Health Report - Full program podcast

Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In blood cancer, a revolutionary t-cell therapy has cured patients and could show promise in solid tumours.  In bladder cancer, the tuberculosis vaccine is infused to treat non-invasive cancer. However a shortage of BCG means researchers are having to test out other methods.  Also, is Australia on the front foot when it comes to type 2 diabetes treatment? And what does copper in the brain have to do with Parkinson's disease?

In the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, it can sometimes feel like the answer to everything is right around the corner.  A dog owner is testing this with the help of super-computing, to try and find another treatment for his dog's cancer.  Also, the national lung cancer screening program is about to begin. Who is eligible, and is the healthcare system prepared? And with syphilis cases rising in the community, there are implications for expectant mothers.

Hyenas and vultures play a role in driving down the risk of disease outbreaks, but their decline due to human behaviour is putting our health in danger. Also, we discuss Lifeblood's changes which bring down some of the barriers facing gay and bisexual men, and transgender women, who'd like to donate blood or plasma.  Pain education could help people with osteoarthritis get the most out of exercise programs — and even walk the Camino.  Plus there's a push to extend genetic carrier screening to cover dozens more conditions.

There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm.  Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment for people with schizophrenia. The full breadth of corporate ownership of radiology clinics is revealed.  And what questions need to be asked with IVF in the spotlight, as Monash IVF deals with the fallout from a second bungled embryo transfer. References: Medicinal cannabis prescribing practices under scrutiny after scripts issued 'every 4 minutes' - ABC News ‘Infuriating and dangerous’: Psychiatrist tries and fails to speak with his patients’ medicinal cannabis prescribers - AusDoc. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide versus placebo for people with schizophrenia on clozapine with obesity (COaST): a phase 2, multi-centre, participant and investigator- blinded, randomised controlled trial in Australia Corporatisation and ownership concentration in diagnostic imaging: an audit of Australian practices

Bringing clarity to health and medicA structured exercise program has increased survival in people with colon cancer after they've undergone surgery and chemotherapy.  Also, a common genetic variant could double the risk of dementia in men — if they receive two doses of the mutation.  We provide an update on the flu, COVID and RSV circulating the community. And a study bringing together millions of lab tests has found is take a lot longer for the body to bounce back from pregnancy than commonly thought.  References: Measles Seroprevalence in Infants Under 9 Months of Age in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Gene–Environment Interaction Affects Risk of Atopic Eczema: Population and In Vitro Studies Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer - NEJM  Haemochromatosis Genotypes and Incident Dementia in a Prospective Study of Older Adults Pregnancy and postpartum dynamics revealed by millions of lab tests - ScienceAdvances al issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

Our cognitive ability changes throughout our lives, but what happens when we're young can determine our intelligence in adulthood — especially if we don't do anything to bolster it.   Also, NSW follows other states in allowing GPs and diagnose and treat ADHD. There are updated guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis.  And when you go into remission from cancer, you usually undergo regular tests to make sure it hasn't returned. But does the evidence support this is beneficial, or simply a cause for anxiety?

If you've come across ads of Norman pushing a product for you to buy — no you haven't.  These ads are actually deepfake scams using an AI Norman to sell unproven supplements.  Also, why a new Alzheimer's drug coming onto the market might not become cheap enough for most people to take.  A breakthrough in gene-editing could push us closer to a future full of CRISPR treatments. And why eight hours a night might not be the magic number for sleep.

Gut health is more complicated than social media influencers might have you believe.  It can be impacted by diet, exercise, the medications you take, the colds you catch. And any one of these factors can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.  Also, an overlooked allergy that starts with a tick bite. And the barriers people face who are suffering iron deficiency and its often overwhelming symptoms.

It's a common sleep disorder that can have knock-on effects on your cardiovascular and overall metabolic health.  But sleep apnea doesn't always present how people think, especially in women.  Also, we take a look at Labor's health promises as they start their second term in government.  New guidelines have been developed to improve care in early pregnancy loss.  And one in seven Australians is on an antidepressant, in some cases simply because it can be so hard to come off them.

The immune system seems to respond faster, and better, when you get a booster vaccine in the same arm as your initial vaccine.  Also, your GP might miss something going wrong with your liver because of the way pathology labs report blood test results.  And a common type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, could be used to treat knee osteoarthritis — and delay knee replacements.

