Health Report - Separate stories podcast
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.
Episodes
Does daylight saving time impact your health?
In the news:People report feeling tired as they adjust to daylight saving time as the clock springs forward and falls back. But what does the science say about how the time change affects our health?The results of a study on the diet of pregnant and breast feeding women and the effect it has on the infant's likelihood of developing an allergy.Astra Zeneca has announced it will ex
Could your hip stiffness be something more?
Waking up with stiff hips and sore legs? It may be more than just the signs of old age.Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.Guest/sProfessor Catherine Hill, Head of Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Adelaide a
Is this model of getting weight loss prescriptions legal?
A health law expert has examined the LillyDirect platform, which now facilitates dispensing of the pharmaceutical company's own GLP1 medicine in Australia.He talks through the regulations that apply to this model to see how it stacks up. Norman Swan is a director of a company that has a share in an online pharmacy business.Guest/sDr Christopher Rudge, lecturer at Sydney Law Schoo
Cases of HIV in Fiji are rising. What's being done about it?
The Fijian government recently declared a national emergency in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the country. How will that help residents who already have HIV to stay healthy, and prevent further transmission?Guest/sDr Virginia Macdonald, Technical lead HIV, Kirby Institute, UNSW
Mailbag: pharmacist on weight loss injection dispensing
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Weight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy model
In the news:After failing to negotiate a way for their medicine, tirzapetide to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers". LillyDirect is now operating in Australia with their GLP1 receptor agonist the first medicine to be supplied to patients in this way via a third party online pharmacy and
What's the best way to treat ADHD in children?
While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children.
You’re more likely to be hospitalised from a private aged care facility
Emergency room visits and unplanned hospitalisations occur more often for those being cared for in privately run aged care homes.Researchers believe this may indicate the quality of care is poorer in these facilities and warn against the trend away from government-run and not-for-profit aged care homes.Guest/sProfessor Maria Inacio, Professor in Health Services and epidemiology D
Does taking contraceptives increase your risk of cancer?
A study investigating the potential link between the use of hormonal contraceptives and colorectal cancer finds there is no evidence for it either way.It confirms that using these medications does not affect your chance of getting this type of cancer, nor does it provide protection against the disease.Guest/sDr Lina Morch, Team leader, Treatment for cancer group, Danish Cancer In
Mailbag: out of pocket costs and GLP1s
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Out of pocket costs to become more transparent
In the news:A legislative amendment passed this week will see an overhaul of the Medical Costs Finder website with more specialist fee data to be included. Plus powers to prevent private health insurers from 'phoenixing' policy products have been introduced.A study from University of Sydney analysing social media posts about the new blood test for Alzheimer's disease reveals the
AHPRA 'investigating' unsafe prescribing of weight loss injections
Our story on weight loss injections being prescribed to people with lived experience of eating disorders without proper screening, drew a raft of responses from people with similar stories and concerns.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 af
Lost sleep affects both mother and baby health
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.What can be done to improve cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health in pregnancy and beyond? Guest/sHelen Collins, Assistant Professor, University of Louisville, Center for Cardiometabo
Trump drug pricing policy having impacts here as well
PBS listings for medications for three separate conditions have run up against President Trump’s most favoured nation pricing policy this year. People with breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and opioid addiction have so far been affected. New research on this policy and it’s impact shows there will likely be more of these disruptions to come.Guest/sDr Thomas Hwang, Assistant Profe
Mailbag: heart disease medications
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Could this procedure prevent some cases of ovarian cancer?
In the news:The American College of Gynaecology has strengthened it's clinical guidelines recommending removal of the fallopian tubes in women already having certain procedures, to prevent some types of ovarian cancer.Australia's first NFL game was played this week, and we discuss a new paper that was presented at the International Sports Concussion Conference in Melbourne on CTE
Step intensity offers another way to improve your health
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.There are long term benefits associated with increasing the pace of your steps, even in shorter bursts. Guest/sEmmanuel Stamatakis, Professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health Turner Institu
Heart disease prevention drug fails at final hurdle
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. What does this mean for those with high Lp (a)?Guest/sDr Nelson Wang, cardiologist and senior research fellow, George Institute of Public Health ReferencesNovartis announc
Genes to play role in earlier cerebral palsy diagnosis
A gene study provides further evidence that cerebral palsy may be a collection of symptoms, not a disease.It also indicates doing a genetic panel early on could help confirm diagnosis and provide an opportunity for better treatment of affected children.Guest/sPeter Robinson, Professor of medical computer science, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a
Mailbag: fibromyalgia
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Maternal RSV vaccine protects mothers and babies
In the news:RSV vaccines of mothers during pregnancy provides a 78 to 81 percent reduction in RSV-associated hospitalisation of babies from birth through 6 months of age.An analysis of the headline news of the latest study on cholesterol lowering drugs for people over 70 years of age.A clarification on our reporting of the two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania from last w
Fibromyalgia is not in your head
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. It also finds some surprising links to other genetic conditions which may provide future options for treatment.Guest/sFrances Williams, Professor of Genomic Epidemiology, Kings College London, consultant rheumatologist ReferencesNature Medicine: The genetic architecture o
Iron infusions are in high demand. What's going on?
