Home Podcasts Health Report - Separate stories podcast
Health Report - Separate stories podcast

Health Report - Separate stories podcast

ABC Australia 50 Episodes Oct 10, 2026

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

Do you need to worry about plague in Russia?
Do you need to worry about plague in Russia? Oct 10, 2026 0:13:46 In the news:1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health?Being vaccinated against HPV before pregnancy has benefits for pregnancy outcomes.An unconfirmed case of pneumonic plague in Russia has caused international concern. Do you need
When you don't use BMI fewer children are classifed as obese
When you don't use BMI fewer children are classifed as obese Oct 10, 2026 0:07:55 The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life.Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care a
Colonoscopies aren't fun. So how often do you need one?
Colonoscopies aren't fun. So how often do you need one? Oct 10, 2026 0:09:57 If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing actually decrease your risk of getting cancer?A study looking at colonoscopies done 5 years after high risk adenomas had been removed provides some encouraging results.Guest/sMichael Bretthauer, Professor of Medicine at the University of Osl
Guns and other weapons in intimate partner violence
Guns and other weapons in intimate partner violence Oct 10, 2026 0:07:04 Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved. A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors. Guest/sSusan Rees, Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW ReferencesGun and Other Weapo
Mailbag: daylight saving
Mailbag: daylight saving Oct 10, 2026 0:03:14 A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Does daylight saving time impact your health?
Does daylight saving time impact your health? Oct 3, 2026 0:09:20 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?
Could your hip stiffness be something more? Oct 3, 2026 0:11:41 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?
Is this model of getting weight loss prescriptions legal? Oct 3, 2026 0:08:17 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?
Cases of HIV in Fiji are rising. What's being done about it? Oct 3, 2026 0:09:24 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
Mailbag: pharmacist on weight loss injection dispensing Oct 3, 2026 0:02:51 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
Weight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy model Sep 26, 2026 0:14:05 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?
What's the best way to treat ADHD in children? Sep 26, 2026 0:10:56 While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children. 

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