• Coughing Too Long? Let’s Talk About Persistent Coughs
    May 8 2025

    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 - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    21 mins
  • Breaking Down Kidney Stones with Mr Marco Bolgeri
    Apr 8 2025

    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 - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    26 mins
  • Blood in Urine & Why You Should Never Ignore It with Dr Abood
    Jan 16 2025

    Welcome to the The Harley Street Doctor podcast! Join host Alya Shakir, CEO of Harley Street Health Center, as she dives into a critical health issue with guest Dr Enam Abood (head doctor and company director). They are discussing the causes and implications of blood in urine, a condition that could range from infections to possible cancers.

    🤔 Key Topics Discussed:

    • The difference between microscopic and visible blood in urine.
    • Why it's crucial to address blood in urine immediately.
    • How infections, polyps, stones, or even cancers could be underlying causes.
    • Tips for maintaining good urinary health and the importance of hydration.
    • Solutions for managing urinary incontinence in older men.

    💡 Key Takeaway: Never ignore blood in urine! It is a vital sign that shouldn't be overlooked.

    If you notice blood in your urine, see your doctor right away! For more health insights and expert advice, subscribe to our podcast and follow us for the latest episodes.

    Join the conversation!
    Leave your questions and comments below.
    Let's prioritize our health together. 🌟

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    11 mins
  • Psychobiology: How Our Gut is Linked to Mental Health
    Jun 26 2024

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Harley Street Doctor. Together with Founder and CEO of Harley Health Centre Alya Shakir, who is also a psychologist, we will explore the fascinating correlation between our gut and mental health in the wonderful world of psychobiology.

    Be prepared for a deep dive into how the balanced biodiversity of our gut microbiota plays critical roles in determining not only our physical health, but also our mental well-being.

    In this episode, we will uncover how the gut-brain axis acts as a two-way communication network that impacts various aspects of our health. Providing an in-depth understanding of how serotonin, the 'happy hormone', is produced within our gut, we address how the gut microbiota influences our emotional responses, cognitive functions, nutrient absorption and immune system functioning.

    Join us to decode this intricate gut-brain connection and learn how to take proactive steps towards enhancing your mental through improved gut health.

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    7 mins
  • Bloating Causes, Solutions & Lifestyle Changes with Dr. Enam Abood
    May 28 2024

    Welcome back to The Harley Street Doctor as we return with another insightful episode. Today, Dr Enam Abood delves into the rather 'touchy' topic of bloating. This seemingly trivial discomfort is, in fact, an indicator that something is running amiss in our digestive tract.

    In this episode, Dr Abood establishes the connection between our diet and bloating. She discusses some usual suspects in our meals that cause bloating, such as certain intolerable foods, high-fat content, and even the simple act of eating too hastily.

    Plus, the whistle-blowers in this digestive mystery, carbonated drinks and gas-inducing vegetables. From understanding these causes to making conscious diet adjustments, take control of bloating and reclaim your comfort.

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    7 mins
  • Ensure Your Kidney's Health with Dr. Mohammad Mohseyni
    Apr 24 2024

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Harley Street Doctor. We were privileged to be joined by the esteemed Dr. Mohammad Mohseyni, who shares invaluable insights into one of our body's most crucial but often overlooked organs: the kidneys. Far from being simple filters, the kidneys play an instrumental role in a plethora of bodily functions, such as regulating blood pressure, contributing to the production of red blood cells, and maintaining fluid balance.

    In this episode, we uncovered the multifaceted roles of the kidneys, delving into the essentials of kidney health and how our lifestyle choices impact this crucial organ system.

    Our discussion also shed light on common warning signs of kidney trouble and the importance of early detection through regular health check-ups. It was also made clear how critical proper hydration and a balanced diet are in supporting kidney health. With the right advice, a proactive approach, and regular monitoring, it's entirely possible to maintain and even improve kidney health.

    Ignoring these crucial aspects could potentially lead to serious health issues, implying that promoting our kidney health must form a critical part of our holistic health strategy.

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    4 mins
  • Blood Pressure - Global Standards & Variations Explained by Dr Enam Abood
    Dec 18 2023

    In this episode, Dr. Enam Abood delves deep into the global benchmarks for typical blood pressure ranges and variations observed in different countries. Investigate the significant factors that contribute to these differences and the impact of age and overall health on assessing blood pressure levels.

    For comprehensive health information and guidelines, visit: https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    9 mins
  • The Impact of Unhealthy Habits on Colon Cancer
    Oct 18 2023

    In this episode, Dr. Enam Abood delves deep into understanding colon cancer - an unfolding health concern in our society marked by increasing life expectancy for all ages and steady medical advancements. In particular, the prevalence of colon cancer in younger generations is an alarming trend supported by undeniable statistical data that requires our crucial attention.

    The discussion centers on the reasons for this spike in incidence among younger populations, which hinge on two key factors: genetics and lifestyle choices. They illuminate how unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as consuming processed foods, overindulgence in alcohol, and smoking, accelerate the likelihood of colon cancer.

    Listen in as she sheds light on how making informed lifestyle choices and opting for regular health screenings can be a significant strategy in circumventing the advances of this unsettling disease.

    The Harley Street Doctor - Produced by the Harley Street Health Centre

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    12 mins