What are the benefits of having a dry January?

What are the benefits of having a dry January?

Author: ABC Australia January 24, 2026 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 "high" January.  Also, there hasn't been a big COVID spike over the holidays, but the flu has been going around.  People aren't accessing palliative care early enough to reap the benefits, but are there enough services to go around? And a study finds women notified of their breast density are often confused and anxious about what to do next.  References: NSW respiratory surveillance Senior CDC official: Loss of measles elimination status in U.S. would be ‘cost of doing business’ Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis Alcohol consumption and mortality from four alcohol-related cancers in Australia 1950-2018: a time series analysis Early Palliative Care and Quality of End-of-Life Care for People With Terminal Cancer, Victoria, 2018–2023: A Retrospective, Population-Based Cohort Study Impact of population based breast density notification: multisite parallel arm randomised controlled trial in BreastScreen

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.
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