❕ New resources, New approaches for our Government and New accredited courses ❕ Take a peek to see our June lifestyle medicine updates!
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June 2024
Welcome member to
Your home of lifestyle medicine news
June has been full of sunshine, and rain, and everything in-between! We're delighted to see green spaces in bloom - we hope you're making the most of it while it's here!
We hope you've had another fantastic month, 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 June at BSLM and also what's in store come July.
In this month's Newsletter...
HEADLINE NEWS
BREAKING NEWS: We're calling on government to adopt a new approach to tackling the health crisis facing the United Kingdom.
The 2024 General Election is a very important event for future healthcare in the UK. We all know that the National Health Service is under continual pressure just as our healthcare workers are under pressure.
Our message to the future government sets our why Lifestyle Medicine is so important to patients, professionals, and the future of healthcare. We have increasing economic data to show it is good for health systems, for patients, for healthcare professionals, for achieving healthcare equity, and so a future government must lever resources to support further investment in developing lifestyle medicine to maintain or support our citizens into good health, to support our ailing NHS.
Read our Blueprint for Health Below - this won't be the last you hear of this proposal!
ANNOUNCEMENT: SUBMISSIONS FOR ABSTRACTS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Our extended deadline for members to share their successful lifestyle medicine projects with us was 28th June at 9pm, meaning we are now no longer taking submissions!
We are so grateful for your fantastic submissions - we can’t wait to show them off at BSLM24! Over the upcoming weeks to conference, we will also be doing sneak-peeks into the Abstracts submitted on our social media, so do keep your eyes peeled. We can't wait to share with you the pioneering work you are doing to further the lifestyle medicine movement.
Early Bird tickets: Deadline 15th July
Our Early Bird options will be available until midnight on the 15th of July – they offer amazing value, with a packed 3-day schedule to look forward to in Newcastle. See you all there in September, the months are ticking down!
Make sure you grab yours now if you haven't already. We can't wait to see you there!
We’ve partnered up with the Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau and snapped up some special room rates throughout the city to make sure for your stay is as convenient as possible during the conference.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN FOCUS
Some noteworthy Lifestyle Medicine features within the recent news in Britain.
Sleepio App for free via the NHS
The BSLM is very excited to hear that NICE Guidance recommends patients with insomnia are offered cognitive behavioural therapy via an app. The Sleepio app is free to NHS patients via their NHS App log in. The app is a 6-week cognitive behavioural therapy programme which addresses cognitive and behavioural strategies and relaxation techniques. It can be used for patients presenting with insomnia and also to support patients who are attempting to reduce or stop benzodiazepines or “Z” drugs. Sleepio may be accessed via Onboarding Sleep Test via the button below!
Have you seen the latest releases in the Lifestyle Medicine Journal?
This one is hot off the press, as of Tuesday this week!
The release is called Long-term preservation of lean mass and sustained loss of fat mass after completion of an intensive lifestyle intervention in older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Calling all Nurses: Swimming is Medicine!
Last week, Swim England collaborated with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to launch the latest video in the ‘Swimming as Medicine’ series.
Swimming and aquatic activity can offer significant benefits to the health and wellbeing of individuals. Nursing staff can make a real difference by referring and signposting to services and communities, supporting people to live longer and healthier lives.
Read and watch more on how Michelle Turner, is featured in the video, sharing her experiences as a nurse in how talking to patients about swimming has led to significant improvements in their health.
Other Lifestyle Medicine News and Events
Linwoods: Dr Alan Desmond, renowned Gastroenterologist and leading gut expert, shares his top ten tips for a healthy prostate
The Best Foods for Prostate Health: Top Dietary Tips and Nutritional Advice
Most people know that a healthy diet has serious benefits when it comes to heart health and gut health – but did you know that the food you eat each day can also benefit your prostate? It’s true.
Dr Alan Desmond shares his top 10 tips below!
Symprove: Educational webinar on the gut microbiome!
