Health Report - Separate stories podcast

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

After studies showed certain vaccines had a protective effect against Alzheimer's, researchers wanted to see if treating the virus might slow disease progression. However in a group of people with early Alzheimer's disease this had no effect on cognitive decline.  Also, a new study urges us to rethink the side effects of statins. And GLP-1s under the spotlight for nutritional deficiencies and musc...

Cardio might be the most effective way to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms, according to a new review of the evidence. It also suggests the kind of class, and how long you exercise for, should differ depending on whether you’re addressing depression or anxiety. It indicates exercise could be prescribed as a first-line therapy, being as good as, or better than, medication and talking therapi...

In recent years more women have been opting for home births, and in some extreme cases women have eschewed medical support entirely. In some states, including recently in Victoria, new advice has come in to address gaps in the maternal care system that leave some women feeling disempowered. They’ve placed emphasis on open discussions between doctors and patients, and a woman’s right to deny certai...

Beta blockers, which can slow down the heart rate, are often prescribed after a heart attack. But recent studies have painted a conflicting picture of how effective these drugs are in reducing heart problems in this scenario. While these studies have complicated the story, experts are cautioning people not to act without checking in with their doctors. Guest/s Professor Jason Kovacic , director an...

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

Two cases of Nipah virus have been identified in India, but this isn't the first outbreak of the bat-borne disease.  The World Health Organization says there's a low risk it will spread beyond India.  Also, the Victorian Government makes a controversial decision that could see people with ADHD receive six months worth of medication over the phone.  References Nipah and Hendra Viruses: Deadly Zoono...

Becoming unwell is stressful enough, but now patients are fighting back on the financial stress that often follows. Close to one in five Australians say they’ve delayed or cancelled specialist appointments or surgeries because of the cost. On top of that, half of Australians say medical costs have caused them stress, and some report receiving unexpected bills that sometimes seem unrelated to their...

Getting sick more often in the first few years of life can have flow-on effects throughout childhood, according to a new study. Children who caught more infections before the age of three went on to get sick more often, and use more antibiotics. It raises the question – should we be doing more to protect toddlers, rather than treating recurrent colds as a part of growing up? Guest/s Dr Linny Kimly...

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

The government has announced it will establish a database that provides a complete picture of a patient's medicines history.  At the moment, this information is only available for high-risk medications.  Also good news in the first year of the Shingrix vaccine rollout to protect against the painful shingles virus.  And a Cochrane review casts doubt on the use of medicinal cannabis for chronic nerv...

ChatGPT is about to open up its dedicated health AI bot, and it has people wondering about the safety of relying on Big Tech for this advice.  Many people already turn to AI for health tips, and help in decoding dense medical language.  While there can be positives, experts are concerned about the speed at which these platforms are moving — as regulation struggles to keep pace.  Guest/s Professor...

There are many reasons someone might need to terminate a pregnancy. At the moment women should be able to access medications up to nine weeks. But in some locations and some clinics there are barriers that can significantly delay care. How can access be improved, and why aren’t medical abortions offered beyond nine weeks? Guest/s Professor Danielle Mazza , head of the department of general practic...

Fat has gotten a bad wrap, but one expert is determined to educate people on its importance. Fat cells are responsible for storing energy, insulating, protecting delicate tissues and producing the appetite hormone leptin. Professor Stephen O’Rahilly argues the fat cell is not to blame for the harms of obesity. Instead, the harms come when the fat cell becomes overwhelmed. Professor Sir Stephen O’R...

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

In the US, companies have jumped on the trend of people abstaining from alcohol in January and offered THC as an alternative. It raises the question – is THC, or cannabis more broadly, a healthier alternative to alcohol? And what are the health benefits of avoiding alcohol for a month? Guest/s Professor Michael Farrell , director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW References...

Palliative care is designed to support people with life-limiting illnesses, but many people aren’t accessing it until they’re close to death. That’s despite research showing that accessing care early can improve quality of life and alleviate suffering. A new study has found early palliative care is associated with a higher likelihood of dying at home. It is also linked to a lower likelihood of hos...

In some places in Australia, women are notified of how dense their breasts are after they’ve undergone their routine mammogram. Dense breasts can be a risk factor for cancer, and can also make it harder to detect. But notifying women can cause anxiety and confusion, not only because of the risks, but because of the out-of-pocket costs that follow. Guest/s Dr Brooke Nickel , senior research fellow...

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

For the first time since the pandemic began, we haven't seen a significant spike in COVID-19 cases over the holidays.  However there has been a rise in flu cases, with a strain spreading that evades the vaccines.  The United States could lose its measles elimination status, but a senior CDC official says it's "the cost of doing business".  And a new review reiterates what experts have been saying...

How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer.  Also, we could be missing cases of liver disease because of differences between pathology centres.  The final 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: does artificial intelligence...

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. Kenn...

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 recove...

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...

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...