My Health Focus

In this Medmin episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Javeria Iqbal, Consultant Breast Surgeon, to discuss common breast symptoms and what to expect when attending a breast clinic.The conversation focuses on reassurance, early assessment and helping people understand which changes should be checked and how clinics work.Discussion includes:•Common breast symptoms and changes•What is considered normal and what needs checking•Breast self-examination and when to seek help•The triple assessment process•NHS breast screening and self-referralThis episode is for information and education only and does not replace medical advice.Sign up to the My Health Focus newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.comMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with personal trainer Becky Lever about protecting mental and physical health when using GLP-1 medications.They explore the importance of support, self-awareness and monitoring both emotional and physical changes throughout the process.Discussion includes:•Mental wellbeing during weight loss•Physical health and muscle maintenance•Side effects and seeking professional support•Social changes and food relationships•The value of journalling and reflectionThis episode is educational and does not provide medical advice.Sign up to our newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.comMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Karen Lee, nutritionist and former intensive care nurse, to discuss autoimmune conditions and the role of whole food plant-based nutrition.Karen shares both professional insight and lived experience following her MS diagnosis.Discussion includes:•Understanding autoimmune conditions•Gut health and inflammation•Fibre, microbiome and immune balance•Practical food changes and sustainability•Enjoying food while supporting healthThis episode is educational and not intended as medical advice.Sign up to our newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.comMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on how the body may respond during the early stages of taking GLP-1 medications.Together, they discuss commonly reported reactions such as nausea, reduced appetite, digestive changes, fatigue, and brain fog, while emphasising that experiences can vary widely between individuals. Becky explains why structured eating, hydration, and sufficient protein intake remain important — even when hunger cues are reduced — and why strength training can play a key role in protecting muscle mass during weight loss.The conversation also explores hormonal considerations, including potential menstrual changes, and the importance of distinguishing GLP-1 side effects from symptoms linked to perimenopause, menopause, or other health conditions. Throughout the discussion, both stress the importance of medical supervision, monitoring symptoms, and seeking professional advice if anything feels unusual or unmanageable.This episode aims to inform and reassure, helping listeners better understand what may be normal, what to monitor, and how to approach a GLP-1 journey safely.This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician. In This EpisodeCommon early body reactions to GLP-1 medicationsNausea, appetite changes, and reduced food noiseDigestive effects, hydration, and feeling full for longerFatigue, brain fog, and energy fluctuationsMuscle loss, strength training, and movementHormonal factors and when to seek medical adviceMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Jackie Radley to discuss menopause management both with and without HRT.They explore why many women seek HRT, why some cannot take it for medical reasons, and why others prefer not to use hormones. The conversation looks at how menopause symptoms can overlap with long-term and chronic health conditions, sometimes making symptoms harder to identify.Dr Radley also outlines non-hormonal options that may help with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes, alongside the role of lifestyle changes in supporting long-term health after menopause.Key themes include:Menopause symptoms and decision-making around HRTWhen HRT may not be suitable or preferredNon-hormonal prescription options and their usesLifestyle approaches to support symptoms and long-term healthUnderstanding menopause alongside chronic conditionsThis episode is for information and education only and does not provide medical advice.LinksSign up to my newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.comMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of My Health Focus, host Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on the topic of food noise.Building on the previous conversation with Sally, this episode explores what food noise means, how people experience it, and why it is such a significant part of the GLP-1 journey. Becky shares insights from working with clients who are using GLP-1 medications and reflects on both the positive and challenging effects of reduced food noise.This episode covers:What food noise is and how people commonly describe itWhy food noise can feel louder for some people than othersHow GLP-1 medications can reduce food noiseThe potential emotional and social impact of losing food-related enjoymentThe pros and cons of reduced food noise during weight lossConcerns about food noise returning when stopping GLP-1sThe importance of support, nutrition, and strength trainingWhy individual experiences and professional guidance matterThis episode is for education and awareness only and does not provide medical advice.Sign up to my newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.comMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon Mr Jamie Vatish about how women can meaningfully reduce their risk of breast cancer.They discuss how lifestyle factors such as weight, alcohol