Inside Health

Dr. Caroline Copeland, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology and Toxicology at King’s College London, discusses the alarming rise in drug-related deaths in the UK, particularly opioids. She highlights the need for improved healthcare responses and technology to monitor drug use effectively. The conversation delves into personal stories of addiction, contrasting approaches to drug decriminalization, and the importance of compassion in recovery. Dr. Copeland also emphasizes tackling mental health challenges and reducing stigma to prevent future fatalities among vulnerable populations.

Tiny exosomes are becoming the hottest trend in cosmetics, promising skin benefits but raising safety concerns. Experts debate the risks, particularly regarding human and animal sourcing, and the need for strict regulations. Additionally, a new AI physiotherapy app is making waves, offering personalized care and improving patient accessibility within the NHS. The podcast also touches on how technology is reshaping healthcare delivery, pushing for better awareness and patient experiences in a digital age.

Unattended rubbish in Birmingham raises health concerns, with experts warning about rising rat populations and diseases like E. coli. A tragic measles case highlights declining vaccination rates in the UK, sparking urgent discussions on community immunity. Meanwhile, groundbreaking reproductive technology allows for conceiving without mitochondrial disease, leading to ethical debates about gene editing and the future of fertility. As technology evolves, so do the moral dilemmas surrounding our ability to manipulate human genetics.

Kirsty Elliott-Sale, a Professor of Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology, joins the conversation about the unique challenges faced by female athletes. They dive into how menstrual cycles can profoundly affect both performance and injury risks. Insights on tracking menstrual health offer strategies for optimizing athletic training. The importance of a well-fitting sports bra is also highlighted, reflecting on its impact on performance. Overall, the dialogue stresses the need for tailored support and research to empower women in sports.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, and Sally Gainsbury, Senior Policy Analyst at the Nuffield Trust, delve into the ambitious NHS 10-year plan aimed at shifting focus from reactive hospital care to proactive community services. They explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in enhancing heart scans to better predict health outcomes. The episode also intriguingly touches on the rich history of condoms, revealing their evolution and cultural significance over the centuries.

When the sun shines, out come the warnings that we all need to be careful in the sun to avoid burning and the risk of skin cancer. There are, though, those who believe that sort of public health messaging isn't positive enough about the benefits of the sun.As James Gallagher hears on the streets of Brighton, many of us know about the health benefits of vitamin d but new research suggests other benefits could be important for our health too.Should we working harder to get a balance of taking care in the sun but making sure we get enough exposure to it?James Gallagher looks at the evidence with Dr Richard Weller, Personal Chair of Medical Dermatology and Honorary Consultant Dermatologist at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Zoe Venables, a dermatologist with an interest in skin cancer epidemiology at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and Dr Margaret McCartney, GP, expert in evidence-based medicine. This episode is produced in partnership with The Open University.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett Editor: Glyn Tansley

Join Professor Susanne Dickson, a neurobiology expert, Professor James Brown from Aston University, and dental hygienist Claire McCarthy for a sweet discussion on sugar addiction. They unveil the science behind sugar cravings and the brain's reward system. The trio dives into how stress influences sugar consumption and its parallels with traditional addiction. Plus, Claire shares humorous and invaluable dental tips to balance enjoyment and hygiene, ensuring your teeth stay healthy while indulging in those Easter treats!

Delve into the poignant topics surrounding assisted dying and what the final moments of life might entail. Experts discuss the realities of peaceful endings versus the drugs used. The conversation also touches on the controversial science of microplastics in our bodies. Listeners learn about hearing health, including the implications of noise exposure and the differences between NHS and private hearing aids. Enjoy insights into how hearing loss relates to balance and the importance of proactive care.

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.

The podcast dives deep into the complexities of assisted dying, examining the emotional and ethical challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals. Conversations revolve around ensuring that individuals truly wish to end their lives, alongside the roles of familial influence and societal perceptions. The shift from judicial to tribunal oversight for decision-making brings forth questions about bureaucracy and patient autonomy. Additionally, it touches on topics like lichen sclerosis, underscoring the intersection of health conditions with intimate and societal well-being.