The Harley Street Doctor

From Shame to Support - Recognising & Treating Prescription Drug Dependence

In this episode of the Harley Street Doctor podcast, host Alya Shakir, CEO of Harley Street Health Centre, sits down with Michael Imonirhua, CEO of KeySteps Wellbeing, for an open and important conversation about a quietly growing issue: prescription medication dependence. They explore how sleeping pills, opioids and benzodiazepines, often prescribed legitimately for pain, insomnia or stress, can unexpectedly lead to dependency, sometimes without the patient even realising it. Michael shares insights from his work at KeySteps, including the subtle warning signs families might miss, why shame and secrecy often delay help-seeking, and what a truly compassionate, medically sound detox and recovery pathway looks like. The discussion also highlights how integrated, team-based care, spanning GPs, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists, can make all the difference. Drawing on Harley Street Health Centre's own model of continuity, rapid access and coordinated diagnostics, the episode shows how clear pathways and honest conversations help patients avoid unnecessary escalation while getting the right support at the right time. Whether you're a busy professional, a concerned family member, or someone quietly struggling with prescribed medication, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance and a reminder that evidence-led, non-judgemental help is available. Key topics covered: * How prescribed medication can become a hidden dependency * Why opioid and sleeping tablet withdrawal is so challenging * The role of specialist addiction psychiatry and modern treatments like buprenorphine * Creating safe, non-clinical environments for recovery * How trusted primary care and mental health services work together for better outcomes About the Harley Street Health Centre Combines same‑day GP access, rapid on‑site diagnostics, and genuine continuity of care. We specialise in evidence‑led health checks, discreet sexual health support, visa and travel medicals, with clear, upfront pricing. Our role is clearly defined for rapid assessment, essential labs, preventive screening, and coordinated referrals to trusted NHS or hospital partners when needed. For busy professionals, expats, and families who want thorough, no‑surprise private care without unnecessary tests or uncontrolled costs. About KeySteps Wellbeing Provides private, one-to-one support for addiction, anxiety, burnout and mental health challenges. Outpatient clinic on Harley Street, plus a truly unique inpatient alternative in private apartments with a dedicated wraparound team of nurses, therapists and a psychiatrist, just for clients. No wards, no strangers. Just evidence-led treatment, relapse prevention and genuine recovery, on patients terms. Listen now to understand the signs, reduce the shame, and learn what truly joined-up, sensible private healthcare looks like in practice. The Harley Street Doctor [https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/] - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

The Psychological Reasons You Are Struggling to Lose Weight

Why do so many people struggle to lose weight, even when they know what they “should” be doing? In this episode of the Harley Street Doctor Podcast, Alya Shakir, CEO of Harley Street Health Centre, explores the psychological and emotional factors that often sit behind weight gain, emotional eating, and repeated cycles of yo-yo dieting. The discussion looks beyond calories and exercise plans to examine the underlying emotional patterns that can sabotage weight-loss journeys, including stress, self-criticism, subconscious beliefs, comfort eating, and the relationship between self-worth and body image. Alya explains why many people start weight loss journeys from a place of shame or self-punishment, why this often leads to failure, and how chronic stress and cortisol can physically affect the body’s ability to lose weight. The episode also explores: * Emotional eating and subconscious habits * Why motivation alone is often not enough * The connection between stress and fat storage * Why does losing weight not automatically create happiness * The importance of self-awareness and emotional well-being * How to identify a meaningful and sustainable “why” behind weight loss goals * The psychological impact of unrealistic expectations and social pressure This episode offers a more compassionate and realistic conversation about weight management, focusing not only on physical health but also on mindset, emotional well-being, and long-term, sustainable change. The Harley Street Doctor [https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/] - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

