Health Report - Separate stories podcast

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  • 5.0 (4)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Health Report - Separate stories 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. 

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Will all your GP appointments be free? Probably not

    Labor and the Coalition want to increase incentives to GPs to bulk bill, but despite this promise, it's likely not all clinics will change.  Was it pre-emptive for the Government to suggest nine out of 10 GP visits will be free by the end of the decade? Also, a study tells us the bare minimum we can do to achieve better health outcomes.  References Minimum and optimal combined variations in sleep, physical activity, and nutrition in relation to all-cause mortality risk

    10 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Influencers spreading misinformation online

    If you’re like thousands of other Australians you’ve watched the new series on Belle Gibson, agape at the misinformation she spread on social media. Since she was exposed in 2015, platforms like Instagram have only grown, and popular users have only gained influence over their followers. A new study has looked into posts full of misleading information about things like full-body MRI scans and early detection cancer tests. Guest/s Dr Brooke Nickel, public health researcher at the University of Sydney References Social Media Posts About Medical Tests With Potential for Overdiagnosis

    8 min

  3. 4 DAYS AGO

    Who should (and shouldn't) consider salt substitutes

    Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could improve your heart health. Most salt substitutes are made of potassium chloride, which has recently been shown to reduce the chance of recurrent strokes. Despite this, not everyone should be reaching for potassium chloride. And not everyone can afford to. Guest/s Professor Bruce Neal, executive director of The George Institute for Global Health

    7 min

  4. 4 DAYS AGO

    Answering common questions about GLP-1s for weight loss

    For many people, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy have been a game-changer for weight loss. It has long been recognised in the field of obesity research that before these drugs came onto the market, there were very few interventions that worked. Things have changed fast, so what do you need to know about this new class of drugs if you’re considering taking them? Guest/s Associate Professor Samantha Hocking, endocrinologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney References Mapping the effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists - Nature

    15 min

  5. 4 DAYS AGO

    Mailbag: More on breast screening

    A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

    5 min

  6. FEB 21

    What four years of RFK Jr could do to our health

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr has been confirmed as President Trump's secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.  This is despite his contentious views on things like vaccination and anti-depressants. President Trump has already overseen major cuts to America's research sector, with concerns labs could close without appropriate funding.  References 'Devastating' cuts to NIH grants by Trump's team put on hold by US judge - Nature Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates

    12 min

  7. FEB 21

    More to the story of youth mental health

    A leading youth mental health expert has pushed back at the suggestion that three quarters of adolescents in Australia have been anxious or depressed.  While it's agreed rates of both conditions are rising among young people, there are ways to improve services so more people can access support.  Guest/s Professor Pat McGorry, executive director of Orygen and Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne References National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-2022 The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health

    5 min

  8. FEB 21

    Why density matters when it comes to breast screening

    Victoria’s breast screening service is starting to advise patients when they have dense breasts, urging them to discuss their cancer risk with their GP. Western Australia and South Australia have been doing this for some years. However there are still no national guidelines, and it’s not always clear what GPs should do with this information. Guest/s Associate Professor Wendy Ingman, University of Adelaide References Breast density - frequently asked questions - BreastScreen Victoria Dense breasts - BreastScreen WA Breast density - BreastScreen SA BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    ABC listen
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2025
  • Episodes
    807
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
  • Show Website
    Health Report - Separate stories podcast

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