Ever wondered how healthcare systems shape public health across the globe? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, an expert with firsthand experience in both the American and UK healthcare systems, for a compelling exploration of their structural differences. Natalie, with her unique journey from the U.S. to England, shares invaluable insights into how exercise professionals can bridge the gap between medical care and wellness, offering a holistic approach that could transform health outcomes. This episode promises to unravel the contrasts between a privatized, for-profit model and a universal, tax-funded healthcare system.
Our discussion takes a deep dive into the heart of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), tracing its evolution and examining the pressing challenges it faces today. From long wait times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the urgent need for digital transformation, we explore how the NHS is adapting to meet modern demands. We also spotlight the vital role fitness professionals could play in this landscape, supporting the shift towards community care and prevention—key elements in achieving broader public health goals.
Finally, we tackle the economic and social impacts of physical inactivity in both the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting innovative solutions like the UK's exercise referral schemes. Dr. Grinvalds offers inspiring examples of collaboration between allied healthcare professionals, emphasizing the potential for lifestyle medicine to revolutionize our approach to wellness. By examining the strengths of each system, we uncover opportunities for mutual learning and improvement, paving the way for a future where integrated healthcare is not just a goal, but a reality.
Our Guest: Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, PhD, MPH, BSc, CHES
Dr. Grinvalds currently works as a Research Associate with Sheffield Hallam University Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) on a one-year project focused understanding the lifestyle support needs (including physical activity, nutrition, and psychological support) people living with metastatic breast cancer. In this role, she utilizes a range of skills that include research methods, stakeholder engagement, leadership, project management, relationship building and topical expertise in physical activity, nutrition, health, and wellbeing.
Her qualifications include a PhD in Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing, an MPH in Behavioural, Social and Community Health and a BSc in Applied Health Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science.
Dr. Grinvalds runs her own business, Resilience Fitness + Wellbeing, focused on fitness instruction, workplace wellbeing and health coaching. Her aim is to help people build resilience through physical activity and develop and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Links from this Episode:
Research/ SHU Wellness: n.grinvalds@shu.ac.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-grinvalds-phd-mph-bsc-ches-62880236/
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