Health Report

The podcast delves into the impact of exercise on mood, challenges of accessing skin cancer services in remote areas of Queensland, and the comprehensive research on Sarcoidosis. It also discusses the controversy surrounding abortion pill studies and the difficulties in diagnosing and treating rare diseases like psycho-dosis.

When COVID vaccines first became available in 2021, they were met with celebration. Finally we had some defence against this virus that had struck down so many and triggered such heavy lockdowns.But once they started rolling out en masse, a new concern emerged – reports of side effects that, while rare, could be severe. Just how rare these conditions are has now been better described by a new paper drawing on data from 99 million people from across the world. The answer – as we already suspected, there is a link between the vaccines here in Australia and conditions like heart inflammation, blood clots and a usually temporary paralysis called Guillian-Barre syndrome, among others.But the data also show the risk of those conditions is small in comparison to the risk of the same conditions in someone who actually catches COVID. References:COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events of special interest: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals

News this week is The Government response to the long COVID inquiry, which looked into how many Australians are living with long COVID and what could be done to support them.And, a report on fine particulates in the air, and their relationship with coronary heart disease.A study has tested whether showing people actual pictures of the plaque inside their arteries is more persuasive than a simple risk score in promoting healthy changes. Turns out, it is.A senior cardiologist calls it The Hidden Killer, and it may contribute to about 50% of heart attacks, especially people who may be younger and with relatively normal cholesterol levels. It’s called Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a).New data is showing that, for children, any contact with the criminal justice system means they’re more likely to die earlier, and have health problems of every kind. Are kids already at risk more likely to be targeted by the system—what would change this trend?

The podcast discusses insomnia therapy, sun exposure for diverse populations, low-carb diets, dangers of high sodium foods, hepatitis rise in kids globally, and the idea of doctors prescribing activities for well-being.

A groundbreaking study from the Queensland Brain Institute has found serious deficiencies in the amount and quality of food provided to kids by Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. This can compromise kids' nutritional needs, and brain development.Getting a diagnosis for autism for a child or adolescent is a series of complicated and often expensive hoops to jump through—and it’s even harder for adults.

The addictive painkiller fentanyl has swept through the USA—but its effects haven't been as big in Australia. Why?Vaccination against COVID-19 can save lives and reduce the risk of severe disease. Why are some people under vaccinated—and what's the risk for people not up to date with shots?An early form of breast cancer—ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—is often found by women themselves, not as part of screening programs.The power and potential pitfalls of AI in medicine have been debated, but AI is already having an impact in radiology.

The drug name on everyone’s lips is semaglutide—a seemingly magical substance that can solve all our ills. But it’s not just semaglutide, there’s a whole class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists.Opioids are commonly prescribed to patients who have cancer to help them with pain, but the drugs are not risk free and can have their downsides.Last year there was a Senate report into the state of dental care in Australia, and like a visit to the dentist—it wasn’t a fun read.Back pain affects so many people – but when doctors look at it, they find that while some people recovery quickly other continue to suffer in silence and agony.v

What's happening with COVIDAustralian vaccination rates are droppingA new term for chance discoveries on scans

The shock of a cancer diagnosis is familiar for far too many people.But when Na'ama Carlin was diagnosed with breast cancer, her health wasn't the only consideration. If you're in need of support you can contact Mummy's Wish or Hope for Two.

The discussion dives into the emotional toll and challenges of younger onset dementia, emphasizing the need for better support and recognition. Personal stories highlight the struggle of navigating this condition while managing family responsibilities. There's also a focus on the inadequacies in the medical response and the advent of a promising blood test for easier diagnosis. The podcast further explores breastfeeding aversion, shedding light on the complex emotions and guilt mothers face, and underscores the urgent need for more research and support in this area.