When you can't make medical decisions for yourself, it's often the responsibility of a loved one, or sometimes a doctor who doesn't know you at all.  Some researchers are suggesting artificial intelligence could be trained to know your wishes and be another voice in the room when making decisions.  Also, it can take up to 95 per cent vaccine coverage to protect against measles outbreaks. How's Australia doing? And curing cancer can take a toll. Is there a way to adjust treatment protocols to drive down the risk of long-term side effects?

In Australia, we've already seen more cases of measles this year than we saw during the whole of 2024.  It's believed misinformation is to blame, leading to vaccine hesitancy and exposing the community to a highly infectious virus.  Also, we take a look at draft guidelines for prostate cancer. Why a 'minor' stroke isn't very minor. And new evidence looking into the metabolic effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Australia has been at the forefront of research into how what we eat affects our mental health.  What do we know so far, and what are some small changes you can make to see improvements? Also, the doctors strike in NSW continues a much-needed conversation about conditions in the public health system.  And hoping to find out your risk of heart attack and stroke? This is where to start.

Quitting smoking can be tough, and for many women who've fallen pregnant their only option has been to go cold turkey.  Researchers are trying to figure out whether medications to help are safe for mum and bub.  Also, a condition that causes breathlessness that's often mistaken for asthma. These are the symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction.  And a study suggests we've been majorly underestimating the burden of diabetes in Australia.

A study of people with neurodegenerative disease has discovered that bursts of creativity can happen when the brain is shutting down.  Also, there's a lot of misinformation out there about back pain and how to treat it. Here's where the evidence isn't.  And the questions women should ask before undergoing vaginal surgery if their sexual function is important to them.

A new resource has launched to provide information to the millions of Australians living with osteoarthritis.  It pushes back against the idea that an injection or surgery will fix all your woes when it comes to this degenerative disease.  Also, what climate change is doing to our hearts, and how a simple check in at school is helping students manage their mental health.

What used to be called hypochondria is now health anxiety — an excessive worry about developing a serious illness.  While experiences of health anxiety vary, for some people it can take over their lives and even lead to physical symptoms.  Also, a link between conditions like endometriosis and heart disease.  And local scientists help make a big discovery about how cells recycle waste.

When you have dementia, being diagnosed early can help you and your loved ones manage the condition. It could also aid in treatment. A new study has found that in some cases, weight loss and lipid changes happened up to a decade before dementia was diagnosed. Also, concerns that people of a higher weight with restrictive eating disorders could access GLP-1s if doctors aren’t screening patients appropriately. And why type 1 diabetes is more commonly being diagnosed in adults, not just children and adolescents.

On social media, an influencer's job is to influence you — to get you to strive for a particular lifestyle or buy a specific product.  In some cases they're pushing medical tests, telling people to take charge of their health with full body MRI scans and cancer detection tools that have very little, or no evidence to support them. Also, we take a comprehensive look at GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. And who should be substituting table salt for potassium salt?

Victoria is starting to notify women when they have dense breasts on their mammogram, following Western Australia and South Australia.  So what does this information mean? And what should you be doing with it? Also, the concerning state of health policy in the United States. A correction on adolescent mental health. And what western medicine can learn from First Nations communities about autonomy and traditional living.

Australia has been highlighted in an international report on the rising incidence of bowel cancer in young people.  Our screening age was dropped last year to 45, however the overall uptake of bowel cancer screening remains at about 40 per cent.  Also, a private hospital opening in Melbourne is promising to cut the cost to its patients down to zero.  And what can be done to prevent depression and anxiety in adolescents?

There's a shortage of eggs in Australia, and it might not let up as we brace for the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu.  That strain has shown is can make the jump into humans. But how does it manage? Also, menopause hormone therapy is in high demand. What are the benefits and the risks? And with kids spending less time outside, short-sightedness is on the rise. But treatments are improving.

There are some things you can do to guard against cognitive decline, and a study has found a hands-on approach is best.  Also, rates of vaccination in pregnancy are falling in New South Wales.  Should Australia follow Italy's lead and screen everyone for coeliac disease? And we hear from two friends who've had strokes 20 years apart.

Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s.  It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.

When Gillian suffered a stroke at age 50, Kylie was one of the first friends she reached out to.  It wasn't Gillian's first life-altering medical emergency, having gone through cancer treatment years earlier.