Mental Health at Work - A Guide for Employees & Managers

In this enlightening episode of the Harley Street Doctor Podcast, host Alya Shakir sits down with Dr Jane Benjamin and Mr. Simon Brittz to explore critical aspects of mental health in the workplace. The discussion centers around identifying mental health issues early, the importance of training for managers, and the creation of support systems within organizations to enhance mental well-being. Key Discussion Points * Integrated Mental Health Services: The episode begins with an overview of how the Harley Street Health Center's integrated model supports patients dealing with both occupational and mental health issues. * Importance of Early Referrals: Emphasis on the significance of recognizing mental health issues early to reduce the length of treatment and improve outcomes. * Signs of Mental Health Struggles: Identifying cues such as recurrent absences, performance changes, and social withdrawal that may indicate mental health challenges. * Manager and HR Involvement: The vital role managers and HR personnel play in recognizing signs of mental distress and facilitating early referrals for intervention. * Mental Health Stigma and Generational Differences: Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in younger generations, and the importance of creating an open dialog within the workplace. * Support Structures for Graduates and Employees: Discussing resilience training for new employees, the role of mental health first aiders, and top-down approaches from senior leadership to foster a supportive organizational culture. * Chronic Stress Awareness: Exploring the implications of chronic stress on both physical and mental health and promoting awareness among employees and employers. Guest Bios * Dr. Jane Benjamin: A seasoned psychologist with expertise in addressing occupational mental health issues, focusing on creating therapeutic strategies that facilitate quick recovery and a return to work. * Mr. Simon Brittz: A key member of the HCA team, bringing insights into managing corporate mental health through training and tailored wellbeing strategies. The Harley Street Doctor [https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/] - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

Coughing Too Long? Let’s Talk About Persistent Coughs

In this episode, host Alya Shakir converses with Dr. Sunil Patel, a consultant respiratory physician at the Harley Street Clinic. They delve into various aspects of respiratory health, including persistent coughs, potential triggers, and preventative measures to optimize lung function.  Dr. Patel offers valuable insights on common respiratory issues and shares expert advice to help listeners maintain their respiratory health. Key Discussion Points 1. Introduction to Respiratory Health * Overview of respiratory medicine and its interdisciplinary nature. * Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory health practices. 2. Understanding Persistent Cough * Definitions of acute and chronic coughs. * Common causes and when to seek medical attention. * Importance of primary care and recognizing significant symptoms. 3. Red Flags and Risk Factors * Red flags include coughing blood, unexplained weight loss, and persistent cough in smokers. * Significance of a smoking history in respiratory assessments. 4. Role of Viruses in Respiratory Health * Discussion on post-viral asthma and viral impacts on non-asthmatic individuals. * Necessary steps in diagnosing asthma versus viral-induced symptoms. 5. Optimizing Lung Function * Tips for enhancing respiratory health, including smoking cessation and regular exercise. * Discussion on the reversibility of lung damage due to smoking. 6. Early Signs of Lung Cancer * Overlap between red flags for respiratory issues and possible indicators of lung cancer. * Importance of rapid referral pathways for potential cancer cases. Guest Bio Dr. Sunil Patel is a renowned consultant respiratory physician at Harley Street Clinic, specializing in various respiratory conditions and diseases. His work extends into acute, general, and specialty medicine, with particular interest and expertise in the interface between respiratory medicine and related specialties. The Harley Street Doctor [https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/] - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

Breaking Down Kidney Stones with Mr Marco Bolgeri

In this insightful episode of The Harley Street Doctor Podcast, CEO Alya Shakir sits down with Mr. Marco Bolgeri, a consultant urologist at the Princess Grace Hospital and the Harley Street Clinic, to delve into the complexities of kidney stones and urology. They discuss the various aspects of urology, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones and the lifestyle changes that can mitigate risks. Key Discussion Points * Introduction to Urology: Mr. Marco Bolgeri explains what consultant urologists do, focusing on the urinary and reproductive systems, specialising in kidney stones and endourology. * The Pain of Kidney Stones: Comparing the pain from kidney stones to other conditions, anecdotal accounts describe it as worse than childbirth. * Prevention and Recurrence: Discussion on preventing kidney stones through lifestyle changes, the impact of genetics, and the high recurrence rate. * Causes and Prevention: Exploration of the main causes of kidney stones, including genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors. * Hydration and Diet: Guidelines for water intake and the role of diet, particularly the effects of salt, sugar, and uric acid on stone formation. * Treatment Options: Overview of various treatments for kidney stones, ranging from shockwave therapy to surgical interventions. * Non-Symptomatic Stones: The approach to incidental findings of stones and treatment considerations. Guest Bio Mr. Marco Bolgeri is a renowned consultant urologist specialising in treating and managing kidney stones. With a career centered around minimally invasive procedures, Mr. Bolgeri is committed to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology and personalized care. The Harley Street Doctor [https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/] - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre