Health Report

People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically.  Also, should everyone going onto GLP-1 medications for weight loss be screened and monitored for eating disorders?  Another instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process.  And a look back at the year: Robert F. Kennedy Jr and his hyperfixation on autism as an epidemic.  References Trump links paracetamol to autism, urges parents to delay vaccines The EPIPHA-KNEE trial: Explaining Pain to target unhelpful pain beliefs to Increase PHysical Activity in KNEE osteoarthritis – a protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with clinical- and cost-effectiveness analysis Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline Eating disorder resources: The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or webchat. Eating Disorders Foundation Victoria Eating Disorders Families Australia — 1300 195 626 Professionals Credentialed in Eating Disorders Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments.  Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expert highlights the need to better educate patients and doctors on deprescribing.  Another instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process.  And a look back at the year: infectious diseases.  References Why the US measles outbreak is so concerning How Australia's measles vaccine coverage compares to the US Antidepressant prescribing in Australian primary care: time to reevaluate RELEASE information and resources Health anxiety information and workbook Health anxiety in Australia: prevalence, comorbidity, disability and service use | The British Journal of Psychiatry The global economic burden of health anxiety/hypochondriasis- a systematic review Increase in the prevalence of health anxiety in medical clinics: Possible cyberchondria Cognitive behavior therapy for health anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and health economic outcomes A clinician’s quick guide to evidence-based approaches: health anxiety

There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease  – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes. Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Also, the exercise program that could change the game for colorectal cancer survivors.  And a look back at the year: GLP-1 medications for weight loss.  References Answering common questions about GLP-1s for weight loss Weight loss drugs could help people with schizophrenia GLP-1s and eating disorders — what are the risks? Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer - NEJM  Mapping Neuroimaging Findings of Creativity and Brain Disease Onto a Common Brain Circuit

Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could drive down your risk of heart attack and stroke.  Also, what expectant parents might not know about screening for genetic diseases before conceiving.  Artificial intelligence (AI) could soon be used to help predict decisions a person might make at the end of life.  And a look back at the year: Make America Health Again.  References Salt Substitution and Recurrent Stroke and Death: A Randomized Clinical Trial Mackenzie's Mission Nationwide, Couple-Based Genetic Carrier Screening - NEJM Unlocking the secrets of your DNA - the Health Report Can Artificial Intelligence Speak for Incapacitated Patients at the End of Life? Should artificial intelligence guide surrogate decisions in healthcare? - Journal of Medical Ethics blog A Personalized Patient Preference Predictor for Substituted Judgments in Healthcare: Technically Feasible and Ethically Desirable

Despite facing an increased risk of chronic disease later in life, remote Indigenous babies start life with a more diverse gut microbiome.  A new study in Nature also found the infants have bacteria that have completely disappeared from non-Indigenous populations.  Also, a guide to living healthy after a fatty liver disease diagnosis. And why fewer people are getting the HPV vaccine.  References Eating For Your Liver - Liver Foundation 2025 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report Indigenous infants in remote Australia retain an ancestral gut microbiome despite encroaching Westernization

Historically women have had a hard time being heard in the doctor's office, with dismissiveness and delays in diagnosis all too common.  The state government in Victoria has held an enquiry into women's pain to come up with recommendations aimed at shifting that experience to a more positive one.  Also, we get a better sense of what's nature vs nurture when it comes to our attributes and our disease risks.  And research suggests antibiotics, and their effects on the gut microbiome, could weaken vaccine response.  References The effect of shingles vaccination at different stages of the dementia disease course  WHO issues global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity  Product warnings updated for GLP-1 RA class - TGA  Inquiry into Women's Pain - Victorian Government Govt backs green whistle during IUD insertion in response to women’s pain inquiry Estimation and mapping of the missing heritability of human phenotypes Bifidobacteria support optimal infant vaccine responses - Nature Antibiotics-Driven Gut Microbiome Perturbation Alters Immunity to Vaccines in Humans The Antibiotics and Vaccine Immune Responses Study (AVIRS) – people must be in Adelaide to participate!

