As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm Effect of air pollution on the human immune sys...
Apr 16, 2024•18 min
It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise. Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! References: Multi...
Apr 09, 2024•19 min
When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References: Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when? Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways...
Apr 02, 2024•16 min
Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron defici...
Mar 26, 2024•16 min
Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer. The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January. So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms? What is pre...
Mar 23, 2024•20 min
Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and food preference Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-ana...
Mar 19, 2024•18 min
Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Repor...
Mar 12, 2024•18 min
Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites. And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth. Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health ...
Mar 05, 2024•16 min
What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane! Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane. Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild — [email protected] We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will ...
Mar 03, 2024•2 min
Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'. One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research. References: Eff...
Feb 27, 2024•15 min
The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Refer...
Feb 20, 2024•14 min
Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right? Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances. Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking ...
Feb 13, 2024•16 min
Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness. There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century. But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic? Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over t...
Feb 06, 2024•16 min
There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing. But do they work? And if so, how do they work? Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course). Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Genetics and ski...
Jan 30, 2024•16 min
Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night. They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life. Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looki...
Jan 23, 2024•15 min
Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast? There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes. But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've ...
Jan 16, 2024•9 min
No pain, no gain — right? Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down. Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness...
Jan 09, 2024•15 min
Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too. Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health. Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 ...
Jan 02, 2024•14 min
Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis. When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend? Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report ...
Dec 26, 2023•15 min
It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable? Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report...
Dec 19, 2023•14 min
Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear. There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind. Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for...
Dec 12, 2023•12 min
Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea. If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Adenosine, caffeine, and sleep–wake regula...
Dec 05, 2023•13 min
Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse? There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity. Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit. References: Influence of mid-afternoon nap duration and sleep parameters on memory encoding, mood, processing speed, and vigilance Lifestyle mediators of associations among siestas, obesity, and metabolic health Effects of planned cockpit rest on crew perfor...
Nov 28, 2023•13 min
If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do. Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't ...
Nov 21, 2023•15 min
Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing? Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report...
Nov 14, 2023•14 min
As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming! Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over. We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years. Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seei...
Nov 07, 2023•17 min
Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast. Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation! It's a new season of Science Friction ! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people. So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatG...
Oct 24, 2023•4 min
Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast. Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation! It's a new season of Science Friction ! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people. So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatG...
Oct 24, 2023•4 min
There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus. Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly. And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus. That's on this week's Coronacast. (And please note, we...
Sep 26, 2023•12 min
There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus. Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly. And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus. That's on this week's Coronacast. (And please note, we...
Sep 26, 2023•12 min