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?Guest/sDr Gizat Kassie, Senior Research Fellow, SAHMRI Women and Kids ReferencesIncreasing utilisation of intravenous iron among Australian women of reproductive age, 2013–2024: an Australian population-based study
Keeping HIV under control is increasingly challenging
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?Guest/sLinda-Gail Bekker, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of Cape Town, Director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre
Mailbag: unaccredited registrars
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.Burnout risk for unaccredited registrars caught in a ‘training bottleneck’You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
The Australian vaccine saving millions of lives
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
Burnout risk for unaccredited registrars caught in a ‘training bottleneck’
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. For some the path can be two decades on from when they graduated, especially for the more competitive specialties like surgery. Guest/sDr Sanjay Hettige, Radiologist and Chair, AMA Co
Is there a link between gout and heart disease?
A new study compares frequency of ‘gout flares’ in patients over seven years and shows people experiencing flares more frequently have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease.Guest/sDr Kuei-Ting Tung, Clinical nephrologist, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, TaiwanReferencesAnnual gout flare frequency as a marker of sustained cardiovascular risk: a clinical threshold for risk st
Mailbag: Prostate cancer screening
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Nicotine use in young people is changing
In the news:Despite the reduction in daily smoking rates, 'poly-use' of nicotine, is a concern in some groupsThe WHO reports the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest ever seen in that countryThe TGA has a big job on its hands cracking down on influencers and companies flouting regulations around peptidesReferencesNational Drug Strategy Househo
How will prostate cancer screening work now?
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.Will it help men feel less concerned about that doctor’s visit and help with early detection?Guest/sProfessor Declan Murphy, consultant urologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre ReferencesGuidelines for
It's getting hotter. How can we prepare for that?
A new global study suggests people over sixty may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.Researchers says more preparation is necessary to remediate the health impacts of a warming climate, and offers advice on what can help.Guest/sDr Qinqin Kong, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Departments of Medicine and Health Policy, Stanford Uni
Have a rash on your face? Steroid cream could be making it worse.
Peri-orificial dermatitis is a rash with little raised bumps that can appear around your mouth, nose and eyes. A dermatologist explains the cause and why using steroid cream is the worst thing you can do for it.Guest/sDr Anes Yang, dermatologist
Mailbag: BMI and iron levels
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Poo transplant shows promise as treatment for peanut allergy
In the news:In a small study, participants with a peanut allergy swallowed capsules containing treated faecal matter, and tried a dose of peanut four months later. Some were able to tolerate the peanut without a reaction.CEO of Eli Lilly discusses barriers to getting their GLP-1 agonist medication listed on the PBS, and questions the veracity of the process for getting the most u
BMI alone not the best way to assess cardiovascular risk
It’s been known for some time that the body mass index (BMI) has some limitations.A new study from Johns Hopkins University shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease.Guest/sDr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular D
Could this test for iron levels be a gamechanger?
Iron deficiency is one of the world’s most common nutritional disorders, affecting millions of women and children globally. The way we test for it now is time consuming, expensive and inaccessible for many.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 deficiencies.Guest/sEmily Eriksson, Seni
Improving access to medical abortion in rural and remote areas
A recent study shows a lack of access to medical abortion care for women living in rural and remote areas, as discussed in our earlier story, Access to medical abortion still lacking.We followed up with the college that upholds best practice in rural and remote care, to see how this is being addressed.Guest/sDr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicin
Mailbag: GLP1s and eating disorders
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auPregnancy choices Tasmania
Stimulant use driving hospitalisations and overdose deaths
In the news:An increase in hospitalisations and overdose deaths is being driven by use of methamphetamine, cocaine and stimulant medications, particularly in men.A study looking at the global burden of disease from Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol shows the impact of LDL is falling in rich countries but going up in poorer countries.Pioneer of nutritional psychiatry, Prof
Why is it so easy to get weight loss injections, if they could cause you harm?