The dentists' chair is not everyone's favourite place. Have you ever sat there wondering, why would anyone become a dentist? We take a trip to dental school to find out why so many people get into dentistry, and the skills it takes.  Also, are we doing enough to weigh up the risks vs benefits of CT scanning?  And how an autoimmune skin condition actually affects the whole body, particularly the heart. References: Stronger safety controls to be introduced for products containing vitamin B6 - TGA Bird flu confirmed in elephant seal population at Heard Island Decades of data missing: Metastatic breast cancer cases double previous estimates Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging Study on current CT scanning practices and the incidence of future cancers Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial

No coffee for six months, not even decaf. That's what participants of a trial looking into the effect on atrial fibrillation were asked to do. Also, could we be on the verge of changing guidelines for asthma care in children? Or is it too early to call? And catching cancer early can be important. How far away are we from harnessing blood, urine and even saliva tests to help? References PFAS inquiry hands down 47 recommendations to better regulate 'forever chemicals' in Australia - ABC News  The Lancet series on ultra-processed foods Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (ATTAIN-2): a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial Caffeinated Coffee Consumption or Abstinence to Reduce Atrial Fibrillation: The DECAF Randomized Clinical Trial Budesonide–formoterol versus salbutamol as reliever therapy in children with mild asthma (CARE): a 52-week, open-label, multicentre, superiority, randomised controlled trial

There has been a rise in people that cut gluten out of their diet to address gut symptoms, despite not having a diagnosis of coeliac disease.  New research is shedding light on what might actually be at play in non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.  Also, how a common antibiotic might lower the risk of developing schizophrenia when given to young people at risk.  And a look at the cancer prevention strategies that could have a big impact, but that most countries aren't taking on board.  References Government expenditure on public health activities in Australia 2023–24 - AIHW Global prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents aged 19 years or younger: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity - the Lancet Global prevalence of self-reported non-coeliac gluten and wheat sensitivity: a systematic review and metaanalysis Doxycycline Use in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients and Risk of Schizophrenia: An Emulated Target Trial Cancers attributable to alcohol - IARC Alcohol: a major preventable cause of cancer (IARC Evidence Summary Brief No. 6)

If you live with chronic pain, getting referred to a psychologist for pain management can feel like another dismissal.  What does a session with a pain psychologist look like, and how effective can it be if you don't have any mental health diagnoses? Also, some practical information for parents introducing allergens to their babies. And how the nervous system might inadvertently be fuelling gastrointestinal cancers.  References Deaths due to acute respiratory infections in Australia - ABS Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of 3-Year-Old Children Exposed to Maternal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in Utero Pain Management Network Pain Management and Research Centre - patient information Management of Chronic Pain - for health professionals OPEN pain training - for health professionals Nip allergies in the bub The impact of reversing peanut allergy advice Are allergen starter packs safe? Sensory neuropeptide CGRP and its co-receptor RAMP1 drive tumour cell growth in gastrointestinal cancers

For 50 years we've known pulse oximeters are less accurate on darker skin, and it could lead to misdiagnoses.  Also, allergen starter packs are being advertised to parents. Are they safe? Guidelines have been released for male infertility care so men aren't left out.  And joint replacements don't last forever, but there are ways to extend their life. References Guidelines for the management of male infertility - Healthy Male Data Resource Profile: The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) Novel Hypoglossal Stimulation Markedly Improves Airflow and Airway Collapsibility in OSA Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry Measurement - NEJM Find a clinical trial

It's a tricky conversation to navigate, so researchers have tried to find out the best way to bring up weight in the doctor's office while dodging bias and stigma. Also, a look at the evidence surrounding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression.  The international effort to improve survival from pancreatic cancer. And how a change in guidelines spared tens of thousands of children from peanut allergy.  References Guidelines for Early Food Introduction and Patterns of Food Allergy New systematic review and meta-analysis shows an association between shingles vaccination and lower risk of heart attack and stroke  Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine - who should get vaccinated? Supporting weight focused discussions in primary care: A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators Discussing Weight with Patients in Primary Care in Australia: A Mixed Methods Experimental Study TGA approves new brain stimulation device for treatment of depression - ABC News The Australian Pancreatic High-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) Study The Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium

Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA.  We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed for altering the genome of babies without proper consent.  Also, we take a look at the common skin condition rosacea and what treatments are available. And some changes to blood test results mean you could see them before your doctor.  References Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report – World Health Organization  New test categories available for faster access on My Health Record

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and the pain associated with it can persist despite medications and surgery. New guidelines have suggested lifestyle changes like diet or supplements could work for some.  Also, what you can do in your 40s to prevent heart failure later on. And anal cancer is rare but might be going under people's radar. Who should be screened? References Assessment of malnutrition in preschool-aged children by mid-upper arm circumference in the Gaza Strip (January, 2024–August, 2025): a longitudinal, cross-sectional, surveillance study Testimony, advocacy, and the public health effect of genocide Health of the Nation report - RACGP Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists  Cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health: an actionable vision for heart failure prevention - the Lancet Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Daylight saving time kicks in this weekend for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Time shifts can be controversial, and in recent years there's been research into the effects on our health. One study has looked into the incidence of strokes and obesity.  Also, why experts want to change the name of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and we take a tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.  References: Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy - NHMRC Safety concerns over imported melatonin products - TGA Retraction: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Circadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policies Polycystic ovary syndrome perspectives from patients and health professionals on clinical features, current name, and renaming: a longitudinal international online survey - the Lancet Inside the Australian lab where scientists study bird flu and other emerging disease threats - ABC News Dynamic Balnce for Life A Judo-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls and Frailty Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

US President Donald Trump has told women they shouldn't take paracetamol (also known as Tylenol or acetaminophen) during pregnancy because it has been linked to autism.  We unpack the evidence with experts — where has this claim come from? Have we really found a treatment for autism spectrum disorder? And what are the dangers of taking health advice from Trump? Also, an unexpected result from a study looking into whether a yoga exercise program could prevent falls in older adults.

Trump has suggested there's a link between pregnant women taking paracetamol and autism in children.  In a press conference Trump said pregnant women with fevers should "tough it out".

A major change has been made to Australia's asthma guidelines, but how long will it take everyone to catch on? Also, we know daily aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease isn't beneficial, but a new study shows there might be risks.  And should the one-time blood test for lipoprotein(a) be free for everyone? References: National Climate Risk Assessment | Australian Climate Service Underestimating heat-related mortality—a comparison of excess mortality and death record studies for Australia - The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific More evidence climate change is bad for our hearts - ABC listen  Medical Imaging and Pediatric and Adolescent Hematologic Cancer Risk | New England Journal of Medicine Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate pizza-eating lizards, drunk bats and garlic-flavoured breast milk - ABC News Aspirin, cardiovascular events, and major bleeding in older adults: extended follow-up of the ASPREE trial Lp(a) testing for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-income countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis Australian Asthma Handbook

The way we get information has changed, and when it comes to health and wellness more and more people are turning to social media.  There are pros and cons, but when it comes to something as important as birth control, there's a price to pay for taking guidance from influencers.  Also on the show, why parent-focused programs haven't been working to tackle obesity in toddlers. And a story about the benefits of withdrawing medication, rather than starting it.  References Alcohol and Cancer Risk - JAMA Insights Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine GLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes  Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort study Joint statement on professional responsibilities for prescribing and dispensing medicines - AHPRA Parent-focused behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity (TOPCHILD): a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis “Do You Know What Birth Control Actually Does to Your Body?”: Assessing Contraceptive Information on TikTok Withdrawal of heart failure therapy after atrial fibrillation rhythm control with ejection fraction normalization: the WITHDRAW-AF trial

Researchers have tricked participants with placebo pain relief in an effort to map the brainstem.  Also, how immunotherapy might be used to treat mental health conditions in some young people.  And delays in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia means some people are missing out on important care.  References Answering common questions about GLP-1s for weight loss GLP-1s and eating disorders — what are the risks? A Case Series of Young People Receiving Adjunctive Immunotherapy for Neuroimmune-Mediated Major Mood or Psychotic Syndromes Fourteen years later: Reviewing the diagnostic criteria for behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia Somatotopic organization of brainstem analgesic circuitry A radical new way to treat low back pain - ABC listen You can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news.

