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
What's your sports bra got to do with your knees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
Bras might seem unrelated to knee injuries, but research suggests otherwise. Women are significantly more prone to tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and wearing the right bra could help reduce this risk. It…
Why aren't kids getting the food they need at childcare? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
The first 2,000 days of life are crucial for brain development. Children learn and grow more during this time than at any other point in their lives. However, research shows many childcare centres are failing to provide…
Could a bacterial strain spark bowel cancer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Scientists are increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations, and emerging research points to the gut microbiome as a key factor in understanding this trend. A study fro…
Should you exercise more or get surgery for knee pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
Many individuals with knee osteoarthritis are being subjected to unnecessary tests and procedures, even though exercise is often the most effective treatment. New clinical care guidelines have been introduced, highlighti…
Are they natty, or are they taking steroids to get buff? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:15
Performance and image-enhancing drugs are more common than you might expect, especially if you're not enmeshed in gym culture. Experts are worried the medical community has fallen behind the rise in steroid use, leaving…
Why these fertility experts are worried about plastic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:29
There's already a lot to think about when you're trying to get pregnant. Should plastic be one of them? Some fertility experts think that yes, cutting down your exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to…
Chair yoga: as good as the real thing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
Sore back from sitting all day? A new study suggest virtual yoga — much of which can be done from a chair — could help relieve low back pain. AI-generated deepfakes of health professionals are promoting a supplement, and…
Why Australia's called the 'allergy capital of the world' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:16
Some describe Australia as the allergy capital of the world, noting high rates of food allergies — what can parents do to help kids early? Why the term 'Munchausen by Proxy' is making headlines, and how to spot Factitiou…
Can your noisy knees predict the future? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
Our joints are capable of making a cacophony of sounds, even more so as we get older. Is it ever a cause for concern? Research shows once more that vaccination protects against long COVID, but the timing of the jab may b…
Another Trump presidency could give kids more cavities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:51
Donald Trump's re-election could spell big health policy changes for the United States, including the rolling back of a 20th century intervention. Also, a major review into how health professionals operate in Australia,…