Health Check

BBC World Service

4.7 (80)
HEALTH & FITNESS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

2D AGO

Using lasers to fight brain cancer

New research from Yale shows that aging doesn’t have to result in mental and physical decline. In fact, they found that nearly half of older adults actually improved in cognitive or physical ability over a 12-year period. Dr Graham Easton, a family doctor, discusses what this can teach us about what we can and can’t control when it comes to aging. Brain tumours can be notoriously difficult to treat because many therapeutic drugs are not allowed through the blood-brain barrier – an extremely selective system that controls access in and out of the brain. Now, researchers at the University of Southern California have shown that laser-induced tumour heating can open blood-brain barrier, improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy in brain cancer. Erica Benke reports from Finland, where the Winter Swimming World Cup is underway, looking at why winter swimming is growing in popularity and what researchers say about its real health effects and risks. A once‑rare form of organ donation is now transforming transplant care in the U.S and other countries, offering hope to thousands on waiting lists. These new techniques are allowing doctors to keep organs in good condition for longer, even after the donor’s heart has stopped beating. Plus, researchers in Hungary are training AI to better identify mosquitos by their sound, with hopes to accurately monitor populations of the deadliest animal on Earth. Presenter: Laura Foster Producer: Anna Charalambou Assistant Producer: Georgia Christie

27 min
MAR 4

Do collagen supplements really do anything?

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular over recent years. However, a new review has revealed that although taking collagen may rejuvenate the skin, it won’t stop you from getting wrinkles. Dr Ann Robinson, a family doctor, discusses findings on what collagen is actually doing for your skin. The world is short of nearly a million midwives, a new report in Women and Birth warns. Daniela Drandić, the Head of Advocacy & Communications at the International Confederation of Midwives, is one of the authors of the study and breaks down the reason for this shortage and what could be done to increase numbers. Plus, we hear from Sarah Namyalo, a midwife in Uganda, who is doing her best to serve her community under difficult working conditions. A protein derived from a tick could lead to new therapies for conditions such as MS and certain cancers. Known as ‘evasins’, these proteins produced by parasites such as ticks block the inflammatory response and could prevent the immune system from overreacting and develop certain diseases. Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling but often goes untreated. Journalist Tony Vinyoh was recently diagnosed and treated for gout, and reports on how the disease is managed and perceived in Cameroon. Plus, scientists have developed the first ever fart measuring underwear, revealing that we break wind almost double the amount previously estimated. Presenter: Laura Foster Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producers: Georgia Christie and Anna Charalambou

26 min
FEB 25

Could a single vaccine block nearly all viruses?

A universal nasal spray vaccine that could block nearly all viruses, and possibly also bacteria and allergens has been successful at early stages of research. By leaving immune cells ‘on alert’, they become ready to jump into action no matter what infection tries to get into the body. Dr Matthew Fox, Professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health at Boston University, explains what this could mean for the future of disease prevention. Four years into the Ukraine war, the founder of global initiative ‘Think Equal’ Leslee Udwin explains the programmes currently in place to help children to grow through their traumatic experiences. Plus, a teacher in Kharkiv, Violetta Kaleda, as well as some of the children within the programmes, describe the impact of bringing social and emotional learning into education. Prevention campaigns are resuming after the cholera outbreak in Mozambique has now been declared an epidemic by the country’s national director of public health. Reporter Jose Tembe give the latest on the outbreak after the years-long shortage of cholera vaccines begins to rebound. As commercial spaceflight grows and human fertility in space becomes a more pressing concern, embryologist Giles Palmer explains the current understanding of the effects of spaceflight on human reproductive systems. Plus, a new study on ultra-endurance marathon running shows it may accelerate aging and the breakdown of red blood cells. Presenter: Laura Foster Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producers: Georgia Christie and Anna Charalambou

26 min
FEB 18

Surviving without lungs for 48 hours

How a patient survived for 48 hours without lungs. Too ill to receive a lung transplant straight away, the man relied on an artificial lung while his body recovered from an infection. As he prepares to repeat the procedure for the first time, Dr Ankit Bharat, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine explains the groundbreaking technique. Radiotherapy for abdominal cancers can severely damage the uterus and ovaries, causing infertility. However, a team have developed a technique where the uterus is moved out of harm's way during treatment, and now the first baby has been born to a recipient in Europe. Our studio guest today, genito-urinary consultant Vanessa Apea, explains how it worked and what it might mean for patients. Measles cases are on the rise in many parts of the world with more and more countries losing their elimination status. Rogelio Navarro reports on a particularly significant outbreak in Guadalajara, Jalisco State in Mexico. Condom use is in decline in Ghana. Will a government intervention on Valentine’s Day make any difference? Plus, a new map for deadly scorpions’ habitat – would you know what to do if you were stung? Presenter: Laura Foster Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producers: Jonathan Blackwell, Georgia Christie, Anna Charalambou

26 min
FEB 11

Are statins safer than we thought?

