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TitlePub. DateDuration
What are the biggest risks to global health?23 oct. 202600:11:16

In the news:

  • A report in the Lancet outlines the biggest risks to human health worldwide with obesity topping the list. But there are some more surprising risks identified.
  • The TGA has approved a broader scope of use of a medicine for medical abortion care and miscarriage.
  • A study has quantified the baseline prevalence of low testosterone in the United States military, ahead of the planned annual screening of men over the age of 30.

References

E-scooter and e-bike injuries adding to hospital burden23 oct. 202600:09:38

The first ever report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that quantifies these injuries was released this week. 

It shows what many clinicians are already seeing in emergency rooms and surgeries. So what can be done to reduce the impact of these e-devices?

Guest/s

  • Professor Martin Wullschleger, Director of Trauma, Gold Coast Health and chair of RACS Queensland Trauma Committee 

References

Cancer survivors should be checked for cardiovascular disease23 oct. 202600:09:10

A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. 

The treatments that are used for their cancer are thought to be the cause. So what can be done to manage these new health risks?

Guest/s

  • Dr Cheng Hwee Soh, Honorary Senior Fellow at the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne and Group Leader, Imaging Research laboratory, Baker Institute

References

Medicines discontinued in hospital, putting patients at risk23 oct. 202600:08:35

In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures. 

But a new study about discontinuation of diabetes medication shows it is not reintroduced quickly once the person is discharged. Could better information transfer facilitated by a hospital pharmacist help prevent this?

Guest/s

  • Dr Tamara Milder, endocrinologist and Researcher, Medicines Intelligence Research Program, UNSW 

References

Mailbag: menopause treatment 23 oct. 202600:02:29

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

What to do about the health spending squeeze16 oct. 202600:12:11

In the news:

  • Modelling on the impact of Victoria's Covid vaccinations during the Delta wave shows the effects of herd immunity, with non vaccinated individuals being protected as well.
  • Studies and reports out this week have shed light on the impact on different parts of the health system as one of the larger sections of the population (boomers) reaches an age where their health is in decline. Is this a permanent crisis or a temporary blip, and how should it be managed?

References

Going through menopause? Treatment options are now clearer16 oct. 202600:10:22

Patients say prescribed treatment can vary when it comes to two of the most widely experienced effects of menopause, vasomotor (hot flushes) and genitourinary symptoms. 

New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.

Guest/s

  • Dr Catriona Melville, specialist gynaecologist and sub-specialist in sexual and reproductive health and Guideline Development Group Chair, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 

References

Your gut microbiome and cancer16 oct. 202600:09:39

The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results. 

They looked at whether or not there is an association with gut bacteria and several different types of cancers and what they found could lead to treatments that reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and potential links between some early onset cancers and the gut microbiome.

Guest/s

  • Dr Purna Kashyap, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Mayo Clinic and the Bernard and Edith Waterman Director of the Microbiome Program

References

More evidence on smartphone harms for kids16 oct. 202600:06:23

In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14. 

There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready for their own smartphone, but this research on young people does strengthen the case for holding off during this period.

If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: 

Guest/s

  • Dr Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco 

References

Mailbag: colonoscopy stories16 oct. 202600:03:51

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Do you need to worry about plague in Russia?09 oct. 202600:13:46

In the news:

  • 1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health?
  • Being vaccinated against HPV before pregnancy has benefits for pregnancy outcomes.
  • An unconfirmed case of pneumonic plague in Russia has caused international concern. Do you need to be worried?
  •  

References

When you don't use BMI fewer children are classifed as obese09 oct. 202600:07:55

The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life.

Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.

Guest/s

  • Dr Danielle Longmore, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist and post-doctoral clinician researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute

References

Colonoscopies aren't fun. So how often do you need one?09 oct. 202600:09:57

If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing actually decrease your risk of getting cancer?

A study looking at colonoscopies done 5 years after high risk adenomas had been removed provides some encouraging results.

