Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast My Health Focus

Senior therapist Sally Baker returns to talk about resilience, not as bouncing back or staying relentlessly positive, but as something pragmatic that can be learned at any age, whatever your upbringing.

Sally and Catriona talk through why toxic positivity is exhausting rather than helpful, the "game show noise" technique for interrupting anxious rumination, breathing as an early signal of overwhelm, and the havening technique for calming the nervous system.

They also cover emetophobia, the fear of vomiting, and how it can shape a life long before anyone names it.

1. [02:30] Resilience is not about being massively positive all the time, it is exhausting being positive when you are feeling fearful, anxious and not very well

  → Sally challenges the common misconception that resilience means forced positivity, which is a relief for anyone struggling with chronic health anxiety

2. [04:15] All of the overthinking is like a vine in your hand, the more attention you pay the seed of these worrying thoughts, it gives it energy, as if you are growing a seed with water and sunlight so that eventually your thoughts become completely overwhelming

  → This is Sally's signature metaphor for how rumination spirals, and it helps people understand why their anxiety keeps growing

3. [05:20] The game show noise technique: when you find yourself ruminating about your health, say the game show noise, it goes uhhhh, that's an unhelpful thought, and break it, break the thought pattern

  → Sally gives a concrete, memorable tool that clients and their families can use immediately to interrupt health anxiety spirals

4. [10:45] Resilience is developed in the crucible of the family, if you are raised in an environment where you are loved, honoured and adored, you will develop natural resilience, but what is great about resilience is that you can learn it as an adult later in life

  → Sally explains the origins of resilience but emphasises hope, this is not a life sentence, adults can build resilience even if they did not develop it as children

5. [13:30] Health anxiety becomes a problem when it interrupts you living your life as best as you are able to, poor health can already make our life small, but then anxiety on top of that means we are spending all our time and energy ruminating

  → Sally defines the tipping point clearly, this helps listeners recognise when health anxiety has become a genuine problem rather than a normal worry

6. [14:50] The period of waiting for a diagnosis is almost harder than being given the most terrible news, because even when the waiting is endless, it is an abstract, no one knows what is going to happen, and as soon as you have had the news, there is a palpable release, at least now I know what I am facing

  → Sally validates the experience of waiting for results, which many listeners will find deeply relatable and reassuring

7. [16:30] The music box metaphor: when you are winding yourself up with anxiety and ruminating, you are in effect winding up the music box, and when the music box is completely wound up, it can only play one tune and it can only do one dance

  → Sally uses a physical prop to demonstrate how rumination locks you into a single pattern, making the abstract concept tangible

8. [19:00] Havening is a great technique, you start with your hands on the top of your shoulders and you slowly stroke down, what you are doing is you are calming your parasympathetic system

  → Sally introduces a self-soothing technique that listeners can practise immediately, with clear physical instructions

9. [26:15] Emetophobia, the fear of vomit, is the queen or king of all phobias because the threads of it impact on so many different aspects of life, it can stop someone going to university, make people agoraphobic, lead to orthorexia and even anorexia

  → Sally explains a less well-known phobia that affects mostly women and girls, showing how health anxiety can infiltrate every area of life

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoff Rollason spent nearly 20 years in the NHS and a decade at Pfizer UK Oncology leading patient experience work. Now living with prostate cancer himself, he shares what really happens when industry tries to involve patients and why it so often falls short.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Pharma still talks about patient engagement but rarely follows through because there's no short-term ROI and the driver is stockholder returns, not patient experience.

2. Patient insights panels fail when commercial colleagues aren't involved from the start and when the work is treated as a project rather than business as usual.

3. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can cause crushing fatigue, loss of body hair, and profound changes to self-image that aren't adequately supported.

4. Geoff received just 43 minutes of clinical input over six months, highlighting the gap between keeping patients alive and supporting their quality of life.

5. Real patient-centricity means changing what marketers and commercial teams do in response to patient insights, not just collecting data.

