Science from the Field with BMedical

Advancing Asthma Care: Insights from Anthony Flynn of Asthma Australia

Welcome back to the BMedical Science from Field podcast series, where we shine a light on some of the amazing work being done here in our own backyard of Australia to further the fields of sleep and respiratory medicine. In celebration of our new partnership with Asthma Australia, this week, we're chatting to Anthony Flynn, Director of Health Knowledge and Translation at Asthma Australia. 

Anthony oversees Asthma Australia's research program, strategic evaluations plans, and supervises the quality development of consumer information and education resources. He has a master's degree in social sciences and is a registered nurse who specialised in critical care nursing. He's responsible for connecting the needs of people with asthma with strategic research and evaluation decisions and translating that into consumer benefit.

In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from critical care nursing to working with Asthma Australia, his experiences with Médecins Sans Frontières, and the challenges and successes in asthma research and education. He also discusses the importance of health literacy, the role of peak flow meters in asthma management, and exciting developments in asthma research, including the quest for a cure.

Tune in to learn about Asthma Australia's mission, their resources for clinicians and patients, and how innovative partnerships and research are making a real difference in the lives of people with asthma. Plus, join us for the Huff and Puff Challenge and how you can support Asthma Australia.

Breathing Life into Recovery: The Power of Respiratory Muscle Training with Bernie Bissett

Welcome to BMedical's Science from the Field podcast series, where we highlight groundbreaking work in sleep and respiratory medicine from Australia. In this episode, we chat with Professor Bernie Bissett, a leading expert in respiratory muscle training. 

Bernie shares her journey from a clinician to an accidental researcher, driven by her desire to help ventilator-dependent patients regain their independence. She discusses the development and impact of inspiratory muscle training, including its application to long COVID recovery and its potential benefits for athletes. Bernie also explores the challenges of translating research into clinical practice and the exciting future of respiratory medicine, emphasising patient-centered care and technological advancements. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the evolution of respiratory therapies and their profound impact on patient wellbeing. 

'Let's Yarn About Sleep' with Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot & Roslyn Von Senden

In this episode of BMedical's Science from the Field podcast, we explore the exceptional work of Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot and Roslyn Von Senden and their 'Let's Yarn About Sleep' Program. Their phenomenal efforts aim to enhance sleep health among First Nations youth and communities in Australia.

The multi-talented Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot, an expert in pharmacology, epidemiology, and sleep science, unveils her fascinating journey towards becoming a sleep health specialist and her realisation during her PhD about the essential role of sleep in maintaining physical health. 

Roslyn Von Sinden, a proud Kalkadoon woman from Mount Isa, relates her impactful story of how her community's struggles with prevalent suicide and mental health issues turned her into a sleep health advocate. Serving as the Community Engagement Manager, Roslyn's efforts aim to enhance health equity and launch co-designed health education programmes that empower First Nations people to their complete health potential.

The podcast also provides insight into the 'Let's Yarn About Sleep' initiative's core aims. These include increasing community awareness about sleep health, equipping local service providers with training, and curbing wait times for sleep health care access.

To read the transcript and discover the books and studies referenced - visit our website. 

https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-lets-yarn-about-sleep/ 

Unlocking the Power of Circadian Rhythms with AYO Blue Light Therapy Glasses

Welcome to another episode of Science from the Field with BMedical podcast. Join Krystal as she interviews Alexander Dimitrov, co-founder of AYO, the innovative circadian rhythm blue light therapy glasses. Discover Alexander's journey from Bulgaria to the Netherlands, where he developed a passion for optimising health through light therapy after experiencing the effects of light deprivation firsthand.

Alexander, alongside his co-founder Branislav Nikolic, collaborated with leading chronobiologists to develop the science and software behind AYO. Learn about the challenges and triumphs they faced in creating a device that combines wearable blue light therapy with a personalised mobile app. 

Alexander also discusses the importance of collaboration in advancing sleep health and the future developments for AO, including app enhancements and a Circadian Health Hub. 

This episode is packed with insights into sleep research, the impact of light therapy on various health conditions, and practical advice on improving your sleep and energy levels. Don't miss this conversation with a leader in the field of circadian health.

