Scott Lear, PhD
@drscottlear.bsky.social
Professor at Simon Fraser University in the use of healthy behaviours to prevent and treat disease. Lived experience with depression and heart disease. Active in #scicomm through my blog (www.drscottlear.com) and podcast How to Health.
Each year people end up in the ER from snow shovelling. But is snow shovelling really the problem?
In this blog I discuss the health dangers associated with snow shovelling, how it's a good activity and how to keep your risk down.
drscottlear.com/2020/12/02/s...
In this blog I discuss the health dangers associated with snow shovelling, how it's a good activity and how to keep your risk down.
drscottlear.com/2020/12/02/s...
Snow shovelling: Good exercise or deadly activity? - Become your healthiest you
Snow shovelling may be a chore, but it's also a great activity for the muscles and heart. Here are some tips to keep you safe doing it.
drscottlear.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Each year people end up in the ER from snow shovelling. But is snow shovelling really the problem?
In this blog I discuss the health dangers associated with snow shovelling, how it's a good activity and how to keep your risk down.
drscottlear.com/2020/12/02/s...
In this blog I discuss the health dangers associated with snow shovelling, how it's a good activity and how to keep your risk down.
drscottlear.com/2020/12/02/s...
Two truths and a lie Tuesday. Which is the lie?
1. Resolutions can be made only on Jan 1.
2. Once a resolution has been met it fails to motivate.
3. Making long-lasting resolutions takes planning.
#newyearsresolutions
1. Resolutions can be made only on Jan 1.
2. Once a resolution has been met it fails to motivate.
3. Making long-lasting resolutions takes planning.
#newyearsresolutions
December 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Two truths and a lie Tuesday. Which is the lie?
1. Resolutions can be made only on Jan 1.
2. Once a resolution has been met it fails to motivate.
3. Making long-lasting resolutions takes planning.
#newyearsresolutions
1. Resolutions can be made only on Jan 1.
2. Once a resolution has been met it fails to motivate.
3. Making long-lasting resolutions takes planning.
#newyearsresolutions
Starting something new always begins with a small step. There's literally no way around it.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
December 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Starting something new always begins with a small step. There's literally no way around it.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
Mental health services and greenspace can reduce risk for heart disease.
In study of >1.7 million cardiac deaths, greater access to mental health services and greenspace reduced the association between air pollution and cardiac death.
academic.oup.com/eurjpc/artic...
In study of >1.7 million cardiac deaths, greater access to mental health services and greenspace reduced the association between air pollution and cardiac death.
academic.oup.com/eurjpc/artic...
December 26, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Mental health services and greenspace can reduce risk for heart disease.
In study of >1.7 million cardiac deaths, greater access to mental health services and greenspace reduced the association between air pollution and cardiac death.
academic.oup.com/eurjpc/artic...
In study of >1.7 million cardiac deaths, greater access to mental health services and greenspace reduced the association between air pollution and cardiac death.
academic.oup.com/eurjpc/artic...
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
~Jane Goodall
~Jane Goodall
December 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
~Jane Goodall
~Jane Goodall
Enjoy the holiday season, and also make time for your own self-care amidst all the busyness.
#mondaymotivation
#mondaymotivation
December 22, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Enjoy the holiday season, and also make time for your own self-care amidst all the busyness.
#mondaymotivation
#mondaymotivation
Sleep your way to a longer life.
It's recommended to get 7-9 hrs of sleep. Without sufficient sleep, your physical and mental health becomes impaired. In this study, sleep had a stronger relationship with life expectancy than physical activity and diet.
academic.oup.com/sleepadvance...
It's recommended to get 7-9 hrs of sleep. Without sufficient sleep, your physical and mental health becomes impaired. In this study, sleep had a stronger relationship with life expectancy than physical activity and diet.
academic.oup.com/sleepadvance...
Sleep insufficiency and life expectancy at the state-county level in the united states, 2019-2025
Statement of Significance Insufficient sleep is a common daily occurrence, yet the impact of insufficient sleep on life expectancy at the county level of t
academic.oup.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Sleep your way to a longer life.
It's recommended to get 7-9 hrs of sleep. Without sufficient sleep, your physical and mental health becomes impaired. In this study, sleep had a stronger relationship with life expectancy than physical activity and diet.
academic.oup.com/sleepadvance...
