Validation for people living with chronic pain

Validation for people living with chronic pain

Author: ABC Australia September 5, 2026 Duration: 45:33
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID. Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply and who is missing out? Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert. What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region? References Nature Medicine: The genetic architecture of fibromyalgia across 2.5 million individuals Increasing utilisation of intravenous iron among Australian women of reproductive age, 2013–2024: an Australian population-based study Pacific Beat: Australia boosts Fiji's HIV crisis response with new $8 million funding Maternal RSVpreF Vaccine Effectiveness Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized Infants New England Journal of Medicine: Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adults The BMJ: Measles: CDC refuses to record Pennsylvania fatalities in “measles associated deaths” row    

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
Indigenous babies born with more gut bugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:44
Despite facing an increased risk of chronic disease later in life, remote Indigenous babies start life with a more diverse gut microbiome. A new study in Nature also found the infants have bacteria that have completely d…
Taking women's pain seriously in healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
Historically women have had a hard time being heard in the doctor's office, with dismissiveness and delays in diagnosis all too common. The state government in Victoria has held an enquiry into women's pain to come up wi…
Why do people become dentists? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
The dentists' chair is not everyone's favourite place. Have you ever sat there wondering, why would anyone become a dentist? We take a trip to dental school to find out why so many people get into dentistry, and the skil…
Could you give up caffeine for six months? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 chil…
Got gut issues? Don't assume it's gluten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
There has been a rise in people that cut gluten out of their diet to address gut symptoms, despite not having a diagnosis of coeliac disease. New research is shedding light on what might actually be at play in non-coelia…
Pain isn't all in your head — but psychotherapy can help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:47
If you live with chronic pain, getting referred to a psychologist for pain management can feel like another dismissal. What does a session with a pain psychologist look like, and how effective can it be if you don't have…
Racial inequity in our medical devices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
For 50 years we've known pulse oximeters are less accurate on darker skin, and it could lead to misdiagnoses. Also, allergen starter packs are being advertised to parents. Are they safe? Guidelines have been released for…
Challenging weight bias in the doctor’s office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
It's a tricky conversation to navigate, so researchers have tried to find out the best way to bring up weight in the doctor's office while dodging bias and stigma. Also, a look at the evidence surrounding transcranial ma…
Does human genome editing cross a line? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA. We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed…