Health Check

More than four years after the start of the Covid pandemic, the virus is showing no signs of fading away. This week, the World Health Organisation warned, in fact, that coronavirus is making a comeback, with 84 countries reporting an increase in positive test rates.For an in-depth look at how the world is coping with the disease, Claudia Hammond speaks to immunologist Professor Danny Altmann from Imperial College London to ask what the future might hold.Claudia is also joined by global health journalist Andrew Green to discuss whether Covid conspiracy theories are leading to a rise in AIDS denialism.We hear the latest developments on the spread of the mosquito and midge-borne Oropouche virus, as cases of the disease are confirmed to have been found in Europe for the first time.And as many of Europe’s major football leagues prepare to get underway again this week, we hear about the tobacco product snus that’s proving to be particularly popular with footballers, and whether it could give them an edge or pose a health risk.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Dan Welsh

Across the African continent cases of MPox have surged 160% this year. What is behind the spread, and what can be done to stop it? Also on the programme: the prescription of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy is increasing as more health benefits are discovered, but what does that mean for supply issues? And there is a lot of talk about lactic acid and the Olympics, but does that word mean what you think it means?(Photo: A mother checks the progress of her son after recovering from Mpox - an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 July, 2024. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/Reuters)

The world’s first deaths from the mosquito-borne Oropouche virus have been recorded in Brazil. Two women have died from the illness in the state of Bahia in the northeast of the country.Claudia Hammond is joined by Dr Ayan Panja to discuss the implications of outbreaks of Oropouche across South and Central America.We also hear about the latest developments with Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab as it’s rejected for use by the EU’s health regulator. The European Medicines Agency says the benefits of the drug don’t counterbalance the risk of serious side effects, despite it being approved in the US earlier this year.Claudia and Ayan also look at both the psychology of languishing and whether loneliness leads to a higher risk of having a stroke.And we look at the research suggesting cycling to work can lead to an almost 50% lower risk of dying.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Dan Welsh

Systemic racism affects our wellbeing long before we ever see a doctor. How can the health community address it? Also on the programme, a new malaria vaccine is rolled out in the Ivory Coast, we take a closer look at the story behind it. And while we have long been cautioned against heavy exercise before sleep, it turns out that light intermittent exercise may be the secret to getting a bit more sleep.

Join psychologist Dr. Linda Blair, GP Dr. Anisha Patel, and wellbeing consultant Benjy Kusi in a lively discussion on toxic positivity. They highlight the harm of suppressing negative emotions, share personal experiences, and emphasize the importance of authentic emotional expression in navigating mental health and self-esteem challenges. Explore strategies for addressing toxic positivity in the workplace, supporting individuals in tough times, and promoting genuine emotional expression on social media.

A new medication offers a potentially revolutionary disruption in HIV transmission – just as a leading global program to fight the disease gets hit with funding cuts.Also on the program, what can the recent heat wave in India teach the rest of the world about heat adaptation, and how health care systems can deal with rising temperatures world wide.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

BBC health and science correspondent, James Gallagher, and Claudia Hammond discuss groundbreaking health research at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition. Topics include using UV light to target cancer cells, predicting COVID-19 severity with blood tests, immune monitoring for vaccines, and analyzing baby movements for developmental issues.

This week on Health Check, we get an update on a new and concerning strain of MPox that is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also on the program, it has been two years since the United States overturned the constitutional right to an abortion with the Dobbs decision. What effect has this had on the global picture of abortion? And could arts-based strategies help doctors to cope with burnout and patient communication. Doctor Graham Easton joins Claudia Hammond to discuss these stories and more. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins(Photo: Test tubes labelled "Monkeypox virus positive" are seen in this illustration. Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

In this episode, Jess Robson, founder of 'Run Talk Run', discusses the mental health benefits of exercise. The podcast explores the impact of exercise on depression, the science behind a runner's high, and the importance of promoting a non-competitive atmosphere for sustained exercise habits. Additionally, it delves into the endocannabinoid system's role and the barriers individuals face in incorporating exercise for mental well-being.

Professor Matt Fox discusses the positive impact of internet use on life satisfaction and purpose, alongside Dr. Edgard Camarós' research on ancient Egyptian cancer surgeries. The podcast also covers the development of a combined flu and COVID vaccine, a dance program to prevent falls in older individuals, and a 'bug bounty' program for scientific papers.