Degrees of Health

Most of us think social connection is a squishy topic—subjective and hard to define. And while there's much truth to this, there is no doubting the profound scientific data highlighting just how critical social connection is for all aspects of our health. It’s in our bones. We are wired to connect. Here with Dr Julie Radlauer, we discuss the social influences of mental health - namely Social Connection • Social Support • Social Capital • Social Media • Social Justice. Knowing these social influences isn't hard, but navigating and implementing them isn't always easy, and so Julie provides us science-based insights and actionable steps to help us support ourselves and others. If you struggle to ask for help, give help, find support, or connect with others during difficult times, listen to Julie. Her warmth and experience offer universal comfort and practical guidance.Dr Julie is a leading expert in the social influences of mental health and uses her experience to create impact within communities, systems, organisations, and individuals. As a doctor of public health and a licensed mental health counsellor, Julie’s work aims to answer why so many people struggling don’t access services and more importantly, how these people want to have their health needs met.Find Julie:LinkedInInstagramJulie's Book - Connect: 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your LifeWebsiteTED talkMentioned in this podcast:Adam Grant - Give and TakeLean on me - Bill Withers You’re Invited - Jon LevyCaste: The Origins of our Discontents - Isabel WilkersonBelieve in People - Charles KochWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The goal is not to destroy yourself”. Through his career with high level athletes and his research publications related to endurance training and intensity distribution, Dr Stephen Seiler, PhD, realised the damage in the ‘no pain no gain’ narrative. Here, we explore why the most effective training regimens emphasise sustainability over intensity and why rest days and consistent "Green Zone" activities are the backbone of superior athletic performance.Stephen breaks down his polarised training model and shares insights on the 80/20 principle in application to your weekly/monthly schedule of training, and how reducing training complexity can lead to better results and a more enjoyable process. If you are:-training for an event/marathon/triathlon-looking to understand if VO2 max is the right metric for you to measure-want to understand how elite athletes optimise their workouts...this episode offers valuable strategies to enhance your endurance efficiency with less injury.Dr Stephen Seiler, PhD, is an exercising physiologist who teaches, researches and leads on the topic of physiology and training adaptations, particularly in regards to endurance training. While anchored in an academic environment, Dr. Seiler has also served as research consultant and scientific advisor for a research foundation, sports teams, a regional hospital, and the Norwegian Olympic Federation, as well as founding the Elite Sport Performance Special Interest Group in 2014 at the European College of Sport Science.Find Stephen Seiler:XTEDResearchGateGoogle ScholarYouTubeWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the 3-P model of insomnia (Predisposition, Precipitation, and Perpetuation), the effects of sleep deprivation and disturbance on cognitive function, and the risks faced by shift workers and healthcare professionals from chronic sleep loss. The conversation also details the intricate relationship between our natural circadian rhythms, guided by light exposure, that are disrupted by many modern practices, and the potential for better aligning our biological clocks with nature through innovative tools and routines.Ben and Prerna also discuss sleep chronotypes - night owls and morning larks - busting myths around later sleepers being lazier and whether society may benefit from observing these patterns. Without prescription, Prerna shares how consistency in sleep can lead to better health outcomes and how technology can both hinder and enhance our sleep health.Dr Prerna Varma, PhD, is a Psychology Research Fellow in the School of Psychological Sciences at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health in Australia. Prerna is deeply committed to examining as well as addressing sleep and mental health in underserved populations, including caregivers, people living with dementia, culturally diverse and other minoritised communities. She engages in and advocates for increasing public health awareness with the intent to improve sleep outcomes in our communities.Find Prerna:XGoogle ScholarStudies mentioned or related to this episode:Sleep regularity and mortality: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad253 ; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-32402-5 ; https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.23295231v1.full.pdfInsomnia and stress during COVID: https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2022.2074996Initial Testing of SleepSync app with shift workers: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20552076231165972Sleep and relationship conflicts: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550613488952 ; https://doi.org/10.1097%2FPSY.0b013e3181ecd08a ;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056503/Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New to Omega-3 Fatty Acids? If you don’t know what fatty acids are or what they do for our health, there is no one better to learn from than Dr Harris on the topic. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the impact of his research, Dr. Bill Harris has been a leading researcher in omega-3 fatty acids for over 40 years.