Health Awareness Initiatives

Why do we still explain cancer the same way we did 20 years ago? In a world of 10-second attention spans and infinite scrolls, our medical messages still sound like patient leaflets from the ’90s. It’s time we stopped relying on jargon, fear, and bland diagrams—and started innovating how we talk about health. Because when a reel or a meme can make someone laugh and go for a checkup—that’s impact. I’m an oncologist. I work with science. But I speak in metaphors, memes, and middle-class family WhatsApp language. Not because it’s trendy—because it works. Healthcare needs communication that meets people where they are. Not where we wish they were. Let’s rethink, repackage, and rehumanize healthcare. Innovation isn’t just about machines—it’s about messaging. #HealthcareInnovation #CancerAwareness #MedicalCommunication

Translating health science into understandable and clear health advice isn’t easy, especially on social media. And it’s not about what algorithms want us to do to engage their users. It’s about how people think. In the past three years, the World Health Organization worked on a project with Meta, using their Brand Lift Study tool to test how different kinds of message framings, built on behavioural science theories, affect how people perceive risk and act on it. In the paper below, we highlight a measles vaccination experiment in which we targeted parents of young children. We compared two types of messaging: - Verbatim: fact-based and precise “1 in 1,000 children who get measles will die.” - Gist: essence-based and emotional “Some children who get measles will die.” Both are accurate, but they communicate risk differently. Here are a few reflections from the process: - We need to design social media public health campaigns with behavioural science lenses, not just communication instinct. - We need to evaluate impact beyond likes and shares; focus on understanding and intention. - We must keep messages evidence-based but human; clarity matters as much as accuracy. What matters most isn’t how much information we share, but how people make sense of it. Small shifts in framing can change how people understand risk and how they act on it — which is the ultimate objective of public health communication. WHO project team: Simon Williams Elena Altieri Mohamed Gulaid Giselle Miguens Lisa Menning Karin Stein, MD, MScPH

We spend decades saving for retirement but how much do we invest in keeping our brains healthy enough to enjoy it? Retirement planning usually focuses on money. But we need a healthy brain to fully enjoy those years. Psychology and neuroscience research consistently point to five habits that make the biggest difference for healthy #brain aging. 👉 Keep your brain mentally active This isn't just about crosswords or sudoku. Once you master them, they stop being challenging. The key is exposing your brain to new, stimulating experiences like learning a language, picking up an instrument, reading widely, or developing new hobbies. You need to incorporate activities that are novel, challenging, and enjoyable to sustain cognitive development, build cognitive reserve and promote #neuroplasticity. 👉 Stay socially connected Loneliness activates stress responses that elevate #cortisol, which can damage brain regions involved in memory, learning and emotion regulation. In contrast, social connection is protective. It provides cognitive stimulation, reduces depression and anxiety, and lowers dementia risk. Studies show that people with rich social networks and regular social activities have a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline. 👉 Don’t forget to exercise If it’s good for the heart, it’s good for the brain. Your brain uses 20% of your body’s energy and depends on good blood flow. Physical activity improves circulation, supports brain metabolism, and releases growth factors that keep neurons healthy. This is obviously harder as one ages, but physical activities like walking, gardening, and house work all keep the ticker moving and can often be done well into the 8th, 9th even 10th decade. The more physically active you are, the more likely your brain will stay healthy.   👉 Take sleep seriously During deep sleep the brain clears metabolic waste products that accumulate during the day, including proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. It is also when memories are consolidated and neural connections are strengthened. Chronic poor sleep is linked with cognitive decline, impaired memory, and increased dementia risk. Protecting your sleep may be one of the most underrated brain health strategies we have. 👉 Manage chronic stress Short-term stress is normal. Chronic stress is different. Long-term cortisol exposure damages the hippocampus, reducing neuroplasticity and impairing memory. Practices like mindfulness, time in nature, exercise, meaningful hobbies, and strong relationships all help regulate stress and build brain resilience.   There are of course many other contributors to brain health including nutrition, cultural engagement, good medical care, etc. but these five habits provide the biggest bang for your buck, and importantly they are all strongly supported by #neuroscience.   What do you do to keep your brain active and healthy?