Guest/s

  • Michael Bretthauer, Professor of Medicine at the University of Oslo and Gastroenterologist at Oslo University Hospital

References

Guns and other weapons in intimate partner violence09 oct. 202600:07:04

Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved. 

A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors. 

Guest/s

  • Susan Rees, Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW 

References

Family and domestic violence support services:

If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero. 

Mailbag: daylight saving09 oct. 202600:03:14

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Does daylight saving time impact your health?02 oct. 202600:09:20

In the news:

  • People report feeling tired as they adjust to daylight saving time as the clock springs forward and falls back. But what does the science say about how the time change affects our health?
  • The results of a study on the diet of pregnant and breast feeding women and the effect it has on the infant's likelihood of developing an allergy.
  • Astra Zeneca has announced it will extend access to Gosrelin 3.6mg implant via the PBS

References

Could your hip stiffness be something more?02 oct. 202600:11:41

Waking up with stiff hips and sore legs? It may be more than just the signs of old age.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.

Guest/s

  • Professor Catherine Hill, Head of Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Adelaide and Head of the Rheumatology research group Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research 

If you have PMR and would like to participate in research, you can contact Professor Hill here.

Is this model of getting weight loss prescriptions legal?02 oct. 202600:08:17

A health law expert has examined the LillyDirect platform, which now facilitates dispensing of the pharmaceutical company's own GLP1 medicine in Australia.

He talks through the regulations that apply to this model to see how it stacks up. 

Norman Swan is a director of a company that has a share in an online pharmacy business.

Guest/s

  • Dr Christopher Rudge, lecturer at Sydney Law School, and Deputy Director of Sydney Health Law 

References

Cases of HIV in Fiji are rising. What's being done about it?02 oct. 202600:09:24

The Fijian government recently declared a national emergency in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the country. 

How will that help residents who already have HIV to stay healthy, and prevent further transmission?

Guest/s

  • Dr Virginia Macdonald, Technical lead HIV, Kirby Institute, UNSW 
Mailbag: pharmacist on weight loss injection dispensing02 oct. 202600:02:51

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Weight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy model25 sept. 202600:14:05

In the news:

  • After failing to negotiate a way for their medicine, tirzapetide to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers".  LillyDirect is now operating in Australia with their GLP1 receptor agonist the first medicine to be supplied to patients in this way via a third party online pharmacy and with options for home delivery.
  • Fiji has declared a national emergency around it's HIV crisis and is taking an all of government approach to address the epidemic and prevent further transmission.
  • The TGA has removed Andropgraphis from the list of ingredients allowed in medicines and supplements, in response a high number of adverse reactions. This will impact some cold and flu remedies and 'immune-boosting' supplements which should now be withdrawn from sale.

References

What's the best way to treat ADHD in children?25 sept. 202600:10:56

While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children. 

You’re more likely to be hospitalised from a private aged care facility25 sept. 202600:07:26

Emergency room visits and unplanned hospitalisations occur more often for those being cared for in privately run aged care homes.

Researchers believe this may indicate the quality of care is poorer in these facilities and warn against the trend away from government-run and not-for-profit aged care homes.

Guest/s

  • Professor Maria Inacio, Professor in Health Services and epidemiology Director of the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) at Flinders University and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute 

References

Does taking contraceptives increase your risk of cancer?25 sept. 202600:05:57

A study investigating the potential link between the use of hormonal contraceptives and colorectal cancer finds there is no evidence for it either way.

It confirms that using these medications does not affect your chance of getting this type of cancer, nor does it provide protection against the disease.

Guest/s

  • Dr Lina Morch, Team leader, Treatment for cancer group, Danish Cancer Institute 

References

Mailbag: out of pocket costs and GLP1s25 sept. 202600:06:53

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Out of pocket costs to become more transparent18 sept. 202600:10:47

In the news:

  • A legislative amendment passed this week will see an overhaul of the Medical Costs Finder website with more specialist fee data to be included. Plus powers to prevent private health insurers from 'phoenixing' policy products have been introduced.
  • A study from University of Sydney analysing social media posts about the new blood test for Alzheimer's disease reveals the extent of misleading information being spread by influencers

References

AHPRA 'investigating' unsafe prescribing of weight loss injections18 sept. 202600:14:11

Our story on weight loss injections being prescribed to people with lived experience of eating disorders without proper screening, drew a raft of responses from people with similar stories and concerns.

