Could you give up caffeine for six months?

Could you give up caffeine for six months?

Author: ABC Australia November 22, 2025 Duration: 41:30
No coffee for six months, not even decaf. That's what participants of a trial looking into the effect on atrial fibrillation were asked to do. Also, could we be on the verge of changing guidelines for asthma care in children? Or is it too early to call? And catching cancer early can be important. How far away are we from harnessing blood, urine and even saliva tests to help? References PFAS inquiry hands down 47 recommendations to better regulate 'forever chemicals' in Australia - ABC News  The Lancet series on ultra-processed foods Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (ATTAIN-2): a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial Caffeinated Coffee Consumption or Abstinence to Reduce Atrial Fibrillation: The DECAF Randomized Clinical Trial Budesonide–formoterol versus salbutamol as reliever therapy in children with mild asthma (CARE): a 52-week, open-label, multicentre, superiority, randomised controlled trial

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
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A new review suggests there may be biomarkers linked to irritable bowel syndrome, typically a diagnosis of exclusion. How you get followed up after going to the doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer is shaped in part by w…
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Duration: 0:00
Two thirds of women report concerns over memory loss, concentration or other cognitive symptoms during menopause. What do we understand about what's going on, and how can it be managed? A new plan for improving asthma ou…
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Duration: 49:37
Can you trust the advice ChatGPT Health gives about whether you should go to the hospital or not? Who is using GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how common are they? New guidelines for supporting young people with suicidal ide…
Treating a medical emergency ... in space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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When a medical emergency happens in space, how is it treated? And what does life in Antarctica have to teach us about staying healthy on a spaceflight? Findings from a large study of Australian teenagers find links betwe…
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Duration: 42:02
Which flu strains are likely to be dominant this flu season - and what's the story with the new nasal spray vaccine? Speaking of sprays ... there's a simple saline spray that might help kids with sleep apnoea avoid surge…
3D printing in healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:18
3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool - with scope to apply it to engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design challenges. And it's increasingly being used in ... healthcare. Plus, Kylie and…
Ultra-processed foods and behaviour in kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
There's been major buzz in recent years over ultra-processed foods and whether they may be harmful to our health. A new study out of Canada has measured what toddlers eat and how much of it is ultra-processed - and then…
MDMA therapy's side effects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
MDMA psychotherapy was approved in Australia three years ago. Who's using it and what do we know about treatment side effects? Vaccine reminders can help nudge people back on track, but how the message is framed matters.…
Are Australian kids eating too much salt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
Are Australian schoolkids eating too much salt? And does it put them at risk of high blood pressure? A new approach to breast cancer screening based on risk could reduce the number of screens needed for some women. There…