Health Report - Full program podcast

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4.4 (1.3K)
MEDICINE
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

1 DAY AGO

Mapping the environmental exposures that impact human health

The human exposome is the environmental equivalent of the human genome, and there's a project in the works to map it. It's a huge project that needs to take into account our lifestyles, cultures, economics and politics. Essentially, everything but our genome. Also, a concerning disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to kidney transplants. And a small risk comes to light in relation to GLP-1s used for diabetes and weight loss. References Guidance on medicinal cannabis prescribing targets unsafe practice - AHPRAGLP-1 Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Age-Related Macular DegenerationAm I on the list? Clinician‐reported factors for kidney transplantation non‐waitlisting among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with kidney failure: a cross‐sectional studyThe Human Exposome ProjectGeneration Cancer - 4CornersMapping the chemical complexity of plastics - Nature

40 min
4 JULY

Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer

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?

36 min
27 JUNE

The man using AI to try treat his dog's cancer

In the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, it can sometimes feel like the answer to everything is right around the corner. A dog owner is testing this with the help of super-computing, to try and find another treatment for his dog's cancer. Also, the national lung cancer screening program is about to begin. Who is eligible, and is the healthcare system prepared? And with syphilis cases rising in the community, there are implications for expectant mothers.

37 min
20 JUNE

What do hyenas have to do with human health?

Hyenas and vultures play a role in driving down the risk of disease outbreaks, but their decline due to human behaviour is putting our health in danger. Also, we discuss Lifeblood's changes which bring down some of the barriers facing gay and bisexual men, and transgender women, who'd like to donate blood or plasma. Pain education could help people with osteoarthritis get the most out of exercise programs — and even walk the Camino. Plus there's a push to extend genetic carrier screening to cover dozens more conditions.

44 min
13 JUNE

Is it too easy to get a prescription for medicinal cannabis?

There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm. Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment for people with schizophrenia. The full breadth of corporate ownership of radiology clinics is revealed. And what questions need to be asked with IVF in the spotlight, as Monash IVF deals with the fallout from a second bungled embryo transfer. References: Medicinal cannabis prescribing practices under scrutiny after scripts issued 'every 4 minutes' - ABC News‘Infuriating and dangerous’: Psychiatrist tries and fails to speak with his patients’ medicinal cannabis prescribers - AusDoc.Efficacy and safety of semaglutide versus placebo for people with schizophrenia on clozapine with obesity (COaST): a phase 2, multi-centre, participant and investigator- blinded, randomised controlled trial in AustraliaCorporatisation and ownership concentration in diagnostic imaging: an audit of Australian practices

39 min
6 JUNE

Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer

Bringing clarity to health and medicA structured exercise program has increased survival in people with colon cancer after they've undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Also, a common genetic variant could double the risk of dementia in men — if they receive two doses of the mutation. We provide an update on the flu, COVID and RSV circulating the community. And a study bringing together millions of lab tests has found is take a lot longer for the body to bounce back from pregnancy than commonly thought. References: Measles Seroprevalence in Infants Under 9 Months of Age in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisGene–Environment Interaction Affects Risk of Atopic Eczema: Population and In Vitro StudiesStructured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer - NEJM Haemochromatosis Genotypes and Incident Dementia in a Prospective Study of Older AdultsPregnancy and postpartum dynamics revealed by millions of lab tests - ScienceAdvancesal issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

41 min
30 MAY

Can you predict how smart a baby will be in adulthood?

Our cognitive ability changes throughout our lives, but what happens when we're young can determine our intelligence in adulthood — especially if we don't do anything to bolster it. Also, NSW follows other states in allowing GPs and diagnose and treat ADHD. There are updated guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis. And when you go into remission from cancer, you usually undergo regular tests to make sure it hasn't returned. But does the evidence support this is beneficial, or simply a cause for anxiety?

43 min
23 MAY

Deepfake scammers have stolen Norman’s voice

If you've come across ads of Norman pushing a product for you to buy — no you haven't. These ads are actually deepfake scams using an AI Norman to sell unproven supplements. Also, why a new Alzheimer's drug coming onto the market might not become cheap enough for most people to take. A breakthrough in gene-editing could push us closer to a future full of CRISPR treatments. And why eight hours a night might not be the magic number for sleep.

42 min

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Dr. Norman Swan

Host
Tegan Taylor

Host

4.4

out of 5

1,279 Ratings

Thanks for using inclusive language!

10 June

EmmaBoothby

Representation matters, thank you for using inclusive language such as, ‘people’. On a very picky note, could Dr Priya please pronounce ‘ee’ as a long vowel, rather than ‘ay’, eg ‘peeple’ rather than, ‘paple’.
Fructose and diabetes

22/05/2024

Chrispi06

Just listened to Dr Mills and her research on fructose. My grandmother who had old age diabetes and passed away in 1995, was “prescribed” fructose by her GP in lieu of regular sugar because of her diabetes.
Used to be really good

7 June

Gelibrand

I used to enjoy this podcast, when it was just Norman and then with Tegan Taylor. The new co- host, the health and wellness influencer Gp just grates and adds nothing. I’m out.
Pass me a bucket

11 Apr

Nardi Numbat

Ms Alexander’s patronising pomposity is the pits. She actually, said referring to eating fruit and vegetable, “…the more rainbows you eat…” get me a bucket. I’m gonna puke a rainbow bucket of sick.