Health Report - Separate stories podcast

In the news: The Bundibugyo strain of the ebola virus continues to spread at pace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has now passed 10,000 cases, becoming the biggest outbreak in that country, and has also spread to Kenya. The Victorian Coroner's report on the death of actor Richard Norton attributes the use of unapproved peptides prescribed by his treating doctor. The report recommends the TGA do more to restrict access. References Victorian Coroners Court: finding into death without inquest - Richard John Norton ABC News: Coroner recommends TGA review peptide restrictions after Australian actor's death WHO: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Nigeria

A study using data from the UK Biobank indicates following the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent acne. Researchers say avoiding entire food groups like dairy is not a good way to manage the health of your body or your skin. Guest/s Wendy Hall, Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Head of Department of Nutritional Sciences, Kings College London References Associations between diet quality and adult acne: A cross sectional study in the UK Biobank

It’s one of the most difficult cancers to detect and to treat, and patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer often have a short life expectancy. A new drug can extend survival times significantly but there are some major barriers to access at the moment. Guest/s Michael Lee, Medical oncologist with specialist in upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre

The road to becoming a registered psychologist is getting a refresh, as the government hopes to simplify current study pathways to take care of a workforce problem. But the current proposal faces opposition from some within the industry who say it will reduce quality of care, and do nothing to solve the biggest problem, which is a shortage of psychologists outside major cities. Guest/s Trevor Steward, Associate Professor at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne Dr Kelly Gough, APS President Rachel Phillips, Chair of the Psychology Board of Australia References Redesigning the higher education pathway

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

In the news: A report in the Lancet outlines the biggest risks to human health worldwide with obesity topping the list. But there are some more surprising risks identified. The TGA has approved a broader scope of use of a medicine for medical abortion care and miscarriage. A study has quantified the baseline prevalence of low testosterone in the United States military, ahead of the planned annual screening of men over the age of 30. References The Lancet: 21st century global threats to health are not what you think TGA: MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol) Testosterone Screening Thresholds in Active-Duty US Male Service Members

The first ever report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that quantifies these injuries was released this week. It shows what many clinicians are already seeing in emergency rooms and surgeries. So what can be done to reduce the impact of these e-devices? Guest/s Professor Martin Wullschleger, Director of Trauma, Gold Coast Health and chair of RACS Queensland Trauma Committee References E-scooter and e-bike injuries and deaths in Australia: national trends and data limitations

A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. The treatments that are used for their cancer are thought to be the cause. So what can be done to manage these new health risks? Guest/s Dr Cheng Hwee Soh, Honorary Senior Fellow at the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne and Group Leader, Imaging Research laboratory, Baker Institute References Coronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: A Comparative CCTA Study

In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures. But a new study about discontinuation of diabetes medication shows it is not reintroduced quickly once the person is discharged. Could better information transfer facilitated by a hospital pharmacist help prevent this? Guest/s Dr Tamara Milder, endocrinologist and Researcher, Medicines Intelligence Research Program, UNSW References Hospitalisation Is a Strong Risk Factor for Discontinuation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes

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

In the news: Modelling on the impact of Victoria's Covid vaccinations during the Delta wave shows the effects of herd immunity, with non vaccinated individuals being protected as well. Studies and reports out this week have shed light on the impact on different parts of the health system as one of the larger sections of the population (boomers) reaches an age where their health is in decline. Is this a permanent crisis or a temporary blip, and how should it be managed? References Journal of the Royal Society Interface: Quantifying the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Victoria, Australia AIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025 Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of Emergency JAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis

Patients say prescribed treatment can vary when it comes to two of the most widely experienced effects of menopause, vasomotor (hot flushes) and genitourinary symptoms. New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer. Guest/s Dr Catriona Melville, specialist gynaecologist and sub-specialist in sexual and reproductive health and Guideline Development Group Chair, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists References RANZCOG Management of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause clinical guideline ABC News: Australia has new guidelines for managing menopausal symptoms

The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results. They looked at whether or not there is an association with gut bacteria and several different types of cancers and what they found could lead to treatments that reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and potential links between some early onset cancers and the gut microbiome. Guest/s Dr Purna Kashyap, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Mayo Clinic and the Bernard and Edith Waterman Director of the Microbiome Program References Cell: Microbiome signatures linked to cancer and treatment adverse events in a real-world cohort

In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14. There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready for their own smartphone, but this research on young people does strengthen the case for holding off during this period. If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673 National Eating Disorder Collaboration Lifeline on 131 114 Guest/s Dr Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco References JAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence Health Report: What age is best for a child's first smartphone?

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

In the news: 1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health? Being vaccinated against HPV before pregnancy has benefits for pregnancy outcomes. An unconfirmed case of pneumonic plague in Russia has caused international concern. Do you need to be worried? References AIHW: Polypharmacy in Australia in 2025 BMJ: Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: nationwide, population based case-control study ABC News: Russia rails against online 'plague' claims, but few in Irkutsk trust authorities

The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life. Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies. Guest/s Dr Danielle Longmore, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist and post-doctoral clinician researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute References The Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countries

If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing actually decrease your risk of getting cancer? A study looking at colonoscopies done 5 years after high risk adenomas had been removed provides some encouraging results. Guest/s Michael Bretthauer, Professor of Medicine at the University of Oslo and Gastroenterologist at Oslo University Hospital References Colonoscopy Intervals and Colorectal Cancer Incidence after Adenoma Removal

Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved. A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors. Guest/s Susan Rees, Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW References Gun and Other Weapon–Involved Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric Symptoms Family and domestic violence support services: If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero. Women's Crisis Line : 1800 811 811 1800 Respect National Helpline : 1800 737 732 Men's Referral Service : 1300 766 491 The Kids Helpline : 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800 Lifeline : 131 114

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