Lots of people develop a daily skincare routine for anti-ageing purposes, but what if there are benefits from starting even earlier — at just nine weeks old? Also, a discussion in the United States about SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy has caused lots of anxiety. We talk through the risks versus the benefits.  And a common drug used to treat everything from nerves to heart conditions could show promise in stopping the spread of triple negative breast cancer.  References Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Meeting Outcomes - July 2025 Allostatic Load and Racial and Rural Disparities in Breast Cancer Survival | Oncology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function Emollients to Prevent Pediatric Eczema: A Randomized Clinical Trial Paternal Depression as a Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: Implications for Maternal Depression and Its Treatment During Pregnancy Association Between Serotonergic Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Hox-C12 coordinates β2-adrenoceptor coupling to a cAMP/calcium feedforward loop to drive invasion in triple-negative breast cancer Australian Physiotherapy Association You can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news.

Cognitive Functional Therapy can help relieve low back pain, and shows some positive long-term results. Ovarian cancer doesn't start in the ovaries, but in the fallopian tubes, and opportunistic surgery could prevent it. And is your gut microbiome responsible for your insomnia or is your insomnia changing your microbiome?

Dietary guidelines tell us what we should eat for good health, but at the moment it is possible to follow the guidelines and still eat predominantly ultraprocessed foods.  A new study has looked at the impact this has on your health, and compared it to a minimally processed diet chock full of whole foods.  Also, there are calls to change the criteria for diagnosing perimenopause. And the benefits of psilocybin for depression might have been overstated.

If you reach for a no-sugar drink, thinking you're making a wise choice, you might need to think again.  A new study suggests artificially sweetened drinks carry a similar type 2 diabetes risk to sugar sweetened beverages.  Also, loneliness is a growing public health issue, especially among younger people. What can we do to address it? And gynaecological cancer survivors are flipping the script, teaching health professionals.

There are ways to rejuvenate old memories, but a new study has compared the process to the myth of Sisyphus, who was cursed to repeatedly roll a stone up a hill.  Also on the show, many doctors are already using artificial intelligence to help take notes. But are patients always aware these AI scribes are in the room? The emergence of vaping has slowed our progress when it comes to smoking cessation.  And looking at a sick person might activate your immune system, getting it ready to fight off infection.

Just like human children, young bats have been found to harbour and spread lots of viruses.  Their susceptibility to contracting multiple viruses at once makes them the perfect breeding ground for new disease variants.  Also, we take a look at a study that seemed to show private hospital were better than public hospitals for childbirth. Is it that simple? And a survey of people with chronic conditions shows where Australia is ahead, and where we need to improve.

Five risk factors explain 50 per cent of cardiovascular risk at age 50, according to a new study.  Addressing those risk factors can add years to your life, even if you address them in middle age.  Also, the UK demonstrates a cutting edge IVF technique is effective at avoiding mitchondrial disease.  ADHD treatment has real world positives, but the effects are lessening as more people get diagnosed.  And an update on how RSV vaccination in pregnant women is going, five months into the program.

The human exposome is the environmental equivalent of the human genome, and there's a project in the works to map it.  It's a huge project that needs to take into account our lifestyles, cultures, economics and politics. Essentially, everything but our genome.  Also, a concerning disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to kidney transplants.  And a small risk comes to light in relation to GLP-1s used for diabetes and weight loss.  References Guidance on medicinal cannabis prescribing targets unsafe practice - AHPRA GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Am I on the list? Clinician‐reported factors for kidney transplantation non‐waitlisting among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with kidney failure: a cross‐sectional study The Human Exposome Project Generation Cancer - 4Corners Mapping the chemical complexity of plastics - Nature

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

A 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.