Geoff Rollason is a patient advocate and former Associate Director of Primary Integrated Care in the NHS. He later led patient experience for Pfizer UK Oncology before retiring and being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Follow My Health Focus for more expert health interviews and patient education content.

Sign up to my newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with Genital Herpes: Facts, Stigma & Transmission

Marianne Nicholson from the Herpes Virus Association and Shingles Support Society returns to tackle the stigma surrounding genital herpes and explain why most people who carry the virus never know they have it. She shares that by age 25, seven in ten people in the UK carry herpes simplex, yet only one in three ever develops symptoms severe enough for diagnosis. This means most transmission occurs from people who are completely unaware they are infected.

Key takeaways:

1. Transmission most often occurs from people who do not know they have herpes, not from those who are diagnosed and aware

2. After two years without frequent recurrences, asymptomatic shedding is no longer a concern according to BASH guidelines

3. Women who already have herpes before pregnancy can have normal delivery, even with a recurrence at birth, because baby acquires protective antibodies

4. Commercial herpes blood tests give one false positive in ten and one false negative in three, making them unreliable

5. Herpes cannot be transmitted through towels, toilet seats, swimming pools, or any object, only direct skin-to-skin contact with friction

Marianne Nicholson has personal experience with herpes simplex and now supports others through the Herpes Viruses Association helpline, where all volunteers also have the condition and have come out the other side.

For support, contact the Herpes Viruses Association on 0345 123 2305.

1. Peronal. I don't mind having it myself, I just dread passing it on. Now, no one is going to say, I don't mind having cancer myself, I just don't want anyone else to have cancer. It doesn't work like that for anything else, which means that actually it's not the condition that people are worried about, it's the word.

2. Diagnosis]. Only one in three is ever going to get symptoms that are bad enough to get a diagnosis. Others will have little symptoms which they identify as say an infected hair follicle or a little cut or little sore patch, so they never know that their little itchy patch is actually a herpes simplex infection until much later when they've infected somebody.

3. Asymptomatic shedding.The expert doctors of BASH say very clearly that after two years, unless you are getting frequent recurrences, and they define that as six or more per year, you're allowed to forget about asymptomatic shedding. It's just not a thing.

4. Pregnancy.Since babies were first invented, women with cold sores have kissed their new babies 24 times a day. And there is no common knowledge that ladies with cold sores kill their babies. The reason why this is fine is that during pregnancy, baby acquires antibodies for all the things you've got antibodies to.

5. Condom effectiveness .When a man has got it, using a condom is 95% protective. Even when a woman has got it, using a condom is 65% protective to the man. Women are one sixth as likely to infect men as the other way around.

6. Blood tests.The blood tests that are available commercially are going to give you one false positive in 10. Would you buy a pregnancy test that was going to tell you you're pregnant when you weren't one time in 10? And they're going to give you a false negative one time in three.

7. Statistics .By the age of 25, 7 out of 10 people in the UK carry this virus. By the age of 35, one in five has got type two. And 85% of women, 77% of men have got type one, which is often genital.

8. [ransmission source. Transmission most often occurs from the people who are not diagnosed. That is a quote from one of the world's top herpes doctors, Dr. Lawrence Corey. The people who are diagnosed are less likely to be passing it on.

9. Myths. The expert doctors categorically say it will not be passed on through any object at all, towels, dirty underwear, anything you can imagine. It can only be passed on by direct skin to skin contact with the affected part when the virus is active with friction.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Erum Ilyas, dermatologist and author of The No-Nonsense Skincare, dismantles common skincare myths and reveals what actually works. With over 20 years treating patients from infancy to over 100 years old, she's witnessed generations of skin health and knows that great-grandmothers achieved beautiful skin without multi-step routines. In this episode, Dr Ilyas explains the marketing tactics that create disappointing product graveyards under our sinks, why only three ingredients have truly proven their worth in dermatology, and how to distinguish between acne and rosacea to avoid worsening your skin with the wrong products.