Rachel has lived experience of an eating disorder and came across ads for a telehealth weight loss company on a podcast. The ads continue in their podcast feed, more than a year after they lodged a formal complaint with AHPRA. Rachel hasn't been updated on the status of the complaint. 

What is the body that regulates doctors doing about protecting patients from unscrupulous telehealth operators and medical professionals?

Guest/s

  • Justin Untersteiner, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Health Practitioner Agency 

References

Lost sleep affects both mother and baby health18 sept. 202600:07:06

Disrupted sleep during pregnancy and the post partum period can increase the risk of cardiovascular events for mothers, and it's now understood these risks can be transferred to the baby as well.

What can be done to improve cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health in pregnancy and beyond? 

Guest/s

  • Helen Collins, Assistant Professor, University of Louisville, Center for Cardiometabolic Science 

References

Trump drug pricing policy having impacts here as well18 sept. 202600:06:50

PBS listings for medications for three separate conditions have run up against President Trump’s most favoured nation pricing policy this year. People with breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and opioid addiction have so far been affected. 

New research on this policy and it’s impact shows there will likely be more of these disruptions to come.

Guest/s

  • Dr Thomas Hwang, Assistant Professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and faculty at Harvard Medical School 

References

Mailbag: heart disease medications18 sept. 202600:04:09

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Could this procedure prevent some cases of ovarian cancer?11 sept. 202600:15:54

In the news:

  • The American College of Gynaecology has strengthened it's clinical guidelines recommending removal of the fallopian tubes in women already having certain procedures, to prevent some types of ovarian cancer.
  • Australia's first NFL game was played this week, and we discuss a new paper that was presented at the International Sports Concussion Conference in Melbourne on CTE from brains of former rugby players donated to a brain bank. As well as a study about CTE in NFL players.
  • A coroner's report on the death of a child in 2024 discusses the role of the multivitamins the boy was being given. The supplements did not contain vitamin C, and the boy died of scurvy.

References

Step intensity offers another way to improve your health11 sept. 202600:08:35

A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace.

There are long term benefits associated with increasing the pace of your steps, even in shorter bursts. 

Guest/s

  • Emmanuel Stamatakis, Professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University

References

Heart disease prevention drug fails at final hurdle11 sept. 202600:08:20

The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a drug to market to reduce Lipoprotein (a) levels announced that while it reduces levels of these molecules, that didn’t translate into fewer cardiovascular events. 

What does this mean for those with high Lp (a)?

Guest/s

  • Dr Nelson Wang, cardiologist and senior research fellow, George Institute of Public Health 

References

Genes to play role in earlier cerebral palsy diagnosis11 sept. 202600:06:12

A gene study provides further evidence that cerebral palsy may be a collection of symptoms, not a disease.

It also indicates doing a genetic panel early on could help confirm diagnosis and provide an opportunity for better treatment of affected children.

Guest/s

  • Peter Robinson, Professor of medical computer science, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in Connecticut in the United States 

References

Mailbag: fibromyalgia11 sept. 202600:05:40

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Maternal RSV vaccine protects mothers and babies04 sept. 202600:14:06

In the news:

  • RSV vaccines of mothers during pregnancy provides a 78 to 81 percent reduction in RSV-associated hospitalisation of babies from birth through 6 months of age.
  • An analysis of the headline news of the latest study on cholesterol lowering drugs for people over 70 years of age.
  • A clarification on our reporting of the two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania from last week's story.

References

Fibromyalgia is not in your head04 sept. 202600:09:00

An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. 

It also finds some surprising links to other genetic conditions which may provide future options for treatment.

