The Prescription Strength Podcast

In this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, host Lynette is joined by Dr. Claire Davies, a GP in Hackney and a coach for female doctors at crossroads in their lives. They discuss the importance of being heard as a patient, the challenges within the healthcare system, and the parallels in patient experiences for both medical professionals and general patients. Dr. Davies shares insights from her contributions to the book 'The Doctor is the Patient,' and they explore strategies to improve communication, patient confidence, and the crucial role of holistic care. The conversation concludes with methods to build patient confidence and the potential benefit of coaching to navigate the healthcare system effectively.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:49 The Catalyst for the Conversation03:18 The Doctor-Patient Dynamic07:27 Challenges in Healthcare Continuity14:58 The Impact of Stress on Health22:34 Navigating the Healthcare System27:51 Addressing Patient Concerns Early29:41 The Importance of Second Opinions33:37 Technological Advances in Consultations37:32 Building Confidence and Self-Care39:24 Coaching for Personal Growth48:18 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationYou can reach Claire on Instagram @dr_claire_davies.  Or on Linkedin  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rebelconfidenceformedicalwomenand her website www.drclairedavies.co.uk.

In this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, I talk to one of my clients Anne, an experienced Pilates instructor who took me to task after a previous episode when I shared a negative experience of Pilates. We delve into common misconceptions about Pilates, particularly its efficacy for back pain, and the differences between commercial gym classes and smaller, community-focused Pilates sessions. The instructor shares personal success stories of clients improving their health and mobility through Pilates. Listeners are encouraged to embrace movement and consider Pilates for various health benefits, including improved posture, reduced pain, and enhanced overall well-being.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:19 Debunking the Pilates Myth03:34 The Essence of a Good Pilates Class05:15 Personalised Pilates Instruction08:40 Pilates for Health and Recovery12:28 Success Stories and Real-Life Impact22:57 Understanding Different Perspectives on Posture and Alignment23:47 The Importance of Soft Tissue in Pain Management24:20 Addressing Misconceptions About Bulging Discs and Joint Wear25:49 Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Bone Health30:35 Finding the Right Pilates Class for You33:23 Advice for Pilates Beginners34:57 The Role of One-to-One Sessions in Pilates41:35 Building Community Through Pilates42:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Navigating Nutrition and Menopause with Emma Bardwell: I chat to Emma Bardwell, registered nutritionist and author of The 30g Plan. We discuss the role of nutrition in women's health, particularly during menopause. Emma shares her personal experience with perimenopause and explains common symptoms that lead women to seek nutritional advice. We discuss the importance of protein and fibre in diet, the impact of social media on health perceptions, and debunk myths around superfoods and supplements. Emma emphasises practical approaches to nutrition and mentions her book 'The 30g Plan,' and we reflect on how GPs and nutritionists can better collaborate for patient care.Emma can be reached at https://www.emmabardwell.comHer book is available on Amazon and all book retailers. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:12 Guest Introduction and Focus on Women's Health01:00 Challenges Faced by Women in Midlife02:27 The Role of Nutrition and Initial Consultations07:17 Common Patterns and Misconceptions11:55 Importance of Protein and Fiber17:06 Debunking the Superfood Myth21:50 Making Decisions and Exit Plans22:38 Aggressive Marketing and Unrealistic Health Claims24:16 GPs and Nutritionists Collaboration28:17 The Gluten and Sourdough Debate36:48 Practical Dietary Advice40:08 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

Understanding Physiotherapy: Myths, Realities, and Patient CareIn this episode, Lynette interviews Adam, an NHS physiotherapist with a significant online presence, to discuss common misconceptions about physiotherapy and the realities of the profession. Adam emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, especially in managing musculoskeletal issues like back pain. He narrates his personal experience with a severe back injury and highlights the value of shared experience in patient care. The discussion also touches on the cultural myths surrounding posture, the limited yet specific role of Pilates, and the deceptive allure of immediate treatments versus allowing natural healing over time. The challenges posed by varied opinions from different healthcare providers (e.g., chiropractors, osteopaths) are highlighted, stressing the need for patient education to sift through overwhelming and often conflicting information. The episode wraps up by reinforcing that patience, self-care, and evidence-based practices are key to effective physiotherapy.Adam is on Instagram @adammeakins & his website is https://www.adammeakins.com00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:37 Understanding Physiotherapy: Common Misconceptions02:18 Personal Journey into Physiotherapy03:16 Challenges in Physiotherapy Practice05:58 The Role of Physiotherapists in the NHS06:56 Patient Beliefs and Misconceptions07:58 Dealing with Mixed Messages in Healthcare15:14 Personal Experience with Injury22:02 The Debate on Imaging and Diagnosis27:04 Human Nature in Healthcare Decisions27:26 The Basics vs. Online Fitness Fads28:21 Debunking Functional Training Myths29:34 Pilates and Back Pain: Myths and Realities31:37 Strength Training for Women: Breaking the Myths33:52 Physiotherapy vs. Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic39:14 The Challenge of Doing Nothing in Healthcare41:43 Emerging Treatments in Physiotherapy42:44 Frozen Shoulder: Diagnosis and Treatment46:17 The Importance of Patience in Healing