🚨🚨🚨 New Article Alert: I’m incredibly proud to share new research from our team exploring how a medical student-run patient navigator program I helped develop years ago is supporting families in overcoming barriers to nutrition, physical activity, and community resources. ❤️ What stayed with me most wasn’t just the data, but what families shared. Parents talked about finally feeling “heard.” About someone taking the "time to listen," "understand," and "connect" them to resources that actually fit their lives. One caregiver described it as having “someone out there looking out for us.” That kind of trust and connection matters. I still remember one early conversation with a parent who felt overwhelmed trying to navigate food resources while managing their child’s health needs. It wasn’t just about providing a list, it was about taking the time to walk through options together, meeting them where they were, and making it feel more doable. That moment has stayed with me. Through something as simple, but powerful, as a conversation, families were connected to tailored resources that didn’t just support a child, but aimed to strengthen the health of the entire household. This is one of the many faces of “Food as Medicine” in practice: → Meeting families where they are → Connecting clinical care to real-world resources → Building trust and community through navigation and support It also reinforces something we don’t say enough... "access alone isn’t enough." Meaningful connection, timely guidance, and culturally responsive support are what turn resources into real impact. 🩺 Equally powerful is what this creates for the next generation of clinicians. Experiences like this extend beyond traditional training, shaping more empathetic, community-centered physicians who understand how to integrate clinical care with population health. True 21st century clinicians! ❤️ Grateful to have mentored this incredible group of researchers and to continue learning from the communities we work alongside.  🔗 Take a look at the full study: https://lnkd.in/egPH8TXW #FoodAsMedicine #SocialImpact #SocialDriversOfHealth #Pediatrics #CommunityHealth Meera K. Sofia B. Katrina Stumbras Laura Fischer Alicia Lackro Qadira M. Ali, MD, MPH, FAAP, DipABLM Nicole Farmer Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM Wesley McWhorter, DrPH, MS, RDN, LD, CSCS The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Children's National Hospital

What if the secret to sharper decisions lies not in your strategy, but in your surroundings? We spend much of our leadership energy on strategy and systems. Yet the physical environment we work in...the light, the noise and the temperature shapes our ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Researchers note that exposure to light not only governs vision but also influences alertness, cognition and mood. Bright light reduces sleepiness and improves neuro behavioural performance. Conversely, high levels of noise, particularly irrelevant speech, diminish cognitive performance more than temperature. In one study, researchers observed optimal cognitive performance at a moderate temperature with noise levels around 55 dB. I saw this play out when we refreshed the back office of a restaurant I was overseeing. The team had been working under harsh fluorescent lights and constant background chatter from the kitchen. People were tired, mistakes crept in and tensions rose. After reading about the effects of the environment, we replaced the lighting with softer, brighter bulbs, opened blinds to let natural light in and set up a quiet area away from the busiest machines. Within days, the mood lifted. Staff reported feeling more alert and less stressed. For leaders looking to harness the environment, here are a few considerations: 1. Let in the light. Where possible, increase exposure to daylight or use bright lighting. Evidence suggests that this helps maintain alertness and reduces sleepiness. 2. Control noise. Background chatter and irrelevant speech can impair concentration. Aim for moderate noise levels and quiet zones if your space allows. 3. Mind the temperature. Studies have found that cognitive performance peaks at moderate temperatures and falls when rooms are too cold or too hot. 4. Observe and adjust. Walk through your workspace at different times. Notice where people seem energised or drained. By managing light, sound and comfort, we give ourselves and our teams a better platform to perform. Have you made any changes to your environment that improved focus or morale? I would be keen to hear what worked for you.

🌐 Content is Life: The Power of Social Media to Improve Health Among Latinos I’m excited to share my latest article, “Content is Life: The Power of Social Media to Improve Health Among Latinos.” Latino communities face a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet traditional health messaging hasn’t closed the gap between intentions and real-life behavior. Social media can change that. It’s not just a platform for connecting with others but a powerful tool to reach people in culturally relevant ways, address health disparities, and influence real-life health outcomes. 📲 Social media’s unique advantage? It allows for interactive, accessible, and targeted health education, bridging the intention-behavior gap that we know exists around lifestyle changes. As a physician, I’ve seen how digital platforms can motivate small, sustainable changes that add up to prevent the diseases most affecting our community. When we make the right information available, in the right language and context, people listen. However, to make a real impact, we need support from health authorities and Pharma companies. Instead of directing millions to traditional TV ads, these funds could fuel educational campaigns on social media — campaigns that resonate with people where they spend their time and are more likely to drive action. 👥 A call to action: Let’s reimagine health communication. Let’s empower the next generation to live healthier lives by putting resources where they can make the biggest difference. By investing in digital health content tailored for the Latino community, we have the opportunity to transform lives. Read more in my latest article, and let’s work together to make health education accessible and impactful! Thank you National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) https://lnkd.in/eN5qYA_E #doctormau