It's recommended to get 7-9 hrs of sleep. Without sufficient sleep, your physical and mental health becomes impaired. In this study, sleep had a stronger relationship with life expectancy than physical activity and diet.
academic.oup.com/sleepadvance...
Two truths and a lie Tuesday. Which is the lie?
1. Standing isn't the solution to sitting.
2. Smiling is contagious.
3. Snow shovelling doesn't count as activity.
#healthylifestyle
1. Standing isn't the solution to sitting.
2. Smiling is contagious.
3. Snow shovelling doesn't count as activity.
#healthylifestyle
December 16, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Two truths and a lie Tuesday. Which is the lie?
1. Standing isn't the solution to sitting.
2. Smiling is contagious.
3. Snow shovelling doesn't count as activity.
#healthylifestyle
1. Standing isn't the solution to sitting.
2. Smiling is contagious.
3. Snow shovelling doesn't count as activity.
#healthylifestyle
Five benefits of exercise you may not know:
1. Boosts your creativity
2. Helps out your microbiome
3. Improves your relationships
4. Leads to healthier nutrition
5. Prevents DNA damage
#mondaymotivation
1. Boosts your creativity
2. Helps out your microbiome
3. Improves your relationships
4. Leads to healthier nutrition
5. Prevents DNA damage
#mondaymotivation
December 15, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Five benefits of exercise you may not know:
1. Boosts your creativity
2. Helps out your microbiome
3. Improves your relationships
4. Leads to healthier nutrition
5. Prevents DNA damage
#mondaymotivation
1. Boosts your creativity
2. Helps out your microbiome
3. Improves your relationships
4. Leads to healthier nutrition
5. Prevents DNA damage
#mondaymotivation
Couples who gossip together many be happier.
Small study found that couples who engaged in gossip together were more likely to be happier.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Small study found that couples who engaged in gossip together were more likely to be happier.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Couples who gossip together many be happier.
Small study found that couples who engaged in gossip together were more likely to be happier.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Small study found that couples who engaged in gossip together were more likely to be happier.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Want to get your steps (or other activity) in? Prioritize your sleep.
In study of 71K people, getting 7-9 hours of sleep led to more steps the following day than getting less (or more) sleep.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
In study of 71K people, getting 7-9 hours of sleep led to more steps the following day than getting less (or more) sleep.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
December 11, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Want to get your steps (or other activity) in? Prioritize your sleep.
In study of 71K people, getting 7-9 hours of sleep led to more steps the following day than getting less (or more) sleep.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
In study of 71K people, getting 7-9 hours of sleep led to more steps the following day than getting less (or more) sleep.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
One week of social media 'detox' reduced symptoms of depression (25%), anxiety (16%) and insomnia (15%) in young adults.
(yes, I do see the irony of posting it on social media)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
(yes, I do see the irony of posting it on social media)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Social Media Detox and Youth Mental Health
This cohort study evaluates the outcomes of a 1-week social media detox intervention on behavior and mental health symptoms.
jamanetwork.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:37 AM
One week of social media 'detox' reduced symptoms of depression (25%), anxiety (16%) and insomnia (15%) in young adults.
(yes, I do see the irony of posting it on social media)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
(yes, I do see the irony of posting it on social media)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Too many times we hear people (influencers) equate weight with health. But that's misguided.
In this episode we discuss why people equate weight with health, the role of excess fat in health and when changes in weight are good and when they're not.
open.spotify.com/episode/0er3...
In this episode we discuss why people equate weight with health, the role of excess fat in health and when changes in weight are good and when they're not.
open.spotify.com/episode/0er3...
November 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Too many times we hear people (influencers) equate weight with health. But that's misguided.
In this episode we discuss why people equate weight with health, the role of excess fat in health and when changes in weight are good and when they're not.
open.spotify.com/episode/0er3...
In this episode we discuss why people equate weight with health, the role of excess fat in health and when changes in weight are good and when they're not.
open.spotify.com/episode/0er3...
Weight is probably one of the most measured metrics in healthcare yet it doesn't tell much about your health.
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
Your Weight is not a Measure of Your Health - Become your healthiest you
We’re a society obsessed with weight. It’s no wonder the weight loss industry was estimated to be worth $142.6 billion in 2022. And it’s expected to more than double by 2030. This isn’t surprising whe...
drscottlear.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Weight is probably one of the most measured metrics in healthcare yet it doesn't tell much about your health.