Five key takeaways:

1. Only three over-the-counter ingredients have stood the test of time: petroleum jelly, retinol, and sunscreen

2. Temporary swelling agents create Cinderella effects that vanish by the time you get home after purchase

3. Fairy dusting means premium-priced products often contain only trace amounts of their advertised star ingredients

4. Most anti-aging products contain no active ingredients because no over-the-counter ingredient truly changes skin structure long-term

5. Rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne, and using acne products on rosacea makes it worse

Dr Erum Ilyas is a board-certified dermatologist with over two decades of clinical experience treating every age and stage of skin health, and author of The No-Nonsense Skincare.

Explore more expert health content at My Health Focus.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Adam Barsouk, oncology fellow at Johns Hopkins University and author of Outsmarting Cancer: Risk Reduction and the Power of Prevention, joins Catriona Williams to discuss why half of all cancer diagnoses could be prevented and why modern medicine has focused on treatment rather than prevention.

Key takeaways:

1. Obesity is the second leading cause of cancer globally after smoking, contributing to nearly every cancer type through chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction

2. Cancer rates in adults under 50 have more than doubled in the last 30 years, driven by obesity, ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and environmental exposures

3. The HPV vaccine can prevent 98-99% of cancers caused by human papillomavirus, including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers, yet vaccine hesitancy limits its impact

4. Lung and liver cancers receive less research funding due to stigma, even though many lung cancer patients are non-smokers and addiction is a medical disease, not a lifestyle choice

5. Only 5% of healthcare expenditure goes to prevention despite evidence that prevention could eliminate half of all cancer cases, largely because there is no short-term financial incentive for industry or policymakers

Dr Adam Barsouk is an oncology fellow and researcher at Johns Hopkins University and has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications on cancer epidemiology and treatment.

For more expert health insights, visit My Health Focus.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people assume clinical trials are purely about testing new medicines. But what if the process of being screened to join a trial could uncover a health condition you didn't know you had?

In this episode, Catriona is joined by Kate Dodd, Recruitment and Engagement Manager at Liverpool's Clinical Research Facility, and Dr Lauren Walker, Deputy Director of the NIHR-funded CRF at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Together they discuss a research paper exploring the clinically significant findings identified during trial screening, and why that changes the conversation around participation.

They cover:

• What a clinical trial screening actually involves — and why it functions as a comprehensive health check
• The real-world cases their research uncovered, including latent TB, hepatitis B, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, and a lymphoma diagnosis
• Why the standard phrase "no direct benefit" doesn't tell the full story
• The data behind the findings: roughly 1 in 17 healthy volunteers and 1 in 25 patients had a previously undetected condition identified
• How they worked with communities to rewrite patient information into genuinely accessible language, reducing the reading age from 14-15 down to the recommended 11
• Their discussions with the Phase One Advisory Group at the HRA, and the goal of making this level of transparency standard across all trials

Whether you've ever considered joining a clinical trial or simply want to understand more about how medicines are developed and tested, this conversation offers a perspective that's rarely heard outside research circles.

Guests:

Kate Dodd, Recruitment and Engagement Manager, NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility

Dr Lauren Walker, Deputy Director, NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Bridget McNulty was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 18 years ago, she felt like the only person in the world it had ever happened to. She later discovered that almost everyone she spoke to had felt exactly the same way.

Bridget is the founder of Sweet Life, South Africa's largest online diabetes community, and a published author. In this episode, Catriona talks to her about why that sense of isolation at diagnosis is so universal, what people with chronic conditions actually need from a community, and why managing diabetes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is exhausting in a way that's almost impossible to explain to people who don't live it.

They also discuss the divide between public and private healthcare in South Africa, why type 2 diabetes carries a stigma that type 1 doesn't, the relief of talking to people who just get it without needing everything explained, and why the language healthcare professionals use around diabetes needs to change.

Connect with Sweet Life: sweetlife.org.za South Africans with Diabetes on Facebook @sweetlife.org.za on Instagram

Follow My Health Focus for more expert health interviews and patient education content.

