IRON-MATTERS is a series of interviews by and for medical and health practitioners focusing on hereditary haemochromatosis. The series is intended to provide general practitioners with in-depth information about this genetic chronic condition. Topics include - diagnosis in general practice with GP Dr Robert Menz- the genetics of haemochromatosis with clinical geneticist Prof martin Delatycki- haemochromatosis and the liver with gastroenterologist Prof John Olynyk- haemochromatotic arthropath ...
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Specialist and mainstream audiences alike rely on the Health Report to bring clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.
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Blood letting might be an ancient practice, but in some cases it's still the ideal treatment. One instance is in haemochromatosis, an inherited condition where the body absorbs too much iron. Many patients still undertake blood letting at pathology centres where it can't be put to good use. But they could be donating their blood — providing an iron…
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Donald Trump's election win could mean big changes for health policy in the United States. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he's been promised a major health role in the administration. He has vowed to address fluoride in the drinking water, and the safety of vaccines. Do his claims have any merit?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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A major review has looked at the barriers health professionals face working to their full scope of practice. It includes a recommendation that allied health professionals like physiotherapists or psychologists be able to refer patients to a specialist themselves, without needing to send patients back to the GP. There have been mixed reactions to th…
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High blood pressure in adolescence could be a warning sign
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Early intervention is important when it comes to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and other diseases. A person’s blood pressure in adolescence might predict whether they will go on to struggle with hypertension in adulthood. A new study suggests screening for high blood pressure at younger ages could be a useful preventio…
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Do we finally know the best treatment for asthma?
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Asthma is a common chronic condition that can be life-threatening when left untreated. So what is the best treatment? A combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and formoterol is recommended in the latest global guidelines. A review of the evidence backs this up – finding a proactive combo is more effective at reducing symptoms than a single quick-…
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We don't know why outcomes from a common heart procedure have gotten worse
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Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a common procedure in Australia. The surgeon inserts a catheter through a blood vessel in your leg to implant the artificial valve into your heart. Because it's minimally invasive, it has become a useful alternative to open heart surgery. However researchers in the US have discovered that since 2018, outcom…
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Inquiry into how Australia handled the COVID-19 pandemic
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The latest health news, including an inquiry into the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what can be done better during pandemics. And what's behind the dip in Australia's childhood vaccination rates? References COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report ‘Worse-placed than in 2020’: Where Australia’s pandemic response went wrong, Sydney Morn…
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Ancient gene influencing immunity in First Nations people
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A gene variant has been discovered that could explain susceptibility to disease among First Nations people in Oceania. The variation affects the natural killer cells, which play a vital role in the first line of immune defence. It's a discovery that could have implications for the treatment of diseases like tuberculosis and cancer. Guest Professor …
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Could skin grown in a lab be used to treat severe burns? Spray on skin, another Australian invention, has been hugely successful in treating first and second degree burns. However third degree burns are still difficult to treat, and require skin to be taken from elsewhere on the body and grafted onto the wound. Melbourne's Skin Bioengineering Labor…
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How physiotherapy can help women have better sex
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Painful sex is common — some research suggests it might affect up to 35 per cent of sexually active women. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal, or something that can't be resolved. There are interventions that work, including pelvic floor physiotherapy. But are there enough specialists to meet demand? Guests Alex Barwick, ABC Alic…
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'Forever chemicals' in drinking water, and Egypt is malaria-free
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The latest health news, including new guidelines to limit "forever chemicals" per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — in drinking water. And Egypt has been certified malaria-free. References Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - Public Consultation on Draft Guidance for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Australia: 'Forever ch…
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Type 2 diabetes is declining, but not equally
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The incidence of type 2 diabetes among Australian adults is declining. However this decline is not being seen across all ethnic backgrounds. From 2011 to 2019, the incidence increased among those born in Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Pacific Islands. It has prompted calls to adjust prevention strategies to better serve people from cultura…
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of inflammatory joint conditions that affect children and teens under the age of 16. An Australian study has documented the physical, mental, social and financial burden of these conditions on young people and their families. It has identified "unacceptable delays" in diagnosis, and an ongoing lack of …
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Why some people stick with running groups and others don't
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Have you been invited to join a running group lately? It's likely, in part because of the growing popularity of events like Parkrun. It's one thing to cave under peer pressure and drop into a single Sunday sesh, and another to become a regular attendant. Thanks to a three-year study of Parkrun data, we now know more about why some people stick with…
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Mailbag: Has Australia dropped the ball on Novavax?