Your brain after 4 hours of continuous work performs like you've been drinking. Here's the 10-minute fix backed by neuroscience. Just reviewed fascinating research that every healthcare professional (and frankly, anyone in high-stakes decision-making) needs to know: A new RCT shows that a simple 10-minute physical activity break can boost cognitive performance by up to 42% - with effects lasting 2 hours. The sobering reality? After 17 hours of being awake, our cognitive impairment equals the legal driving limit for alcohol. For those pulling 12+ hour shifts, this isn't wellness advice - it's risk management. Key findings that stopped me in my tracks: 🧠 Selective attention improves 23-42% ⚡ Executive function enhances 22-31% 👁️ Visual processing speed increases 33-42% The neuroscience is clear: moderate exercise increases frontal lobe blood flow by 26-27% and triggers BDNF release - essentially giving your prefrontal cortex the fuel it needs when decision-making matters most. The practical protocol is refreshingly simple: After 4 hours of continuous work 2 min warm-up 6 min brisk walk (even corridors work) 2 min cool-down This isn't about fitness. It's about maintaining the cognitive performance your expertise deserves. For NHS colleagues: Several trusts have successfully implemented this during peak COVID pressures. If we schedule equipment maintenance, shouldn't we schedule cognitive maintenance? For everyone else: Whether you're in finance, law, tech, or any field requiring sustained mental performance - this applies to you too. The choice isn't whether we can afford 10-minute breaks. It's whether we can afford the consequences of not taking them. What strategic breaks have worked for you? #HealthcareLeadership #CognitivePerformance #WorkplaceWellbeing #NHS #BrainHealth #EvidenceBasedPractice #MedicalLeadership #PatientSafety #WorkplacePsychology #PerformanceOptimization

The creator economy is now a health determinant. Just think about where people actually go for health information now. Not always to a leaflet. Not always to an NHS webpage. Often, they go to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or a podcast. They listen to people they trust. And that trust can shape whether someone seeks help, takes medication, changes what they eat, questions a diagnosis or believes something that is simply not true. A recent JMIR commentary by Wendy Glauser explores how public-health experts are working with creators to reach people in ways traditional health communication often does not. Public health needs trusted creators, not just better leaflets. We have to meet people where they are. But…with influence comes responsibility. For clinicians online, credibility cannot just come from having letters after our name and authority bias. It has to be visible in how we communicate. That means showing our sources. Being honest when the evidence is uncertain. Declaring conflicts and paid partnerships. Staying within our scope ( A BIG ONE!) And having enough humility to say, “I might be wrong,” or “the evidence is still evolving.” Health information is being shaped online every day by people who know how to build trust, hold attention and tell stories. Clinicians and public health professionals are already part of that world. The real question is whether we are learning how to show up in it thoughtfully, responsibly and in a way people actually want to engage with. What makes you trust a health professional or creator online? #PublicHealth #HealthCommunication #CreatorEconomy #MedicalEducation #HealthMisinformation

Part 4: Finale We’ve discussed the long sprint, the hidden bill that comes due, & diving into survival mode.  This last piece is what sits on top of the roots – the daily behaviors that compound with time – sleep, movement, nutrition, connection.  The non-negotiables.  Slowly, we return to the state where we live, lead, work, and think our best. The morning is about routine and orientation.  Hydrate, get natural light into your eyes, move the body enough to let it know it’s time to start preparing for the day.  If you can delay the phone, do it!  Quiet moments before the notification storm is everything.  Caffeine after your system wakes up (delayed ideally) is optimal to ensure long lasting energy without that afternoon crash.  Midday is where cracks start to show for most people.  A short walk does more for your mind than anything else.  Slow inhale & exhales create space for you throughout each day.  Lunch should be focused on protein first w/ backfilling of veggies. Training/Exercise is a daily commitment.  BDNF. Strength & cardio. Clearing toxins while releasing those good natural hormones. This should be your foundation either before your work environment or midday/evening.  Ideally at the start of the day. Be in nature. Recovery tools: Sauna, cold, - my favorite modalities out of everything. Reset the CNS, restore calm, and feel brand new. Cold in am, sauna or hot bath in evening to wind down. Cognition: consuming tea/coffee early – not all day. L-theanine if you get jittery.  Omega-3s for long term support. Creatine if your gut tolerates it (5g daily).  Stay hydrated. Vit D3 + K2 if your blood work requires it.  Remember that NOTHING beats quality sleep. Periodically make the call vs text. It's worth it. Be mindful of what you consume digitally. They have real cognitive effects. PM: This is where many overdo it or forget.  Lower lights, dim settings, lower stimulation, create a state where your body is ready to maximize that sleep period.  Supplements if desired: Magnesium, apigenin, glycine.  Kick the alcohol. Micro meditations through the day compound. 30-60 seconds before a meeting, call, diving into tedious work. Shoulders down, slow exhales, eyes closed if you can.  Stay grounded. This is all to remind you to take your time in recovery.  For every block of time dedicated towards pushing harder – we need to also create systems that allow us to have constant readiness by returning to a state of being refreshed, crystal clear vision, emotional regularity.  Gratitude keeps is here and now.  The goal of any of these simple modalities is not perfect but progress.  Keep all routines simple enough to do consistently.  Slow is smooth, & smooth is fast. Remember that habits are not always what you INCLUDE, it’s also what you say no to.  Saying no is a superpower to get closer to the thing that is most important. “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”.  -Marcus Aurelius