and smoking influence breast cancer risk, and why prevention plays a larger role than many people realise. Mr Vatish explains how risk changes with age, particularly after the menopause, and clarifies the current evidence around hormone replacement therapy, including duration, formulation and individual risk factors.The conversation also covers breast screening in the UK, why invitations are offered every three years, and how self-examination helps detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Importantly, Mr Vatish explains why early diagnosis is associated with excellent outcomes and increasingly well-tolerated treatments.This episode aims to provide reassurance, clarity and practical guidance for women at every stage of life.This content is for information only.In This Episode• How lifestyle affects breast cancer risk• Weight, menopause and oestrogen explained• HRT: benefits, risks and duration• Breast screening in the UK• How and when to self-examine• Why early detection mattersMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gallstones affect a large proportion of adults, yet many people are unclear about what the gallbladder does, why stones form, and when they need treatment.In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias about gallbladder health. He explains the role of the gallbladder in digestion, how gallstones develop, and why symptoms often appear after eating, particularly fatty meals.They also discuss the increasing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro, and how both rapid weight loss and reduced gallbladder contraction may increase the risk of gallstones in some individuals.The episode covers common symptoms, how gallstones are diagnosed, potential complications including infection and pancreatitis, and when gallbladder removal is advised. Mr Chatzizacharias also explains recovery after surgery and what life is like without a gallbladder.This content is for information only.In This Episode• What the gallbladder does and why we need it• How and why gallstones form• Typical symptoms and warning signs• GLP-1 medications and gallstone risk• When gallstones become serious• Treatment options and recovery after surgeryMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catriona Williams continues her GLP-1 series with an honest conversation about lived experience, informed choice, and long-term health.Sally, who lives with type 1 diabetes, shares her experience of being prescribed a GLP-1 medication off-licence through her NHS diabetes team. She explains why it was offered, how it affected appetite and food noise, and the challenges of navigating side effects and limited clinical guidance.Personal trainer Becky Lever joins the discussion to explore why resistance training is particularly important for people using GLP-1 medications, especially women in perimenopause. Together, they talk about muscle loss, confidence in the gym, and shifting the focus away from weight alone towards strength, function, and long-term wellbeing.This episode is not about promoting medication, but about understanding real-world experiences and the importance of support when making health decisions.This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician.In This EpisodeWhy GLP-1 prescribing is uncommon in type 1 diabetesBeing prescribed a GLP-1 off-licence on the NHSFood noise, appetite changes and emotional impactSide effects linked to rapid weight lossConcerns about long-term or lifelong medication useWhy resistance training matters alongside GLP-1sMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vaginal health is one of the least talked-about — yet most common — aspects of menopause.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jacqueline Radley, GP and British Menopause Society–accredited menopause specialist and founder of The Birmingham Menopause Clinic, for an open and reassuring conversation about vaginal atrophy, also known as genitourinary syndrome of the menopause (GSM).Dr Radley explains what vaginal atrophy is, why it happens, when symptoms can begin, and why so many women feel embarrassed or unsure about seeking help. We discuss common symptoms including dryness, soreness, pain during sex and urinary problems — and, importantly, the treatments that can be genuinely life-changing.This episode aims to reduce stigma, provide clear medical information, and reassure listeners that vaginal atrophy is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t need to suffer in silence.Watch this episode on YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by MEDMIN My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Explained: What You Need to KnowGLP-1 medications are increasingly used for weight loss, yet many people feel uncertain about how they work, their side effects, and how to manage the physical and psychological changes that come with them.In this first episode of a new series, we’re joined by personal trainer Becky Lever to explore what GLP-1s are, why they were developed, and why support — particularly around nutrition, resistance training and muscle preservation — is essential. We discuss appetite suppression, “food noise”, side effects, the social impact of weight loss drugs, and the risks of losing muscle mass without proper guidance.This episode is informational and experience-based. We are not healthcare professionals, and anyone considering or using GLP-1 medication should speak to their GP or prescribing clinician.In this episode:What GLP-1 medications are and why they were developedWhy appetite and food behaviours changeCommon side effects and what’s considered typicalThe importance of protein and resistance trainingMuscle loss and long-term health risksSocial and emotional impacts of GLP-1 useWhy ongoing support mattersWatch this episode on YOUTUBEMy Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.