#GPnews: Physical and mental health boosted by ‘life skills’

14:20 People pursuing good health should work on developing five key life skills, according to a study from University College London.

The researchers found that those who maintained the best physical and mental health, as well as wealth, were those who had emotional stability, determination, control, optimism and conscientiousness, writes the Telegraph.

In contrast, those with two or fewer of the life skills were more likely to suffer from chronic illness and depression.

Professor Andrew Steptoe of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, who co-led the research, said: ‘It is well recognised that some highly intelligent people or those who come from privileged backgrounds may not succeed because they lack character strengths, whereas less well-endowed individuals who are reliable and self-disciplined do attain their goals.

‘No single attribute was more important than others. Rather, the effects depended on the accumulation of life skills.’

11:55 A GP practice in a deprived area of Glasgow has been named RCGP Scotland’s Practice of the Year for thinking outside of the box on dealing with patient loneliness, overweight, stress and high blood pressure.

The Garscadden Burn Medical Practice in Drumchapel prescribes yoga, cookery classes and gym sessions, reports Herald Scotland, and has a ‘befriending’ group as well as a lifestyle advice group for patients.

The practice also holds a weekly yoga class in the practice waiting room for practice staff who want to improve their own wellbeing.

GP partner Dr Peter Cawston said: ‘I don’t think we are trying to be a radically different GP practice. But it is a feeling we are able to make more of a difference to people’s lives than we were before.’

10:05 Apparently it’s National Gardening Week, and NHS Wakefield CCG is using this to highlight the benefits of gardening exercise for the over-65s.

Gardening is great exercise for older adults. More on activity guidelines for over 65s: https://t.co/VLWPYWCCL9 #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/AwIz5G7Yk6

— NHS Wakefield CCG (@NHSWakefieldCCG) April 10, 2017

09:45 A game-changing stroke treatment will see patients treated on the NHS using a ‘3ft-long wire’, reports the Sun and other news outlets.

So-called ‘mechanical thrombectomy’, which will be rolled out across the NHS later this year, is said to be three times more effective than current drugs used to dissolve blood clots.

If used within six hours it boosts hope of survival and reduces risk of disability resulting from a stroke.

NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said the decision ‘puts the NHS at the leading edge of stroke care internationally’.