Dr Selina Lifestyle Medicine

18/08/2026

There’s something rather special about travelling through the Mediterranean and seeing the principles of the Blue Zones come to life. 🌿☀️🌊

My recent cruise through Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro was a beautiful reminder that healthy longevity isn’t about perfection or complicated rules - it’s often about the simple things we do consistently.

🌈 Colourful plants - plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans, herbs and other plant foods.

🐟 Fresh Mediterranean fish - lots of delicious fish, naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats.

🫒 High-quality EVOO - I experienced some incredible extra virgin olive oil, packed with polyphenols and even visited the alleged oldest olive tree in Europe, tasting EVOO made from olives grown there. What an experience!

🏃‍♀️ Keep moving - I kept to my running routine using the cruise ship’s track with a different spectacular sea view every time alongside my strength training. I also opted for the stairs whenever I could!

☀️ Sunshine & outdoors - plenty of time outside, enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine and being active.

🍷 And yes… even a little red wine! As someone who is genuinely teetotal, I made the occasional exception because, well, when in Rome! 😂🍷

❤️ Connection - perhaps the most important one of all. Time with family, sharing meals, laughter, experiences and memories. Taking the children to the Spanish Steps in Rome, where we got engaged, was particularly special. 🇮🇹

Of course, one holiday doesn’t transform our longevity. But it reminded me that many of the things associated with living well are wonderfully simple:

Eat mostly plants. Enjoy quality foods. Move your body. Get outside. Nurture relationships. Make time for joy.

The Mediterranean certainly makes all of that feel rather effortless. 🇮🇹🇬🇷🇭🇷🇲🇪

And perhaps that’s one of the biggest Blue Zone secrets…

Healthy living should still feel like living. 💙

12/07/2026

Few appointments left this week Dr Helen Medical. I’d love to hear from you 🩷

Sunday evening check-in 💚

As a new week begins, this is your gentle reminder that you do not have to put your health concerns to the bottom of the list.

Whether you would like to speak to a Private GP about a new or ongoing concern, or book time with our Lifestyle Doctor to look at the bigger picture of your health and wellbeing, our calm and friendly team is here to help.

We have a number of appointment slots available this week at our relaxed clinic in Ringwood.

Call 01202 022956 or visit our website to book.

03/07/2026

Feel so privileged to be working as part of this incredible team 💙

One whole year of Dr Helen Medical. 🎈

We couldn’t quite gather the whole team for one photo, but this still captures the spirit of our first year beautifully.

This week we’re celebrating our first anniversary in Ringwood and what a year it has been. From growing our team and expanding our clinic rooms to welcoming more patients, services and specialist clinics, we are so grateful for every bit of support along the way. 💚

Thank you to our brilliant team, lovely patients and local community for helping make our first year so special.

We’ve shared a little more about our first year, our growth and what’s next for Dr Helen Medical over on the blog. 🔗 in bio to read more.

03/07/2026

As another busy week in clinic whizzes by, here’s your Friday reminder to back yourself. 💚

If you’ve been feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, exhausted or just not quite like you, you don’t have to keep pushing through and hoping it will pass.

Our lifestyle doctors and private GPs are here to help you pause, take stock and feel truly listened to.

Whether it’s stress, sleep, hormones, weight, mood, energy levels or the everyday juggle of family life, we’ll take the time to understand the bigger picture and support you with practical, personalised care.

And while your week may be winding down, our care is still switched on. We have appointments available tomorrow, Saturday, as well as slots next week.

No rushing. No judgement. Just kind, thoughtful advice to help you feel more like you again.

Call 01202 022956 or book online.

01/06/2026

Fantastic article!

As half term comes to an end and exam season continues, we wanted to share a really helpful article from Dr Seb Gray, who will soon be joining Dr Helen Medical as our Paediatric Consultant.

Dr Seb explores the importance of nutrition during exam season, with useful advice for students and parents.

Read the full article - 🔗 in comments 👇

Good luck to everyone heading into the next round of exams. 🤞

25/05/2026

15/05/2026

Yesterday I posted about why the name "PCOS" no longer reflects the reality of this condition.

This patient's message perfectly captures why.

Polycystic O***y Syndrome is not just about ovaries or fertility. For many women, it impacts metabolic health, weight, insulin resistance, energy, inflammation, emotional wellbeing and self-esteem for decades.

What stayed with me most was this line: "For the first time I felt seen and understood by a Doctor."

Women with PCOS deserve more than being told to "just lose weight." They deserve understanding, evidence-based care and support without shame or judgement.

Thank you to this patient for allowing me to share her story.

14/05/2026

For years, many women living with PCOS have felt unheard, dismissed or treated only for isolated symptoms rather than the bigger picture.

This week, a major paper published in The Lancet proposed a new name: PMOS - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome - to better reflect the wide-reaching impact this condition can have on metabolic and long-term health.

As a GP with an interest in women’s health and as a lifestyle physician, I welcome this conversation.

Because this condition is about far more than ovaries. It can affect insulin resistance, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes risk, fertility, skin, mood and overall wellbeing.

I hope this shift encourages more proactive care rather than reactive care:

✨ Earlier diagnosis
✨ Better long-term health screening
✨ More lifestyle and metabolic support
✨ A more holistic approach to women’s health

For so many women, feeling validated and properly supported can make an enormous difference.

This feels like a positive step forward in women’s health.

07/05/2026

A quick but important message from me this week…

I’m seeing more women using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro alongside HRT but many haven’t been told how these treatments can interact.

GLP-1s slow gastric emptying which may reduce how well oral progesterone is absorbed.

Progesterone plays a crucial role in protecting the womb lining when you’re taking oestrogen. If levels aren’t adequate, the lining can thicken over time which isn’t something we want to miss.

This doesn’t mean stopping treatment. It means reviewing it.

In some cases, using a non-oral form of progesterone may provide more reliable protection while on a GLP-1.

If you’re on both, it’s worth checking in:
Are you on the right type and dose of progesterone?

Do you have a plan for follow-up?

Good care should always be joined-up and individualised.

30/04/2026

"The weight always rapidly comes back after GLP-1 injections.."
I hear this all the time but it's not the full picture.

Lately, I've had some really encouraging follow-ups with patients who've come off these medications.

Here's the difference:
GLP-1 injections are a tool, not the whole plan.
Yes, they help reduce appetite and build momentum. But long-term success comes from what's built alongside them:
* Nutrition
* Movement
* Sleep
* Stress management
* Daily habits

When those foundations are in place, you're not dependent on the medication.

And how you come off matters too.

Stopping suddenly without guidance? That's where people struggle.

A gradual, supported approach with a clear exit plan makes all the difference.

Because the goal isn't just losing weight... It's keeping it off in a way that actually feels sustainable.

If you're thinking about starting or coming off GLP-1s, it's worth having a plan.
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