Health Report - Separate stories podcast

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• Do calcium and vitamin D prevent falls and fractures? 30.05.2026

  In the news this week: An update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda. Changes to bulk-billing for general practice. Calcium and vitamin D - a new review of their effectiveness in reducing falls and fractures. References Ebola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief says Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warns Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC) Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis
• What's behind the diphtheria outbreak in Australia? 30.05.2026

  Case numbers are now dropping in what has been the largest outbreak of diphtheria in Australia in decades. What does the epidemiology of the outbreak tell us about why it has happened? Guest Dr Stephanie Williams, Australian Centre for Disease Control  References Diphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 25 May 2026
• Housing and health: it's about maintenance ... and climate change 30.05.2026

  On last week's Health Report, Norman and Preeya discussed the links between unsafe housing and health in remote communities. To dig deeper into the area, they speak to an architect with more than three decades of experience working with local communities and Aboriginal organisations designing and managing remote housing. Guest Dave Donald, Architect and Director, Healthabitat
• Measuring the protective effect of mental health habits 30.05.2026

  Regular sleep patterns, exercise, eating well, and thinking positive. They're all examples of healthy behaviours that work to protect our mental health. What happens to someone's mood when you take them away? Guest Professor Nick Titov, Macquarie University  References Impact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial
• Mailbag: ARFID 30.05.2026

  A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
• How did the diphtheria outbreak happen? 23.05.2026

  In the news this week: New obesity medicines recommended for heart disease. Effectiveness of a vaccine program for RSV. An outbreak of diptheria across multiple Australian states. We also put out a special episode of the Health Report focused on the emerging Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda: Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccine References Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A clinical consensus statement from the National Heart Foundation of Australia Impact and Effectiveness of Australia's 2025 Hybrid RSV Immunisation Program: Results from the PAEDS-FluCAN Network Diphtheria outbreak could be 'contained within months' but response criticised as too slow
• Who's using peptides and do we know what's in them? 23.05.2026

  There's reportedly a major uptick in the number of people using or interested in peptides - injectable protein building-blocks. You may have seen them on your social media feed linked to marketing that says they can ease joint pain, improve muscle recovery or for skin care. But large parts of the peptides market are unregulated. What do we know about who is using peptides, what they contain and the evidence base for the benefits they purport to give? Guest Dr Tim Piatkowski, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, School of Public Health, University of Queensland References Responding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public health
• Sleep, memory and mood: key differences in how men and women experience Parkinson's disease 23.05.2026

  Findings from a large study of Australians suggest the symptoms and experience of Parkinson's disease varies significantly between men and women. The researchers also found that the disease is associated with being exposed to certain pesticides or working in some high-risk occupations. Guest Associate Professor Miguel Rentería, Group Leader, Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer References Insights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differences
• The treatment you don't need if you have heart failure 23.05.2026

  For people with a heart defibrillator, it's been common to undergo a treatment that lets the device take over a particular part of your heart's function. But a study of people with defibrillators has found it makes no difference and doesn't need to be done. Guest Professor Prash Sanders, Director of the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders in Adelaide References Cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial
• Mailbag: plastic-associated chemicals 23.05.2026

  A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
• Renaming PCOS 16.05.2026 9мин

  In the news this week: Review finds no direct link between aluminium adjuvanted vaccines and health conditions PCOS renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) Budget details for Thriving Kids program References Aluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic review Polycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome Budget 2026-27: Thriving Kids
• Reducing exposure to plastic-associated chemicals 16.05.2026 13мин

  Microplastics are everywhere, including food processing and production. So is it inevitable that microplastics are a part of your diet? A new West Australian study shows there are ways to reduce your exposure, but it's not simple. Guest Michaela Lucas, Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia  References Low-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthalates and bisphenols: the randomized controlled PERTH Trial
• Rehab for ACL injuries 16.05.2026 13мин

  A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has most commonly been treated with surgery. But new research is showing there are rehab treatments that work for some, without the need for the operating theatre. Guest Dr Marc-Olivier Dubé, Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre References Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
• Tech shown to help treat eating disorders 16.05.2026 9мин

  Digital interventions, like websites and chatbots, have shown positive effects in the treatment of some eating disorders according to a new study. Evidence shows the potential for flow-on benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder. But not all the digital tools available are created equal. Guest Associate Professor Jake Linardon, School of Psychology, Deakin University References Acute, Longer-Term, and Transdiagnostic Outcomes After Digital Interventions for Eating Disorders
• Mailbag: urgent care clinics 16.05.2026 5мин

  A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au 
• Australia eliminates eye disease that causes blindness 09.05.2026

  In the news this week: Australia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem. Mpox vaccine coverage less than expected. An outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship. References Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem Mpox disease epidemiology, vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage in Australia 2022–2024: a descriptive study Hantavirus-hit cruise ship leaves Cape Verde after three evacuated
• $1.8 billion in federal budget for urgent care clinics 09.05.2026

  Urgent care clinics will receive $1.8 billion in the 2026-7 Budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system.  We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision. Guest Mark Butler, Federal Health Minister
• 'Fitspo' content - helping or harming? 09.05.2026

  Could 'fitspiration' social media content be harming mental health? A new study from Northwestern has investigated the effects of consuming this content online and argues that it has serious negative effects on young peoples' body image. Guest Valerie Gruest, Phd Candidate, School of Communication, Northwestern University References Lifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis
• First bacteriophage therapy in Victoria 09.05.2026

  'Phage therapy' is a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and what are the obstacles to making it a first-line treatment? References Cross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure
• Mailbag: transient global amnesia 09.05.2026

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