-community-cure/ How disease increases with age: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2018/02/01/richard-smith-doctors-and-patients-heading-in-opposite-directions/ The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=1ba53367-030f-4f3f-ad09-4a1fc81eadf5 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 17, 2023 · 15 min
The Placebo Effect - the safest drug in the world?
Most people have heard of the placebo effect but is it real and why does it occur? In this episode I look at how placebos may exert their effects and some examples of where they have worked. Is the placebo something that can be used to our advantage? And why do some people experience a nocebo? Links: Ted Kaptchuk and his work on placebo: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2013/01/the-placebo-phenomenon Mechanisms of the placebo effect: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513296/ Knee surgery (placebo as good as surgery): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013259 Placebo and treatment resistant depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784479 Nocebo: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/science-blog/harmful-placebos Balint and the doctor as a drug: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-power-rest/201103/the-doctor-is-drug?amp 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.