Health Report - Separate stories podcast

In the news this week: Research commissioned by the RACGP shows limited evidence for benefits of community pharmacists prescribing drug treatments for around 20 common and minor conditions A law change means registered nurses will soon be able to prescribe some PBS medicines A US study shows disparities in cancer screening rates for LGBTI+ populations, what's happening here in Australia? Australia...

The AIHW's Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, rising by 39 percent over the past decade and overtaking coronary heart disease. Guest/s Michelle Gourley, Head, Burden of Disease and Mortality Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing   References Australia's health 2026 (AIHW)

A study comparing the diets of Swedish participants at risk of dementia, as well as those who were not provides more evidence for the importance of a healthy diet in prevention of the condition. Guest/s Anja Mrhar, Visiting researcher, Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet and PhD candidate in Biosciences – Nutrition, University of Ljubljana  References Diet Quality and Dementia Risk in O...

People diagnosed with septic shock in intensive care units are more likely to die within 5 years of hospitalisation.  Researchers say more needs to be done to raise awareness of early warning signs to prevent these conditions, and more targeted post admission care and follow up for those who have experienced septic shock. Guest/s Professor Andrew Udy, Deputy Director of the Australian and New Zeal...

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

In the news this week: Asthma is getting worse in Australia. Are prevention treatments being used widely enough? Australia's medicine safety black triangle scheme aims to encourage people to report drug side effects, but new research shows most users don't know it exists. New pneumococcal vaccine has wider coverage and is available to more people. US based drug company to remove opioid disorder tr...

Musculoskeletal health researchers went looking for alternative treatments for those with chronic pain.  They're now studying the impact of sleep and have found a moderate reduction in pain for those who took melatonin. If you live in Brisbane of Sydney and would like to take part in the SLEEP-FIT study, click here . Guest/s Michelle Hall, Associate Professor within Sydney Musculoskeletal Health a...

A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people.  Researchers say this effect isn’t simply driven by inflammation or diet, but suggests an underlying difference linked to genetic risk, and the test could one day help clini...

Standing and walking exercises are standard treatment for those with spinal cord injuries. A recent study tested the addition of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to rehab training to see if it can improve walking mobility. Guest/s Dr Liz Bye, research fellow and physiotherapist from spinal cord injury research collaborative, University of Sydney  References Transcutaneous spinal cord...

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at  healthreport@abc.net.au The little-known cause of heart attack in young women

In the news this week: Evidence for IVF add on treatments weak or non-existent Health risks of toxic weight-loss peptides like unapproved "Retatrutide" purchased online Bird flu update, WA Health says they are monitoring humans who have been exposed, but risk is low References Safety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-ons No evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve ferti...

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) decision to restrict but not ban the use of paraquat by farmers has disappointed some in the medical and scientific community. Movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of pesticide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease. Guest/s Associate Professor Wes Thevathasan, Parkinson...

Following hospitalisation for cardiac procedures, patients are offered a 6-8 week rehabilitation program to help them recover and make lifestyle changes to improve heart health.  But a study shows only 1 in 5 people do the program, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. So what's going wrong? Guest/s Dr Susie Cartledge, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University sch...

There has been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia.  A childhood immunisation expert says one on one conversations with trusted health care providers are vital for parents who have immunisation concerns and this can have real impact on others in their community. Guest/s Professor Margie Danchin, im...

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

In the news this week: Neurological symptoms in survivors of Ebola. Internet searches surge after Trump's statements on autism and painkillers Delays to planned bulk billings changes. An update on the removal of a drug for breast cancer, endometriosis treatments from Australian markets. References Neurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease . Internet Searches for Leucovo...

Those who drink alcohol want to do so safely, but the risks of disease are ever present. Studies show differing health outcomes and relationships between consumption of alcohol and diseases like cancer, early onset dementia and heart disease. A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can...

You've probably experienced it - full-volume music blasting during a sweaty gym class. Does it make your workout better, or is it just hurting your ears? Guest Assistant Professor Janet Choi, ENT Physician, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California References Lower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity

Neurodegenerative movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are currently diagnosed via the patient's clinical symptoms, without biomarkers. A study of more than 3000 donated brains from brain banks across the world, analysed genetic material and showed misdiagnosis rates of between 10 and 20 percent.  Researchers hope to use these results to create clinical trials that will improve diagnostic a...

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

In the news this week: Researchers at a diabetes conference ejected after handing out editorial criticising US President Donald Trump. Fewer egg allergies in Australia after a shift in guidelines. The TGA says it's cracking down on unregulated peptides that risk consumer safety. Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report . For more on peptides,...

For many years it's been expensive and challenging to do genetic testing that works out if you're at greater risk of something like a heart attack or a specific type of cancer. That's meant testing is limited to those who already have a condition or a strong family history. But the decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of these tests means expanding their use is becoming a stronger possibi...

IUDs -- intrauterine devices -- are a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception. But Australia lags behind other comparable countries when it comes to their uptake. One barrier to greater use is concerns over the pain of having an IUD put in. A national survey has looked at how common women experience pain during an IUD insertion and the factors linked to pain - including menta...

Australian researchers have published an editorial in Science critiquing the state of our peer review for scientific grants. They say the current state of affairs is 'farcical', with the removal of panel reviews limiting opportunities for true review of a grant application's merits and budget. Guests Professor Massimo Hilliard, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Insti...

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au