Despite their strokes being 20 years apart, Kylie and Gillian were left with similar disabilities.  Both faced a long and often gruelling period of rehabilitation — thankfully with partners and friends by their sides.

When Kylie had her stroke, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) didn't exist.  It took Gillian's stroke, 20 years later, for Kylie to fully understand how much support she was missing out on.

For a long time many have assumed they can tell how healthy a person is because of their weight. Now, a major global collaboration of experts is challenging that.  A Lancet commission has recommended changing the criteria for clinical obesity to move away from BMI as a sole measure of health.  Also, why a recent review into fluoride in drinking water is flawed — and a higher quality study done in our own backyard.  And how a genetic study of depression could unlock new treatments for people who are struggling to find medications that work.

We try to give little kids the best start in life, and in supermarkets there's an ever-expanding range of foods marketed specifically for them But how much sugar is in them? Plus, we peer into the evidence around ultra-processed foods. References: Ultra-processed foods are ‘pushing aside’ all other food groups to dominate global diets Science Extra: Weight of the world

Bras might seem unrelated to knee injuries, but research suggests otherwise. Women are significantly more prone to tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and wearing the right bra could help reduce this risk. It's a good thing because knee injuries can have devastating consequences for women's health and mobility. And why vaping become one of the biggest health issues of 2024.

The first 2,000 days of life are crucial for brain development. Children learn and grow more during this time than at any other point in their lives. However, research shows many childcare centres are failing to provide proper nutrition: children are going hungry, and meals often don't meet basic dietary standards. Experts are calling for better food support in disadvantaged areas and improved nutritional guidelines for early childhood centres to help children get the nourishment they need.

Scientists are increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations, and emerging research points to the gut microbiome as a key factor in understanding this trend. A study from the University of Melbourne uncovered a specific bacterial strain that can cause DNA damage, potentially triggering the development of colorectal cancer.

Many individuals with knee osteoarthritis are being subjected to unnecessary tests and procedures, even though exercise is often the most effective treatment. New clinical care guidelines have been introduced, highlighting the importance of non-surgical approaches to manage pain and improve mobility. And do you ever worry you spend too much time sitting around? Well now you can find out. An international team of researchers has unpacked how long you should sit, stand, sleep and exercise for optimal health. References: Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard Associations of 24 h time-use compositions of sitting, standing, physical activity and sleeping with optimal cardiometabolic risk and glycaemic control: The Maastricht Study

Performance and image-enhancing drugs are more common than you might expect, especially if you're not enmeshed in gym culture.  Experts are worried the medical community has fallen behind the rise in steroid use, leaving users physically and mentally vulnerable.  Also, at-home testing kits promise to diagnose a range of illnesses from vitamin deficiency to cancers. Are they accurate? And motor neurone disease (MND) is affecting more Australians. With the environment likely to blame, researchers are trying to pin down the culprits.

There's already a lot to think about when you're trying to get pregnant. Should plastic be one of them?  Some fertility experts think that yes, cutting down your exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to make plastics, could help.  Also, the mission to come up with consistent guidelines for the testing of gestational diabetes. As early as possible, or wait until 24 to 28 weeks? And why rethinking dementia could improve our experiences of the condition.

Sore back from sitting all day? A new study suggest virtual yoga — much of which can be done from a chair — could help relieve low back pain. AI-generated deepfakes of health professionals are promoting a supplement, and concerning new data on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Two stroke survivors challenge Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Bill Shorten, on NDIS accessibility and funding. And a pilot program examining how music therapy can help those affected by early onset dementia.

Some describe Australia as the allergy capital of the world, noting high rates of food allergies — what can parents do to help kids early?  Why the term 'Munchausen by Proxy' is making headlines, and how to spot Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA). The global impact of Donald Trump's re-election on abortion access and funding. And a new study shows screening of parents can help identify couples with a higher chance of passing on genetic disorders to children.

Our joints are capable of making a cacophony of sounds, even more so as we get older. Is it ever a cause for concern? Research shows once more that vaccination protects against long COVID, but the timing of the jab may be important.  Generations of teenagers have found a way to smoke weed — legal or not. So what do we know about the effects on the brain? And the Declaration of Helsinki has turned 60 years old. Are these ethical principles that guide clinical research up to scratch?

Donald Trump's re-election could spell big health policy changes for the United States, including the rolling back of a 20th century intervention.   Also, a major review into how health professionals operate in Australia, and how we can do better.  How checking blood pressure in childhood could prevent heart disease down the line.  Concerns about a common heart procedure. And, the last word on asthma treatment?

