Happy Easter Weekend to those who celebrate! 🐣 🐇🌷 Take a peek to see our March lifestyle medicine updates!
No images? Click here
March 2024
Welcome member to
Your home of lifestyle medicine news
PLEASE READ: Unfortunately our direct mailing system is having formatting issues and will not upload any photos that haven't already been used in previous communications.
We do apologise for the sparseness of this newsletter in advance and hope to have back up and running by April! We have hopefully still made it an enjoyable read.
2024 is flying by, with the longer nights and brighter days, we're delighted that we're finally seeing spring!
Despite the interchanging weather, we hope you've had another fantastic and busy month much like us! We have another jam-packed newsletter for you this month with all the latest Lifestyle Medicine updates.
Below is your guide to all things Lifestyle Medicine this month, insight into March at BSLM and also what's in store come in April.
In this month's Newsletter...
HEADLINE NEWS
Nuffield Trust Summit: A summary
BSLM’s transformation lead, Rupa Joshi and regional director, Ife attended the NuffieldTrust Summit this week. The themes of the conference were Trust, openness and relationships.
The first keynote speaker NuffieldTrust CEO Thea Stein highlighted that psychological safety is pertinent to any discussions, creating a framework in which people flourish.
Rt Hon SOS for health and social care, Victoria Atkins, talked about the focus on productivity to make meaningful changes, supporting digitisation and self care on the nhs app, seizing opportunities for AI in primary, community and secondary care.Our SOS discussed that prevention was very much on the agenda, “supporting people to make healthier decisions, the young minds are becoming more health conscious and our patients are our greatest untapped resource in the nhs”
Prof Chris Whitty , our Chief medical officer, presented on future patterns of disease and healthcare.
Life expectancy has reduced to lower than our European counterparts fromt the 1950’s nearer the time when the nhs was set up, the population demographics were more proportionate to children and adults with very low numbers of elderly in comparison. In 2023, there is a much higher percentage of adults beyond working age and old age. If we look at our map of Britain for under 75s mortality (our indicator of very poor health), it is the same map as infant mortality rates in the 1920s and the same map as deprivation and the same map as covid mortality.
There are also growing multimorbidities. Having an approach towards generalists rather than specialists, looking to run co-morbidity clinics where the patient can be assessed more holistically and where self care, preventative care and care planning can be addressed.
Professor Whitty talked about healthy life expectancy. In areas of deprivation, the time spent in ill health has started to extend into working life, so our aim should be to shorten this time in poorer health.
We have made great advances in increasing life expectancy in people in their 70’s. Most people in their 80s- 90’s are living independently but some are living with frailty and dementia. It should be a personal choice for people on whether they choose to wish for less life expectancy but of good quality, or aiming for increasing length of life, but in disability.
To inprove quality of life, we need to focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
This is where lifestyle medicine comes in, looking at smoking, air pollution and exercise. Particular focus should be given to our patients in deprived communities where air pollution, good quality housing, smoking, reduced green spaces may be limited. Looking at blood pressure reduction, lipid management, diabetes prevention and treatment using lifestyle modifications as well as medication can help us reduce the disease burden. Some diseases are preventable, we have rising obesity levels. Keeping generalist skills, preventing and delaying disease will lead to shorter periods of ill health and fewer disabilities.
We have been using longevity as a marker of good health, perhaps we now need to shift our thinking into what patients want for their care. When asked, for most people, Quality of life come first. Quality of life should be defined by the person, not by health care professionals, this includes People with learning disabilities, mental health etc.
What about housing? How can this be improved? Some housing makes people ill, let us prioritise this and deal with this first by partnering with our local authorities. We are building houses not suitable for older people so when the time comes, expensive modifications need to be made. Let us design houses with this in mind, and provide good housing for all price points. Transport links, opening times etc are all structural barriers which have been embedded into society which make it difficult for some members of our communities to access care. Let us speak to our communities to find out what works best for them, developing trusting relationships.
Professor Habib Naqvi from the NHSE race and health observatory said that Truth told consistently over time brings trust and trust is becoming a new determinant of health eg advice, new medications, vaccines.
