Saving Lives In Slow Motion

Dr Ayan Panja

Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with over 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen.

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29 episodes
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S1 · E240
Thursday · 15 min
When Life Doesn’t Go To Plan - what we can do to navigate it
Every week I meet people whose lives are changed by illness or events which make their life go in a direction they were not expecting. In this episode I look at what we can do to prepare for the unexpected. Links: The life of Mike Tetley MBE: https://www.bigredbook.info/mike_tetley.html Adjusting to long term conditions: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10237456/ Eckhart Tolle - The Power of Now: https://eckharttolle.com/power-of-now-excerpt/ Hedonic adaptation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJr-43grEzw Affective forecasting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/affective-forecasting Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E239
September 24 · 16 min
Workplace Wellbeing - getting it right isn’t always easy
It means different things to different people and in this episode I look at what makes for good workplace wellbeing. Links: Wellbeing at work: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12579173/#section8-11786329251387227 Belonging at work: https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancabarratt/2024/02/27/why-feeling-a-sense-of-belonging-at-work-matters-and-how-to-cultivate-it/ Psychological safety: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-psychological-safety Making mistakes at work: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/making-mistakes-at-work Hybrid working: https://www.circles.com/resources/blurred-work-life-balance-why-hybrid-employees-struggle-to-switch-off Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E238
September 17 · 15 min
Medicine in 2100 - the end of disease?
In this episode I look t the possibility that most disease might be curable by 2100. It sounds great but there are multiple knock on effects from this possible reality. Yamanaka factors: https://iscrm.uw.edu/what-is-cell-reprogramming/ Stem cells: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117 Predictive medicine: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590098625000223 Population growth: https://ourworldindata.org/population-growth Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E237
September 10 · 22 min
10 Lifestyle Medicine Hacks - evidence-based medicine vs biohacking and their common ground.
They are often at loggerheads but in this episode I discuss how lifestyle medicine encapsulates elements of both and how we can incorporate them into everyday life. Links to studies Walking after meals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36715875/ Interrupting sitting for long periods: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42070794/ Resistance training and weights: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35599175/ Sleep regularity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41259946/ Timing and eating: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41586347/ Benefits of the great outdoors: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29982151/ Breathing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35623448/ Saunas: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30077204/ Cold exposure and wellbeing: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11778651/ Learning something new: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31020777/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E236
September 3 · 21 min
Who To Trust With Your Health - Influencers, Dr Google, a doctor or AI?
This is such an important issue for us in the modern world. Where to seek health and medical advice is broader than ever these days and it’s important to know how to filter. Links: Cyberchondria: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30419526/ Use of online search tools: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/8/e027743 WHO regulation for AI: https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10-2023-who-outlines-considerations-for-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence-for-health A day in the life of a GP: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/nhs-gp-doctors-surgery-appointments-37597121 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E235
August 27 · 16 min
Your Typical Day - what it says about your health
It’s so simple yet really powerful to map what you do each day and how it could secretly be affecting your health. In this episode I give you an example how this tool works and how you can use it. Links: Buy THE HEALTH FIX - now on special offer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Stress and IBS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356526003599 Magnesium and IBS: https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/magnesium-for-ibs Large review on Magnesium and stress/sleep: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11136869/#sec3 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E234
August 20 · 14 min
5 ways to feel better in the morning
In this episode I give you my tips on how to set yourself up for the day by doing 5 simple things. Morning light: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48268110 Movement: https://www.vogue.in/content/i-tried-5-minutes-a-day-of-lymphatic-jumping-was-it-worth-it Breakfast: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/extra-protein-at-breakfast-helps-control-hunger One minute recharge: https://drayanpanja.substack.com/p/the-one-minute-health-tip-that-everyone Looking forward to something: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/how-to-do-life/202202/the-power-of-having-something-to-look-forward-to Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E233
August 13 · 15 min
Doctors Questions - dementia prevention, muscle pain, bad backs, constipation and more
In this episode I cover questions that have come in the consulting room over the last few months. Muscle pain, palpitations, dementia prevention, constipation, reflux and more. Links: Sarcopenia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23167-sarcopenia Magnesium: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12655508/ Psoas and back pain: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15721-psoas-syndrome Constipation: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/elderly-and-constipation Brain health and Omega 3: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9641984/ Leisure sickness: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20150216-the-truth-about-holiday-illnesses Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E232
August 6 · 15 min
Being a doctor - what it’s really like and how it has changed in the last 25 years.
