Health Report

Is AHPRA doing enough to curb unsafe prescribing?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Rachel has lived experience of an eating disorder and came across ads for a telehealth weight loss company on a podcast. The ads continue in their podcast feed, more than a year after they lodged a formal complaint with AHPRA. Rachel hasn't been updated on the status of the complaint.

Disrupted sleep during pregnancy and the post partum period can increase the risk of cardiovascular events for mothers, and it's now understood these risks can be transferred to the baby as well.

PBS listings for medications for three separate conditions have run up against President Trump’s most favoured nation pricing policy this year. New research on this policy and its impact shows there will likely be more of these disruptions to come.

References

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Why you should speed up your steps, even just in short bursts.

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace.

The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a drug to market to reduce Lipoprotein (a) levels announced that while it reduces levels of these molecules, that didn’t translate into fewer cardiovascular events.

A gene study provides further evidence that cerebral palsy may be a collection of symptoms, rather than a disease and indicates doing a genetic panel early on could improve treatment of affected children.

References

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Validation for people living with chronic pain

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID.

Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply and who is missing out?

Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert. What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region?

References

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Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000

It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia.

A new study shows people experiencing 'gout flares' more frequently have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease.

In the news:

Twenty years ago, the first dose of the HPV vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer was administered. What's the impact of the research that led to this, from University of Queensland's Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC and his colleague Dr Jian Zhou?
A Select Committee on Women's Health will look for the first time at post-partum care and pregnancy, amongst other issues that will support women. Submissions close on October 9.
Genetic markers for stress have been investigated in donated brain tissue of people with schizophrenia, showing stress genes had been turned on.
Two more people have died of measles in the United States

References

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Will this help more men get prostate checkups?

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000

New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups.

A new global study suggests people over sixty may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.

Overuse of active skincare is one of the causes of peri-orificial dermatitis. We ask a dermatologist about the best way to treat it.

References

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BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease.

A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being trialled in the hope it will provide faster and more accurate results to help detect and treat iron deficiencies.

We follow up on our earlier story about the lack of access to medical abortion services for women in rural and remote areas.

Guest/s

Dr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular Disease
Emily Eriksson, Senior Research Officer in immunology and infectious diseases, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Dr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

References

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Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000

‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating disorder.

Surveys of acute pancreatitis are currently underway around Australia, in response to an increase in cases globally. A study from South Australia shows some surprising results with an increased incidence in young people, women and those from a higher socio-economic background.

If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder:

References

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An Alzheimer's blood test is on the way. What could that mean for you?

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis.

A new vaccine developed to treat the latest outbreak of ebolavirus is already being tested on humans. But the organisation behind it has also invested in three other vaccines, in case the trials aren't successful.

Less than one third of general practices provide medical abortion in Australia, with access and support influenced by geographic location and socio-economic status.

References

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When is a child ready for their own smartphone?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?

Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition.

There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7.

References

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What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing?

Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height.

A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like.

References

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Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.

Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor.

A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference?

A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition.

References

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Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain?

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0000

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used.

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.

Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.

References

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Should we ban the use of controversial herbicide, paraquat?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.

Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes.

There's 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 outlines an approach to help turn this around.

And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.

References:

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Bird flu has reached Australia. Now what?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:30:00 -0000

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.

Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.

While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.

So what happens now?

Further information:

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Good and bad news on alcohol and disease risk

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0000

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 reverse and slow down damage.

Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?

The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.

And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.

References:

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A crackdown on unregulated peptides

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?

IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.

Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.

And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.

Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.

For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?

References

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Does exercise lower your biological age?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.

How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.

Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.

And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?

References:

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The habits that protect your mental health

Fri, 29 May 2026 23:00:00 -0000

This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?

How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.

A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.

And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.

References:

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Peptides: who's using them and what's in them?

Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:00 -0000

The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?

A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.

For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.

And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?

References

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Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccine

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:30:00 -0000

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?