Lifting and Life Lessons with a 70-Year-Old PowerlifterJoin host Dr. Lynette Ewart on the Prescription Strength Podcast as she delves into an inspiring conversation with Diane, a 70-year-old competitive powerlifter. Discover how Diane navigated the fitness landscape, from feeling daunted entering a gym to becoming a seasoned competitor, lifting weights heavier than many half her age. They discuss the importance of muscle mass, overcoming injuries, maintaining a healthy diet, and the critical element of consistency. This episode provides practical insights and motivational advice for anyone considering starting their fitness journey, especially women who might feel sidelined by societal expectations. Don't miss this empowering episode filled with real-life experiences and valuable fitness tips.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:19 Dan's Journey to the Gym01:15 Finding the Right Trainer04:05 The Importance of Lifting Properly07:16 Transition to Competitive Powerlifting11:33 Diet and Protein Focus14:29 Managing Weight and Health27:07 Training Routine and Competition Prep27:31 Pre-Competition Training Routine27:58 Training Schedule and Family Life29:04 Training Sessions and Exercises29:44 Importance of a Good Trainer30:07 Managing Training Blocks and Plateaus32:17 Dealing with Injuries33:13 Consistency and Motivation36:03 Cardio and Conditioning41:28 Supplements and General Health44:58 Starting Late and Staying Consistent48:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Debunking Sleep Myths with Dr Lynette Ewart: From Perfect Sleep to Insomnia SolutionsIn this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, host Dr. Lynette Ewart, a GP and personal trainer, delves deep into the world of sleep with sleep expert Dr Eidn Mahmoudzadeh of The Sleep Project. They discuss common myths around sleep, especially the misconception that everyone needs eight hours of sleep. Audience will learn about individual sleep needs, the impact of anxiety on insomnia, and practical steps to improve sleep initiation. The conversation also covers the misuse of sleeping pills, the role of melatonin, and the pros and cons of napping. Tune in to get evidence-based advice on achieving better sleep without falling for fear mongering and commercial gimmicks.To work with Dr Lynette Ewart visit www.prescriptionstrength.co.ukTo work with Dr Eidn Mahmoudzadeh visit www.thesleepproject.life 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:21 Debunking Sleep Myths01:32 The Impact of Sleep Duration03:27 Personal Experiences with Sleep05:22 Sleep and Anxiety13:16 Practical Sleep Tips20:55 Handling Sleep Interruptions29:16 The Science Behind Sleep34:22 Sleep and Weight Loss36:32 Hormonal Changes and Hunger37:39 Sleep Deprivation and Impulse Control39:30 Sleep Apnea and Obesity40:46 Chronic Conditions and Sleep41:35 Sleeping Pills: Short-Term vs Long-Term Use46:58 Melatonin: Uses and Effectiveness55:43 Napping: Benefits and Drawbacks01:05:09 The Sleep Project: Services and Support

Understanding and Managing Chronic PainIn this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart discuss the growing issue of chronic pain and the use of therapeutic cocktails to manage it. They explore the differences between acute and chronic pain, the complexities of chronic pain management, and the role of psychological factors in pain perception. They also touch on the body's natural pain relievers, the importance of exercise and rehabilitation, and the impact of unprocessed trauma on chronic pain. The episode highlights the need for a patient-driven approach to managing pain and the importance of understanding and addressing the multifaceted nature of chronic pain.00:00 Introduction to the Iron Prescription Podcast00:40 Discussing Chronic Pain and Therapeutic Cocktails02:38 Understanding Chronic Pain: Definitions and Experiences05:28 The Role of Painkillers and the Brain's Pain Signals07:52 Challenges in Managing Chronic Pain15:49 Gender Differences in Pain Perception and Acceptance18:46 The Impact of Trauma on Chronic Pain22:18 Understanding the Body's Response to Pain23:11 The Power of Expectation in Pain Perception24:03 Perception of Pain in Extreme Conditions27:08 The Role of Pain Clinics and Rehabilitation29:31 Challenges in Managing Chronic Pain32:14 The Emotional and Social Aspects of Pain37:54 Medication and Pain Management39:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Everyone is talking about weight loss injections and they are here to stay. We discuss how they work, what you can expect, what the risks are and what happens when you stop them.

