Health Report

A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes,  research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition.There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at ag...

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing? Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height. A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or...

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia,  and rising obesity rates are a contributor.A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet r...

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.ReferencesEfficacy and effectiveness of melatonin for the management of mu...

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.And a...

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.So what happens now?Further information:Bird flu (avian influenza) CDCHuman infections with highly pathogenic avian...

A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.References:Neurological Manifestations in...

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.<...

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?References:...

This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.References:Ebola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief saysEbola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsEbola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus...

The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?ReferencesObesity and cardiovascular disease: A clinical consensus statement from the National Heart Foundation of AustraliaImpact and Effectiveness...

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?Further Information:Why is there no vaccine for this Ebola outbreak?Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns.Ebola disease in DRC and Uganda.Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency...

ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first, and that for many people they will recover without surgery.Microplastics in our food supply - from processing and production - mean all of us are ingesting some level of plastic into our bodies. A new study out of Western Australia shows that it is possible to reduce your exposure, but it takes a lot of work.There's...

Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.'Fitspo' content that sometimes glamourises a ripped bod or restrictive ways of eating could be flooding your social feed - what do we know about its effect on our mental health?And 'phage therapy' - a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and how far off is it from showtime?<...

A new review suggests there may be biomarkers linked to irritable bowel syndrome, typically a diagnosis of exclusion.How you get followed up after going to the doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer is shaped in part by where you live.People can now access their diagnostic and pathology results digitally, and for one woman in Brisbane that meant spotting a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have been missed. References:Serological and faecal markers of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisVariations in the investigation of colorectal cancer-related symptoms in A...

Two thirds of women report concerns over memory loss, concentration or other cognitive symptoms during menopause. What do we understand about what's going on, and how can it be managed?A new plan for improving asthma outcomes in Australia and ending that reliance on the blue puffer.Understanding how the genes we're born with could shape our risk of some cancers in childhood - with implications for adults too.And the links between home cooking and dementia - with studies suggesting slicing and dicing at home (instead of eating out more often) could...

Can you trust the advice ChatGPT Health gives about whether you should go to the hospital or not?Who is using GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how common are they?New guidelines for supporting young people with suicidal ideation or who self-harm.And more findings that drugs removing amyloid from the brain don't help prevent dementia.References:Intensive LDL Cholesterol Targeting in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular DiseaseMunicipal water fluoridation, adolescent IQ, and cognition across the life courseAndrographis paniculata (Andrographis) and anaphylaxis - updated safety review and supplementary reportAmyloid‐beta‐targeting monoclonal antibodies for...

When a medical emergency happens in space, how is it treated? And what does life in Antarctica have to teach us about staying healthy on a spaceflight?Findings from a large study of Australian teenagers find links between school connection, sleep and mental health trajectories through adolescence.If you have a shoulder injury and suspect it's the rotator cuff, should you have a scan? You might find more than you bargained for.And how badly should you want to hang on to your appendix in the case of appendicitis? Is it better to...

Which flu strains are likely to be dominant this flu season - and what's the story with the new nasal spray vaccine?Speaking of sprays ... there's a simple saline spray that might help kids with sleep apnoea avoid surgery.And a treatment for enlarged prostate that doesn't involve going under the knife.Plus, a new review finds vaping is likely to cause certain types of cancer.References:The carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes: a qualitative risk assessmentCost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in ChildrenAnnual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025...

3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool - with scope to apply it to engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design challenges. And it's increasingly being used in ... healthcare.Plus, Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.This week's Health Report features stories from our archive. We'll be back with a new program next week.