Lifestyle medicine, Tackling health inequalities, preventative, personalised care should be part of our curricula and we should be continuing this learning throughout our careers.
We have big news!
We, being the Spanish Institute of Lifestyle Medicine and ourselves, were both proud to present on Wednesday this week the first ever European Lifestyle Medicine Symposium.
On the 7th, 8th and 9th of October this year you can join us for this unified European Conference for Lifestyle Medicine in Alicante, Spain.
We've been so excited to show you what we've been working on behind the scenes on with the SpanishInstitute of Lifestyle Medicine and are delighted to work together on this event.
We're finalising the details so more information to come as the time draws closer!
If you want to find out more about the conference and save the date in your diary? Feel free to scope out our conference page below.
We can't wait to see you there, make sure to grab your ticket!
We've not forgotten about BSLM 2024
Our new Fellowships Page for guidance on application!
BSLM wish to acknowledge the work of those who can demonstrate outstanding contribution to lifestyle medicine and the integration of this within the UK
Fellowship entitles you to use of your post-nominals FBSLM as an indication of your expertise and standing in Lifestyle Medicine.
We’re proud that the BSLM Fellowship is a fully interdisciplinary fellowship, open to all Practitioner members of the Society – which means GPs and medical specialists, all other GMC registered practitioners, certain other degree qualified allied health professionals, public health professionals, and suitably qualified researchers and educators in Lifestyle Medicine related fields.
We're so excited to provide to you our first page available for in-depth guidance and support for those who are applying for fellowships through us. We can't wait for our BSLM24 Gala Dinner presentations!
We can't wait for you to join us to unwind and connect in a room full of like-minded individuals, the perfect event for networking Lifestyle Medics. With our evening commencing at 7pm.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN FOCUS
Some noteworthy Lifestyle Medicine features within the recent news in Britain.
New Releases in the Lifestyle Medicine Journal!
Have you seen the latest releases in the Lifestyle Medicine Journal?There have been three new papers released since the end of February.
The better health club: A model for global, interdisciplinary learning in lifestyle medicine on the 29th of February, Patient experience of partnership: What is the relative value of interpersonal skill? on the 8th of March and From clinical competence to human connection: A reflective journey to patient-centred care on the 19th of March. Get reading Volume 5, issue 2 here!
The British Sauna Society, in spirit of Social Prescribing day are offering a FREE sauna prescription, just for you! Claim your free Sauna now up until the 14th of April. We hope you are able to make the most of it.
WHO: One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new WHO/Europe study
Children and their exposure to screens go hand in hand nowadays - but is this a positive thing? While the overall trends in school bullying have remained stable since 2018, cyberbullying has increased, magnified by the increasing digitalisation of young people’s interactions, with potentially profound impacts on young lives. It's important that we look at screen moderation and how immersing in other areas, such as Nature, has an important impact.
Happy Easter!
The Kings Fund: Illustrating the relationship between poverty and NHS services
This fantastic report particularly aligns with Lifestyle Medicine around social determinants, person centred care, engaging people with their community and the available resources, social prescribing, the importance of providing access to higher quality food and education. It also links out to further great reports/recommendations. Have a peek below!
Happy (or Hoppy) Easter to all that celebrate it! Like many other holiday's are filled with socialising, sweet-treats lining the shelves and possibly a sedentary weekend.
This fantastic blog post from Loughborough University that outlines how to keep Lifestyle Medicine fresh in your mind and actions this weekend!
Other Lifestyle Medicine News and Events
Hormone Balancing Oats from Linwoods
Mornings are often hectic, but starting your day with a nourishing and delicious breakfast can set the tone for a positive and productive day. This recipe for Hormone Balancing Oats with Linwoods Menoligna is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients that can support hormonal health and leave you feeling energised and satisfied.
Have a peek below to see how you can make them work for you!
EPHA - Healthcare Workers Paper
The collection of feedback ended earlier this month, however if you would like to read through, here is the joint position paper on the health and care workforce. This paper was written in collaboration and in consultation with EPHA members, gathering representatives of different professions in the health and care workforce, and public health organisations. The paper provides an overview of the challenges faced by the health and care workforce, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper then focuses on how to address these challenges with a cross-sectoral approach, stronger political governance and improved funding.
Have a read below of a very real and glaring problem which is important to raise to this level.
Reminder: NICE Public Consultation
Download this fantastic resource for Health Care Professionals below!
A public consultation on our new approach to prioritising guidance is now opRunning for 4 weeks, the consultation seeks your views about our plans to make topic selection and prioritisation more integrated, effective and timely.
The consultation has been running from Tuesday 5 March and will close on the Thursday 4 April.
Read more on this and have your say below.
LATEST NEWS AT BSLM
What's happening in Our Communities?
With Rachel Cox
An update from Live Well East Lothian
Live Well is a charity that provides gentle in person and online exercise classes for those living with, or recovering from, chronic conditions or events, or just those who wish to stay active and increase social connectedness. The classes are a great way for residents in East Lothian to implement the pillars of lifestyle medicine into their weekly routines.
Healthy Relationships and Mental Wellbeing
The live well community has over 250 people and each class gives participants the opportunity to socialise with each other and our lovely team of instructors. Many of our participants will grab a bite to eat and a cuppa after class and socialise in their own time.
Physical Activity and Health Eating
The classes are an hour long and all incorporate elements of strength, postural stability/balance, and cardio so everyone gets a well-rounded workout. There are adaptations for each exercise to cater for all levels and instructors will provide some education on how to repeat these exercises safely at home alongside some general healthy eating and lifestyle advice.
Sit to stands are a firm favourite (ha!) with our participants, here is our Musselburgh Level 2 group working hard…
BSLM: We were at Pulse Live London!
Our fantastic team attended Pulse Live in London on x date, thanks Pulse365!
To thank those that came to say hi, we have a code that can provides a discount on Membership and other listed benefits.
Most of you reading this will be Members, however feel free to share with your friends!
Featured Podcasts
As you'll know we have some fantastic podcasts on our radar. Podcasts are a great way of getting all the latest insights and information on Lifestyle Medicine or not.
Recommended Listening for the Month:
NICE Talks - The Podcast!
NICE Talks is the podcast from UK's National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Our podcast brings the stories behind our NICE's work to improve outcomes for people using the NHS and other public health and social care services through evidence-based guidance.
Have you listened yet? Although it's not the most recent podcast, we think it'd be great to get subscribed for their next release!
Our Podcasts
The Microbiome Medics Newest Release:
Ep.15 - The Gut, Brain and Chronic Pail
The Movement Prescription Podcast Newest Releases:
Ep.19 - parkrun. So much more than a Run.
+ Mini Move - Ep.18 - Mental Health Swims with Rachel Ashe
Every time one of the podcasts above are released we'll be updating the newsletter so keep an eye out for updates here too for your monthly listening fix!
Introducing the LifeMed Community!
We're aligning with the work they do.
We've made connections with LifeMed as Caroline and Adam are members of ours. They're doing great work through their activities, foster a great approach and ethos.
So what is the coaching programme all about?
We'll let Dr Adam Smith explain:
"LifeMed Community is a new online Lifestyle Medicine community for doctors and healthcare professionals created by GPs and lifestyle medics Dr Adam Smith and Dr Caroline Gibson.
Their vision is for the benefits of Lifestyle Medicine to reach as many people as possible via a community of inspired, enthusiastic and confident healthcare professionals.
The community offers an interactive online platform for personal and professional development. A place for support, inspiration and accountability wherever you are on your Lifestyle Medicine journey.
To celebrate the launch of the Community, the LifeMed team are looking for a small group of initial members for a pioneer cohort. For those signing up to 12 months membership, there is a free 28 day personal development coaching programme consisting of 1:1 and group sessions. This is ideal if you are new to Lifestyle Medicine or if you have qualified and are wondering ‘what now?’
There are limited spaces remaining for the initial cohort starting April 17th, so hit the button below if you're interested!"
We can't wait to hear more from this fantastic community! Don't forget to check out their website or contact for further info.
Yoga in Healthcare Alliance
Paul Fox's course available here!
Paul from The Yoga In Healthcare Alliance, which is one of our fantastic aligned organisations, and also yoga sessions at conference last year, is running a Yoga4health course.
