Delve into the implications of the proposed Terminally Ill Adults End of Life Bill, focusing on who might qualify for assisted dying. Experts discuss the complexities of prognosis and the ethical challenges surrounding chronic conditions. Additionally, explore fascinating research on gender differences in immune systems, unraveling why men and women experience infections and autoimmune diseases differently. Listen for insights that bridge medical ethics and groundbreaking science.

Five years on from the first Covid lockdown in the UK, we consider how the pandemic changed medicine. We're joined by Dr Emma Wall, academic consultant in Infectious Diseases at University College London Hospital who also runs a long covid clinic, Professor Katrina Pollock, Associate Professor in Vaccinology at the Oxford Vaccine Group and Jon Otter Director for Infection Prevention and Control at Guy’s Hospital London. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Hannah Robins

John is registered blind, and relies on his hearing to get around in his everyday life. But as he has got older, he’s started to notice his hearing deteriorate. He wants to know – is there anything available in between the initial solution of wax removal, and the final destination of hearing aids? He emailed Inside Health to ask James Gallagher to investigate. James speaks to Nish Mehta, an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at Royal National ENT Hospital, to find out how we hear, and learn about the different causes of hearing loss. He then visits UCL Ear Institute to undergo a hearing test with audiologist Dr Hannah Cooper, and see the potential future of hearing tests with Professor Maria Chait, an auditory cognitive neuroscientist. But hearing in day to day life is not as simple as in a science laboratory. James meets Kevin Munro, Professor of Audiology at the University of Manchester, in a noisy café to discuss hearing aid technologies and learn about their latest advancements. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Hannah Fisher Editor: Holly Squire and Colin Paterson

Join Professor Kathryn Peall, a leading researcher from Cardiff University focused on early Parkinson's detection and innovative sleep technologies, alongside Professor Damian Bailey, a specialist in physiology from the University of South Wales. They discuss the groundbreaking potential of wearable tech in predicting health conditions and enhancing sleep monitoring. The conversation also touches on the role of wearables in space travel and managing chronic illnesses, painting a promising picture of how technology can revolutionize healthcare.

When we hit our teens it's often a time when everything starts to change. We meet new friends through work or studies, we start going out more at night and we're often in new situations independent from our parents. For people with severe allergies it can be a risky time because they have all this change in their life, on top of what Priya Matharu calls the 'full time job' of managing your condition. Presenter James Gallagher talks to Priya about her experience of having severe allergies from a young age and how she has coped with reactions that mean just touching her face after chopping a carrot has put her in hospital. For Priya, when she reached adolescence and moved out of her family it was a scary time and she had to grow up quickly to take responsibility for her allergies. In a recent debate in the House of Lords it was discussed that moving young people out of the paediatric allergy services they have grown up with the support of and into adult services, just as everything else in their life is changing too can be really difficult for patients, and potentially dangerous. Dr Claudia Gore from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust shared her experience of working in a children's allergy clinic in London for that debate and she joins James along with Dr Paul Turner from Imperial College London to discuss how this transition from children's to adult services could be made safer and smoother for patients.Also in the programme, James is joined again by Dr Vanessa Apea, Consultant in Genito-Urinary and HIV medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust to answer more of your questions on genital herpes, UTIs and urinary incontinence.Presenter; James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Assistant Producer: Anna Charalambou Editor: Colin Paterson

Has James been buying shoes that are bad his feet? He meets podiatrist Dao Tunprasert to find out how healthy his shoes are. Also, returning to our theme of health conditions you find embarrassing, we get the lowdown on genital herpes from Dr Vanessa Apea. She's consultant physician in Genito-urinary and HIV medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and answers some of your questions.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Assistant Producer: Siobhan Maguire

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, a leading expert at the University of Edinburgh, answers pressing listener questions about dementia. She discusses the impact of lifestyle choices on dementia risk and the balance between genetics and societal interventions in prevention. The episode also explores the fascinating potential of lion's mane mushrooms in combating cognitive decline, revealing both the excitement and skepticism tied to their benefits. Insights into various dementia types and the urgent need for research funding round out this enlightening conversation.

Dr Ed Hutchinson, a Virologist from the University of Glasgow, discusses the recent threat of H5N1 bird flu, emphasizing its potential to evolve into a pandemic. He explains new regulations in the UK and the surprising impact of bird flu in U.S. dairy cattle. Dr Vanessa Apea, a Consultant in Genito-urinary and HIV medicine, addresses urinary incontinence, sharing insights on its emotional toll and treatment options. The importance of open discussions and pelvic floor exercises for managing urinary health is highlighted, making a sensitive topic more approachable.

Dr. Ellen Evans, a food safety expert at Cardiff Metropolitan University, discusses the risks of raw milk, emphasizing foodborne illnesses and the importance of hygiene in production. Jonny Crickmore, a third-generation farmer and chairman of the Raw Milk Producers Association, shares insights into consumer trends and the allure of raw milk as a perceived healthier choice. The conversation explores the health claims surrounding raw milk, the impact on children's health, and the delicate balance between consumer choice and safety regulations.

Margaret McCartney, a resident GP and evidence-based medicine expert, joins John Tregoning, a vaccine immunology professor, and Eleanor Riley, an immunology and infectious disease professor. They discuss the reality behind popular immune-boosting trends, from cold water swimming to supplements.