What's That Rash?

Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up? At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing… In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer.

It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction. At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure. References: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a rev...

For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health. You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms. Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up. References: Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and Al...

Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it? There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels.  Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us. References: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young...

Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves. Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed. Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives. References: Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality? Sleep...

It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone. The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage. Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd lo...

Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older. References: Physical and Mental Activity, Disease Susceptibility, and Risk of Dementia: A...

Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again. It can be confusing to follow. Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits? References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects...

Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal? It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day. Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much. References: Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners Statement of the 3rd Internatio...

As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlet...

It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise.  Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on...

When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References:  Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works bes...

Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency an...

Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.  The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.  So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given s...

Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and...

Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love...

Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites.  And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth.  Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. W...

What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane! Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.  We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane. Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coars...

Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'. One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norma...

The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hea...

Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right? Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances. Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHe...

Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness. There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century. But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic? Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc...

There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing. But do they work? And if so, how do they work? Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course). Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for...

Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night.  They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life.  Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line...

Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast? There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes.  But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo t...