Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, sits down with Jackie Durnan, the founder of the Hinterland Health Retreat, to explore how a holistic approach addressing mind, body, and spirit can revolutionise your mental health and wellbeing. Jackie shares her deeply personal journey from trauma to healing, emphasising the incredible potential of using modalities like EFT, red light therapy, and specialised nutrition to heal the mind and body. We dive into the types of patients who would benefit from this retreat, inc...
Oct 12, 2024•22 min•Ep. 13
In today's episode, we cover some major stories in medical news: First up, the UK High Court has upheld a ban on puberty blockers for youth with gender dysphoria, citing a lack of evidence for their safety and effectiveness. While trans advocacy groups plan to appeal, the ruling limits use to clinical trials for now. Next, the European Medicines Agency has rejected a license for a promising new Alzheimer's drug called lacanumab over safety concerns, despite the drug showing ability to slow cogni...
Jul 29, 2024•4 min•Ep. 12
Today, we're delving into some fascinating topics that could impact your health and well-being. First, we'll explore the promising potential of glycine as a supplement for aging and how it might just be the secret to a longer, healthier life. Next, we tackle the evolving landscape of breast cancer screening in Australia and what a shift to a risk-based approach could mean for women everywhere. Finally, we're pulling apart the popular vaping trend to uncover what's really inside those devices and...
Jul 07, 2024•3 min•Ep. 11
Welcome to MedHeads, the podcast where we bring you the latest and most compelling stories in the medical world. I'm your host, Michelle. Today, we're diving into three pivotal issues making waves in the healthcare community. First, we uncover the severe physical and mental health challenges faced by Julian Assange during his prolonged isolation, highlighting the harsh impacts of confinement. Next, we turn our focus to the dire financial crisis in Victoria's healthcare system, where a $1.4 billi...
Jul 04, 2024•5 min•Ep. 10
First, we'll head down to Victoria, Australia to explore how significant budget cuts are impacting the health sector there, leading to stringent cost-saving measures and hiring freezes. Next, we'll dive into Australia's upcoming vaping ban, which aims to curb youth access despite some legislative compromises. And finally, we'll introduce you to groundbreaking VR technology from King's College London that promises to revolutionize MRI scans for young children
Jun 28, 2024•3 min•Ep. 9
First, we'll delve into a revolutionary treatment for epilepsy, where a young boy named Oren Knowlson is experiencing an 80% reduction in his severe seizures thanks to a new neurostimulator implanted in his skull. Next, we'll discuss the rising costs in veterinary care and the financial burden it places on pet owners seeking top-tier medical treatments for their beloved animals. Lastly, we'll uncover a vital new algorithm named Purple, developed by researchers at Cornell and MIT, aimed at identi...
Jun 24, 2024•4 min•Ep. 8
First, we explore a PLOS Biology study highlighting the effectiveness and challenges of animal research in therapeutic developments. Next, we celebrate a groundbreaking innovation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance—a rapid test cutting bacterial infection diagnosis times from days to minutes. Lastly, we examine U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's call for safety warning labels on social media to protect youth mental health.
Jun 17, 2024•4 min•Ep. 7
Antidepressant Discontinuation Insights**: A recent Lancet Psychiatry review reveals that only 1 in 6 or 7 patients will experience symptoms upon stopping antidepressants, with severe symptoms occurring in just 1 in 35 patients. The importance of tapering off medication rather than stopping abruptly is emphasised, aligning with official health guidelines. Heart Regeneration Research**: Massachusetts General Hospital uncovers groundbreaking differences in scar tissue between zebrafish and mammals...
Jun 12, 2024•4 min•Ep. 6
Explore IBD research, the dangers of synthetic opioids, and tips for preventing blood clots during flights in this informative MedHeads Podcast episode.
Jun 07, 2024•5 min•Ep. 5
Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with our expert guest, Charmmy Cheng, from The Dietitian's Kitchen. Today’s focus keyword: "Low FODMAP diet". In this episode, we revisit the discussion on IBS from a dietetic perspective, highlighting various management strategies, including dietary and non-dietary approaches, medications, and specific therapeutic interventions. Charmmy provides a thorough explanation of the Low FODMAP diet and its phases—th...
Jun 05, 2024•20 min
In today’s episode, we’re diving into three compelling health stories. We’ll explore whether magnesium supplements can cure anxiety, examine the concerning high excess death rates in the western world since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and discuss the surprising health risks associated with alcohol consumption during long-haul flights.
Jun 04, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In today's episode, we'll dive into three captivating stories: groundbreaking research on the APOE4 gene and its impact on Alzheimer's disease, Australia's upcoming digital mental health intervention service inspired by the UK's talking therapies program, and the connection between stress and dry eye disease.
Jun 02, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode, we'll debunk the age-old myth of the tongue map and reveal the true complexity of taste perception. We'll also delve into age-related macular degeneration—an escalating eye health issue—and the promising, albeit still limited, treatments on the horizon. Lastly, discover how something as simple as orange peel extracts could become a surprising ally in the battle against cardiovascular disease
May 30, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to MedHeads, your go-to source for bite-sized medical news and health insights. Each week, we cover 2 to 4 key topics to keep you informed and engaged. in today's episode, we're diving into three critical health topics that could impact your well-being. First, we'll explore irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), discussing its symptoms, diagnosis, and effective management strategies, including dietary changes and medications. Next, we'll examine recent findings on the benefits of plant-based di...
