What's That Rash?

Norman, an expert in the effects of alcohol on the body, joins Tegan, who shares insights on how hangovers intensify with age. They discuss the surprising science behind alcohol's impact on health and how oxidative stress and inflammation play a role. Tegan explains why our tolerance decreases as we grow older, leading to more intense hangovers. The duo also highlights the need for awareness about alcohol consumption trends in older adults. Tune in for some eye-opening insights into nurturing your health while enjoying a drink!

We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts.Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed?Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special.ReferencesToo Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisDreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreamsSleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complicationsThe Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based StudyNocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive.So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole?Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation.References Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord InjuryEffects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic ReviewFeasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis playersEffects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss

Norman, a passionate advocate for the Mediterranean diet, joins Tegan, a collaborator eager to explore its culinary richness. They uncover the diet's rich history and health benefits, highlighting the value of minimally processed foods and shared meals. They discuss how cultural identity can enhance health, especially among migrants, and the importance of variety in meals. The duo emphasizes adapting traditional diets for modern lifestyles while tackling challenges like food accessibility, inspiring listeners to incorporate small, nutritious changes into their diets.

In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity.In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate.As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline.Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence.ReferencesThe multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish saunaAssociation Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality EventsCardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence

Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood.It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom.Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles.ReferencesOnychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managedPrevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sampleHabit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbitingA review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders

If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive.But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily.Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind.ReferencesFemale and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US OlympiansLong-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping reviewThe mental health of Australian elite athletesAdaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs

Exploring the impact of office jobs on our bodies, the hosts debunk myths about posture and back pain. Comparing sitting to smoking, they emphasize the importance of physical activity to combat sedentary work. Practical tips are shared for promoting physical and mental health in office environments, accompanied by humorous listener stories about toothbrushes.

Discover the bizarre link between sneezing and orgasms, investigate the connection between saying 'bless you' and sneezing, explore unusual post-orgasm reactions and potential health concerns, and learn about the side effects of orgasms and a 'N equals one' study.

You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster.Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood?Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale.Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!ReferencesDoes the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic reviewGetting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report