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April 2025
Welcome member to
Your home of lifestyle medicine news
As April comes to a close, we hope you've had a chance to enjoy the recent good weather and lighter evenings. It’s been a busy few weeks, making it a great time to pause, reflect, and look ahead.
A big thank you to our Membership and wider community for your ongoing support and engagement. Your contributions continue to shape and strengthen the lifestyle medicine movement across the UK and beyond.
Below, you’ll find a round-up of what’s been happening at BSLM in April, along with a preview of what’s coming up in May.
In this month's Newsletter...
HEADLINE NEWS
We're Finalists! BSLM 2024 Shortlisted for Best Association Event
We are excited to share that our 2024 Annual Conference – Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, has been shortlisted as a finalist for Best Association Event at the highly respected 2025 Conference and Events Awards.
This award honours events that create outstanding experiences while staying true to their mission. We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged and grateful to our dedicated team and community whose passion and hard work made BSLM 2024 such a success.
With BSLM 2025 on the horizon, we’re more inspired than ever. Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed, as we look forward to the awards and what promises to be another incredible year ahead.
BSLM25 Party on the Pier Tickets are Now Live!
Tickets for our BSLM25 Party on the Pier are now available - secure yours today and get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the conference!
This year, our evening event will be a little different – In line with the setting, it will be more hot buffet style with increased opportunity for networking, dancing and all-round party fun (including exclusive access to some of the fairground rides).
We'll be serving a hot bowl food buffet, with small individual bowls filled with delicious dishes, which can be easily eaten with a fork to allow you to enjoy mingling, chatting or enjoying the view from the pier!
We hope that our Party on the Pier appropriately mirrors Brighton’s feeling of British seaside fun, nostalgia and exciting modernity. We will still have a short spot reserved for announcing this year's very honoured Fellows.
Join us for the perfect way to wind down your evening, creating unforgettable memories in the process!
Last Chance, Members! Secure Your Super Early Bird BSLM 2025 Tickets Now!
There’s still time to grab your Super Early Bird ticket for BSLM 2025, but don’t wait too long! As a valued member, you have exclusive access to the best available rate. Take advantage of this limited-time offer and secure your spot at the conference today before prices go up!
Call For Abstracts: Less Than Two Months Left!
We want to hear how Lifestyle Medicine is making an impact in your work. Abstract submissions are now open for poster presentations at BSLM 2025. This is your chance to be part of one of the most powerful and inspiring parts of our annual event.
We are seeking original and meaningful work across science, research, clinical application including audits and service improvement projects, or public health. Show us how Lifestyle Medicine is transforming care and outcomes.
Successful applicants will present their poster live at BSLM 2025. The most outstanding submissions may be invited to speak on the main stage.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN FOCUS
Some noteworthy lifestyle medicine features within the recent news in Britain.
Premature Mortality Attributable to Ultraprocessed Food Consumption in 8 Countries
A recent multinational study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has reinforced growing concerns about the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods. The study, which analysed dietary data and mortality rates across eight countries, found a clear association between higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods and an increased risk of premature death.
From a lifestyle medicine perspective, this evidence adds to the importance of promoting whole, minimally processed foods as a foundational component of disease prevention and health promotion. Ultraprocessed foods, which often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, were shown to contribute significantly to premature mortality - up to 14 per cent in some high-income countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
Encouraging dietary patterns that include more whole and minimally processed foods may support efforts to reduce the overall burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Newest releases available to read now!
The Lifestyle Medicine Journal has published a new selection of articles, offering evidence-based insights across key areas of health.
On the 22nd March, Exploring the Effects of Ikigai on Mental, Physical, and Social Health: A Scoping Review, was released. The 25th March saw the release of Exploring the Effects of Ikigai on Mental, Physical, and Social Health: A Scoping Review, followed by the release of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Determinants Associated With Low Back Pain Severity in Ukrainian Sample on the 27th March. The month closed with a Lifestyle Medicine Intervention to Reduce GERD Symptoms and Medication Use, released on the 27th.
New Study Finds Fermented Foods Reduce Inflammation and Support Gut Health
New research from Stanford University shows that what we eat can affect the balance of bacteria in our gut and how our immune system works. In a ten week study, adults who regularly ate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha had a more diverse gut microbiome and lower levels of inflammation in their bodies. One inflammatory protein, interleukin six, which is linked to conditions such as type two diabetes and arthritis, dropped significantly. By comparison, those on a high fibre diet did not see the same changes. These results suggest that eating more fermented foods could be a simple and effective way to support gut and immune health.
"Microbiota-targeted diets can change immune status, providing a promising avenue for decreasing inflammation in healthy adults."
– Christopher Gardner, PhD, Stanford Prevention Research Center
Other Lifestyle Medicine News and Events
We want to advise our followers that we as a charity welcome membership from organisations aligned with our aims, and in line with strict ethical and sponsorship policies in order to provide funding sources to the charity.
