Health Report

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**Health Report**

Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.

Latest Episodes:

A Stroke of Luck: Kylie's story Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

A Stroke of Luck: Gillian's story Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

A Stroke of Luck: Downs and ups of recovery Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

A Stroke of Luck: Asking for help Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why BMI is being sidelined in the diagnosis of obesity Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

How much sugar are you feeding your toddler? Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

What's your sports bra got to do with your knees? Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why aren't kids getting the food they need at childcare? Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

Could a bacterial strain spark bowel cancer? Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

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.

Should you exercise more or get surgery for knee pain? Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

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: