Health Report

Latest Episodes:

Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria? Jan 03, 2026

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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.

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Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity Dec 27, 2025

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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.

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Swapping salt for a heart healthier option Dec 20, 2025

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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.

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Indigenous babies born with more gut bugs Dec 13, 2025

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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.

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Taking women's pain seriously in healthcare Dec 06, 2025

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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.

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Why do people become dentists? Nov 29, 2025

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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.

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Could you give up caffeine for six months? Nov 22, 2025

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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?

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Got gut issues? Don't assume it's gluten Nov 15, 2025

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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.

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Pain isn't all in your head — but psychotherapy can help Nov 08, 2025

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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.

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