Article:

Sign up to my newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Max Draper, author of Testosterone Decoded, joins Catriona Williams to discuss the dramatic decline in testosterone levels since the 1980s and its implications for men's health. After experiencing low testosterone following testicular cancer, Dr Draper changed his career focus to specialise in this overlooked area of men's health. In this episode, he explains how testosterone affects far more than muscles and sex drive, influencing energy, mental clarity, mood, and fertility.

Key takeaways:

1. Testosterone levels have been declining across generations since the 1980s, with each decade showing lower average levels than the previous one

2. Low testosterone symptoms include low energy, brain fog, reduced motivation, mood changes, and reduced resilience to stress

3. Proper testing requires checking both total and free testosterone levels, not just total testosterone alone

4. Lifestyle factors including sleep, exercise, diet, stress management, and body composition should be optimised before considering testosterone replacement therapy

5. Testosterone replacement therapy can complicate fertility and requires careful consideration, particularly for younger men who haven't completed their families

Dr Max Draper is a medical doctor, author, and specialist in testosterone and men's health, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to this crucial health topic.

Follow My Health Focus for more expert health interviews and evidence-based patient education.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with Gallstones

When Juliet Sullivan collapsed in agony on a pavement in England, she had no idea what was happening to her.

The diagnosis was gallstones, and along with it came instructions to follow a low-fat diet for several months until her gallbladder could be removed. What she could not find anywhere was a practical, accessible book to help her through it. So she wrote one.

In this episode, Juliet joins Catriona Williams to talk through her experience from first attack to full recovery, and shares the dietary wisdom she gathered along the way.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Gallstone attacks are frequently misdiagnosed at first because the pain, though felt in the upper abdomen, can mimic other conditions including appendicitis or cardiac events.

2. A low-fat or very low-fat diet is typically recommended to reduce the risk of triggering further attacks while awaiting surgery, but it is not a long-term solution and healthy fats remain important for overall wellbeing.

3. Keeping a food diary after diagnosis can help identify personal trigger foods, which vary between individuals. Common culprits include oils, butter, avocado, and rich restaurant or ready-made meals.

4. Gallbladder removal is a common procedure, but recovery is a genuine physical experience that deserves honest preparation rather than being minimised by healthcare teams.

5. After surgery, most people can gradually reintroduce a full and healthy diet, though many find their eating habits and awareness of fat content change permanently for the better.

Juliet Sullivan is the author of The Gallstone Friendly Diet, a practical and warmly written guide for anyone navigating life with gallstones before and after surgery.

Find the book online and follow My Health Focus for more conversations on everyday health.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are joined by Oliver Rolfe, author of The Addiction Blueprint, to explore a form of addiction that often goes unnoticed — high-functioning addiction.

From the outside, it can look like success: long hours, professional drive, financial achievement, responsibility.

But beneath the surface can sit exhaustion, trauma, stress and emotional disconnection.

Oliver shares his own experience of burnout, the moment he realised something had to change, and what recovery actually involves. We discuss:

• The link between trauma and addictive behaviours

• Why overworking can become socially acceptable avoidance

• The difference between stress and true burnout

• The stigma around the word “addiction”

• The importance of awareness and early intervention

• Why relapse is part of the journey — not failure

This is not a conversation about extremes.

It’s about recognising the quieter patterns many high achievers live with — and understanding that support is available long before crisis point.

If you’ve ever felt you were running on empty, this episode may resonate.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Medmin episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Javeria Iqbal, Consultant Breast Surgeon, to discuss common breast symptoms and what to expect when attending a breast clinic.

The conversation focuses on reassurance, early assessment and helping people understand which changes should be checked and how clinics work.

Discussion includes:

•Common breast symptoms and changes

•What is considered normal and what needs checking

•Breast self-examination and when to seek help

•The triple assessment process

•NHS breast screening and self-referral

This episode is for information and education only and does not replace medical advice.