Spray-on skin already helps many burns patients, but what about those with deeper burns? Meet the team trialling a technique to grow sheets of replacement skin. Takeaways from the inquiry into Australia's COVID-19 pandemic response, and a dip in childhood vaccination rates. A new gene variant among some First Nations peoples in Oceania that could explain susceptibility to some diseases. And how physiotherapists are helping women who experience pain during or after sex.

What keeps some people running while others drop off? New data from parkrun groups shows why some keep coming back to jogging. New draft limits on 'forever chemicals' PFAS in Australia's drinking water from national medical research body. Type 2 diabetes incidence seems to be edging down in Australian adults — but this decline isn't the same across all ethnic groups. And juvenile arthritis is as common as type 1 diabetes among children, but diagnosis is much slower and there are vastly fewer specialists to treat this autoimmune disease.

The ancient practice of blood letting is still a vitally important treatment for some people. But for years that blood was being discarded. The viruses behind the recent burst of infections this Spring, and why your recent blood pressure reading might have been incorrect. Self-harm is on the rise among for young people, a major new report recommends addressing social and cultural contributors to halt this rise. And meet the 'breech whisperer' helping deliver babies in the breech position — bottom first instead of head first. He wants to preserve the delicate art of this manoeuvre.

There are plenty of app games on the market claiming to help kids with ADHD, depression or anxiety, a review examines if they do. MicroRNA researchers have won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. What's the big deal with these tiny molecules? Despite being common, there are few treatments for functional seizures and functional neurological disorder (FND). A new program is changing that. The rate of skin infections in Aboriginal children living in remote communities has halved over the course of a major five-year study, and this could prevent more severe life-threatening illnesses.

There's long been an assumed link between ADHD and dyslexia, and now a study has looked at the genes of thousands of people to find the overlap.  Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes and workplaces. Researchers have looked at a potential link between domestic levels of radon and childhood leukaemia. Can period-tracking apps be trusted to give you information about your fertility? And science fiction is becoming science fact in the field of brain-computer interfaces.

There are areas known as 'Blue Zones' where people were thought to live very long lives.  It was thought to have something to do with lifestyles in these spots, but one demographer has debunked the entire notion.  Also, we discuss the best way to maintain weight loss in adolescents with weight-related health problems.  How to screen for prostate cancer better, with fewer false alarms. And a new protocol that could reduce the toxicity of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment.

The government bans life insurers from using genetic testing results to demand higher premiums.  Inflammation in childhood is linked to metabolic disorders and mental illness in later life.  Australian invention could revolutionise X-ray market.  And COVID antiviral gets put to the test.

A scientist carbon dated his own kidney stone to better understand the mysterious, and painful, formations.  How a new approach could curb the biggest killer of young people.  The Ebola vaccine is put to the test. And diabetes drugs now available for weight loss prescriptions in Australia.

You hear a lot about the dangers of concussion in sport, but maybe sport can actually mitigate the harms of concussion. We navigate the link between tablet use in children and angry outbursts.  How erectile dysfunction and other issues below the belt can be indicators of problems above the belt. And did Australian supermodel Elle MacPherson really beat cancer without treatment?

Most people struggling with insomnia at least once in their life, and for some it's a long-term struggle. Can an app help with treatment? We give an update on all things COVID-19, including the latest research on vaccine effects.  How parents, childcare centres and policymakers can keep children safe from toxins.  And how accurate are food tracking apps, especially when it comes to complex meals?

Tips on how to fend off the behavioural problems and cognitive troubles that come with too much screen time, too young.  What a new paper has to say about semaglutide and suicidal ideation, plus promising results from a trial of antibiotics in sub-Saharan Africa.  What dietitians can do to help drive down the rising rate of obesity.  And a rare inner ear condition that could benefit from developments in gene therapy.

We know a varied diet of veggies is good for our microbiome, but what about a varied environment?  Where we spend our time also influences the good bacteria in our bodies. Also, we take a look at the mpox outbreak that's now a cause of international concern.  And why surgeons don't want you to get knee surgery if you've got osteoarthritis.

The Olympics has reignited a century-old debate about sex categories in sport — and what happens when policy doesn't align with biology.  A look at the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Melbourne. Also, a response to union calls for reproductive leave to support women going through menopause.  Why people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of severe injuries.  And the history of Hepatitis E, which one expert says Australia needs to take more seriously.

