Urban green and blue spaces for influencing physical activity in the United Kingdom:A narrative review of the policy and evidence

Introduction: With the rapid growth of urbanization globally and in the UK, increasing attention is now being directed towards urban green spaces (UGS). The appeal of UGS to policymakers lies in their capacity to address multiple policy objectives, including improving physical and mental wellbeing, mitigating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), combating climate change through carbon sequestration, providing climate adaptation measures, and enhancing biodiversity.Method: This narrative review gives an overview of the current literature and UK policy relating to urban green and blue spaces, with a particular focus on the use of UGS to increase physical activity levels.Results: UGS have a profound impact on public health, with evidence indicating their positive effect on both physical and psychological health. Thirty-eight percent of adults in the UK do not live within 15 minutes of UGS, so policy makers at national and international level are aiming to address this gap. One reason for the health benefits of UGS is associated increased physical activity, a vital component needed to address the burden of non-communicable disease. To effectively harness UGS to promote physical activity various factors must be considered; proximity and diversity of urban green spaces, and the presence of suitable infrastructure features. Tailoring UGS to meet the needs and preferences of different population demographics is essential, as is ensuring safety, and addressing barriers to access particularly for lower socio-economic groups. The careful planning of UGS must avoid potential gentrification effects and displacement of vulnerable communities, whilst utilising the equigenic nature of UGS.Conclusions: To create a brighter future and capitalize on the potential of UGS, a collaborative approach is needed, involving communities, local governments, and national authorities. Primary-care professionals, represented by organizations like the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), can play a crucial role in advocating for UGS and physical activity, promoting their use, and providing guidance and support

Increased Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Chronic Hypoparathyroidism:A population based study

A population based study was undertaken to determine the mortality and morbidity for people with hypoparathyroidism compared to the general population

Delivery of Interventions for Multiple Lifestyle Factors in Primary Healthcare Settings:A Narrative Review Addressing Strategies for Effective Implementation

The escalating burden of lifestyle-related diseases stands as a critical global public health challenge, contributing substantially to the prevalence of chronic conditions and a large portion of premature mortality. Despite this, concise evidence-based lifestyle interventions targeting physical inactivity, nutrition, alcohol and smoking continue to be underutilised. Although good evidence exists for addressing the four lifestyle-related risk factors independently, rarely do these present in isolation. Evidence is lacking regarding how to integrate interventions targeting multiple risk factors. Consequently, this paper aims to provide an overview of the evidence for delivering multiple interventions in primary healthcare settings. Different lifestyle factors are inter-related, with decisions around ordering of the delivery of multiple lifestyle interventions an important consideration. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of addressing some lifestyle factors simultaneously (e.g., physical activity and nutrition), although smoking cessation may be delivered best in a sequential approach. While the World Health Organisation highlights four key lifestyle factors (nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and smoking), incorporating additional elements such as sleep, mental well-being and social connectedness offers a holistic framework for promoting well-being. Despite the presentation of multiple behaviour risk factors being commonplace in healthcare settings, the evidence (outlined in the paper) for how best to deliver interventions to address this is limited, with further research and subsequent clinical guidance required. In order to address the barriers to delivering lifestyle interventions in primary care, innovation will be required. The use of non-medical personnel, social prescribers and health coaches has the potential to alleviate time constraints, whilst mounting evidence exists for group consultations for addressing lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). If the challenges to implementation can be addressed, and if healthcare systems can adapt for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the impact of NCDs can be mitigated.</p

A movement for movement:an exploratory study of primary healthcare professionals’ perspectives on implementing the Royal College of General Practitioners’ active practice charter initiative

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) results in extensive physical, psychological, and social benefits. Despite primary care being a key point of influence for PA behaviours in the UK, research indicates poor application of PA interventions in this context. To address this, the Royal College of General Practitioners’ (RCGP) developed and implemented the Active Practice Charter (APC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceived impact and acceptability of the APC initiative from the perspective of primary healthcare professionals (PHPs). Methods: An online exploratory cross-sectional survey was designed to assess the perceived impact, experiences, and challenges of the APC initiative, from the perspective of PHPs. The survey was distributed by the RCGP via email to 184 registered APC practices across the UK. Results: Responses were reviewed from staff (n = 33) from 21 APC practices. Initiatives used by APC practices included: educational programmes, partnerships with PA providers, referral systems, and infrastructure investment. Perceived benefits included: increased awareness about PA, staff cohesion, and improved well-being. However, staff felt the APC had limited effect due to implementation barriers, including: a lack of engagement, time, resources, and funding. Conclusion: This is the first evaluation of any nationwide UK-based initiative engaging GP practices in promoting PA. Acknowledging the limitations in response rate, although support exists for the RCGP APC, the evaluation highlights challenges to its implementation. Nonetheless, the wide reach of the RCGP, combined with the cited staff and patient benefits, demonstrates the significant potential of the APC initiative. Given the need to address physical inactivity nationally, further development the APC offers a possible solution, with further research required to overcome the challenges to implementation.</p

Technology use for physical activity counselling

An update of scoping review performed by Wattanapisit and colleagues in 2020, in light of ongoing technological developments and covid 19 pandemi

Ankle pain in sport

Research demonstrates that regular physical activity (PA) results in extensive physical, psychological, and social benefits. However, injuries present a major complication of PA, leading to both direct and indirect negative consequences. Ankle injuries are the most common sporting injuries, with an incidence of 5.23 per 1000 athletes per day. Subsequent ankle pain can be a consequence of acute or more chronic pathology. Given the high prevalence of ankle injuries identification of the cause and appropriate management are vitally important. Although important (and highly publicised) in elite sport, the majority of ankle injuries occur in amateur sports. Correct diagnosis and management in primary care expedites recovery and aids the overall health and well-being of affected individuals. This is especially important to avoid chronic issues. The increased number of physiotherapists working in primary care, a basic knowledge of diagnosis and management, and an understanding of anatomy and risk factors will help ensure patients get the advice they need for better outcomes