“If you care what your cholesterol level is, you better care what your omega 3 is because it’s more important than cholesterol in terms of telling you about your risk for heart disease”. Here with Ben, Dr Harris unveils how these essential nutrients, found predominantly in marine sources like EPA and DHA, are vital for reducing risks associated with major health issues such as heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and premature death.Dr Bill Harris has over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority on omega-3. He has been on the faculty of three medical schools (Universities of Kansas, Missouri (at Kansas City), and South Dakota), and has received 5 NIH grants to study omega-3. He was the co-author on three AHA statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index (and other omega-3 blood tests) and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics.Find Dr Bill Harris and learn more:Fatty Acid Research InstituteOmegaquant Test - order a dry blood spot test to measure your omega-3 levelsStudies mentioned or related to this episode:The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Markers Following Downhill Running in Long-Distance RunnersPlasma BDNF is a more reliable biomarker than erythrocyte omega-3 index for the omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of brainCan omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hearing loss?Assessing the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Statins vs. Statins Only on Cardiovascular OutcomesEstimation and predictors of the Omega-3 Index in the UK BiobankOmega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Functionality of High-Density Lipoprotein in Individuals With High Cardiovascular RiskWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At age 76, Dr Norm Dawson has been deaf for over 50 years and unlike many of his peers, he has no signs of dementia. Dr Norm sheds light on what he sees as a crucial but often overlooked aspect of cognitive function as we age: the profound connection between hearing loss and dementia.Here, Ben and Dr Norm explore the Lancet Commission's 2020 findings on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care - covering 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia - a conversation gaining considerable momentum in brain health research. Dr Norm has a malleable view on health, and he emphasises the importance of taking personal responsibility for our well-being. As a passionate advocate for proactive health measures and thriving in adversity, he highlights the pivotal role of treating hearing impairment as soon as possible to reduce and delay further cognitive decline.*For those listening, Dr norm explains how the cochlea implant works - to see the demonstration, head over to YouTube to watch!Mentioned in this podcast:Lancet Report 2020Lisa Genova TED Talk - What You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimers Find Dr Norm:LinkedInWebsite----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A refreshing take on what it means to be ‘physically active’. It’s actually way more simple than sweating bullets in lycra, and Dr Ed Laskowski emphasises the enjoyment to be found in movement far beyond the gym and cliquey exercise niches. Dr. Laskowski navigates the complexities of modern living, urging us to prioritise consistency and quality in our movement practices.We discuss:-the power of strength training (mitigating muscle loss and enhancing joint function, vital for preventing falls and maintaining independence as we age)-the importance of foundational movement and proper technique,-the kinetic chain of movement and the triad of fitness: heart health, strength, and flexibility, with the added dimension of stability.As Dr. Laskowski aptly puts it, why wait for a health crisis to make positive changes? Embracing movement as a preventative 'pill' enables us to maintain our ability to engage in the activities we love, for longer. So what are we waiting for?Dr. Laskowski, MD, is a highly acclaimed figure in his field, and it’s not hard to see why. Dr Laskowski’s relatable persona and ability to succinctly filter the science in a way that is digestible may indeed be why he served Presidents Bush and Obama after being appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr Laskowski has been named among Americas Top Physicians, has served as an Olympic Polyclinic physician, in addition to publishing several hundred papers on health and fitness. He is also a former co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine (you may recognise this site from when you google your symptoms online).Find Dr Ed Laskowski:TwitterResearch Gate Publications MayoClinic.org - Strength Training Videos mentioned in this episode----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard of Nitric Oxide (NO)? We wonder why this molecule is so under-discussed as its profound role in our bodies suggests it should be top of the list. This simple molecule:-controls oxygen and nutrient delivery to every cell in the body-regulates cellular communication-has anti-microbial properties that protect our body from invading pathogens.The loss of nitric oxide production is recognised as the earliest event in the onset and progression of most if not all chronic diseases.Dr Nathan Bryan is an international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry - he has been at the fore of this field for two decades. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of nitric oxide (NO) deficiency on our health - from erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline to sleep disorders, listen to the far-reaching consequences of inadequate NO production. But it's not all doom and gloom - Dr Nathan and Ben discuss with equal weight the pivotal role our choices make in the production of this molecule and where we produce it in the body - all helping you establish the crucial link between NO levels and overall well-being. Dr Nathan gives us simple things to be aware of that can optimise NO production and our enhance vascular, respiratory, and metabolic health. This episode gets pretty science-heavy at times, but stick with it and we can promise there's a lot to learn from Dr Nathan's extensive knowledge in this field!Find Dr Nathan (Dr Nitric):WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTwitterPubMed ResearchBook - Coming Soon!