Marketing of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) tests could be exploiting the anxiety women might feel about their fertility.  An update on influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough in Australia.  Two more risk factors for dementia have been identified — what are the implications for preventing cognitive decline? And what impact does a double mastectomy have on breast cancer recurrence and deaths?

Research is clear on the benefits of exercise for certain types of pain, including for pain associated with cancer treatment. A running group is putting this into practice.  An update on mammal-to-mammal transmission of bird flu, and a check in with a major AIDS conference.  Also, do we need to reconsider regulations around cigarettes in the wake of a crackdown on vaping? And heart attacks in young women can have a major psychological impact — especially when the person had no known risk factors.

Adolescence is a stressful time. Researchers have been investigating simple ways to help improve teen mental health. The US president tests positive for COVID, plus the results of a large study into COVID vaccines and pregnancy. Asthma action plans to help manage the condition. How reminiscing about the past can improve wellbeing in the present. And why you should stick to soap and water if there's gastro about.

Sex tech is giving people with disability better access to their own bodies. What Australia is doing to prepare for the migration of birds that could be carrying a potentially catastrophic strain of avian influenza.  The argument for a sugar tax gets stronger, thanks to more evidence from countries that already have one.  And in the last 50 years of Aboriginal alcohol programs, what has worked? Plus a special NAIDOC issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.

Clarity on vaping changes and a look at the national diabetes inquiry. It turns out Australians are getting close to half of their energy needs from ultra-processed foods which can increase the risk of chronic disease Experts believe seasonal depression is more common in Australia than once thought. New research shows Indigenous Australians with hearing loss aren't getting the care they need.

Is it 10 thousand steps or 30mins? How advice on regular exercise varies. What's being done in response to medication shortages. Deprescribing is when you wean off a prescription medication you no longer need, but it needs to be done safely, and it can be difficult to find the right advice. Experts want women to know they don't have to suffer through heavy periods. And when all the tests come back negative, initially it's a weight off your mind, but then you start to wonder, 'what the hell is wrong with me?'

Take a look at changing teaching methods in the classroom, and why that matters for future health. Australian researchers are developing a new drug to fight the potentially deadly condition of sepsis. Could a common drug be used to treat macular degeneration? And what effect does space travel have on ageing?

A comprehensive review has delved into the current research into zinc supplements and their effectiveness. Research has shown that people experiencing chronic pain see the world as a harsher place – distances are longer and hills are steeper. We blink more than we need to, and scientists have been trying to find out why. And, sharing memories of Michael Mosley.

Many people with migraines suffer in the dark for years before they find the right treatment, but one neurologist has suggested a framework to ease the pain.  What's happening at the cellular level when an ageing brain is exposed to exercise? At least through the microscope, it looks like rejuvenation.

Australia has a successful breast cancer screening program, but experts say it can (and should) be better.  New research drives home the importance of treating type 2 diabetes as early as possible for lifelong benefits.  An update on how COVID vaccines are faring with all the new variants circulating in the community.  And we take a look at some of the advancements being made in transplant technology.

The top five things you can do to keep your mental health in check, plus an update on the virus everyone is talking about: bird flu.

Correcting the record on fructose, and new research offers some clues about whose allergies might desist as they grow up.  Also, new insights from a vaccine complication, and the risk of catching a common virus during pregnancy.

How bird flu has (probably) gone from cows to humans, as well as the latest on psychedelics for depression and psychotropics in healthcare. How much time you should spend sitting, standing, moving and sleeping for the optimal 24 hours.  How sexuality might shorten your lifespan. And why the health effects of nanoplastics are so difficult to uncover.

Researchers have found a possible link between iron and long-COVID Each year the flu vaccine is reformulated to target the current strains of influenza A and B that are circulating globally — but what if it didn't need to be? A new review of Health at Every Size shows that, at least when it comes to measures like cholesterol and blood pressure, it's not enough on its own. One of the most common interventions for IBS is an elimination diet to try to identify a trigger. But that diet might carry its own risk – of triggering disordered eating – a new study warns. While grief effects everyone differently, a small group of people can find themselves 'stuck' in intense grief – it's not depression, it's prolonged grief disorder, and it can be treated. The Health Report mailbag features "stoolgazing" and when to collect your own samples… or not. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Avian influenza particles have been detected in US milk supplies, just how concerning is that? Why are COVID treatment recommendations different depending on what country you're in? And how much does the average Australian know about preventing dementia? The latest research on bras and knees. You might not think they have much to do with each other, but it turns out that wearing the right bra might actually reduce a woman's risk of a serious knee injury. Pregnancy has been linked to accelerated biological ageing — in simple terms, how old your cells are. And why being released from prison is a health risk.

