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The BSLM has joined over 350 organisations representing over 40 million health professionals in signing a letter promoting a public health-focused approach to government as countries ease their populations and economies out of the COVID-19 crisis.
The letter asserts that the effects of COVID-19 have been '...magnified by inequality and underinvestment in public health systems', and that the 'death, disease and mental distress' caused could have been 'partially mitigated, or possibly even prevented by adequate investments in pandemic preparedness, public health and environmental stewardship'.
Signatories ask that governments and leaders of the G20 commit to 'healthy recovery' policies that limit air pollution, mitigate climate change and deforestation, reform the use of fossil fuels and look after the most vulnerable people in their societies. To ensure that public health is prioritised, the chief medical officers and chief scientific advisors of each country should be involved in designing policy across all areas of government, including not just health care but transport, energy and agriculture too.
Since we signed this letter, Public Health England have been criticised for elements of the design of their report [PDF] on the disparities between different demographic groups in their risk and outcomes from COVID-19. We at the BSLM agree that the report's failure to consider air pollution and occupation as factors in the higher death rates from the Coronavirus among minority ethnic groups is unacceptable. Studies have shown that people from minority ethnic groups are more likely to live in areas with high air pollution, which in turn is linked to an increased death rate from respiratory disease.
Further analyses of air pollution and other potential environmental and socioeconomic causes of death from COVID-19 are urgently required to reduce health inequalities.
By advocating for these changes, we at the BSLM hope to promote greater investment in public health reforms, improve population health across all demographics, and pre-empt the effects of future health crises.
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The BSLM2020 Virtual Conference: 3–5 September
We'll be hosting our first ever virtual conference in September, which will play host to Lifestyle Medicine experts from a broad range of specialities. This year, our headline topic is 'The Art and Science of Healthy Longevity'. Our three subtopics are environment and wellbeing, physical activity, and health and eating.
We hope you can join us online for the live event, but don't worry if you can't—materials from the conference will be made available after the event.
News
LM Week
As part of Lifestyle Medicine Week, directors and friends of the BSLM have been sharing videos about different elements of Lifestyle Medicine. You can find all the videos we've posted so far by visiting our YouTube account—be sure to check them out!
Dr Rob Lawson, BSLM chairman, has summarised the videos in a blogpost on our site.
Virtual Group Consultations
Our Virtual Group Consultations webinar series continues on June 24. The webinars focus on methods of managing continuity of care and triage of COVID-19-symptomatic patients.
IBLM exam update
Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, the June and October dates for the London and Edinburgh IBLM exams have been cancelled. The IBLM exam will now take place remotely on 24–25 October 2020. More details here.
SOM: Returning to work toolkits
These Society of Occupational Medicine toolkits aim to help businesses plan to safely reopen shuttered workplaces.
There are two toolkits: One for employers and one for occupational health professionals who are supporting businesses to make the workplaces COVID-19-secure. You can download them for free here.
Broccoli, tea and cancer risk
A study has demonstrated that drinking tea and eating broccoli can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Professor Robert Thomas, oncologist and nutritional Scientist, led the study which was virtually presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Conference last month.
PSLM: Social prescribing webinar
On Wednesday June 10, BSLM chairman Dr Rob Lawson will speak at this Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine event focusing on approaches to social prescribing both in Poland and around the world. Register for the webinar here.
Eat Well Live Well
This evidence-based course looks at ways of implementing a whole-food plant-based-diet. The course is run by Karen Lee, a retired intensive care nurse and nutritionist. Visit our website for a discount code!
Copewell
With our support, BSLM diplomate Dr Kurren Sandhu has put together an online wellbeing course for healthcare workers. The course is designed to tackle stress and burnout during COVID-19.
BSLM Podcast: Sound Living
The first episode of the BSLM's new podcast, Sound Living, is now available. Dr Helen Lawal interviews Dr Julie Gray about wellbeing, sleep and exercise in pregnancy. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.
IOL: COVID-19 impact report
Based on a survey of health professionals and organisations that deliver outdoor learning, the Institute for Outdoor Learning has published an impact report of the effects of COVID-19 on outdoor learning experiences. Their framework for High Quality Outdoor Learning is also available here.
ELMC launched
The European Lifestyle Medicine Council (ELMC) has been officially launched, with the BSLM as a founding member. Get involved with the ELMC via their Facebook page.
New on the BSLM blog
Health workers: Five steps to eating well
Helen Lawal, the BSLM’s regional director for Yorkshire, provides health workers with five easy-to-follow steps to eating well while enduring potentially stressful working conditions. Her tips are designed for maximum nutrient intake while limiting foods that increase tiredness/lethargy.
Join GPs with an interest in nutrition
The GPs with an Interest in Nutrition Group (GPING) is a special interest group within the RCGP. Dr Varun Anand has just taken over as chair of the group, and is looking to expand their network of nutrition, weight management and physical activity experts. Here, he lays out the group's aims and objectives going forwards and gives details of how to join the group.
Lifestyle medicine in the media
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine: Founding principles and current achievements
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
This article written by BSLM chairman Dr Rob Lawson gives the background and founding rationale of the BSLM. If you want an overview of what we've been working on for the four years since our founding in 2016, look no further!
Remote shared care delivery: A virtual response to COVID-19
The Lancet Digital Health
This correspondence in the Lancet Digital Health co-authored by Lord Ara Darzi covers the history of virtual group consultations (referred to here as shared medical appointments or SMAs) and shares some projections for their use in response to COVID-19 and future crisis scenarios. While their modelling is hypothetical, the article references work done by some of our associates on virtual group consultations and signals continued willingness from those close to health policymakers to consider virtual group consultations as a healthcare solution.
BSLM member spotlight: Hugh Bethell
Credit: Hugh Bethell
Dr Hugh Bethell has spent five decades working in cardiac rehabilitation, formerly via a career in cardiology and latterly as the director of the Staywell Programme at the Basingstoke and Alton Cardiac Rehabilitation Charity.
Now retired from medical practice, he reflects on exercise as a preventative tool for a wide range of diseases and conditions commonly linked to higher mortality and reduced quality of life.
The latest from the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance
ASLM International Summit
The BSLM was strongly represented at the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine's International Summit from 16–17 May. Our acting executive director Dr Frances Elliot and chairman Dr Rob Lawson spoke alongside a global field of Lifestyle Medicine experts including BSLM member Dr David Unwin. Conference presentations were recorded and should be available online soon—follow the ASLM's website and social media channels for updates.
Community events and courses
The 'Lost' Update—JoinedUpHealth in Primary Care
Saturday 27 June and Saturday 4 July 2020; OR Wednesday 1 July and Wednesday 8 July 2020
Online
Event Details +
This enjoyable 2-day live online course offers practical techniques and robust concepts to help us care for patients with complex and chronic problems, and ourselves. Grounded in fundamental biology this material can be used immediately, and explored for years.
6th International Summit on Medical Nutrition Education and Research
September 2020; Dates TBC
Online
Event Details +
The International NNEdPro Summit on Medical & Public Health Nutrition Education & Research is a leading annual international scientific meeting in nutrition research and scientific dialogue attracting delegates who are key opinion leaders in the field from all over the globe.
Kernow BSLM Conference
Monday 7 December 2020
Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground, Whitecross, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7JE
Event Details +
Join us for the 3rd Kernow British Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Cornwall on December 7th 2020.
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