In episode 9 of "The Private GP," we welcome Alya Shakir, noted psychologist and mental health advocate who brings her insights and strategies on the topic of depression. Exploring the multifaceted nature of this prevalent mental health challenge, Alya provides a comprehensive guide, debunking common misconceptions and illuminating the path towards healing and empowerment.

Starting from the key question, "What is depression?", Alya helps us unpack the nuances of the condition. By distinguishing it from typical sadness or grief, she identifies depression as an illness, not a personal failing, and underlines this crucial understanding as a necessary step for healing.

Alya further addresses the stigma that exacerbates the isolation and shame often associated with depression and the importance of seeking help and engaging in self-care activities. She also touches on the misdiagnosis of depression and the importance of recognizing potential underlying issues, such as trauma, that may need addressing.

The Private GP - Produced by Walk in Clinic

Join Dr Enam Abood in the latest episode of The Private GP as we delve into the realm of bowel cancer — a condition that continues to affect a broader age spectrum than previously anticipated. Something easily dealt with if we attend our regular GP appointments.

Our choice of lifestyle and levels of awareness greatly influence our ability to prevent this disease, emphasising the crucial role of healthier habits and early detection in reducing the incidence of bowel cancer. Acknowledging the necessity for change is the first step towards a future of lower risk for this devastating condition.

Lifestyle adjustments are imperative, with dietary changes and regular physical activity ranking high on the list. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while cutting down on red and processed meats are proactive preventative measures that we can all adopt.

Likewise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and smoking, paired with regular physical activities, can collectively lower our risk of bowel cancer significantly. Familiarising ourselves with the symptoms of bowel cancer like changes in bowel habits or unusual weight loss, can lead to early detection. Lastly, regular discussions with healthcare providers would facilitate an understanding of personalised risk factors and necessary screenings.

The Private GP - Produced by Walk in Clinic

Welcome to "The Private GP", a podcast that delves into the nitty-gritty of overlooked health issues. Our guest for this episode, Dr Enam Abood, will guide us through the intricacies of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide. PCOS, often misunderstood as a disease, is a biological state that can significantly influence a woman's reproductive system.

Get ready for a clear visual understanding of the condition as Dr Abood offers the quintessentially British comparison of regular ovaries to a piece of smooth cheddar cheese and polycystic ovaries to Swiss cheese riddled with holes.

Our second podcast section sheds light on the implications of PCOS on fertility and its correlation with obesity. While the condition is associated with lower fertility rates, Dr Abood is keen to emphasise that many women with PCOS successfully conceive, highlighting the importance of professional guidance and treatment strategy.

Additionally, we will explore the connection between PCOS and obesity, countering the belief that weight challenges are solely due to poor lifestyle choices. Tune in to understand the unique difficulties posed by PCOS on weight management and the strategies available to overcome them.

The Private GP - Produced by Walk in Clinic