In this episode we talk about some of the misconceptions around training for strength.  Why your program design really matters if you want the right results. Why your health will suffer if you don’t prioritise strength.  What you should add to your diet if you care about building and maintaining strength. 

Should you take a statin if you are offered one? How do you really understand the risks and benefits if all you've had is a text message from your practice? What can you do instead if you don't want to take one? We discuss our approach to this hot topic that seems to generate a lot of heated debate for most people in the 2nd half of life. If you want to see what your risk score is with the most sophisticated calculator, you'll find it here: https://qrisk.org/ But remember you can't have a risk of 0% unless you're a bot. You can contact Lynette for coaching at lynette@prescriptionstrength.co.uk

In this episode we talk about how we approach depression in the consultation and the complexities of bringing exercise and activity into the discussion. We discuss the role of medication in the short and longer term, the evolutionary mechanisms that have ensured we've evolved to feel better when we move and we catch up on how our respective challenges are shaping up.

In this second episode of the Iron Prescription, Stuart and Lynette discuss some of the downsides of exercise, both psychologically and when injuries happen. How to adapt when you can't do what you've always done. Also discussed is the utility of data and measurements as they relate to exercise and whether they can be a help or a hindrance.

Medical doctors Lynette and Stuart chat about who they help as doctors and as personal trainers and why they do both these jobs.

In this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart are joined by Dr. Samantha Lewis, a clinical psychologist specialising in neurodiversity assessments in adults. The discussion delves into adult ADHD, its misconceptions, and the evolution of understanding this condition over the past 20 years. Dr. Lewis explains the symptoms, impacts, and the importance of a thorough diagnostic process for ADHD. The conversation also explores the role of exercise, medication, and strategies in managing ADHD effectively, as well as addressing society's response to neurodiversity.Dr Lewis can be reached by emailing DrSamanthaLewis@protonmail.comJoin The Iron Prescription Podcast Inner Circle and have a say in what topics we discuss .www.theironprescription.co.uk00:00 Introduction to the Iron Prescription Podcast00:24 Meet Dr. Samantha Lewis: Expert in Adult ADHD01:02 Understanding ADHD: Symptoms and Misconceptions02:00 The Evolution of ADHD Diagnosis03:06 ADHD in the Modern World06:32 Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD18:08 ADHD and Medication20:49 Harnessing ADHD Strengths31:27 Medication and Personal Choice32:15 Understanding ADHD Medication32:48 The Orchestra Analogy33:14 Balancing Medication and Personality34:46 Societal Views on Neurodiversity35:59 ADHD in the Public Domain36:48 Misconceptions and Labels38:14 Trauma and ADHD40:40 ADHD in the Criminal Justice System47:04 Challenges in Adult ADHD Support51:44 Exercise and ADHD57:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart discuss their personal and professional experiences with prostate cancer. Dr. Stuart shares his firsthand account of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, the various treatment options he explored, and the significant role fitness played in his recovery. He also addresses the misconceptions about fitness providing complete immunity against cancer and emphasises the importance of regular screenings and trend analysis for early detection. The conversation highlights the psychological and physical challenges faced by cancer patients and the role of fitness in improving recovery outcomes. The episode provides valuable insights for listeners on managing health, particularly for those at risk or diagnosed with prostate cancer.00:00 Introduction to the Iron Prescription Podcast00:25 Discussing Cancer and Fitness00:55 Personal Cancer Journey02:06 Chris Hoy's Cancer Diagnosis03:13 Discovering Prostate Cancer04:48 PSA Testing and Diagnosis10:34 Treatment Options and Decisions15:29 Surgery and Recovery20:50 Reflections on Fitness and Recovery23:31 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Cancer Diagnosis24:22 Mental Impact and Health Anxiety24:37 Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Guilt26:00 Psychological Effects and Support Systems28:00 Sexual Inequality in Cancer Treatment29:52 Erectile Dysfunction Solutions32:46 The Importance of Fitness in Recovery35:11 Administrative Burden of Being a Patient38:06 PSA Testing and Screening Debate41:48 Genetic Testing and Family History45:01 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this conversation, host Lynette interviews Jess Wall, a psychological skills mentor from CHIMP Management, discussing the CHIMP model developed by Professor Steve Peters. Jess introduces herself and her role, elaborating on how the CHIMP model helps understand human behavior by exploring the neuroscience behind it. She shares her personal journey to joining CHIMP Management and explains various aspects of the model, including the interaction between the CHIMP and human parts of the brain, and how they impact habits and behaviors. The discussion covers practical applications, such as behaviour change, procrastination, and habit formation, emphasising the importance of self-compassion, planning, and understanding one's chimp to achieve lasting change. The episode concludes with Jess providing resources and recommendations for utilising CHIMP Management's tools and courses to improve mental well-being.

