Health Check

The committee that advises on vaccinations in the UK has recommended that chickenpox is added to the standard list of childhood vaccinations; something which the USA and many European countries have been doing for some time. So why do some countries vaccinate children against chickenpox and others choose not to? Claudia Hammond is joined by family doctor Ann Robinson. They also hear from conversation analyst Charlotte Albury, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, about how doctors communicate with patients with obesity can have a significant impact on their weight loss success. And with shortages of doctors in many parts of the world, are shared medical appointments - where a group of patients with the same condition see a doctor together - the answer? As Anupama Chandrasekaran reports from India, a trial carried out at Aravind Eye Hospital by ESMT Berlin, Harvard Business School and London Business School, found some surprising results. Also discussed, high blood pressure and how reducing your salt intake can be just as effective as medication in some cases. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Helena Selby Editor: Holly Squire

Claudia Hammond, a medical journalist from New Scientist, discusses the use of Anastrozole as a preventative measure against breast cancer. They also explore the concept of humility and its psychological benefits. Additionally, they highlight a program in Islamabad that tackles vision health and stigma in schools. Lastly, they delve into the surprising link between sleep and brain health.

Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective at treating common childhood infections, according to a new study. The research, led by the University of Sydney, found some antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organization for children had less than 50% effectiveness in treating infections such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.Claudia Hammond is joined by Monica Lakhanpaul, professor of integrated community child health at University College London, to discuss the findings and calls for the urgent development of new treatments.We also look at Raynaud’s phenomenon – a disorder that stops blood flowing properly to people’s fingers and toes – and hear from a Canadian musician who’s had to end concerts early because of it. A team from the Berlin Institute of Health and Queen Mary University of London have been trying to find out what causes it, and we also speak to one of the researchers about what they’ve discovered.Claudia also looks at new research from China suggesting that practicing tai chi may help slow down the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.And Monica tells us about the work she’s been doing in Brazil speaking to children about how to make their local communities safer so they can spend more time outdoors.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Dan Welsh, with Jonathan Blackwell

Talented guitarist, Hamish Barclay, was given steroids when he was a teenager to treat a kidney problem. He then experienced the rare side effect of psychosis and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. He has lived the condition for the past ten years.Now 29, he’s being supported by his mother Josephine to return to making music once again.Claudia Hammond sits down with Josephine, Hamish and his sister Maudie for a conversation about life with schizophrenia – and the stigma around the word.The family talk about how they sometimes avoid using the term because they know it can put people off playing music with Hamish and Maudie describes how her mum ensures Hamish can continue to play by driving him to London and sitting in classes with him.We also hear some of Hamish’s compositions, as he tells us about the voices – or auditory hallucinations – that affect his songwriting. And hear how important returning to music has been for his wellbeing and mental health.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Dan Welsh

More than 100 people are suspected to have died in Zimbabwe in the most recent outbreak of cholera there. Almost 5,000 possible cases have been reported across the country, with the Zimbabwean government moving to ban large gatherings to prevent the spread of the water-borne disease.Claudia Hammond is joined by BBC health reporter Philippa Roxby to discuss how authorities are hoping to avoid a repeat of the last major cholera epidemic in the country, which killed more than 4,000 people in 2008. We also hear about the Cardiff Model for Violence Prevention, which started out as a PhD project and is now used across the world to help authorities discover where violence is taking place and how it can be prevented. Claudia speaks to the man behind the idea, and the doctor now hoping to introduce it to cities across the US.Claudia and Philippa also look at new calls for urgent action to address male fertility around the world. And we travel to Sierra Leone to hear about what has been described as a ‘diabetes time bomb’ in the country.Image: EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockPresenter: Claudia Hammond Content Editor: Erika Wright/Holly Squire Producer: Dan Welsh

US proposes a world-first policy of using doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce STI rates. The podcast discusses the effectiveness of this approach and features a personal story of a Canadian man with syphilis. Other topics include the most effective COVID-19 disease trackers, blood analysis to understand longevity, and a global support group for grief.

A new malaria vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, is recommended by WHO. Women face inequalities in cancer care. Nobel Prize awarded for mRNA vaccine development. The efficacy of mental health first aid courses is debated.

The podcast discusses the dangerous practice of gum lancing on babies, its severe consequences, and the urgent need for awareness. It also explores the effects and usage of the COVID drug molnupiravir. The chapter discusses drug company responses and future drug design. Additionally, it explores concerns about age-related eyesight deterioration, affordable glasses, and a study on mice's nesting behavior in relation to human sleep patterns. Tips for creating a sleep-friendly environment are also provided.

Matt Fox, professor of epidemiology at Boston University, discusses the potential threats to funding for the PEPFAR program, which has saved millions of lives. Other topics include a gene variant increasing the risk of Parkinson's disease in African populations, vaccine hesitancy among pet owners, the importance of exercise during cancer treatment, and a study on turmeric as a treatment for indigestion.

Max Dickins, author of 'Billy No-Mates', joins Claudia Hammond, Robin Dunbar, and Dr. Radha Modgil to discuss the psychology of male friendships and its impact on mental health. They explore the importance of friendships, cultural differences, taking initiative, building habits, and the challenges men face in forming close relationships.