Sign up to the My Health Focus newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with personal trainer Becky Lever about protecting mental and physical health when using GLP-1 medications.

They explore the importance of support, self-awareness and monitoring both emotional and physical changes throughout the process.

Discussion includes:

•Mental wellbeing during weight loss

•Physical health and muscle maintenance

•Side effects and seeking professional support

•Social changes and food relationships

•The value of journalling and reflection

This episode is educational and does not provide medical advice.

Sign up to our newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Karen Lee, nutritionist and former intensive care nurse, to discuss autoimmune conditions and the role of whole food plant-based nutrition.

Karen shares both professional insight and lived experience following her MS diagnosis.

Discussion includes:

•Understanding autoimmune conditions

•Gut health and inflammation

•Fibre, microbiome and immune balance

•Practical food changes and sustainability

•Enjoying food while supporting health

This episode is educational and not intended as medical advice.

Sign up to our newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on how the body may respond during the early stages of taking GLP-1 medications.

Together, they discuss commonly reported reactions such as nausea, reduced appetite, digestive changes, fatigue, and brain fog, while emphasising that experiences can vary widely between individuals. Becky explains why structured eating, hydration, and sufficient protein intake remain important — even when hunger cues are reduced — and why strength training can play a key role in protecting muscle mass during weight loss.

The conversation also explores hormonal considerations, including potential menstrual changes, and the importance of distinguishing GLP-1 side effects from symptoms linked to perimenopause, menopause, or other health conditions. Throughout the discussion, both stress the importance of medical supervision, monitoring symptoms, and seeking professional advice if anything feels unusual or unmanageable.

This episode aims to inform and reassure, helping listeners better understand what may be normal, what to monitor, and how to approach a GLP-1 journey safely.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician.

• Common early body reactions to GLP-1 medications
• Nausea, appetite changes, and reduced food noise
• Digestive effects, hydration, and feeling full for longer
• Fatigue, brain fog, and energy fluctuations
• Muscle loss, strength training, and movement
• Hormonal factors and when to seek medical advice

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Jackie Radley to discuss menopause management both with and without HRT.

They explore why many women seek HRT, why some cannot take it for medical reasons, and why others prefer not to use hormones. The conversation looks at how menopause symptoms can overlap with long-term and chronic health conditions, sometimes making symptoms harder to identify.

Dr Radley also outlines non-hormonal options that may help with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes, alongside the role of lifestyle changes in supporting long-term health after menopause.

Key themes include:

• Menopause symptoms and decision-making around HRT
• When HRT may not be suitable or preferred
• Non-hormonal prescription options and their uses
• Lifestyle approaches to support symptoms and long-term health
• Understanding menopause alongside chronic conditions

This episode is for information and education only and does not provide medical advice.

Links

Sign up to my newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of My Health Focus, host Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on the topic of food noise.

Building on the previous conversation with Sally, this episode explores what food noise means, how people experience it, and why it is such a significant part of the GLP-1 journey. Becky shares insights from working with clients who are using GLP-1 medications and reflects on both the positive and challenging effects of reduced food noise.

This episode covers:

• What food noise is and how people commonly describe it
• Why food noise can feel louder for some people than others
• How GLP-1 medications can reduce food noise
• The potential emotional and social impact of losing food-related enjoyment
• The pros and cons of reduced food noise during weight loss
• Concerns about food noise returning when stopping GLP-1s
• The importance of support, nutrition, and strength training
• Why individual experiences and professional guidance matter

This episode is for education and awareness only and does not provide medical advice.

Sign up to my newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon Mr Jamie Vatish about how women can meaningfully reduce their risk of breast cancer.

They discuss how lifestyle factors such as weight, alcohol and smoking influence breast cancer risk, and why prevention plays a larger role than many people realise. Mr Vatish explains how risk changes with age, particularly after the menopause, and clarifies the current evidence around hormone replacement therapy, including duration, formulation and individual risk factors.

