Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

Author: ABC Australia October 4, 2025 Duration: 40:44
Daylight saving time kicks in this weekend for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Time shifts can be controversial, and in recent years there's been research into the effects on our health. One study has looked into the incidence of strokes and obesity.  Also, why experts want to change the name of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and we take a tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.  References: Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy - NHMRC Safety concerns over imported melatonin products - TGA Retraction: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Circadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policies Polycystic ovary syndrome perspectives from patients and health professionals on clinical features, current name, and renaming: a longitudinal international online survey - the Lancet Inside the Australian lab where scientists study bird flu and other emerging disease threats - ABC News Dynamic Balnce for Life A Judo-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls and Frailty Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

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: 100

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Why some women are in the dark about breast density [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
Victoria is starting to notify women when they have dense breasts on their mammogram, following Western Australia and South Australia. So what does this information mean? And what should you be doing with it? Also, the c…
As bird flu mutates, are eggs still safe to eat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:19
There's a shortage of eggs in Australia, and it might not let up as we brace for the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu. That strain has shown is can make the jump into humans. But how does it manage? Also, menopause…
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Duration: 42:04
There are some things you can do to guard against cognitive decline, and a study has found a hands-on approach is best. Also, rates of vaccination in pregnancy are falling in New South Wales. Should Australia follow Ital…
A Stroke of Luck: Kylie's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.
A Stroke of Luck: Gillian's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
When Gillian suffered a stroke at age 50, Kylie was one of the first friends she reached out to. It wasn't Gillian's first life-altering medical emergency, having gone through cancer treatment years earlier.
A Stroke of Luck: Downs and ups of recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:00
Despite their strokes being 20 years apart, Kylie and Gillian were left with similar disabilities. Both faced a long and often gruelling period of rehabilitation — thankfully with partners and friends by their sides.
A Stroke of Luck: Asking for help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:00
When Kylie had her stroke, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) didn't exist. It took Gillian's stroke, 20 years later, for Kylie to fully understand how much support she was missing out on.
Why BMI is being sidelined in the diagnosis of obesity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
For a long time many have assumed they can tell how healthy a person is because of their weight. Now, a major global collaboration of experts is challenging that. A Lancet commission has recommended changing the criteria…
How much sugar are you feeding your toddler? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
We try to give little kids the best start in life, and in supermarkets there's an ever-expanding range of foods marketed specifically for them But how much sugar is in them? Plus, we peer into the evidence around ultra-p…