Hello, InflamMed Community, I can’t quite believe it’s August already, but here we are.
What Got My Attention This Past Month
A quick note on Celine Dion, as I mentioned her in our last newsletter, she made a surprising comeback after 4 years of intense therapy. Watch her close out the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics:
We’ve got a new Government in the UK, with a flurry of announcements. The following stood out to me:
Employment Rights: The proposed Employment Rights Bill could bring the most comprehensive reforms since the minimum wage was introduced. It aims to solidify workplace rights from day one, including contracts that reflect actual hours worked for those on zero-hour contracts, and improved rights to sick pay and parental leave. With an intention to establish a single enforcement body to ensure these rights are upheld effectively.
Work and Health: Plans to integrate work, health, and skills strategies more closely reflect an urgent need to address the rising disability rates among the working-age population. Localised initiatives led by Mayors could pave the way for innovative, place-based solutions to foster employment among those currently inactive due to health issues.
NHS Under Scrutiny: Our new ministers have reported that challenges within the NHS are more substantial than previously disclosed, with further investigations pending to uncover the extent of these issues. We will have to wait and see.
What is burnout really? In her deeply personal essay “The Picture That Prompted a Life Change,” Sam Baker shares her tumultuous journey from professional burnout to embracing wellness. Sam recounts the pivotal moments marked by physical breakdowns and the undeniable signals from her body that demanded change. Through her experience, she offers invaluable insights into the importance of listening to our bodies, especially for those managing chronic conditions; slowing down can sometimes be the key to moving forward.
Sam mentions a book which is also on my bedside table: The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. A deep-dive into where trauma goes and how it impacts on our bodies; for those who want a quick overview here is a video from The School of Life.
I recommend following The Shift with sam baker, she was the Editor at Cosmo, Red, Company for many years and is now a “recovering magazine editor.” She talks about the shift that happens to women in their 40s.
This nicely leads on to…
What We’ve Been Up To
This month, David Dyer, our co-founder, shared insights at the “Building an Engine for Growth to Supercharge Your Business” virtual roundtable. He discussed the critical role of supporting people with chronic health conditions in business. David emphasised that businesses that adapt to these needs not only foster inclusivity but also boost their overall success and innovation. He underlined the importance of visionary leadership and flexibility in building a culture where everyone, particularly those with chronic conditions, can excel. Look forward to more insights from this discussion.
Invisible Insights Podcast
We've had the privilege of hosting insightful discussions that shed light on both personal journeys and medical advancements in chronic health management.
Dr. Raphael Micheroli on Rheumatology and Patient Partnerships
Join Dr. Raphael Micheroli, a rheumatologist based in Switzerland, as he discusses the progression of rheumatology in the digital age and offers insights on how patients can improve their healthcare experiences through second opinions and more. Watch here or listen on the go.Elif Tek Shares Her Journey with Endometriosis
Elif Tek, in her open and compassionate manner, shares her personal battle with endometriosis, highlighting the challenges and the need for greater awareness and support. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation. Watch here or catch it on Spotify.
Towards An Understanding Between Patients and Healthcare Professionals
This month's episodes with Dr. Raphael Micheroli and Elif Tek highlighted a growing understanding between healthcare professionals and patients. These discussions revealed a shift towards mutual recognition—healthcare providers acknowledging they may not always have all the answers, and patients understanding the importance of actively participating in their healthcare. This evolving relationship emphasises that while healthcare providers guide and support, patients also bear responsibility for voicing their needs and experiences to ensure effective communication and care.
Dr Sam Shergill, a GP based in London, in a guest post calls on the new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to prioritise effective workforce strategies that not only retain but also empower GPs to provide the best possible care. Dr. Shergill vividly illustrates the broad scope of issues GPs manage daily—from complex chronic conditions to critical acute interventions—underscoring the vital role of GPs in our healthcare system.
"We cannot care for our patients if we do not care for ourselves and our colleagues."
Coming Up
Our next guests on the Invisible Insights podcast:
Chloe Wheeler, who now runs her own Operations Consultancy, talks about how she navigated her professional life whilst managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Inder Singh-Virdi, a nutritional therapist with an inspiring chronic health journey of his own. We explore the role of chronic inflammation in invisible conditions and the impact of delayed diagnosis on health outcomes. Inder also debunks myths and misconceptions related to diet and nutrition.
We’ll be announcing our latest contributing writers shortly too.
Closing Thoughts
This month has been tough with an unexpected flare-up. I wrote a piece summing up how that felt. I want to echo my thanks to my support network, which also includes this community.
Until next time,
Natasha