Research into the influence of gender on autism spectrum disorder diagnoses. Calculating how many lives were saved by Australia's Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, and how to spot a fake Dr Karl, or Dr Swan, in the wilds of social media marketing. A review into how cognitive behavioural therapy can help young people who've experienced trauma. Recently updated WHO guidelines say babies as young as six months can start drinking cow's milk rather than infant formula, but that contradicts Australia's national guidelines. And the Federal Government has recently released more funds to build the local bone marrow donor system… but is it enough?

In light of the Bondi Junction attack, there's been a lot of commentary about mental illness - including schizophrenia. So what is schizophrenia? While the exact cause isn't known, it's a serious mental illness that can affect how a person behaves.  It might also surprise you to learn that someone with a diagnosis is more likely to be harmed, than to harm others. On this special episode of Health Report, Dr Norman Swan talks about the medical facts about the disorder, how common it is and some of the successful treatments.

Is a simpler solution to recurrent UTIs on the way? Plus when should you exercise to get the most benefit? A deep dive into the UK's reviews of gender affirming treatment, and how Australia's system differs.  Researchers say there's more PFAS in our water than previously thought, but how much do we know about the health harms? And a new way to deliver immunotherapy straight to the source in bladder cancer.

In health news this week it's cows with bird flu, vaccines for human flu, and GLP-1s for Parkinson's and possibly bowel cancer prevention. When your private health insurer won't pay, have you read the fine print on your policy lately? A look at health literacy barriers, when it's not the apple a day keeping some people away from the doctors' office. How mRNA technology developed during COVID is now being used to target the proteins that cause Alzheimer's and dementia. And new technology allowing researchers to look beyond standard autopsy results to investigate possible causes of some cases of SIDS.

How changes to codeine access impacted the use of PBS-listed opiods.  Pinpointing particular strains of bacteria that could lead to bowel cancer.  The Australian research that helped change our definition of anaemia.  And why aren't there already strict guidelines on indoor air quality?

Three recent scientific papers looking at ADHD treatment and other health outcomes. Why no one knows what your cancer treatment will do to your ovaries. In a small US study, brain cancer tumours shrank rapidly in the first few days when treated with chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR, T cells injected into the fluid around the brain. And suicidal thoughts are more common than researchers expected in people who do not fit with conventional diagnoses of depression or other psychiatric disorders.

Queensland's Chief Health Officer says the term "long-COVID" should be scrapped, but there are different definitions of what long-COVID is and different ways data is collected Evidence suggests toddler or transition milks are unnecessary at best and harmful at worst. Numbers of alcohol related deaths may have been under reported because past abuse isn't captured when a reformed-drinker dies.

A 62-year-old man in Germany—called HIM—deliberately received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination 217 times within a period of 29 months. Researchers were keen to know how he fared. Sleep has become a bit of an obsession and has us questioning just how much we need. A large study has compared participants' duration of sleep against their risk of Type 2 Diabetes. In pop culture and news coverage menopause and mood changes seem inextricably linked. A special series on menopause has just been published in the Lancet, with one paper specifically on mental health. In hospital emergency rooms emotions can run high, and tempers can get frazzled, which is confronting for both staff and other patients.

Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of global disability, and exercise looks like a candidate for treatment. But which type? Skin cancer is a major health risk for Australians, but access to proper cancer screening and treatment is difficult, especially in some of our highest-risk areas, like Far North Queensland. Sarcoidoisis is an enigmatic condition that may attack different parts of the body. Diagnosis is difficult and there are few treatments. It's now being comprehensively researched.

