Public Health Disrupted

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.

In this month’s episode, our experts dive into the exciting world of genetics, exploring the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations. They discuss not only the value of these advancements but also the ethical considerations surrounding them, particularly in how they can enhance the health of the public. Dr Adam Rutherford, bestselling author, broadcaster and lecturer in genetics and society at UCL, shares his wealth of knowledge on the evolution of genetics, and the common misconceptions that persist in the field. Adam delves into the historical context of genetics and its entanglement with eugenics, reminding us of the ethical considerations that must accompany scientific advancement. Prof George Davey Smith, a clinical epidemiologist and director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, discusses the impact of genetics on the health of the public. He highlights the potential of genetic data to revolutionise healthcare and offers a critical perspective on the consumer genetics market.  Read full show notes [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/genetic-revolution-implications-and-applications-improving-health-public] Access transcript [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/transcript-genetic-revolution] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.