Guest/s

  • Frances Williams, Professor of Genomic Epidemiology, Kings College London, consultant rheumatologist 

References

Iron infusions are in high demand. What's going on?04 sept. 202600:06:07

Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate.

What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply? And who is missing out?

Guest/s

  • Dr Gizat Kassie, Senior Research Fellow, SAHMRI Women and Kids 

References

Keeping HIV under control is increasingly challenging04 sept. 202600:09:35

Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert.

What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region?

Guest/s

  • Linda-Gail Bekker, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of Cape Town, Director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre  

References

Mailbag: unaccredited registrars04 sept. 202600:06:42

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

Burnout risk for unaccredited registrars caught in a ‘training bottleneck’

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

The Australian vaccine saving millions of lives28 août 202600:10:38

In the news:

  • Twenty years ago, the first dose of the HPV vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer was administered. What's the impact of the research that led to this, from University of Queensland's Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC and his colleague Dr Jian Zhou?
  • A Select Committee on Women's Health will look for the first time at post-partum care and pregnancy, amongst other issues that will support women. Submissions close on October 9.
  • Genetic markers for stress have been investigated in donated brain tissue of people with schizophrenia, showing stress genes had been turned on.
  • There have been two more measles-associated deaths in the United States 

References

Burnout risk for unaccredited registrars caught in a ‘training bottleneck’28 août 202600:23:02

It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. 

For some the path can be two decades on from when they graduated, especially for the more competitive specialties like surgery. 

Guest/s

  • Dr Sanjay Hettige, Radiologist and Chair, AMA Council of Doctors and Training
  • Dr Helen Schultz, Consultant Psychiatrist
  • Sarah, Surgical Registrar
  • Seniru Mudannayake, President, Australian Medical Students Association
  • Dr Philip Morreau, President, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 

References

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Is there a link between gout and heart disease?28 août 202600:06:55

A new study compares frequency of ‘gout flares’ in patients over seven years and shows people experiencing flares more frequently have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease.

Guest/s

  • Dr Kuei-Ting Tung, Clinical nephrologist, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Taiwan

References

Mailbag: Prostate cancer screening28 août 202600:08:03

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Nicotine use in young people is changing21 août 202600:09:44

In the news:

  • Despite the reduction in daily smoking rates, 'poly-use' of nicotine, is a concern in some groups
  • The WHO reports the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest ever seen in that country
  • The TGA has a big job on its hands cracking down on influencers and companies flouting regulations around peptides

References

How will prostate cancer screening work now?21 août 202600:11:24

New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups.

Will it help men feel less concerned about that doctor’s visit and help with early detection?

Guest/s

  • Professor Declan Murphy, consultant urologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre 

References

It's getting hotter. How can we prepare for that?21 août 202600:09:06

A new global study suggests people over sixty may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.

Researchers says more preparation is necessary to remediate the health impacts of a warming climate, and offers advice on what can help.

Guest/s

  • Dr Qinqin Kong, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Departments of Medicine and Health Policy, Stanford University 

References

Have a rash on your face? Steroid cream could be making it worse.21 août 202600:08:33

Peri-orificial dermatitis is a rash with little raised bumps that can appear around your mouth, nose and eyes. 

A dermatologist explains the cause and why using steroid cream is the worst thing you can do for it.

Guest/s

  • Dr Anes Yang, dermatologist  
Mailbag: BMI and iron levels21 août 202600:04:07

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Poo transplant shows promise as treatment for peanut allergy14 août 202600:12:44

In the news:

  • In a small study, participants with a peanut allergy swallowed capsules containing treated faecal matter, and tried a dose of peanut four months later. Some were able to tolerate the peanut without a reaction.
  • CEO of Eli Lilly discusses barriers to getting their GLP-1 agonist medication listed on the PBS, and questions the veracity of the process for getting the most up to date medications to Australian patients.
  • The President of the United States signed an executive order changing the childhood vaccine schedule, making a link to autism, despite evidence to the contrary.

References

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