Yoga4NHS is a six series class aimed at NHS workers and accredited by the Royal College of GPs. Yoga4NHS will equip you with self-care skills using yoga techniques. The emphasis is on developing your own yoga toolkit and developing a sustainable home and work-based practice lasting as little as 5 minutes per day. These commence on April 18th.
FEATURED BSLM EVENTS
Head to the dedicated BSLM events page for the full list of upcoming events
Our Monthly Webinar for April is coming soon...
..here's a sneak peek to keep you going!
Join us on the 16th April 2024 @ 7pm
We have the wonderful Tabitha Moynagh joining us from Hunrosa to talk about Beyond Sleep Hygiene - Additional support that you can give patients and clients who struggle with sleep
We're waiting for a second speaker to fully promote and provide all of our usual information. As soon as we have updates, we'll pop you an email with all you need! We can't wait to see you there.
Thanks for joining us in March!
The Webinar for March is due up soon - as we sadly had some technical difficulties on the day that are being rectified in editing, however have a peek at February's Webinar if you haven't already!
BSLM Annual General Meeting
4th April 2024 @ 6pm, Online
Members can join at the BSLM AGM via Zoom. This event is open to all members. Can't wait to see you there!
Other Events
Schedule the below in your diary for April & Beyond!
13th April 2024 @ 1pm-2pm, Online
Sat 20th April @ Orangerie Cafe in Markeaton Park!
Join us for a Park Run or Park Walk and post-exercise coffee and chat (or just a coffee and chat!) at the Orangerie Cafe.
Humble Health Conference
The Humble Health Conference is about bringing out your best.
Combining talks, workshops and community, it is a gathering of pioneering health professionals, passionate about nurturing our holistic health, performance and potential.
It’s on Thursday 2nd May 2024, from 9am-3pm at Cumberwell Park Gold Club Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2PQ
For the list of activities and speakers please see the programme link below.
RCPsych and BSLM Event
No Life Half Lived with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
8th May 2024 @ 10.30am, Apex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh EH1 2HS
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland CEO Jane-Claire Judson invites you to find out how we can work together to achieve our mission of No Life Half Lived and support the NHS.
They are running 3 online events coming up:
The in-person event will be from 10:30am - 12:00pm (followed by lunch)
Together we can help reduce pressure on your NHS local services by providing quality supported self management and community recovery services for people living with chest, heart, stroke or Long Covid conditions.
Join us to hear about our Community Healthcare Support Services model, meet your local CHSS colleagues, connect and network over lunch with likeminded local health and care professionals, and find out how we can work together to achieve this mission and support the NHS.
NatureMind 2024
Join NatureMind for an all day exploration into latest research & best practice in nature-based social prescribing with workshops, discussions, presentations and demonstrations.
Reminder: We'll be at IPM 2024
6-8th June 2024 @ QEII Centre, Westminster, London UK
Integrative & Personalised Medicine Congress 2024
Members of the BSLM can register to attend the conference at the discounted 'members rate', see the members section for details. Conference prices start from £149 and workshop & exhibition prices start from just £25 per day.
Learning Academy
Wondering what our CPD courses are all about?
Did you see our take over?
Post our interactive webinar on the 26th of March, we thought it would be fantastic to share some more up-to-date and in-depth information about our learning academy CPD courses on our social media!
If you haven't seen them today, do take a peek on our social media channels now.
Been thinking about becoming a Trailblazer?
Unlock the Power of Lifestyle Medicine with the LMCA!
Elevate your practice to new heights with the Lifestyle Medicine Core Accreditation (LMCA), the premier programme written by experts and peer-reviewed for UK practitioners like you. Dive into evidence-informed strategies and comprehensive knowledge that will revolutionise your approach to patient care.
Have a look-out for the benefits and testimonials from our core accred on our socials!
NHS NETWORKS
Top News Stories in March
GP contract – RCGP response
Recovering quality and outcomes framework: how group clinics work
Mental health in later life
Social care 360
Relationship between poverty and NHS services
Health inequalities funding across systems
Email us - office@bslm.org.uk