‘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. She says it was “criminally easy” and is speaking out to protect others. While Australian data on this issue is not yet published, a study from the United States shows
Acute pancreatitis is becoming more common in younger people
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.Guest/sGeorge Baretto, Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University R
Mailbag: blood test for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
The journey to diagnose endometriosis
In the news:Getting an endometriosis diagnosis is difficult in more ways than one. A new saliva test developed overseas is being trialled as a way to help those living with the condition. If it works in real world trials, it will indicate the probability of endometriosis, to detect whether or not more invasive testing is needed.Misinformation about Vitamin K injections for newbor
Blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease will be trialled in Australia
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease currently requires either a PET scan or a lumbar puncture, both of which can be expensive and inaccessible for those with symptoms. Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for the disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis.Guest/sProfessor Matthew Ki
Developing a vaccine during the ebola outbreak
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 others, in case the trials aren't successful.So what else goes on behind the scenes to achieve this when time is of the essence?Guest/sProfessor Jane Halton, Chair CEPI ReferencesCoalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovat
Access to medical abortion still lacking
Less than one third of general practices provide medical abortion in Australia, with access and support influenced by geographic location and socio-economic status.Despite the fact that medications are available on the PBS, those who live in a rural or remote area may still have to travel to find a GP who provides the service.Guest/sLuke Grzeskowiak, Associate Professor, Flinders
Mailbag: CGM devices
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Why is AstraZeneca giving Zoladex away for free in Australia?
In the news:After earlier announcing the withdrawal of a certain dose of a breast cancer medicine from the Australian market, the drug company has now offered to supply it to eligible patients for free, rather than drop the price for the PBS.A new report shows young people are paying more in out of pocket costs for mental health treatment than their older counterparts.A study fro
What age is best for a child’s first smartphone?
Parents of younger children and early adolescents can face pressure to allow them their own smart phone, with concerns around mental health effects and sleep disruption. A new study looks at what happens when you delay giving a child a smartphone by one year.Guest/sDr. Ran Barzilay, Child Adolescent psychiatrist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Assistant Professor of Ps
Who should be wearing a CGM device?
You may have seen people wearing a small white disk on their upper arm. It's likely it was a "CGM" or continuous glucose monitoring device.In Australia, only people with type 1 diabetes can access subsidies for these devices, but there is hope this may be extended in the future.Research comparing the use of these devices, with self-monitoring of glucose levels, strengthens the ca
Why you should have your child's blood pressure checked
There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life.The first ever Australian clinical guidelines on this condition recommend a check of blood pressure at age 7 and again during adolescence. Guest/sNick Larkins, paediatric nephrologist, Perth Children's Hospital and Senior Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University Refe
Mailbag: race to reverse ageing
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
New Ebola vaccine ready for testing on humans
In the news:The same team who developed the first vaccine against COVID-19 have come up with a vaccine for the new strain of Ebola in only eight weeks.A report from the Grattan Institute calls for a shake-up of community pharmacy fundingUS Department of War head Pete Hegseth announces plans for testosterone screening for militaryReferencesUK begins trials of Ebola vaccine develop
Can you really slow down biological ageing?
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to both slow down ageing and monetise longevity.Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. For an episode of Four Corners, Norman Swan visited one of the team who developed an evidence-based clock called DunedinPACE.Guest/sDan Belsky, Associate Professor of Epidemiology,
What's the best way to treat acne?
How acne is treated depends on severity, but those affected can worry about the side-effects of medications that are taken orally. A study into the use of isotretinoin for acne in adolescents found no association with reduced adult height. Guest/sSigrun Schmidt, Medical Doctor and PhD, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark ReferencesIsotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult H
Will this virus catalogue help us get ahead of the next pandemic?
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. What can we learn from the behaviour of past viruses, to help prepare for the next outbreak? Guest/sMark Woolhouse, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh ReferencesA complete catalogue of human-infect
Mailbag: sepsis and septic shock
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Are pharmacist prescribing programs working?
In the news this week:Research commissioned by the RACGP shows limited evidence for benefits of community pharmacists prescribing drug treatments for around 20 common and minor conditionsA law change means registered nurses will soon be able to prescribe some PBS medicinesA US study shows disparities in cancer screening rates for LGBTI+ populations, what's happening here in Austr
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia
The AIHW's Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, rising by 39 percent over the past decade and overtaking coronary heart disease.Guest/sMichelle Gourley, Head, Burden of Disease and Mortality Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing ReferencesAustralia's health 2026 (AIHW)
What should you eat to prevent dementia?