If you have a query around the subject matter we will happily discuss this with you, do drop us a DM or email: Office@bslm.org.uk as we want to make sure this content is a good fit for you.
Linwoods: Flaxseed- Flaxseeds: A Natural Way to Reduce Blood Pressure
Discover how flaxseeds can naturally support cardiovascular health in this article by nutritional therapist Cara Shaw.
Drawing from her expertise in women’s health and nutrigenomics, Cara shares practical tips for incorporating flaxseeds into your daily meals. Her approach is informed by both her professional experience and personal journey with PCOS and endometriosis, offering a well-rounded perspective on the benefits of flaxseeds for heart health.
Learn more about how these small seeds can make a big difference in supporting your well-being.
ION: Is 'Pop Keto' Just a Trend, or Is There Real Science Behind It?
On 14th May, the Institute for Optimum Nutrition will be hosting a live CPD course presented by Dawn Ewaldron and organised by Sue Evans Nutrition. This course will explore the biochemistry of ketogenesis and its effects on metabolism, the microbiome, and overall health.
The session will address key topics such as cholesterol, inflammation, brain health, and gut health, providing an evidence-based analysis of the risks and benefits of keto. Participants will learn how to apply ketosis in a way that supports long-term well-being.
LATEST NEWS AT BSLM
Welcoming a New Aligned Organisation: Ways to Wellness
We’re excited to welcome a new Aligned Organisation to the BSLM community: Ways to Wellness. Learn more about their mission below:
Ways to Wellness is a charity that acts as a trusted test bed, piloting and prototyping innovative healthcare interventions and new ways of working that empower individuals to improve their health, serving to tackle health inequalities while evidencing sustainable systemic cost savings.
They are evidence-led, and current prototypes include:
• SPACE Pilot, a partnership with Great North Children’s Hospital through which social prescribing link workers are placed alongside clinicians to support children with chronic neurological conditions, using a whole-family approach to their care. This project has recently received funding to expand over the next three years.
• PROSPeR, part of the NHS NENC ‘Waiting Well’ programme, supporting patients on the waiting list for surgery to prepare so they can recover better post-operatively, with less likelihood of a hospital re-admission. In particular, this project is looking at reducing the use of pain medications.
• Social prescribing for people with persistent physical symptoms, who agree an action plan with their link worker to support the day-to-day management of their conditions by eating well, moving more, getting involved in activities, developing positive relationships, and accessing specialist services and support, including around benefits and welfare rights.
One of their biggest successes to date has been their Maternal Mental Health prototype, a collaborative project that won the prestigious ‘Women’s Health Innovation’ Award at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2024. This led to some additional recent funding for a specific project supporting young mums between the ages of 16 and 25, who are at particular risk of peri- and postnatal mental health issues. Their role within this will be primarily focused on evaluation - gathering and sharing insights and case studies from the work, to help refine the service offer, and share learning across the wider maternal health community.
Their work depends on cross-sector partnerships, and they are always keen to hear from anyone that may wish to collaborate with them to test an idea for a novel healthcare intervention they feel has the potential to improve both service delivery and patient outcomes.
Sandra, their CEO, as well as relevant board members, such as Dr Guy Pilkington, a GP with many decades of experience, can speak with eloquence to demonstrate the impact of these interventions, to help the system realise positive and sustainable change. Their work depends on cross-sector partnerships, and they are always keen to test and scale new ideas.
Celebrating Earth Day 2025: A Conversation on Planetary Health and Lifestyle Medicine
This Earth Day, we opened an important conversation about the health of our planet and the future of human well-being by hosting our Lifestyle Medicine and Planetary Health Study Day on April 22nd. The event featured inspiring and thought-provoking talks, including topics like the Medical Consequences of Climate Change, and how Lifestyle Medicine can help save our planet.
Alongside the event, we also shared important research on our social media about the importance of spending time in green spaces. Studies show that time spent in nature is linked to reduced stress, improved mental well-being, and better physical health.
By hosting this event and sharing this research, we hope to open up a vital conversation about the interconnectedness of human health and the environment. This is a pivotal conversation that we believe is essential for our future, and we’re proud to have hosted such an important event.
Whether you missed the live event or want to revisit the discussions, our Planetary Health Study Day is now available to watch on demand for those who signed up for the event.
We really appreciate your time - Member Feedback
Member experience is of the utmost importance to us at BSLM and we'd love to hear a little more from you. As we grow, your feedback, opinions and suggestions help us shape our service and strategy. Please spare a few minutes to complete the survey below.
What's happening in Our Communities?
Voice of Lived Experience
Do you, or someone you know (a patient? friend? family member?), have a personal story living with or recovering from a chronic illness, condition, or event? How has Lifestyle Medicine played a part in this?
BSLM would like to hear as many experiences, testimonies, and stories as possible in order to share the power of lifestyle medicine far and wide. Whether it’s how lifestyle medicine was discovered to begin with, how the pillars have been implemented in your life, or just one thing you wish a healthcare professional knew... we want to hear it. The goal is to use your testimonies order to show healthcare providers, politicians, policymakers, and the broader media that Lifestyle Medicine really works, and that people want to feel empowered to use these practices in own their lives.
If you, or someone you know, would like to share please complete the following form and you can send an accompanying photo to office@bslm.org.uk if you would like to published on our website.
Our monthly Live Well Update
Live Well East Lothian is continuing to grow and expand! At the end of April, we launched a fitness-based dance class for all levels in Port Seton, a new location for us, after hearing that there was demand in the area. It is thanks to some successful funding bids that we are able to keep serving more of the community’s needs with gentle fitness and exercise.
Is there something like Live Well East Lothian that you refer your patients to, or something that instills a sense of community and wellbeing? Let us know below, we'd love to share initiatives like this one near you!
Our Podcasts
Sound Living is Back!
Ep.9- The Muscle Mindset: The Missing Link to Health, Longevity, and Brain Power with Dr. Tommy Wood
Microbiome Medics Newest Release:
Ep.27 - Back to the Future: Momentous Moments with Professor Martin Blaser
The Movement Prescription Podcast is back! Their Newest release:
Ep.29 - The Power of Movement in Chronic Pain
Every time one of the podcasts above are released we'll be updating the newsletter, so keep an eye out for updates here for your monthly listening fix!
FEATURED BSLM EVENTS
Head to the dedicated BSLM events page for the full list of upcoming events...
May's webinar is round the corner...
... Here's a sneak peek for this upcoming month!
We hope you enjoyed our previous webinar:
Our previous webinars are below if you want to catch up on them!
Schedule the below in your diary for May 2025!
PCPN 2025 | 7-8th May | Radisson Blu, Heathrow
This is a unique networking and shared learning event, bringing together 100+ senior leaders and transformational suppliers in the primary care sector to connect, collaborate and discuss innovative solutions.
The Primary Care show | 14th-15th May 2025 | NEC Birmingham
Over two days, visitors are invited to hear from expert speakers across multiple clinical and medical disciplinaries, discover innovative products from over 150 suppliers, network with colleagues and discover the products available to improve patient experience and increase practice efficiencies.
A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to Children and Young People with Asthma | 15th May, 1pm-2pm | Online
Join Dr Seb Gray (co-Lead of the BSLM Paediatric SIG) in exploring how Lifestyle Medicine can help young people (and adults!) with asthma.
ELMC Online Symposium | 16th-17th May | Online
Join us for the ELMC Symposium, a two half day symposium on the 16th and 17th of May. This is the first ever ELMC Symposium so make sure you get registered and tune in to both days to make sure you get the full benefit of our speakers and event! More news coming soon!
WLMO Symposium – Developing Lifestyle Medicine: World Perspectives | 29th and 30th May | Online
Join us for the WLMO Symposium, a two half day symposium on the 29th and 30th of May. This is the first ever WLMO Symposium so make sure you get registered and tune in to both days to make sure you get the full benefit of our speakers and event on Developing Lifestyle Medicine: World Perspectives! More news coming soon!
National update: progress with group clinic spread | TUESDAY 27 MAY | 12.30 – 13.30
Attend this webinar for a National update from Dr Rupa Joshi, Deputy Medical Director, Primary Care, NHS South West Region and Louise Brady, Primary Care Nurse Lead, NHS England Nursing Directorate about the exciting progress being made nationally to support the spread of group clinics.
IPM Congress | 19th-21st June | London, UK
Join 2500+ healthcare professionals at the IPM congress, incorporating five cutting-edge conferences, an international exhibition of 140+ exhibitors and 80+ CPD approved workshops designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in taking a whole-person, patient-centred approach to health.
Learning Academy
Greetings from the Learning Academy. In April we celebrated the launch of our course on Metabolic Health. We hope you will enjoy it and it will increase your knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing wide range of metabolic associated problems becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s healthcare landscape.
We continue to be committed to offering the highest possible standards in lifestyle medicine study whilst simultaneously responding to the needs of our learners. With this in mind we were hoping you could complete this very brief (only 6 questions) survey to help us understand your perspectives on Masters level study in lifestyle medicine.
A few opportunity reminders:
We want to hear from you, our learners, to help us better cater to your needs. We're setting up a learner panel that will meet approximately every 3 months to help shape and guide our learning offerings. Continued participation may also earn you Learning Academy credit.
If you’re a past, current, or prospective learner, we’d love for you to get involved.
Our first panel meeting is on May 6th at 1pm, and future meetings will vary in day and time to suit as many people as possible.
If you're interested, whether for this session or future ones, please email us at office@bslm.org.uk with your name, professional background, your learner status (past, current, or future), and the course you’re associated with, if applicable.
Thought about doing our Core Accreditation?
Email us - office@bslm.org.uk
