What's That Rash‪?‬ ABC listen

Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health.

Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics.

But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body.

References
Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it
Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking?
The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review

Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird?

Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years.

In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen.

References
Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon

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!

References
Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic review


Getting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report

 

Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms.

Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome.

As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with.

References
Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota
Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study

There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us?

There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble.

Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one.

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!

References
Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report
Coeliac disease: review of diagnosis and management
Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet
Gluten-free diet may increase risk of arsenic, mercury exposure

 

Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up?

At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing…

In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer.