Health Report - Full program podcast
Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.
Latest episodes
May 29, 2023 • 29min
Could the shingles vaccine lower dementia risk? And ADHD clinics cashing in on demand
A new kind of ADHD clinic is cashing in on surging demand for diagnoses — and promising salaries of more than $900,000 to recruit psychiatrists.
May 22, 2023 • 29min
Warnings about artificial sweeteners | ultra-processed foods and depression | strategies to reduce medical waste
The World Health Organisation has advised against artificial sweeteners for weight loss because they offer no long-term benefits.Australian research has found a link between diets high in ultra-processed foods and an increase in risk of depression.Healthcare is a large greenhouse gas emitter, but how do we reduce its environmental impact without compromising on health?
May 15, 2023 • 29min
Gene therapy approval advances for Duchenne MD | Psychotherapy for depression in pregnancy | Child neglect links to poor health later | Protection against eye injury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have voted that when they meet formally at the end of May, approval goes forward for a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—a disabling genetic disease.Post partum depression is a significant issue for both women and their babies, and it doesn't come out of the blue—depression can occur before or during pregnancy.Child neglect leads to both later poor physical health—with things like inflammation—and mental health, such as depression.Would you wear protective eyewear to play tennis, badminton or Aussie Rules?
May 8, 2023 • 29min
Health bots give good empathy but how about medical advice? | hormonal contraception and depression risk | new lung cancer screening program
When given the choice between a ChatGPT bot or a real doctor, a panel of health care professionals found the bot's responses were both more empathetic and also higher quality information.A study on the effect of hormonal contraception suggests that a history of hormonal contraceptive-associated depression could be a risk indicator of postpartum depression.Last week the Minister for Health and Aged Care announced over $500 million for a national lung cancer screening program. It targets high-risk individuals in the early stages.
May 1, 2023 • 28min
Normalising menopause | Prostate cancer treatment | Life after an organ transplant | New requirements for cosmetic procedures
Bringing clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.
Apr 24, 2023 • 29min
A virtual assistant fluent in sign language | Biodiversity loss and human health | Quitting vaping | RSV vaccine
Bringing clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.
Apr 17, 2023 • 29min
Where Australia stands on drug decriminalisation
Drug use has been increasing, whether it be cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens or ketamine. That includes recreational use and substance abuse.So it begs the question: Has criminalising drugs ever worked? And what needs to be done to drive down the harms associated with this increasing drug use?If you're in need of support, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015, or contact Counselling Online. CreditsAbigail Leeder, ReporterShelby Traynor, Producer
Apr 10, 2023 • 29min
'Life and potential death': Being diagnosed with cancer while pregnant
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.
Apr 3, 2023 • 29min
Rise in injecting drug use | Schizophrenia and sudden death | Change needed in bypass surgery | Breakthrough in cause of fatigue
More people are injecting drugs than ever before. So what are the harms, and what are we doing to minimise them?People with schizophrenia have a life expectancy 25 years younger than the average Australian, and one of the reasons is heart attacks. Meanwhile, do surgeons need to change their approach to coronary bypass surgery? And Australian researchers uncover a potential new treatment for a rare blood disorder — that could replace blood letting.
Mar 27, 2023 • 30min
Bone marrow registry's recruitment drive | Trials and errors of alopecia treatment | Prostate cancer screening
Australia's bone marrow donor registry is funding a cheek swab program to recruit more donors, as it awaits government funding. Also, the latest in alopecia treatment for those who want to reverse hair loss — and the perspective of those who don't. And prostate cancer screening can be imprecise and invasive. Could delving into the genome help narrow things down?