A study comparing the diets of Swedish participants at risk of dementia, as well as those who were not provides more evidence for the importance of a healthy diet in prevention of the condition.Guest/sAnja Mrhar, Visiting researcher, Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet and PhD candidate in Biosciences – Nutrition, University of Ljubljana ReferencesDiet Quality and Deme
How to prevent sepsis and septic shock
People diagnosed with septic shock in intensive care units are more likely to die within 5 years of hospitalisation. Researchers say more needs to be done to raise awareness of early warning signs to prevent these conditions, and more targeted post admission care and follow up for those who have experienced septic shock.Guest/sProfessor Andrew Udy, Deputy Director of the Australi
Mailbag: coeliac disease and immune cells
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Asthma management practices not what they should be
In the news this week:Asthma is getting worse in Australia. Are prevention treatments being used widely enough?Australia's medicine safety black triangle scheme aims to encourage people to report drug side effects, but new research shows most users don't know it exists.New pneumococcal vaccine has wider coverage and is available to more people.US based drug company to remove opio
Melatonin could help reduce chronic pain
Musculoskeletal health researchers went looking for alternative treatments for those with chronic pain. They're now studying the impact of sleep and have found a moderate reduction in pain for those who took melatonin.If you live in Brisbane of Sydney and would like to take part in the SLEEP-FIT study, click here.Guest/sMichelle Hall, Associate Professor within Sydney Musculoskel
Test may help identify people at risk of coeliac disease
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. Researchers say this effect isn’t simply driven by inflammation or diet, but suggests an underlying difference linked to genetic risk, and the test could o
Do spinal stimulators help people walk again?
Standing and walking exercises are standard treatment for those with spinal cord injuries. A recent study tested the addition of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to rehab training to see if it can improve walking mobility.Guest/sDr Liz Bye, research fellow and physiotherapist from spinal cord injury research collaborative, University of Sydney ReferencesTranscutaneou
Mailbag: Paraquat use continues in Australia
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auThe little-known cause of heart attack in young women
Evidence for IVF add-on treatments is weak
In the news this week:Evidence for IVF add on treatments weak or non-existentHealth risks of toxic weight-loss peptides like unapproved "Retatrutide" purchased onlineBird flu update, WA Health says they are monitoring humans who have been exposed, but risk is lowReferencesSafety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-onsNo evidence most IVF add-on treatments i
Parkinson's specialist says regulator's decision is wrong
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) decision to restrict but not ban the use of paraquat by farmers has disappointed some in the medical and scientific community.Movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of pesticide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.Guest/sAssociate Professor Wes Thevath
Heart attacks are common, but rehab isn't. Why not?
Following hospitalisation for cardiac procedures, patients are offered a 6-8 week rehabilitation program to help them recover and make lifestyle changes to improve heart health. But a study shows only 1 in 5 people do the program, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. So what's going wrong?Guest/sDr Susie Cartledge, Senior Research Fellow, Monash
Trust in childhood vaccinations is in decline. Here's how to get it back
There has 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 says one on one conversations with trusted health care providers are vital for parents who have immunisation concerns and this can have real impact on others in their community.Guest/sProfessor Mar
Mailbag: noise in gyms
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Neurological symptoms found in survivors of Ebola
In the news this week:Neurological symptoms in survivors of Ebola.Internet searches surge after Trump's statements on autism and painkillersDelays to planned bulk billings changes.An update on the removal of a drug for breast cancer, endometriosis treatments from Australian markets.ReferencesNeurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease.Internet Searches f
What is that glass of wine doing to your health?
Those who drink alcohol want to do so safely, but the risks of disease are ever present.Studies show differing health outcomes and relationships between consumption of alcohol and diseases like cancer, early onset dementia and heart disease.A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drin
Does loud music improve your workout?
You've probably experienced it - full-volume music blasting during a sweaty gym class.Does it make your workout better, or is it just hurting your ears?GuestAssistant Professor Janet Choi, ENT Physician, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaReferencesLower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity
Are we getting Parkinson's disease diagnoses right?
Neurodegenerative movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are currently diagnosed via the patient's clinical symptoms, without biomarkers.A study of more than 3000 donated brains from brain banks across the world, analysed genetic material and showed misdiagnosis rates of between 10 and 20 percent. Researchers hope to use these results to create clinical trials that will impr
Mailbag: IUD insertion and pain
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
TGA to crack down on unregulated peptides
In the news this week:Researchers at a diabetes conference ejected after handing out editorial criticising US President Donald Trump.Fewer egg allergies in Australia after a shift in guidelines.The TGA says it's cracking down on unregulated peptides that risk consumer safety.Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.For more o
Could we screen genes for disease risk nation-wide?
For many years it's been expensive and challenging to do genetic testing that works out if you're at greater risk of something like a heart attack or a specific type of cancer.That's meant testing is limited to those who already have a condition or a strong family history.But the decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of these tests means expanding their use is becoming a
