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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.

Health Report - Full program podcast

If you live with chronic pain, getting referred to a psychologist for pain management can feel like another dismissal. 

What does a session with a pain psychologist look like, and how effective can it be if you don't have any mental health diagnoses?

Also, some practical information for parents introducing allergens to their babies. And how the nervous system might inadvertently be fuelling gastrointestinal cancers. 

References

Deaths due to acute respiratory infections in Australia - ABSNeurodevelopmental Outcomes of 3-Year-Old Children Exposed to Maternal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in UteroPain Management NetworkPain Management and Research Centre - patient informationManagement of Chronic Pain - for health professionalsNip allergies in the bubThe impact of reversing peanut allergy adviceAre allergen starter packs safe?Sensory neuropeptide CGRP and its co-receptor RAMP1 drive tumour cell growth in gastrointestinal cancers

Pain isn't all in your head — but psychotherapy can help

For 50 years we've known pulse oximeters are less accurate on darker skin, and it could lead to misdiagnoses. 

Also, allergen starter packs are being advertised to parents. Are they safe?

Guidelines have been released for male infertility care so men aren't left out. 

And joint replacements don't last forever, but there are ways to extend their life.

References

Guidelines for the management of male infertility - Healthy MaleData Resource Profile: The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR)Novel Hypoglossal Stimulation Markedly Improves Airflow and Airway Collapsibility in OSARacial Bias in Pulse Oximetry Measurement - NEJMFind a clinical trial

Racial inequity in our medical devices

It's a tricky conversation to navigate, so researchers have tried to find out the best way to bring up weight in the doctor's office while dodging bias and stigma.

Also, a look at the evidence surrounding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression. 

The international effort to improve survival from pancreatic cancer. And how a change in guidelines spared tens of thousands of children from peanut allergy. 

References

Guidelines for Early Food Introduction and Patterns of Food AllergyNew systematic review and meta-analysis shows an association between shingles vaccination and lower risk of heart attack and stroke Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine - who should get vaccinated?Supporting weight focused discussions in primary care: A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitatorsDiscussing Weight with Patients in Primary Care in Australia: A Mixed Methods Experimental StudyTGA approves new brain stimulation device for treatment of depression - ABC NewsThe Australian Pancreatic High-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) StudyThe Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium

Challenging weight bias in the doctor’s office

Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA. 

We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed for altering the genome of babies without proper consent. 

Also, we take a look at the common skin condition rosacea and what treatments are available. And some changes to blood test results mean you could see them before your doctor. 

References

Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report – World Health Organization New test categories available for faster access on My Health Record

Does human genome editing cross a line?

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and the pain associated with it can persist despite medications and surgery. New guidelines have suggested lifestyle changes like diet or supplements could work for some. 

Also, what you can do in your 40s to prevent heart failure later on. And anal cancer is rare but might be going under people's radar. Who should be screened?

References

Assessment of malnutrition in preschool-aged children by mid-upper arm circumference in the Gaza Strip (January, 2024–August, 2025): a longitudinal, cross-sectional, surveillance studyTestimony, advocacy, and the public health effect of genocideHealth of the Nation report - RACGPNobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineAustralian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists • 
Cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health: an actionable vision for heart failure prevention - the LancetAnal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Low FODMAP diet for chronic endometriosis pain

Daylight saving time kicks in this weekend for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Time shifts can be controversial, and in recent years there's been research into the effects on our health. One study has looked into the incidence of strokes and obesity. 

Also, why experts want to change the name of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and we take a tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. 

References:

Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy - NHMRCSafety concerns over imported melatonin products - TGARetraction: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyCircadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policiesPolycystic ovary syndrome perspectives from patients and health professionals on clinical features, current name, and renaming: a longitudinal international online survey - the LancetInside the Australian lab where scientists study bird flu and other emerging disease threats - ABC NewsDynamic Balnce for LifeA Judo-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls and Frailty Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

US President Donald Trump has told women they shouldn't take paracetamol (also known as Tylenol or acetaminophen) during pregnancy because it has been linked to autism. 

We unpack the evidence with experts — where has this claim come from? Have we really found a treatment for autism spectrum disorder? And what are the dangers of taking health advice from Trump?

Also, an unexpected result from a study looking into whether a yoga exercise program could prevent falls in older adults.

Why does Trump think paracetamol causes autism?

Trump has suggested there's a link between pregnant women taking paracetamol and autism in children. 

In a press conference Trump said pregnant women with fevers should "tough it out".

Trump links paracetamol with autism. What’s the evidence?

A major change has been made to Australia's asthma guidelines, but how long will it take everyone to catch on?

Also, we know daily aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease isn't beneficial, but a new study shows there might be risks. 

And should the one-time blood test for lipoprotein(a) be free for everyone?

References:

National Climate Risk Assessment | Australian Climate ServiceUnderestimating heat-related mortality—a comparison of excess mortality and death record studies for Australia - The Lancet Regional Health – Western PacificMore evidence climate change is bad for our hearts - ABC listen Medical Imaging and Pediatric and Adolescent Hematologic Cancer Risk | New England Journal of MedicineIg Nobel Prizes celebrate pizza-eating lizards, drunk bats and garlic-flavoured breast milk - ABC NewsAspirin, cardiovascular events, and major bleeding in older adults: extended follow-up of the ASPREE trialLp(a) testing for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-income countries: a cost-effectiveness analysisAustralian Asthma Handbook

Time to ditch the blue puffer for asthma

The way we get information has changed, and when it comes to health and wellness more and more people are turning to social media. 

There are pros and cons, but when it comes to something as important as birth control, there's a price to pay for taking guidance from influencers. 

Also on the show, why parent-focused programs haven't been working to tackle obesity in toddlers. And a story about the benefits of withdrawing medication, rather than starting it. 

References

Alcohol and Cancer Risk - JAMA InsightsReview of Evidence on Alcohol and Health - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineGLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes • 
Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort studyJoint statement on professional responsibilities for prescribing and dispensing medicines - AHPRAParent-focused behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity (TOPCHILD): a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis“Do You Know What Birth Control Actually Does to Your Body?”: Assessing Contraceptive Information on TikTokWithdrawal of heart failure therapy after atrial fibrillation rhythm control with ejection fraction normalization: the WITHDRAW-AF trial

Do you take health advice from influencers?

Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In blood cancer, a revolutionary t-cell therapy has cured patients and could show promise in solid tumours. 

In bladder cancer, the tuberculosis vaccine is infused to treat non-invasive cancer. However a shortage of BCG means researchers are having to test out other methods. 

Also, is Australia on the front foot when it comes to type 2 diabetes treatment? And what does copper in the brain have to do with Parkinson's disease?

Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer

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