Public Health Disrupted

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Dr Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health. The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy. Guests: * Adam Briggs [https://www.health.org.uk/about-the-health-foundation/our-people/policy-team/adam-briggs], Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation. Adam now works in the NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme. * Professor James Wilson [https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/9714-james-wilson], Professor of Philosophy at UCL. In this episode: * The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse. * Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking. * The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike. * How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government. This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and communities in fostering a healthier society. Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative [https://www.decibellecreative.com/] and UCL Health of the Public [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-3-beyond-neglectful-state-notes-and-transcript]. Read the full show notes and transcript. [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-3-beyond-neglectful-state-notes-and-transcript] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing minds.        Joining them are Mia Forbes Pirie, a leading international mediator, and Dr. Kris De Meyer, Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit. Together, they share their insights on effective communication strategies that prioritise relationship-building over persuasion, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions surrounding contentious topics.    In this episode: * How beliefs are formed and why they can become entrenched.  * The role of cultural identity in shaping opinions and the fear of social rejection.  * Practical strategies for engaging with differing viewpoints and fostering meaningful dialogue.    Public Health Disrupted is produced by UCL Health of the Public [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public] and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative [https://www.decibellecreative.com/] / @decibelle_creative [https://www.instagram.com/decibelle_creative/].  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Public Health Disrupted! As Rochelle makes her return to the podcast following maternity leave, we’re excited to present the very first episode of Season 5: a fascinating examination and celebration of the power of movement to foster connection and belonging. This episode will be of particular interest to runners and fans of group or community exercising, or simply those interested in the intersection of public health and community engagement. Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess delve into the transformative world of community fitness events, particularly the ground-breaking success of Parkrun. They explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping not only individual lives but entire communities by breaking down barriers to exercise and fostering social connections. Joining them are Dr. Flaminia Ronca [https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/67380], leading expert in exercise neuroscience, and Chrissie Wellington OBE [https://www.chrissiewellington.com/], a four-time world Ironman champion and former global head of health and wellbeing for Parkrun.  In this episode: * the profound impact of community fitness on mental and emotional wellbeing * the science behind exercise and brain health * inspiring stories of how Parkrun has created inclusive spaces for all. Public Health Disrupted, hosted by Professor Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative [https://www.decibellecreative.com/] / @decibelle_creative [https://www.instagram.com/decibelle_creative/]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The World Health Organisation highlights the tobacco epidemic as one of the greatest public health crises in history, claiming over 8 million lives annually. Over 7 million of these deaths stem from direct tobacco use, while around 1.3 million are due to second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers. The scale of the human and economic tragedy that tobacco imposes is shocking, and preventable. In this month’s episode, our experts Professor Jamie Brown and Hazel Cheeseman discuss the increasing political and public support for a smoke-free generation, proposed legislative changes, and their potential impact on smoking rates and improving the health of the public in the UK. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of tobacco control in the UK for policymakers, public health professionals, and the public. Read full show notes [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/smoke-free-future-tackling-tobacco-and-vaping-health-public] Access transcript [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/transcript-smoke-free-future-tackling-tobacco-and-vaping-health-public] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The development of wastewater systems in the 19th century was one of the greatest achievements of public health, but in recent years there has been growing concern and scrutiny of water quality and sewage pollution. The critical issue of sewage contamination in the UK's rivers and seas is having a profound impact on environmental sustainability and recent reports have urged upgrades in wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of the public. In this month’s episode, our experts James Cheshire (Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, UCL Geography) and Sam Nichols (Water Quality App Manager, Surfers Against Sewage), analyse the causes, health effects, and innovative mapping techniques used to combat sewage contamination. Listen to understand what action is required from policymakers and the public to address sewage pollution and ensure our waterways are safe and clean for future generations. Read full show notes [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/flushing-out-truth-sewage-and-public-health-uk] Access transcript [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/transcript-flushing-out-truth-sewage-and-public-health-uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.