When COVID vaccines first became available in 2021, they were met with celebration. Finally we had some defence against this virus that had struck down so many and triggered such heavy lockdowns. But once they started rolling out en masse, a new concern emerged – reports of side effects that, while rare, could be severe.  Just how rare these conditions are has now been better described by a new paper drawing on data from 99 million people from across the world.  The answer – as we already suspected, there is a link between the vaccines here in Australia and conditions like heart inflammation, blood clots and a usually temporary paralysis called Guillian-Barre syndrome, among others. But the data also show the risk of those conditions is small in comparison to the risk of the same conditions in someone who actually catches COVID.  References: COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events of special interest: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals

News this week is The Government response to the long COVID inquiry, which looked into how many Australians are living with long COVID and what could be done to support them. And, a report on fine particulates in the air, and their relationship with coronary heart disease. A study has tested whether showing people actual pictures of the plaque inside their arteries is more persuasive than a simple risk score in promoting healthy changes. Turns out, it is. A senior cardiologist calls it The Hidden Killer, and it may contribute to about 50% of heart attacks, especially people who may be younger and with relatively normal cholesterol levels. It’s called Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). New data is showing that, for children, any contact with the criminal justice system means they’re more likely to die earlier, and have health problems of every kind. Are kids already at risk more likely to be targeted by the system—what would change this trend?

Health news: Insomnia: what kind of therapy and/or behaviour changes are more likely to work? And new advice on sun exposure that reflects Australia's diverse population. Low-carb diets have grabbed a lot of attention, promising weight loss and improved health, but they're not all the same. Diet is important for health, but foods high in sodium are a risk factor for high blood pressure, and stomach cancer. In early 2022, after nearly two years of the COVID pandemic, doctors started to notice another alarming trend: severe and unexpected liver disease in children all over the world. Some activities really make us feel good—like working up a sweat, or connecting with people. Might it be possible for a doctor to prescribe such activities?

A groundbreaking study from the Queensland Brain Institute has found serious deficiencies in the amount and quality of food provided to kids by Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. This can compromise kids' nutritional needs, and brain development. Getting a diagnosis for autism for a child or adolescent is a series of complicated and often expensive hoops to jump through—and it’s even harder for adults.

The addictive painkiller fentanyl has swept through the USA—but its effects haven't been as big in Australia. Why? Vaccination against COVID-19 can save lives and reduce the risk of severe disease. Why are some people under vaccinated—and what's the risk for people not up to date with shots? An early form of breast cancer—ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—is often found by women themselves, not as part of screening programs. The power and potential pitfalls of AI in medicine have been debated, but AI is already having an impact in radiology.

The drug name on everyone’s lips is semaglutide—a seemingly magical substance that can solve all our ills. But it’s not just semaglutide, there’s a whole class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. Opioids are commonly prescribed to patients who have cancer to help them with pain, but the drugs are not risk free and can have their downsides. Last year there was a Senate report into the state of dental care in Australia, and like a visit to the dentist—it wasn’t a fun read. Back pain affects so many people – but when doctors look at it, they find that while some people recovery quickly other continue to suffer in silence and agony. v

What's happening with COVID Australian vaccination rates are dropping A new term for chance discoveries on scans

The shock of a cancer diagnosis is familiar for far too many people. But when Na'ama Carlin was diagnosed with breast cancer, her health wasn't the only consideration.  If you're in need of support you can contact Mummy's Wish or Hope for Two.

First heard in July 2023 It’s called ‘young onset’ dementia if diagnosed before the age of 65—and can occur while people are still caring for kids and supporting a household. First heard in July 2023 We think breastfeeding is quite natural, but it doesn’t always come easily, and some issues—such as Breastfeeding Aversion Response (or BAR)—are still under-researched.

Drug use has been increasing, whether it be cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, or ketamine. That includes recreational use and substance abuse. So it begs the question: Has criminalising drugs ever worked? And what needs to be done to drive down the harms associated with this increasing drug use? If you're in need of support, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015, or contact Counselling Online.

A new kind of ADHD clinic is cashing in on surging demand for diagnoses—and promising salaries of more than $900,000 to recruit psychiatrists. As the need for services has grown, so have waitlists. Given the choice between a ChatGPT bot or a real doctor, a panel of health care professionals found the bot's responses were both more empathetic and gave higher quality information.

More and more people are tackling the bracing discomfort of ice bath sessions. Alongside several touted health benefits there are some serious risks. Norman is at Bronte Beach to chill. Researchers observed the cardiac and neural signals from a small number of ICU patients at the point when ventilatory support was withdrawn. They recorded the quite new phenomena of electrical activity in a particular area of the brain. Keeping motivated to exercise can be difficult, but for people getting over a traumatic brain injury it's even more so. An exercise program at Liverpool Hospital uses gaming to encourage activity.