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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The viruses infecting us this Spring and incorrect blood pressure readings
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The latest health news, including the burst of viral illnesses we've seen recently in Australia — and which viruses are behind them. And was your last blood pressure reading accurate? A new study shows common but incorrect arm positions for these measurements can lead to overestimates. References NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, October 2024 Ar…
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Self-harm is on the rise — how can we make meaningful change?
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The rate of self-harm among young people is rising, but despite this the issue remains neglected. That's according to a major paper that has outlined what can be done by governments, services, the media and wider society to address the issue. It recommends addressing social and cultural contributors to self-harm, and centring the voices of people w…
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Giving birth is something many women go through and yet so many come out of it feeling like it didn't go to plan. When the baby is in breech position — bottom first instead of head first — it can get even more complicated. This is why, before things get to this point, attempts are made to flip the baby. And when this is unsuccessful, many women go …
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MicroRNA researchers win big with Nobel Prize
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The latest health news, including microRNA researchers winning this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. What's the big deal with these tiny molecules? And Marburg virus has been detected in hospitals across Rwanda for the first time. The virus causes a haemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. References Medicine Nobel awarded for gene-regulat…
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Using video games to treat ADHD and depression
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Wait times for ADHD treatment, or mental health support, can be long. So is there a pocket-sized solution? c Their efficacy is the subject of a new review, aiming to figure out just how helpful these interventions can be. Guest Joseph McGuire, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine References …
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Treating the varied causes of functional seizures
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In epilepsy, seizures are caused by an 'electrical storm' in the brain that can be seen during an EEG test. But there is another kind of seizure, which presents the same but cannot be seen on an EEG. Despite being so common, there are few treatments for functional seizures and functional neurological disorder (FND). Guest Jackie, participant in Re-…
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Preventing life-threatening illnesses through skin checks
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The rate of skin infections in Aboriginal children living in remote communities has halved over the course of a major five-year study. Untreated skin infections can cause rheumatic heart disease, sepsis and kidney disease – all of which disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. A trial has found regular skin check…
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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The latest health news, including a US study linking indoor radon exposure to childhood leukaemia risk. Why Australian adults do (and don't) get vaccinated against the flu. And new rules come into effect banning the compounding of popular weight loss products. References Domestic radon exposure and childhood cancer risk by site and sex in 727 count…
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Both attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia share symptoms, so do they share genes? Researchers have looked at the genomes of thousands of people to pinpoint places where the conditions overlap. They found ADHD aligns more closely with dyslexia than autism, suggesting it might be better termed as a learning difficulty than a p…
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Millions of people are using period-tracking apps to record their menstrual cycle. In some cases, women are relying on these apps to prevent pregnancy, or to tell them when they’re most fertile when they are trying to have a baby. How accurate are they, and should you be trusting these companies with your health data? Guest Dr Emmalee Ford, biochem…
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Installing computers in the brain to bring back movement
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We can use technology to fill the gap when the brain no longer sends the right signals to the body. Brain-computer interfaces have helped people who've lost movement to move again. But so far, none of these products have been approved for use outside of research settings. Guest Michelle Patrick Krueger, IUCRC BRAIN Center at the University of Houst…
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Do people really live longer in 'Blue Zones'?
