MenoTastic

The Power of Comedy and Singing: Boosting Social Connections on  Red Nose Day As we celebrate Red Nose  Day  today , it's a perfect time to highlight the incredible impact of comedy and singing on our wellbeing, particularly when it comes to social connections—a vital pillar of lifestyle medicine. T he Power of Inclusive Activities To day, I' m  reflecting on a recent experience that perfectly illustrates the power of social connections. I participated in a flashmob with Rock Choir to raise funds for  the charity  Comic Relief . What struck me was the inclusivity of the event—people from all walks of life came together, regardless of anxiety, physical disabilities, or simply a love for singing. It was a testament to how doing something you love can improve your sense of wellbeing and connection with others. As a GP, it was heartwarming to see one of my patients there, beaming with joy. The flashmob wasn't just about raising money; it was about creating a se...

  Imagine you're at the doctor's office, and instead of being handed a prescription, you're given a n evidence based  recipe for a healthy life. That's essentially what lifestyle medicine is all about. It's not just about popping pills or undergoing surgery; it's about making conscious choices in how you live your life to prevent, treat, or even reverse chronic diseases. The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) breaks it down into six core pillars that are easier to grasp than you might think: 1.  Healthy Eating : Ditch the processed foods and focus on whole, unprocessed goodies to fuel your body. Think of it like putting the right petrol in your car—except the car is you, and the petrol is kale (just kidding, it doesn't have to be kale, but it can be if you like it). Lifestyle medicine supports people in reducing their consumption of ultra-processed foods by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to follow healthier eating patterns of their o...

World Obesity Day 2025: The Truth About Fat Stigma and Shaming As a doctor specialising in menopause and obesity, I've seen firsthand how fat stigma and fat shaming do more harm than good. With today marking World Obesity Day 2025 , it's the perfect moment to have a frank conversation about these issues, focusing on the UK. Let's get into the numbers, the nonsense, and what we can do to fix it. The UK's Expanding Waistline: A Look at the Numbers Let's start with some home truths about the UK's obesity crisis and where we're headed. Brace yourselves—it’s not a pretty picture: Currently, 28% of adults in England are obese, with an additional 36% overweight —nearly two-thirds of the population carrying excess weight. Among children, 22% of Year 6 children (ages 10-11) are obese, with another 14% overweight . Projected Figures for 2050 By 2050, a staggering 77% of adults in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are projected to be overweight or obese. For adults...

The 40s – Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening? You Decide! Welcome to your 40s, where you're either contemplating a flashy sports car purchase or realising that kale might actually be your new best mate! It's time to double down on those healthy habits—your future self will be chuffed to bits! What To Focus On:   Cardiovascular Health: Your ticker's been pumping away for four decades now—time to show it some proper love! Regular exercise isn't just about looking fit in your skinny jeans anymore; it's about keeping your heart in tip-top form! Interesting fact:   Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35%.   Bone And Muscle Strength: Your body's starting to whisper about aches and pains; strength training isn't just for bodybuilders - it's your secret weapon against age-related muscle loss and osteoporosis!   Interesting fact:     Studies show that strength training exercises can increase bone density by...

Decades of Health: A little Guide to Your Life's Roadmap Life isn't just a journey for grown-ups—healthy habits start when you're knee-high to a grasshopper and evolve over time. Whether you're a parent raising a little one, a teen navigating the “those” years, or an adult plotting your health course, it's never too early (or too late) to invest in your wellbeing.  Ask yourself where are you on your timeline and is your health's timeline at the same place, worse or better than it should be for your associated phase of life? So, let's have a gander at the early years, shall we? Child Health – Growing Up with a Smile (0-11 Years) Before the world of responsibilities and "adulting" begins, childhood is all about growth, discovery, play, fun and social interactions. It's like building a health savings account – the more you put in now, the more you'll have to draw on later. What to Focus On : Balanced Nutrition: Encourage a variety of foods to...