To read full transcript and further reading, visit our website:

https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-unlocking-power-circadian-rhythms/ 

Exploring the Personalisation of Sleep Health with Dr. Mitchell Turner

In this episode of the Science from the Field with BMedical podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of sleep science with our guest, Dr. Mitchell Turner. Well-reputed for his systematic research and work on sleep-related neurological conditions at Edith Cowan University and Melius Consulting, Dr. Turner shares his journey from sports science into sleep research, and his projects aimed at improving sleep health.

Dr. Turner shares how his interest in the significant role of sleep in sports and overall performance influenced his PhD thesis on understanding the impact of sleep-wake behaviour and chronotype on match play and physical performance. He also discusses his current research studies at Edith Cowan University, focusing on improving sleep health and reducing fatigue in individuals living with neurological conditions.

In his current role at Melius Consulting, Dr. Turner provides sleep education, performing bio-mathematical modelling of shifts and rosters, and examines the sleep-wake behaviour and sleep disorders among shift workers. He discusses the critical sleep-related health concerns today and emphasises the need for education about sleep disorders and offering personalised advice. 

To read full transcript and further reading, visit our website:

https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-sleep-sports-dr-mitchell-turner/ 

A Beacon in Circadian Sleep Research: A Conversation with Dr. Tracey Sletten

In this enlightening episode of Science from the Field with BMedical podcast, join us in a conversation with Dr. Tracey Sletten from Monash University, a highly respected name in circadian sleep research. Harnessing her wealth of experience from prior roles at top-tier medical institutions and associations, Dr. Sletten discusses her research journey, shedding an intriguing light on her deep fascination with sleep and cardiology. 

Dive into an exploration of Dr. Sletten's key research areas, uncovering the substantial implications of shift work and working against our body clocks. Gain insight into the strategies aimed at supporting shift workers and system-level ideas that harmonise working conditions with workers' biology. Learn how the intricacies of sleep research can be integrated into mainstream practice and how a shift in thinking can bring notable changes in healthcare-and perspectives, especially pertaining to sleep disruption and disorders.

We further delve into the world of sleep research, discussing the influences of funding sources, regional variations, and technology on studies. Cross over to a vivacious conversation on supporting women in the field, including the necessary strategies to involve and promote women in sleep research.

The final segment explores the future of sleep research and the pivotal need for sleep to be recognised as a cornerstone of health, especially in industries like shift work. This illuminative episode serves as an enlightening discourse about the intricate and crucial realm of sleep research and its potential to improve health and wellness worldwide.

To read full transcript and further reading, visit our website: https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-sleep-insights-with-dr-tracey-sletten/ 

Sleep Insights with Dr. Jennifer Walsh and Dr. Kath Madison

Welcome to the first episode of the Science from the Field with BMedical podcast - a unique series that puts the spotlight on Australian research in sleep and respiratory medicine. In this inaugurate episode of our 2024 series, we are thrilled to present a conversation with guests from the University of Western Australia, Dr. Jennifer Walsh and Dr. Kath Madison.

As the Director of the Centre of Sleep Science at UWA and leader of the Sleep Physiology Research Team, Dr. Walsh dives into her current work on understanding and treating sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. She also sheds light on a study exploring medical cannabis as a potential treatment for sleep disorders.

Dr. Madison, with her deep understanding of the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea and novel sleep disorder therapies, shares her belief in sleep as the fundamental third pillar of health, right beside nutrition and exercise. 

In this episode, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madison not only share their intriguing journey into the field of sleep research but also discuss their ongoing collaborative projects. They emphasise the societal and health implications pertaining to sleep, shift work, and the aviation industry, as well as advocate for the importance of sleep education. An exciting highlight of the discussion is the exploration of the potential of consumer technology for sleep management.

The discussion further delves into the recent studies on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea, underscoring the potential for personalised treatments based on individuals' unique risk factors and physiological patterns. By translating laboratory findings into real-world applications, particularly in the athlete community, sleep science holds the potential to significantly enhance performance by improving sleep health.

Finally, they share resources for understanding the intricacies of sleep, such as Sleep Health Foundation fact sheets and insightful books. Ultimately, this episode underscores the crucial, often underestimated, role of sleep in fostering optimal health and wellbeing.

To read the full transcript or the links for further reading, visit our website: https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-sleep-insights-with-dr-jennifer-walsh-and-dr-kathleen-maddison/