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For years, so-called 'Blue Zones' have been promoted as having a higher than average number of long-lived people. It was thought their lifestyles were behind their longevity. But upon further investigation, the whole notion of 'Blue Zones' has fallen apart. The researcher responsible has won the first Ig Nobel prize for demography. References UCL d…
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The key to maintaining weight loss in adolescents
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Unhealthy weight gain in the early years of childhood can have lifelong implications. While prevention is the main objective, sometimes it is necessary to intervene with weight loss strategies. So how is this done safely – keeping in mind the very real risk of triggering eating disorders in young people? Guest Dr Natalie Lister, research dietitian …
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Less invasive screening for prostate cancer
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Getting screened for cancer is a stressful experience, especially when the methods can be invasive. New research indicates fewer men would have to undergo biopsies for prostate cancer, when an MRI is undertaken first. Guest Associate Professor Jeremy Grummet, urological surgeon References Results after Four Years of Screening for Prostate Cancer wi…
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Treating cancer with fewer toxic side effects
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Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that typically affects young adults. Because of this, there are many things to consider before treatment starts – not just how effective it will be, but its long-term impacts. Australian researchers have been part of a clinical trial to find effective first-line treatments for the disease that prevent toxic side effects…
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Study questions COVID antiviral's effectiveness
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Superbugs expected to kill 50 million people by 2050. Trial tests COVID antiviral Paxlovid's usefulness. Alcohol is linked to higher cancer rates in young people. And a tobacco giant releases inhaler company after backlash. References Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050 Nirmatr…
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Life insurers banned from using genetic data
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The government is preparing legislation to ban life insurers from using genetic testing results to discriminate coverage. The practice put Australians off getting tested, meaning they potentially missed out on important health information. Could this reform lead to population-sized screening for high risk genes? Guest Jane Tiller, the ethical legal…
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Childhood inflammation linked to future mental illness
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Children with raised levels of inflammation were associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis disorder, severe depression, and high levels of insulin resistance in their 20s. Guest Dr Edward Palmer, a trainee psychiatrist and academic clinical fellow at the University of Birmingham References Trajectories of Inflammation in Youth and R…
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Adelaide-based company Micro-X is transforming radiology with smaller and less resource intensive X-ray technology. The tech could see CT scanners small enough to fit in ambulances providing vital stroke diagnosis on the spot. Guest Anthony Skeats is the Chief Operating Officer at Micro-X References Ready to scan: designing the Micro-X Head CT for …
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Mailbag: Countries with higher excess mortality during pandemic
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Ozempic-like drug officially approved for weight loss
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The US sees its first case of bird flu in a human who did not come into contact with an animal.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Have we been going about suicide prevention the wrong way?
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The federal government has announced a rethink on suicide prevention this week, a more holistic approach that doesn’t just look to mental health and clinical response but to social determinants that lead to high risk of suicide. The Lancet released a series, also this week, which similarly pushes for a public health approach to suicide prevention. …
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People don't generally notice a kidney stone until it gets big and causes severe pain. So it's hard to trace back to when it actually started forming. Well, one scientist decided to age his own kidney stone using carbon dating techniques usually used for dating ancient rock art. Guest Dr Vladimir Levchenko, research scientist at Australian Nuclear …
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Ebola vaccine proves effective as global threat continues
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As Ebola continues to be a global threat, a major review into the real-world effectiveness of the Ebola vaccine offers some reassuring results. Guest Dr Sophie Meakin is an epidemiologist with Epicentre, the epidemiology and medical research arm of Médecins Sans Frontières References Effectiveness of rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination during the 2018–20 Ebola …
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Supermodel's cancer recovery raises questions
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Did Australian supermodel Elle MacPherson recover from cancer without traditional treatment? A huge review debunks mobile phone brain cancer fears. And can catching up on sleep on the weekends save us?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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A story for the many parents who allow their children some screen time, and are concerned about the potential negative effects of it. A recent study has found a link between tablet use by preschoolers and angry outbursts. This behavioural effect could be due to a dependency on the device for emotional regulation, but the results are stark. Guest Dr…
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Sport concussion not as damaging as we think
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We've heard a lot in recent years about how damaging concussion in professional sport can be to long-term brain health. But we don't know a lot about the impacts of mild concussions. Well there's now an app for that. And one recent study found having a sports-related concussion didn't seem to have a detrimental effect on cognition and was linked to…
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Downstairs problems may indicate chronic disorders
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Men might need a little bit more convincing when it comes to going to the doctors but if there are issues below the belt it might be worth getting yourself checked. New research suggests erectile dysfunction or peeing in the night might be indicators of a bigger problem. Guest Dr Sam Tafari, andrology and men’s health fellow at the Royal Adelaide h…
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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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CORONACAST BONUSCAST: How protective is the vaccine?
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An update on COVID-19 figures, plus the latest research on vaccines and long-COVID. What are the long-term outcomes of people who experienced myocarditis after COVID infection or vaccination? And why were there differences in mental health outcomes for the unvaccinated and the vaccinated? References Long-Term Prognosis of Patients With Myocarditis …
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More attention is being paid to toxins and their effects on the human body – like PFAS chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals. A guide has been released providing advice to parents, childcare centres and policymakers. It provides practical approaches to reduce the risks from known toxins. Guest Dr Rachael Wakefield-Rann, Institute for Sustainabl…
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