Mini Hiatus
I don’t like to say it. But I will be taking a tiny hiatus from writing. I am, as ever, dedicated to contributing to this discourse with well researched pieces. Thank you very much to all who read – my readership has grown so much recently and I am grateful to you all. I am ...
The “Thinker’s” Guide to becoming a useful citizen of the world.
So this is going to be a very different kind of post. (New month, new me! Right?) I’m going to share some of my ideas about global citizenship; and how I feel about navigating life in both a sensory, intentional and intellectual way. Let’s hope I don’t ruffle too many feathers. But then again, that ...
SERIES: Part 4 – Consequences of Rising Incidence of Obesity in the United Kingdom
In my opinion, the consequences of increasing incidence of obesity fall into four key dimensions: individual, societal, structural and economic. This is Part 4 of my Obesity in the UK series. If you missed Parts 1, 2, or 3 - mainly dealing with the consequential factors of obesity.
Learning from Macron : Why simplified and antiquated assumptions about the world are a direct threat to public health
I went back and watched the French president’s full speech at this month’s G20 meeting in Hamburg, in the original language, in an attempt to gain an understanding of the point he was trying to make. Aware that the noise of the ‘soundbite’ media can often drown a well-intentioned message. I also listened to the ...
SERIES: Part 3 – Even more causes of rising obesity incidence in the United Kingdom
This is Part 3 of my Obesity in the UK series. If you missed Part 1, or Part 2, you can find them by following the links. 🙂 Like part two, this part addresses causal factors but with a greater emphasis on some indirect causes. Beliefs, Perceptions and Stigmatisation There is evidence to support that ...
The Basics: A beginners guide to acronyms and jargon
It’s been a while since I have published a “Basics” series article. I am grateful for the interest I have received on this humble blog of my musings in areas from economic development to novel treatment modes and health policy. Some of the feedback I have received has been concerning my occasionally excessive use of ...
SERIES: Part 2 – Causes of Rising Incidence of Obesity in the United Kingdom
This is Part 2 of my Obesity in the UK series. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. So back to Causes. Among other factors, rising incidence of obesity in the UK can be explained by behavioral theories relating to changes in physical activity and eating behavior. Basic weight gain is most ...
Today’s Agenda: World Health Assembly General Elections
Today I report to you from the Palais du Nations in Geneva where a secret ballot is currently being held for the new Director General of the World Health Organisation. Margaret Chan’s decade tenure has drawn to an end. Dr Chan will leave a strong legacy without a doubt, as did many before her. And today’s ...
SERIES: Rising incidence of obesity in the United Kingdom – Introduction
In the past three decades obesity in the United Kingdom has increased three-fold, emerging as one of the UK’s most prominent public health challenges. Obesity is largely a lifestyle and behavior associated condition, although there are also some genetic factors. Obesity is measured by a standard anthropometric measurement of known as Body Mass Index (BMI). ...
Challenges Facing the South African Pharmaceutical Industry
I am a firm and unapologetic believer that the partnership of NGOs, national and international health governance with the pharmaceutical industry, rather than its exclusion, is vital to the effective treatment of disease globally.
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