Wait, does exercise help osteoarthritis?

Wait, does exercise help osteoarthritis?

Author: ABC Australia February 21, 2026 Duration: 41:19
A paper has suggested exercise has minimal, short-term effects on osteoarthritis. But experts are warning people with the condition that they shouldn't stop moving.  Also, school kids are being called on to help in the fight against superbugs. A new study shoots down low-dose aspirin for older people wanting to prevent cancer.  And we take a look at another form of arthritis: gout. It's under-recognised and under-treated, but what can be done about it, and why is it such a complicated story? References: Menopausal hormone therapy and long term mortality: nationwide, register based cohort study Sixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA report) Education and Behaviour Change - The Fleming Initiative's Stance Intermittent fasting for adults with overweight or obesity Effectiveness of exercise therapy for osteoarthritis: an overview of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials Cancer Incidence and Mortality With Aspirin in Older Adults: Follow-Up of the ASPREE Trial The effects of daily low-dose aspirin on white matter hyperintensity lesions and retinal vascular calibre in healthy older adults: the ENVIS-ion exploratory neuroimaging substudy of the ASPREE randomised clinical trial  Treat-to-Target Urate-Lowering Treatment and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Gout Arthritis Australia gout resources Gout Medcast resources

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
Going to ChatGPT for health advice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:11
Many people turning to AI for health advice are doing it for valid reasons — it's cheap, fast and isn't bound by a 15-minute timer. But the checks and balances companies use to ensure their products are safe, or even acc…
What are the benefits of having a dry January? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
If you're having a month off the beers to kick off the year, do you know what a short stretch of sobriety could achieve? Some companies in the United States are even pushing people to trade their alcohol for THC, for "hi…
Can AI make personalised medicine accessible? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer. Also, we could be missing cases of liver disease because of differences between pathology ce…
Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:05
People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically. Also, should everyone going onto GLP-1 medications for weight loss be screened and monitore…
Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments. Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expe…
Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:02
There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes. Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheim…
Swapping salt for a heart healthier option [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could drive down your risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, what expectant parents might not know about screening for genetic diseases before conceiving. Arti…
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…