In this episode, we talk about our journey towards improving our podcast audio quality, inspired by a technical glitch from our previous episode. We then dive into the topic of health anxiety, sharing personal definitions and experiences. We discuss how intrusive thoughts about one's health can be overwhelming and how prevalent this issue is today. We highlight the therapeutic benefits of exercise, explaining how physical activity can help manage anxiety by occupying mental bandwidth and providing physical reassurance. We share our personal stories and experiences, including a recent marathon run and how we used fitness to cope with medical treatments and stress. We also touch on the limitations of using Google for self-diagnosis compared to professional medical advice. The conversation includes practical tips for managing health anxiety, like clear communication with healthcare providers and considering professional psychological help when necessary. We wrap up by announcing the topic for our next episode: cancer.00:00 Introduction and Audio Upgrade01:01 Discussing Health Anxiety01:47 Defining Health Anxiety03:37 Impact of Information Overload04:41 Role of Medical Profession in Health Anxiety07:27 Google and Health Anxiety13:09 Personal Experience with Health Anxiety13:35 Exercise as a Remedy for Health Anxiety20:55 Marathon Experience and Pain Reframing23:11 The Mind Game of Marathon Running23:53 Fuelling Strategies for Marathon24:35 Experiencing the Marathon on Mounjaro24:59 Overcoming the Wall at Mile 1826:34 The Role of Exercise in Cancer Recovery27:26 Challenging Health Anxiety with Exercise28:03 The Reassurance Paradox in Anxiety37:12 The Impact of Media on Anxiety38:55 Managing Anxiety with Exercise and Professional Help40:46 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Can You Be Fat and Fit? Examining the Relationships Between Weight, Health, and FitnessWe delve deep into the debate about whether you can be fat and fit. Inspired by recent books critical of diet culture, we explore the literature, discuss the impact of language changes in medical terminology, and the intricacies of BMI and waist measurements as indicators of health. We also touch on the misunderstood relationship between adipose tissue and chronic diseases, and the importance of functional fitness. Towards the end, we highlight personal experiences and challenges with weight loss medications. Join us for an enlightening discussion that balances scientific insights with practical advice.00:00 Introduction to the Iron Prescription Podcast00:24 Debating Diet Culture and Health Assumptions02:05 Defining Fat and Fitness05:19 BMI and Its Controversies07:41 Functionality Over Measurements18:04 Personal Fat Threshold and Health Risks22:39 The Impact of Weight on Performance and Health27:35 Understanding BMI and Obesity Categories29:33 The Impact of Visceral Fat31:20 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease33:46 Fitness and Health Indicators36:57 Weight Loss Injections Experience42:26 Addressing Weight Stigma and Misconceptions45:01 Concluding Thoughts and Comments

In this episode, we have a deep-dive discussion on the world of supplements. We explore personal supplementation habits, touch on the evidence behind Omega-3, Vitamin D, Creatine, Magnesium, and collagen, and discuss their effectiveness and safety. The conversation also addresses the placebo effect, the power of marketing in the supplement industry, and the challenges in navigating unregulated products. Tune in to get an informed perspective on which supplements might be worth your investment and which could be doing more harm than good.00:00 Introduction to Supplements00:37 Personal Supplement Regimens01:55 Vitamin D: Benefits and Controversies08:24 The Placebo Effect in Supplements12:17 Magnesium: Uses and Evidence19:13 Supplement Industry and Regulation21:56 Weight Loss Injections: Personal Experience23:22 Continued Loss in Clinical Trials23:44 Fish Oil and Omega Supplements23:59 Mediterranean Diet and Health Benefits26:09 Glucosamine and Arthritis27:12 Aspirin: Benefits and Risks29:33 Vitamin D and Individual Variation34:44 Collagen Supplements: Hype vs. Reality40:05 Creatine and Cognitive Benefits41:03 CBD Oils and Cannabinoid Receptors42:36 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

Getting older can bring with it a host of health issues you didn't ask for. Is this the same as ageing? Can you really make a difference to your trajectory of ageing? If so what things make a difference. Discussing this from a perspective of over 20 years clinical experience.