Health Report

Latest Episodes:

Is it too easy to get a prescription for medicinal cannabis? Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm.

Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment for people with schizophrenia. The full breadth of corporate ownership of radiology clinics is revealed.

And what questions need to be asked with IVF in the spotlight, as Monash IVF deals with the fallout from a second bungled embryo transfer.

References:

Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

A structured exercise program has increased survival in people with colon cancer after they've undergone surgery and chemotherapy.

Also, a common genetic variant could double the risk of dementia in men — if they receive two doses of the mutation.

We provide an update on the flu, COVID and RSV circulating the community.

And a study bringing together millions of lab tests has found is take a lot longer for the body to bounce back from pregnancy than commonly thought.

References:

al issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

Can you predict how smart a baby will be in adulthood? May 31, 2025

Show notes

Our cognitive ability changes throughout our lives, but what happens when we're young can determine our intelligence in adulthood — especially if we don't do anything to bolster it.

Also, NSW follows other states in allowing GPs and diagnose and treat ADHD. There are updated guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis.

And when you go into remission from cancer, you usually undergo regular tests to make sure it hasn't returned. But does the evidence support this is beneficial, or simply a cause for anxiety?

Deepfake scammers have stolen Norman’s voice May 24, 2025

Show notes

If you've come across ads of Norman pushing a product for you to buy — no you haven't.

These ads are actually deepfake scams using an AI Norman to sell unproven supplements.

Also, why a new Alzheimer's drug coming onto the market might not become cheap enough for most people to take.

A breakthrough in gene-editing could push us closer to a future full of CRISPR treatments. And why eight hours a night might not be the magic number for sleep.

Want to heal your gut? Here's the evidence May 17, 2025

Show notes

Gut health is more complicated than social media influencers might have you believe.

It can be impacted by diet, exercise, the medications you take, the colds you catch. And any one of these factors can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.

Also, an overlooked allergy that starts with a tick bite. And the barriers people face who are suffering iron deficiency and its often overwhelming symptoms.

You don’t have to snore to have sleep apnea May 10, 2025

Show notes

It's a common sleep disorder that can have knock-on effects on your cardiovascular and overall metabolic health.

But sleep apnea doesn't always present how people think, especially in women.

Also, we take a look at Labor's health promises as they start their second term in government.

New guidelines have been developed to improve care in early pregnancy loss.

And one in seven Australians is on an antidepressant, in some cases simply because it can be so hard to come off them.

Left or right arm? The site of your booster vaccine matters May 03, 2025

Show notes

The immune system seems to respond faster, and better, when you get a booster vaccine in the same arm as your initial vaccine.

Also, your GP might miss something going wrong with your liver because of the way pathology labs report blood test results.

And a common type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, could be used to treat knee osteoarthritis — and delay knee replacements.

Would you trust AI to make a life or death decision? Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

When you can't make medical decisions for yourself, it's often the responsibility of a loved one, or sometimes a doctor who doesn't know you at all.

Some researchers are suggesting artificial intelligence could be trained to know your wishes and be another voice in the room when making decisions.

Also, it can take up to 95 per cent vaccine coverage to protect against measles outbreaks. How's Australia doing?

And curing cancer can take a toll. Is there a way to adjust treatment protocols to drive down the risk of long-term side effects?

Is misinformation fuelling our measles outbreaks? Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

In Australia, we've already seen more cases of measles this year than we saw during the whole of 2024.

It's believed misinformation is to blame, leading to vaccine hesitancy and exposing the community to a highly infectious virus.

Also, we take a look at draft guidelines for prostate cancer. Why a 'minor' stroke isn't very minor. And new evidence looking into the metabolic effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Using food to help treat depression Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

Australia has been at the forefront of research into how what we eat affects our mental health.

What do we know so far, and what are some small changes you can make to see improvements?

Also, the doctors strike in NSW continues a much-needed conversation about conditions in the public health system.

And hoping to find out your risk of heart attack and stroke? This is where to start.

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