Want to learn more about the gut microbiome? Join registered dietitian Imogen Wolsey on Monday 8th July at 7pm at a free, live and interactive webinar ‘Importance of the gut microbiome and potential role of probiotics’, exploring the impact of the gut microbiome, dysbiosis and probiotics. This event is hosted by Symprove.
LATEST NEWS AT BSLM
BSLM: We've been busy on creating the best resources and support
We have been busy behind the scenes to create the best possible Lifestyle Medicine based support and resources, to support you in your practice whatever you do!
We've included some updates below to give you an idea of what we've been up to. We always welcome feedback, so please do let us know of any recommendations, or let us know how you use the resources and let us know if you do use it in practice or not!
BSLM Group Consultations: A Guide for Common Pitfalls now available!
Many healthcare professionals reach out to us with an interest in introducing Group Consultations in their practice.
Group Consultations offer the opportunity to see more patients in less time with less repetition, and patients get MORE clinician time and an enhanced experience. So, it’s an area many are keen to embark on, but in our recent skills survey*, over 60% of healthcare professionals feel a lack of confidence is one of the key areas holding them back.
Whilst we continue to build our offering of support for this specific lifestyle medicine skill, we wanted to respond quickly to some of the specific barriers you listed in the survey, and share insight and ideas of how others are overcoming them
Read the below to answer some common queries, and give you the support you need around introducing Group Consultations in your practice.
Or read it in your own time on our website under the
"Guide through the common pitfalls of introducing group consultations" button on our Tools of Lifestyle Medicine page!
Our Lifestyle Medicine Screening tool is now available!
As mentioned in previous communications, Dr Rupa Joshi and Mark Quirk, Health and Wellbeing coach at Wokingham North Primary Care Network and member of BSLM, hosted two breakout sessions at Peak Health Coaching's Conference and tested a new resource for helping members to take Lifestyle Medicine histories.
This resource has been adapted to be used as a handy written aide-memoir, electronically on a desktop and as a poster in the consulting room with a QR code. It can be used by any health care professional, or even given to the patient to fill out.
The digital version of this resource is now available on our Tools of Lifestyle Medicine page - check it out below!
The print version will be available shortly - not to worry though, we'll let you know once it's released by popping you an email!
Or look at it in your own time under the below, keep your eyes peeled for our print version soon too to hand out to patients!
Other Events
MLMI Symposium 2024 - 2nd International Symposium in Leros!
The 2nd International Symposium of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute was held on the island of Leros in June.
This year’s theme, following last year’s definition of the traditional Mediterranean Lifestyle (tMedLife), was “Expanding the Health Impacts of the Traditional Mediterranean Lifestyle: What We Know and What Needs to Be Done.”
The research team comprises renowned academics and researchers from around the world, specialising in various fields such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep studies, stress studies, and social connections. People from all over the world, both within and outside Europe, visit the island and, over a 4-day period of activities and philosophical discussions, provide their own conclusions on the traditional Mediterranean way of life and its benefits.
Dr Rob Lawson, BSLM Chairman and co-founder, attended on behalf of BSLM, where he was greeted with something a bit more than just the warm weather!
President Sidossis and Vice Presidents Catherine Itsiopoulos and Rob Lawson (above)
Award for services to LM and MLMI to Rob Lawson presented by President of MLMI Prof Labros Sidossis (above)
This year’s attendees number 45, representing 18 countries worldwide
What's happening in Our Communities?
Our monthly Live Well Update
With the Live Well East Lothian Team
What do our LiveWell Classes Look Like?
Live Well East Lothian's Level 2 class in Haddington are building strength and improving balance working through some circuits.
Anyone is welcome to join a class, no matter fitness ability or medical condition, and Level 1 classes can be done seated throughout.
It's important that clinicians who practice lifestyle medicine, a priority should be supporting people to choose ways they can incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives. Sometimes just supporting people to reduce the time spent sitting down can make a big difference – activities like these that also incorporate social interaction make the world of difference!
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, and beyond!