Further Information:

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Do you need surgery after an ACL tear?

Fri, 15 May 2026 19:00:00 -0000

ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first, and that for many people they will recover without surgery.

Microplastics in our food supply - from processing and production - mean all of us are ingesting some level of plastic into our bodies. A new study out of Western Australia shows that it is possible to reduce your exposure, but it takes a lot of work.

There's a growing evidence base for the use of digital interventions for people with some categories of eating disorder. And they might have spillover benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder. But how do you find one that you can trust?

Plus, the renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome and the implications for people with the condition.

References:

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'Fitspo' content and mental health

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.

'Fitspo' content that sometimes glamourises a ripped bod or restrictive ways of eating could be flooding your social feed - what do we know about its effect on our mental health?

And 'phage therapy' - a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and how far off is it from showtime?

Plus, success for Australia in eliminating trachoma - an infectious eye disease - as a public health issue.

References:

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Markers of irritable bowel syndrome

Fri, 01 May 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A new review suggests there may be biomarkers linked to irritable bowel syndrome, typically a diagnosis of exclusion.

How you get followed up after going to the doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer is shaped in part by where you live.

People can now access their diagnostic and pathology results digitally, and for one woman in Brisbane that meant spotting a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have been missed.

References:

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What do we know about brain fog in menopause?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Two thirds of women report concerns over memory loss, concentration or other cognitive symptoms during menopause. What do we understand about what's going on, and how can it be managed?

A new plan for improving asthma outcomes in Australia and ending that reliance on the blue puffer.

Understanding how the genes we're born with could shape our risk of some cancers in childhood - with implications for adults too.

And the links between home cooking and dementia - with studies suggesting slicing and dicing at home (instead of eating out more often) could have a protective effect for your cognition.

References

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Can ChatGPT Health tell when you should go to hospital?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Can you trust the advice ChatGPT Health gives about whether you should go to the hospital or not?

Who is using GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how common are they?

New guidelines for supporting young people with suicidal ideation or who self-harm.

And more findings that drugs removing amyloid from the brain don't help prevent dementia.

References:

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Treating a medical emergency ... in space

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

When a medical emergency happens in space, how is it treated? And what does life in Antarctica have to teach us about staying healthy on a spaceflight?

Findings from a large study of Australian teenagers find links between school connection, sleep and mental health trajectories through adolescence.

If you have a shoulder injury and suspect it's the rotator cuff, should you have a scan? You might find more than you bargained for.

And how badly should you want to hang on to your appendix in the case of appendicitis? Is it better to jettison it or keep it in there?

References:

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What to expect this flu season

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Which flu strains are likely to be dominant this flu season - and what's the story with the new nasal spray vaccine?

Speaking of sprays ... there's a simple saline spray that might help kids with sleep apnoea avoid surgery.

And a treatment for enlarged prostate that doesn't involve going under the knife.

Plus, a new review finds vaping is likely to cause certain types of cancer.

References:

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3D printing in healthcare

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool - with scope to apply it to engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design challenges. And it's increasingly being used in ... healthcare.

Plus, 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.

This week's Health Report features stories from our archive. We'll be back with a new program next week.

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Ultra-processed foods and behaviour in kids

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

There's been major buzz in recent years over ultra-processed foods and whether they may be harmful to our health. A new study out of Canada has measured what toddlers eat and how much of it is ultra-processed - and then followed up two years later to examine the behavioural outcomes of those same children.

New findings on 'silent' women's health issues and where women would like the focus of healthcare research and spending to be - what the authors are saying is a call to go 'beyond the bikini line.'

It takes days for the results of an STI test to come back, and that can cause all sorts of problems. A new 'point-of-care' test aims to shave that testing window down to less than an hour, with implications for sexual health treatment in regional and remote areas.

Plus, sex differences after a diagnosis of cancer - men and women appear to follow separate trajectories, especially when it comes to their risk of death and adverse outcomes.