Feeling dissatisfied with their appearance can become an obsession for some people, and affect quality of life and relationships. Most people can benefit from reduced salt intake, and so reduce the risk of heart attack, atrial fibrillation, stroke, dementia, and kidney damage. A few months ago the program there was a story on an under-recognised cause of high blood pressure called primary aldosteronism. One listener asked to be tested. An area of Australian healthcare that might be a candidate for review is drug subsidy. We might consider what New Zealand's PHARMAC does, and conduct a competitive tender.

Bringing clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

There are eerily familiar of clusters of respiratory infections being reported across China. We know that for some health conditions women are more likely to have a worse time than men. But for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the chances of a woman sustaining an injury to it are up to 6 or even 10 times as likely as men. When someone has a complex or severe mental health issue, the specialist they really need is a psychiatrist. However, GPs are finding it now more difficult to track down a psychiatrist to accept their patients.

Another COVID wave, another COVID vaccine and another episode of Coronacast ... sort of? Norman and Tegan will be providing coronavirus updates when needed, so subscribe to The Health Report feed so you don't miss out! References: The unequal effects of the health–economy trade-off during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2016 Australia legalised cannabis for medicinal use and now the Greens party are advocating for its recreational use as well. The Australian Medical Association say that would send the wrong message. Antimicrobial resistance has been described an emerging public health emergency. A major cause is overuse of antibiotics and other drugs to combat microbes, like fungi. When a baby is born premature time is of the essence, and the idea of slowing things down in those first few moments seems counter-intuitive.

In March 2023 a Senate inquiry began to review how the health system manages people with ADHD, and the Government has now three months to respond. The ABC's Birth Project invited people to share their experiences of birth in Australia—and if improvements could be made to the system. The responses indicate that there's plenty of scope Yellow Fever is spread by mosquitoes, and some U.S. researchers say that it's ripe for a comeback. The same species of mosquito is already either in Australia or nearby. The latest report on what we're spending on health in Australia has offered a clear picture of what COVID has cost. What's that rash contact details: What's that rash email: thatrash@abc.net.au on Instagram @abcheal

If we don't get enough sleep we're apt to doze off in the day, but for some people, dozing off can signal rare disorder of the brain's sleep-wake cycles, and it plays havoc with their lives. In one 24-hour period our body undergoes a number of synchronised  biological changes, which are also linked to our mental health.

A question asked about COVID-19 was whether high doses of intravenous vitamin C could fight it. Two randomised controlled trials showed no benefit for COVID-19. But high-dose Vitamin C can benefit cancer treatment. Arthritis of the hands is common, painful, a bit of a mystery, and hard to treat. Researchers have trialled a drug commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, and found some benefit. In Victoria, hospital researchers have been watching how COVID and lockdowns affected births there. Some hospital adaptations persisted well past the lockdown phases—including shorter hospital stays after birth. Blood cancers often affect people younger than the average person who develops cancer, and Australian and New Zealand haematologists have been pioneers in trialling new treatments—this year marking the 50th anniversary of the clinical trial group that coordinates studies.

Two of the most common causes of death in Australia, and globally, are stroke and dementia. One cause of stroke is atrial fibrillation—an abnormal heart rhythm—it may also cause dementia. Faecal microbe (or poo) transplants are something we've talked about on the program, but until recently, they've not been widely available. In fact, the product is made in Australia. Australia is to participate in a survey of the experiences of patients in general practice who have a chronic illness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an extreme form of anxiety caused by the laying down of bad memories when someone is involved in a threatening situation. A new treatment has been developed for people to write about their experience, and feelings about the memory. Having your blood pressure checked at the doctor's or hospital is a health care basic. A recent trial has found a significant and possibly unexpected source or error: the size of the cuff, relative to the thinness or thickness of your upper arm. For people with cancer, being offered a place in a clinical trial can provide hope of a better outcome, but trial participants are far less likely to be from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds than the general population. Hosts: Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor

Australians will soon vote on changing the Australian Constitution to recognise First Nations people—the Voice to Parliament. When it comes to health, there's a strong evidence base for the Voice. In a slightly edited form, we hear again a conversation from a few weeks' ago with two key people working in this area. Over the past two decades, deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with diabetes have gone down, but is revealing other trends