Our Podcasts
The Microbiome Medics Newest Release:
Ep.18 - The Role of Diet in Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Gut Nut Dietician Lucy Kerrison
The Movement Prescription Podcast Newest Releases:
Ep.24 - "Designing Movement" with Robert Jamison
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 Forestry England!
We're aligning with the work they do.
We've made connections with Forestry England. They're doing great work through their activities, foster a great approach and ethos.
So what is Forestry England all about?
With over 100 years’ experience of growing, shaping and caring for over 1,500 forests and woodlands in England, Forestry England isn’t new to connecting people with the health and wellbeing benefits of nature! Ellen Devine, Wellbeing Projects Manager at Forestry England, explains why they’re so keen to work with BSLM:
“Trees lead to better human health and there’s strong evidence to back this statement up. We’re excited to work with the BSLM and its members to connect more people with the wellbeing benefits of connection with nature – whether that’s professionals accessing nature for their own wellbeing or signposting patients to enjoy a solo-walk through the forest, join a volunteering or activity group or take part in a ‘Feel Good in the Forest’ session for people with health conditions.”
For more information and resources, visit the below link!
The Outside Study
OUTSIDE2 is hosting an 8-week outdoor swimming course for people with depression and anxiety as a part of an NHS funded randomised controlled trial at various locations across England. This is a brilliant (and free!) opportunity to take part in a social / physical activity to enhance participants mental health, and build a sense of community with others.
More info available through the website - hit the button!
FEATURED BSLM EVENTS
Head to the dedicated BSLM events page for the full list of upcoming events
Our Monthly Webinar for July is coming soon...
..here's a sneak peek to keep you going!
Join us on the 18th June 2024 @ 7pm
We can't wait to see you there - we'll get all the details circulating soon!
Thanks for joining us in June for..
The Webinar for June is available to watch on our youtube channel, and will be on our website for our Members over the next week!
We have a Study Day coming up!
Join us for this one day MSK Study day where we’ll take a look at areas such as the benefits of physical activity and nutrition, and how to support your patients to find what works for them, including those with difficult to manage chronic pain.
Have a peek at the agenda and keep your eyes peeled on our socials for speaker reveals.
Other Events
Schedule the below in your diary for July & Beyond!
This month and the following are much quieter than previous, but we hope you keep busy with these upcoming events!
London Learning and Networking Event - 6th July - Fully Booked!
We're hopeful that we may be able to invite more of you on the waiting list, depending on space and facilities.
Symprove: 'Importance of the gut microbiome and potential role of probiotics’ Free Webinar
Monday 8th July at 7pm - Online
BSLM's Monthly Webinar
BSLM's MSK Study Day
NEW DATE - BSLM Aberdeen Region - What is Lifestyle Medicine
Fringe By The Sea - Live Well East Lothian will be there!
Learning Academy
Chronic Pain and practical strategies for patients
Chronic pain affects roughly 1 out of every 5 patients in the world leading it to be the biggest cause of disability, loss of days of work, lower productivity and the negative impact on quality of life.
Do you find that it's one of the most common conversations with your patients, but not sure how to equip your patients with the knowledge to apply lifestyle medicine principles in their own lives?
Have a look at this NHS-recommended pain management resource, which provides 12 practical strategies to support people with chronic pain below.
Our Learning Academy offers a fantastic course on chronic pain, called "A Primer to Integrated Pain Management Using Lifestyle Medicine Principles" - if you didn't know!
This course will introduce you to the principles of Pain Medicine and how you can enhance your practice and improve the care of your pain patients using Lifestyle Medicine principles.
Get the Mediterranean Diet course for free!
All of those who sign up will be enrolled into the course two weeks prior to the Symposium to allow them time to enjoy the course before experiencing the joys of the Mediterranean in person. It also is 1hr CPD too!
NHS NETWORKS
Top News Stories in June
Racism and misogyny in policing, education, and mental health services
The state of NHS finances 2024/25
More people at risk of type 2 diabetes
Views of NHS website heat health advice double
IT to enable Pharmacy First referrals from practices
Email us - office@bslm.org.uk