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
In this blog I discuss how health and weight relate to each other, being healthy at different weights and why weight fails us in terms of health.
drscottlear.com/2025/11/05/y...
Reposted by Scott Lear, PhD
We spend hours sitting and it’s taking a toll on our health. Prolonged sitting raises risks for diabetes, heart disease, and more.
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
November 3, 2025 at 11:24 PM
We spend hours sitting and it’s taking a toll on our health. Prolonged sitting raises risks for diabetes, heart disease, and more.
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
@drscottlear.bsky.social shares how “exercise snacks” can boost energy, metabolism, and focus. open.spotify.com/episode/1Wrc...
Today is World Smile Day! A day devoted to smiling and acts of kindness.
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
The Science Behind Smiling - Become your healthiest you
The smile. A simple gesture that has so much power to make you feel better and lift the mood of those around you. And we should be doing more of it.
drscottlear.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Today is World Smile Day! A day devoted to smiling and acts of kindness.
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Smiling can make both you and everyone around you happy. Let's see how many smiles we can give!
drscottlear.com/2019/12/11/t...
Getting in your exercise doesn't have to be going to the gym, running, swimming, etc. It can be anything that gets your heart and breathing rate up
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
What counts as exercise? - Become your healthiest you
We all know exercise is good for us, but not all of us want to sweat it out in a gym. Thankfully, there's a whole bunch of activities that count as exercise.
drscottlear.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Getting in your exercise doesn't have to be going to the gym, running, swimming, etc. It can be anything that gets your heart and breathing rate up
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
In this blog I discuss how much exercise is recommended, the value of different activities and what counts as exercise.
drscottlear.com/2025/10/01/w...
Exercise snacks are a great way to get in your daily activity.
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
September 29, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Exercise snacks are a great way to get in your daily activity.
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
Just 2-3 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity such as climbing stairs, squats, jumping jacks, etc. a 5-10 times per day, and you'll get in your daily activity.
#MondayMotivation
No matter how good someone is at something now, they started from a point of not being good at the beginning.
September 24, 2025 at 9:24 PM
No matter how good someone is at something now, they started from a point of not being good at the beginning.
What does being healthy mean to you?
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
What does it mean to be healthy? - Become your healthiest you
We can’t go anywhere without hearing or seeing messages telling us to be healthier. Social media is flooded with fitness and diet influencers. And magazines fill check-out counters with covers screami...
drscottlear.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:29 PM
What does being healthy mean to you?
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Is it how you feel, having no diseases, your weight?
drscottlear.com/2025/06/04/w...
Two truths and a lie Tuesday.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
September 16, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Two truths and a lie Tuesday.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
Spot the lie:
1. The average person only gets half the recommended amount of dietary potassium.
2. Exercise provides no benefit to your mood.
3. Social jetlag is when you change your sleep patterns on the weekend.
If weight loss was easy, there wouldn't be:
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
September 15, 2025 at 7:25 PM
If weight loss was easy, there wouldn't be:
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
⭐️ Weight loss drugs
⭐️ A disease called obesity
⭐️ Half the population overweight
⭐️ Influencers peddling shady programs
⭐️ Magazines with the latest celebrity fad
⭐️ A >$200 billion weight loss industry
Motivation can get you started, but motivation can ebb and flow. It's discipline and consistency keep you going when motivation isn't there.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
September 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Motivation can get you started, but motivation can ebb and flow. It's discipline and consistency keep you going when motivation isn't there.
#MondayMotivation
#MondayMotivation
It's International Sudoku Day!
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
September 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM
It's International Sudoku Day!
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
Puzzles and games are associated with preventing cognitive decline and being less likely to get dementia.
I've stopped watching @NHL as all it is, is one big casino advertisement with a bit of hockey thrown in.
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
Doctors call for restrictions on sports betting ads, say they set youth up for problem gambling
Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial says the legalization of online gambling has made every smartphone a potential betting platform
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
I've stopped watching @NHL as all it is, is one big casino advertisement with a bit of hockey thrown in.
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...
This is a serious issue, as many of my son's friends in high school use online sports betting. Let's ban sports betting advertisements. #publichealth
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article...