----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Tom Walters is a board-certified orthopaedic physical therapist who specialises in the treatment of pain and movement disorders. He is the founder of Rehab Science and dedicates his time to teaching people about human movement, pain, and how to most effectively recover from injury.Tom runs one of the world’s largest social media accounts dedicated to physical rehab that helps over a million people to master their movement. He makes understanding pain and injury easy, simplifying the science, and then providing the best exercises and suggestions to start, improve and make a holistic recovery. His book (Rehab Science) covers the most common musculoskeletal conditions that many of us either currently have or will have in our lifetime - this episode and Tom's book may just save you a ton on physio appointments. Regardless of where you’re at now, the knowledge Tom shares is beneficial for any and all of us to take on board - for injury recovery and injury prevention in all domains. In this episode, Tom and Ben discuss why we experience pain and the 3 types of pain, the difference between pain and injury, the cycle of pain avoidance, rehab vs. prehab, having a why behind movement habits, the importance of addressing impairments quickly and having a malleable mindset. As a source of knowledge on exercise, movement and the body - Dr Tom is the head-liner of the rehab science world and this is one to watch if you've ever suffered with any pain that debilitates you and lessens your ability to do the things you love. Besides running his clinical practice, Tom served as a full-time undergraduate kinesiology professor for eight years where he taught human biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and pain science. Tom received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Montana State University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Chapman University. Afterwards, he completed a residency in orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) and a fellowship in lower quarter functional biomechanics.Find Tom (Rehab Science):InstagramYouTubeWebsiteRehab Science - The Book----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive into the invigorating world of cold water immersion and the transformative power of community with Sian Richardson, founder of the Blue Tits Chill Dippers Community. In this episode, Sian shares her journey of building a global community of over 120,000 cold water enthusiasts, united by their love for the icy plunge and the warmth of camaraderie 🤝🏻Sian illuminates the importance of embracing discomfort, confronting fear, and taking action in the face of uncertainty. From our innate human desire to belong, to the liberating effect of stopping overthinking, this episode is a conversation inspiring us to seize each moment, one small victory at a time. Discover the profound impact of simply showing up, spending time without an agenda, and the resilience gained from embracing failure. With heartfelt anecdotes and practical insights, Sian will empower you to challenge your limits, cultivate courage, and find solace in a community.We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. If you choose to move through overthinking even with fear and try something new because of it - let us know on our instagram page! We’d love to hear from you.Find your local dipping community:The Blue Tits - Nippy Dippers----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr Roger Seheult. We highly recommend listening to Part 1 as a precursor to this episode to get the most out of terms and topics covered! In this episode, we discuss:-emerging research around red light and infra-red light-the impact of sunlight on Covid-19 surges-long covid-tools that may not only support in recovery from long covid, but could possibly speed up the rate at which you recover from other illnesses in the future tooRecap of Part 1:-the light spectrum of UV to infra-red-the importance of light exposure to regulate our circadian rhythm and reduce oxidative stress-impacts of light on hypersomnia, sleep inertia, hunger and satiety cues-the best times of day to eat, and differences in our insulin sensitivityA recap on Dr. Seheult - Roger is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has a practice in California where he is a critical care physician, pulmonologist, and sleep physician. He lectures across the country, is the director of a sleep lab, and is the Medical Director for a Respiratory Care Program. In 2012 he co founded MedCram, a medical education company with videos that support medical learning (and over 1.5 million YouTube Subscribers). His passion is "demystifying" medical concepts.Find Dr Roger's work:MedCram WebsiteMedCram YouTube----------------------------------------------------------------------Studies mentioned in Part 1 and 2:Autumn COVID‑19 surge dates in Europe correlated to latitudes, not to temperature‑humidity, pointing to vitamin D as contributing factorUltraviolet A radiation and COVID-19 deaths in the USA with replication studies in England and ItalyA geographical approach to the development of hypotheses relating to Covid-19 death ratesCardiopulmonary and hematological effects of infrared LED photobiomodulation in the treatment of SARS-COV2Insufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.