Is General Practice Engaged with Physical Activity Promotion?

I read this article in the September 2015 edition of the BJGP, which looks at: Should GPs engage with Physical Activity (PA) promotion? Is general practice already engaged? Main barriers to GP engagement? How can GPs engage? Conclusion. The article notes how Scotland is moving (slightly) ahead on England and Wales in utilising GPs in… Read More

How Many US Cardiovascular Deaths are due to Modifiable Risk Factors?

If the five commonest modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease – high cholesterol concentrations, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking – were eliminated in the United States, deaths from cardiovascular disease would be halved, a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found (Patel et al., 2015). Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease… Read More

The Health Benefits of Nature

Research Paper Title Vis Medicatrix naturae: does nature “minister to the mind”? Abstract The healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae, has traditionally been defined as an internal healing response designed to restore health. Almost a century ago, famed biologist Sir John Arthur Thomson provided an additional interpretation of the word nature within the context… Read More

Older Adults: Outdoor Physical Activity & Self-Rated Health

Research Paper Title Outdoor physical activity and self rated health in older adults living in two regions of the US. Background Older adults spend little time outdoors and many are physically inactive. The relationship between outdoor physical activity and self rated health has not been studied in older adults. This paper aimed to assess the… Read More

Vitamin D: The UK & Sunny Weather!!!

Apparently, the UK weather has gotten so bad that everyone may soon be advised to take vitamin D supplements because of the lack of sunshine. Previously only people considered at high risk of bone and autoimmune diseases such as pregnant women and those over 65 were recommended to take vitamin D supplements. Reference New Scientist… Read More

Could you run 160 miles in 50 hours?

Marco Altibrandi, who serves with the Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside, was one of 29 people who attempted this feat of endurance, and only one of 16 to successfully finish the course. He completed the course in 43 hours 50 mins 5 secs of running!, six hours ahead of the deadline set by the organisers. Worst moment:… Read More