I became a doctor in 1999 after many grapples with whether it was the right thing for me to do with my life. Over 27 years later In reflect in this episode about what it means to be a doctor to give you some insight into the role, its highs and lows and ultimately its essence. Links: Working time directives: https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/working-hours/european-working-time-directive-ewtd/doctors-and-the-european-working-time-directive Continuity matters: https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/35/6/370 The year I started: https://www.theguardian.com/society/1999/dec/17/futureofthenhs.health Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E231
July 30 · 14 min
The Arts as Medicine: the healing powers of music, dance and drama
I am a huge lover of the arts and feel they are not valued enough when it comes to their health benefits. In this episode I look at some benefits to our health and why it is important to support the arts in general. Links: Singing: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000570759791 Dance for Parkinsons Disease: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-21767149 Study on Dance and Parkinsons: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038925/ Music for Dementia: https://www.musicfordementia.org.uk/ Melodic Intonation Therapy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2780359/ Music and depression: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD004517_music-therapy-depression?utm_source=chatgpt.com Social connections: https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death Campaign for the arts: https://www.campaignforthearts.org/ More from me: https://drayan.co.uk/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E230
July 23 · 14 min
People can be the best medicine
In this episode I look at the power of others in the role of our health. With a move towards AI in medicine the role of human connection, the role that others play in our health and wellbeing. Back Pain book by Art Brownstein: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Back-Pain-Naturally-Mind-body/dp/0936197390 Wellbeing and actitivies: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being Loneliness: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10121112/ Group medical care - the evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8657170/ Eating together: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20241126-why-humans-feel-the-need-to-feast-together Neal Shah and carers: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah/?hl=en Harvard Study of adult development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E229
July 16 · 15 min
Hot weather, climate change and our health - what can we do about it?
In this episode I look at the effects of climate change and also the recent hot weather from the level of the individual to the state of the planet. Links: Understanding climate change and its impacts: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11998295/ Climate anxiety: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/news-and-insights/what-is-climate-anxiety-and-what-can-we-do-about-it/ Lancet study on climate anxiety: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3918955 Hope in the climate crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZQMVYSD9EM Thirst and dehydration: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/ Mosquitoes: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/where-mosquitoes-live_1.html Climate summits: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/un-climate-conferences Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E228
July 9 · 15 min
Mindset - its importance in health
We have all heard of the word mindset but does it affect our health? In this episode I look at examples of how our thoughts and attitude affect health and well-being. Mindset and long term illness: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/chronically-me/202408/mindset-and-chronic-illness Toxic positivity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z64yn9q Listening to your body: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/why-your-body-speaks-and-how-to-listen Carol Dweck and growth mindsets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ Mindset and mortality: https://en.azvision.az/news/84635/how-your-mindset-determines-your-health.html Ellen Langer - chambermaid study: https://health.yahoo.com/wellness/fitness/exercise/articles/harvard-study-suggests-mindset-boosts-213051697.html Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E227
July 2 · 14 min
Why Some Diagnoses Take Years - a challenge for both patient and doctor
Mystery symptoms can be frustrating but what if they are a sign of an actual condtion? In this episode I look at Endometriosis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Lupus and Parkinsons Disease as examples of conditions that can be hard to diagnose and why. Endometriosis info: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ Endometriosis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj9d1pzl8no Lupus (SLE): https://lupusuk.org.uk/ Lupus in Africa: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829324000845 PBC: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/ Parkinsons body vs brain first: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/researchers-parkinsons-origin-explained-brain-first-body-first-model/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E226
June 25 · 15 min
Ageing Gracefully - what does it really mean?