References:

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MDMA therapy's side effects

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

MDMA psychotherapy was approved in Australia three years ago. Who's using it and what do we know about treatment side effects?

Vaccine reminders can help nudge people back on track, but how the message is framed matters.

A new review of screen use and sleep in young people finds no link between the amount of use and sleep quality or duration.

And a different way of looking at mental health outcomes - whether digital tools can help us forecast someone's future needs and provide better, more personalised care.

References:

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Are Australian kids eating too much salt?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Are Australian schoolkids eating too much salt? And does it put them at risk of high blood pressure?

A new approach to breast cancer screening based on risk could reduce the number of screens needed for some women.

There's been a lot of hype around brain training to protect against cognitive decline, but the results haven't always measured up. Now a new long-term study has promising results.

Plus, navigating the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis -- when can the condition be medically managed and when should you consider surgery?

References:

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Can AI chatbots be good therapists?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0000

We know many people are turning to generative AI for health advice, including tips on how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood.

When is it safe to turn to a chatbot, and when do you need to see a real human being? And what if you can't afford it?

Also, a home review program that aims to get people off drugs they don't need to be on that might be negatively impacting their lives.

And good news when it comes to Australia's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.

References:

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Wait, does exercise help osteoarthritis?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0000

A paper has suggested exercise has minimal, short-term effects on osteoarthritis. But experts are warning people with the condition that they shouldn't stop moving.

Also, school kids are being called on to help in the fight against superbugs. A new study shoots down low-dose aspirin for older people wanting to prevent cancer.

And we take a look at another form of arthritis: gout. It's under-recognised and under-treated, but what can be done about it, and why is it such a complicated story?

References:

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Prescribing exercise for mental health

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Researchers have pin-pointed the best exercise routines for depression or anxiety symptoms, and they might be equal to medication and talk therapy.

Also, why states and territories are making changes to their maternity care guidance for doctors.

An update on Alzheimer's disease off the back of important vaccine discoveries. Why the packaging of statins might need an upgrade.

And some clarity on beta blockers after a heart attack. Does everyone need to be taking them?

References:

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The cost shock of specialist care

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0000

When you pay for private health insurance, you might assume you'll be well covered if you get injured or fall ill.

But a new report has revealed the huge costs that catch people off guard, and sometimes prevent them from receiving care.

Also, a study hints that constant colds in childhood might not be business-as-usual and should be taken more seriously.

And we talk through the Nipah virus outbreak in India, and changes in Victoria to ADHD medication prescribing.

References:

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Going to ChatGPT for health advice?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Many people turning to AI for health advice are doing it for valid reasons — it's cheap, fast and isn't bound by a 15-minute timer.

But the checks and balances companies use to ensure their products are safe, or even accurate, aren't open to public scrutiny.

Also on the show, medical abortion is available up to nine weeks in Australia. There's a push to allow access later.

And the much-maligned fat cell gets a look-in from a world-leading expert.

References

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What are the benefits of having a dry January?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0000

If you're having a month off the beers to kick off the year, do you know what a short stretch of sobriety could achieve?

Some companies in the United States are even pushing people to trade their alcohol for THC, for "high" January.

Also, there hasn't been a big COVID spike over the holidays, but the flu has been going around.

People aren't accessing palliative care early enough to reap the benefits, but are there enough services to go around?

And a study finds women notified of their breast density are often confused and anxious about what to do next.

References:

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Can AI make personalised medicine accessible?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0000

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 have a place in your local doctors' office?

References

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Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

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

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

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Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria?

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

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

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Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

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

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Swapping salt for a heart healthier option

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

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

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Indigenous babies born with more gut bugs

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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

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Taking women's pain seriously in healthcare

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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

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Why do people become dentists?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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:

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Could you give up caffeine for six months?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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

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Got gut issues? Don't assume it's gluten

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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

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Pain isn't all in your head — but psychotherapy can help

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0000

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

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