Statins are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world as they are highly effective at reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol that causes cardiovascular disease. A new review in the Lancet has found there are far fewer side effects associated with their use than previously thought. New Nipah cases have been reported in India and Bangladesh. Trudie Lang Professor of Global Health Research at the University of Oxford explains the significance and how worried we should be. A team in Cardiff, Wales have designed a reusable sanitary pad that cleans in sunlight. As a trial of the product begins in Nepal, we find out what the participants think of the idea and how it works. What does air pollution do to our bodies? James Gallagher reports. Plus, does pink noise actually help us sleep? Presenter: Laura Foster Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producers: Jonathan Blackwell, Anna Charalambou

26 min
FEB 4

Why do some people hoard?

Many of us can empathise with that feeling of keeping stuff for years and years. We might keep treasured objects with real sentimental value, or we might have items for a long time - and yet we can't really explain why. For those of us who don’t like getting rid of our belongings, life can feel very full of stuff. But when does a tendency to hold on to things become more worrying? It can be difficult to put a figure on just how many people have what's known as hoarding disorder. So what causes this complex and little discussed issue – and is it more than just a problem of too much stuff? Claudia visits a woman who describes how hoarding has taken over her life to the extent that she doesn’t let anyone into her home. We also meet her psychologist to understand what underpins hoarding disorder and how it’s treated. And joining us in the studio is Catherine Loveday, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Westminster to look at whether our state of mind when we get vaccinated affects how well the vaccine works. They also discuss why the menopause might be bad for the brain whereas grandparenting might be good for the brain. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Jonathan Blackwell & Gerry Holt

26 min
JAN 28

South African coming-of-age initiations

For some communities in South Africa coming-of-age initiations are a hugely significant moment, but there have been rising concerns over the safety of the circumcisions at the heart of this ritual. Forty-eight young men died last year and the government are now introducing measures to tackle the issue. BBC’s southern Africa correspondent Pumza Fihlani reports on the latest. Research suggests our hair does not grow by pushing up and out but by being pulled by a coordinated network of moving cells. Our studio guest Graham Easton, professor of clinical communication skills and former family doctor discusses the significance. What is the best way to encourage more people to give blood? New research from China evaluates system where donors were offered incentives such as free access to public bus services. Professor of Health Psychology Eamonn Ferguson puts this in the context of different approaches used worldwide. And should doctors use emojis in communications with patients? A new paper analyses how many are used and which ones by clinicians and patients in Michigan, USA. We discuss the pros and cons of their use. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant producer: Jonathan Blackwell Researcher: Anna Charalambou

26 min
JAN 21

Could the shingles vaccine really slow down the ageing process?

Joined by BBC Brazil reporter Camilla Mota, presenter Claudia Hammond discusses new research from the U.S. that has found that people who have had a vaccine against shingles seem to be aging more slowly. We hear from James Tibenderana, Chief Executive of Malaria Consortium about research from Brazil that shows that as deforestation expands, mosquitoes are increasingly using humans as a blood source instead of wildlife. What does this mean for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases? Plus, why does Brazil have a particularly high number of supercentenarians? And could swearing make you stronger? Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Anna Charalambou

27 min

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4.7

out of 5

80 Ratings

Great show

04/13/2018

incognito82

I love it
The world's health briefing

07/10/2017

dettifoss

The podcast is very professionally presented, with reports on issues in world health - literally tackling issues and bringing news from every corner of the globe - followed by a studio discussion with a healthcare professional (usually a doctor, but occasionally a journalist specializing in health). Note: this is serious journalism, not faddy health infotainment. I am a better person for listening to Health Check: more knowledgeable and more thoughtful.
Highly recommended

03/31/2013

minarcik

Claudia Hammond, you rock! Thank you for the awesome podcast :)
Outstanding Presentation of a Fascinating Case

09/04/2010

Professor 134

Everyone who studies psychology learns about H.M.--the man who lost his memory. This presentation explains the whole amazing case in considerable detail--but as a very interesting story. And not only do you learn all about H.M.--you hear him too. A real nice guy. An outstanding presentation.