Each year on my birthday I reflect on the year I have had with gratitude and think about the future. In this episode I look at ageing and what it means to people and how different people navigate it. Muscle strength as we age: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3940510/ Eyesight and ageing: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/20-ways-aging-changes-your-eyes Hearing loss: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5840-age-related-hearing-loss Personality and health: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/longer-life-personality-traits-experts-study-b2834833.html Blue zones: https://www.bluezones.com/ Pesticides: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11664077/ Microplastics: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/microplastics-salad-pollution-particles-study-b2829790.html Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 18 · 18 min
Food - how it heals, how it harms and makes ‘noise'
In this episode I look at food, how we see it societally and how we can enjoy it to enrich our lives. Circadian rhythm and food: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11849495/ Food noise: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/understanding-food-noise-and-how-to-turn-down-the-volume Foods that heal: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-help-you-heal Lectins: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11535980/ Social eating: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communities Big food industry: https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/faculty-news/many-of-today-s-unhealthy-foods-were-brought-to-you-by-big-tobac.html Emotional eating: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/emotional_eating Savouring: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/click-here-happiness/201807/what-is-savoring-and-why-is-it-the-key-happiness Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E225
June 11 · 16 min
Too Nice vs Too Selfish — Finding the 'Healthy' Middle Ground
In this episode I look at two basic traits people often have and whether they impact our health. People pleasing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/my-side-of-the-couch/202408/people-pleasing-as-a-symptom-of-childhood-trauma Exhaustion from being too nice? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-genius-of-empathy/202412/are-you-exhausted-from-being-too-nice Emotional suppression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24119947/ Selfishness of different kinds? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7265883/ Jungian masculine/ feminine archetypes: https://scottjeffrey.com/king-warrior-magician-lover-masculine-archetypes/ Healthy selfishness? https://andrewwilkowilkinson.medium.com/10-reasons-why-being-selfish-is-important-for-you-e5a28bf22b13 Amandaland: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0024pyy/amandaland Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E224
June 4 · 16 min
Happiness - what’s the secret?
This is one of the big eternal questions and in this episode I look at the science and culture behind what makes us happy. Dr Laurie Santos: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/ Lessons in happiness: https://drayanpanja.substack.com/p/lessons-in-happiness Hedonistic happiness: https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-vs-eudaimonic-wellbeing/ Eudaimonic happiness: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201901/what-is-eudaimonic-happiness Time wealth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilRNAQ76Vsg Toxic positivity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z64yn9q Screens and happiness (mixed evidence): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn9p412ern7o Core values exercise: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ Gratitude: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/ Action for Happiness: https://actionforhappiness.org/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E223
May 28 · 16 min
Biomarkers in our blood - measuring what matters
In this episode I look at blood tests that tell us about what’s going on with our biological processes in terms of our long term metabolic health and the blood markers are relevant. Hba1c control: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4933534/ Fasting insulin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11118012/ Vitamin D: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10002864/ AST/ALT: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10346959/ Triglycerides and HDL ratio: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11493158/ ApoB: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11219008/ HDL cholesterol: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6077683/ Hs-CRP: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650935/ Homocysteine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12564181/ Uric Acid: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8624633/ Do Health: https://dohealth.co/what-we-measure#wwm-step-1 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E222
May 21 · 15 min
Making Health Fun - could it be as important as any other aspect of health?
In this episode I look at how we can make health fun. Many people find it hard to get going with healthy habits and I look at ways we can make them easier to access without thinking of them as ‘health’. Monkey brain and bad habits: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000597803315 Nushu circles: https://digitize.library.ubc.ca/2025/04/10/nushu-chinas-secret-language-of-women-in-our-open-collection/ Padel benefits: https://www.ltapadel.org.uk/play/benefits-of-playing-padel/ Queens College Step Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQ5bawZpMo Dancing benefits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1Hpr6R1f4M7f8Qc6fPGH2hg/why-dancing-is-the-best-way-to-enhance-your-brain-and-fitness Keep dancing: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/keep-dancing-preserve-memory The IDEAL framework from my book: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/the-health-fix-dr-ayan-panja-new-years-resolutions Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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