Health Report

Latest Episodes:

MDMA therapy's side effects Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

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:

Are Australian kids eating too much salt? Mar 07, 2026

Show notes

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:

Can AI chatbots be good therapists? Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

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:

Wait, does exercise help osteoarthritis? Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

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:

Prescribing exercise for mental health Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

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:

The cost shock of specialist care Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

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:

Going to ChatGPT for health advice? Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

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

What are the benefits of having a dry January? Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

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:

Can AI make personalised medicine accessible? Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

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

Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

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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