The conversation also covers breast screening in the UK, why invitations are offered every three years, and how self-examination helps detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Importantly, Mr Vatish explains why early diagnosis is associated with excellent outcomes and increasingly well-tolerated treatments.

This episode aims to provide reassurance, clarity and practical guidance for women at every stage of life.

This content is for information only.

• How lifestyle affects breast cancer risk

• Weight, menopause and oestrogen explained

• HRT: benefits, risks and duration

• Breast screening in the UK

• How and when to self-examine

• Why early detection matters

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gallstones affect a large proportion of adults, yet many people are unclear about what the gallbladder does, why stones form, and when they need treatment.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias about gallbladder health. He explains the role of the gallbladder in digestion, how gallstones develop, and why symptoms often appear after eating, particularly fatty meals.

They also discuss the increasing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro, and how both rapid weight loss and reduced gallbladder contraction may increase the risk of gallstones in some individuals.

The episode covers common symptoms, how gallstones are diagnosed, potential complications including infection and pancreatitis, and when gallbladder removal is advised. Mr Chatzizacharias also explains recovery after surgery and what life is like without a gallbladder.

This content is for information only.

• What the gallbladder does and why we need it

• How and why gallstones form

• Typical symptoms and warning signs

• GLP-1 medications and gallstone risk

• When gallstones become serious

• Treatment options and recovery after surgery

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams continues her GLP-1 series with an honest conversation about lived experience, informed choice, and long-term health.

Sally, who lives with type 1 diabetes, shares her experience of being prescribed a GLP-1 medication off-licence through her NHS diabetes team. She explains why it was offered, how it affected appetite and food noise, and the challenges of navigating side effects and limited clinical guidance.

Personal trainer Becky Lever joins the discussion to explore why resistance training is particularly important for people using GLP-1 medications, especially women in perimenopause. Together, they talk about muscle loss, confidence in the gym, and shifting the focus away from weight alone towards strength, function, and long-term wellbeing.

This episode is not about promoting medication, but about understanding real-world experiences and the importance of support when making health decisions.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician.

• Why GLP-1 prescribing is uncommon in type 1 diabetes
• Being prescribed a GLP-1 off-licence on the NHS
• Food noise, appetite changes and emotional impact
• Side effects linked to rapid weight loss
• Concerns about long-term or lifelong medication use
• Why resistance training matters alongside GLP-1s

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vaginal health is one of the least talked-about — yet most common — aspects of menopause.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jacqueline Radley, GP and British Menopause Society–accredited menopause specialist and founder of The Birmingham Menopause Clinic, for an open and reassuring conversation about vaginal atrophy, also known as genitourinary syndrome of the menopause (GSM).

Dr Radley explains what vaginal atrophy is, why it happens, when symptoms can begin, and why so many women feel embarrassed or unsure about seeking help. We discuss common symptoms including dryness, soreness, pain during sex and urinary problems — and, importantly, the treatments that can be genuinely life-changing.

This episode aims to reduce stigma, provide clear medical information, and reassure listeners that vaginal atrophy is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t need to suffer in silence.

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

This episode is sponsored by MEDMIN

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GLP-1 medications are increasingly used for weight loss, yet many people feel uncertain about how they work, their side effects, and how to manage the physical and psychological changes that come with them.

In this first episode of a new series, we’re joined by personal trainer Becky Lever to explore what GLP-1s are, why they were developed, and why support — particularly around nutrition, resistance training and muscle preservation — is essential. We discuss appetite suppression, “food noise”, side effects, the social impact of weight loss drugs, and the risks of losing muscle mass without proper guidance.

This episode is informational and experience-based. We are not healthcare professionals, and anyone considering or using GLP-1 medication should speak to their GP or prescribing clinician.

• What GLP-1 medications are and why they were developed
• Why appetite and food behaviours change
• Common side effects and what’s considered typical
• The importance of protein and resistance training
• Muscle loss and long-term health risks
• Social and emotional impacts of GLP-1 use
• Why ongoing support matters

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.