May 29, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Dr Ferghal and Charmmy delve deep into what constitutes Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions worldwide. Covering the functional disorder's symptoms and diagnosis criteria, this discussion unfolds the complexities of IBS and the 'diagnosis of exclusion' approach, ensuring other severe conditions are ruled out. The dialogue also touches on conditions mimicking IBS symptoms like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even ovarian cance...
Apr 29, 2024•19 min
In this episode of Lifestyle Matters, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and dietitian Charmy Cheng delve into the topic of coeliac disease. They cover the basics of celiac disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, and the lifelong gluten-free diet that's necessary for managing the condition. They explore the challenges of avoiding gluten, discuss the role of gluten in cooking, and highlight the improvements in gluten-free substitutes. The conversation also delves into the impact of celiac disease on different cultur...
Apr 07, 2024•22 min
Dr Fergal Armstrong and dietitian Sharmi Cheng discuss the role of dietary modification in helping people deal with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). They delve into the inflammatory nature of MS, its subtypes, associated risk factors, and the impact of diet on managing the condition. The conversation highlights the emphasis on an anti-inflammatory diet for MS, including the importance of whole foods, plant-based proteins, and the avoidance of saturated fats. They explore the Southeast As...
Apr 01, 2024•20 min
In this episode of "Lifestyle Matters," Dr. Ferghal Armstrong engages in an in-depth discussion with Charmmy Cheng, a dietitian, about the ketogenic diet. They cover the key aspects of the diet, including its emphasis on high-fat, low-carb intake and its potential impact on weight loss, diabetes management, and cardiovascular health. The conversation delves into the pros and cons of the diet, its potential side effects, and the challenges of incorporating it into different cultural cuisines. Pro...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min
Matters! In this episode, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Charmmy Cheng delve into the fascinating world of the mind diet – a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Learn about the science-backed benefits of this dietary approach to brain health and gain insight into the specific foods to emphasise and limit for optimal cognitive function. **Key Points:** - Dr Ferghal and Charmmy elucidate the origins of the mind diet, its emphasis on a whole food, plant-based approach with low salt and plenty of o...
Jan 30, 2024•18 min
In this episode, our host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and guest, Charmmy Cheng, the expert dietitian from The Dietitian's Kitchen, explore the intricacies of the DASH diet and the crucial role of sodium in our daily lives. Dr. Armstrong and Charmmy Cheng discuss the significance of sodium, its impacts on the body when consumed in excessive or insufficient amounts, and its association with conditions such as hypertension. They uncover the details of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches ...
Jan 14, 2024•26 min
Are you interested in improving your lifestyle through diet? In our latest episode of Lifestyle Matters, we delved into the world of the Mediterranean diet with dietitian Charmmy Cheng. Discover the evidence-based benefits for heart health, diabetes prevention, and even the management of depression. Learn about the key components of the diet, the role of alcohol, and how to adapt it to different cultural cuisines. Find out how simple dietary changes can have a significant impact on your long-ter...
Dec 01, 2023•24 min
Dr Barton Jennings and I explore the pillars of lifestyle medicine and its impact on our lungs, especially in the context of lung disease.
Jul 20, 2022•23 min
'Preconception care is about optimising one's health before trying to get pregnant. This in turn can increase fertility and reduce complications. This week, Dr Debby and I explore the importance of lifestyle factors in preconception care.
Jun 27, 2022•27 min
Dr Debby and I explore the lifestyle approaches in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome as it is a lifelong condition with long term health implications.
Jun 01, 2022•22 min
Re- gaining control of our eating habits : This is a 12 week program based on the experience of various dieticians to empower us to eat better and feel better. Re- gaining control of our eating habits : This is a 12 week program based on the experience of various dieticians to empower us to eat better and feel better. The program is usually $149 and Amanda would to offer it to our viewers & listeners for $99. https://moodfoodnutrition.com.au/ During checkout users will be asked if they have ...
May 25, 2022•18 min
Lifestyle Matters Can we eat to feel better? There has been increasing research pointing to the impact of our gut microbiome on our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis ( HPA Axis) HPA axis is important in regulating our bodies response to various stressors including physical and psychological stressors. Today Amanda Smyth and I explore this from a mental health perspective. For further information about Mood Food click the link http://moodfoodnutrition.com.au/ The program is usually $149 ...
Apr 24, 2022•24 min
Looking for evidence to support the hypothesis that our mood will improve if we improve our diet? The SMILES ( Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle in Lowered Emotional State ) trial investigates this further using the Modi Mediterranean diet. The Modi Mediterranean diet incorporates a slightly higher amount of red meat compared to the regular Mediterranean diet for a a couple of reasons as highlighted in this show
Apr 19, 2022•21 min
What if we can eat our way to happiness by choosing the right foods? Sounds too good to be true ? There has been a lot of research about how food affects our mental and physical well being, and to date there has been an astounding level of evidence to support this. Meet Amanda Smyth, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian who discusses this with us.
Apr 11, 2022•17 min
This week Dr Ferghal and I explore ways to improve social connectivity with others. Compassion and communication are great tools to improve social connectivity while pride on the other hand can have a negative impact.
Mar 29, 2022•20 min
Life is a sports event, for which we need to maintain our function. We are all athletes, but our events may be different, our goals may be different. David Francis, an expert in musculoskeletal physiotherapy explains his rational for coaching people to help them be their best. Today I chatted with David Francis, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist. He discusses how life can be viewed as an AFL football game, and when we are in our fifties and sixties, that is the equivalent of the third...
Mar 23, 2022•27 min
