Show Notes
In the news: An increase in hospitalisations and overdose deaths is being driven by use of methamphetamine, cocaine and stimulant medications, particularly in men. A study looking at the global burden of disease from Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol shows the impact of LDL is falling in rich countries but going up in poorer countries. Pioneer of nutritional psychiatry, Professor Felice Jacka has been awarded a prestigious prize for her work. Vitamin B6 supplements are still being widely purchased, despite warnings of potential side effects. Does the TGA need to be acting more quickly to crack down on manufacturers? Guest Deakin Distinguished Professor Felice Jacka OAM, Director, Food & Mood Centre, Deakin University References Rise in drug-related deaths and hospitalisations driven by stimulants, annual NDARC reports find Global Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol—Leveraging Estimation for Action | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA Network Laureates of the 2026 L'Oreal UNESCO for Women in Science International Awards Vitamin B6: too much, too little, too late? An analysis of salestrends in Australia from 2023 to 2025
More from Health Report - Separate stories podcast
In the news: Modelling on the impact of Victoria's Covid vaccinations during the Delta wave shows the effects of herd immunity, with non vaccinated individuals being protected as well. Studies and reports out this week have shed light on the impact on different parts of the health system as one of the larger sections of the population (boomers) reaches an age where their health is in decline. Is this a permanent crisis or a temporary blip, and how should it be managed? References Journal of the Royal Society Interface: Quantifying the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Victoria, Australia AIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025 Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of Emergency JAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis
Patients say prescribed treatment can vary when it comes to two of the most widely experienced effects of menopause, vasomotor (hot flushes) and genitourinary symptoms. New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer. Guest/s Dr Catriona Melville, specialist gynaecologist and sub-specialist in sexual and reproductive health and Guideline Development Group Chair, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists References RANZCOG Management of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause clinical guideline ABC News: Australia has new guidelines for managing menopausal symptoms
The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results. They looked at whether or not there is an association with gut bacteria and several different types of cancers and what they found could lead to treatments that reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and potential links between some early onset cancers and the gut microbiome. Guest/s Dr Purna Kashyap, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Mayo Clinic and the Bernard and Edith Waterman Director of the Microbiome Program References Cell: Microbiome signatures linked to cancer and treatment adverse events in a real-world cohort
In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14. There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready for their own smartphone, but this research on young people does strengthen the case for holding off during this period. If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673 National Eating Disorder Collaboration Lifeline on 131 114 Guest/s Dr Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco References JAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence Health Report: What age is best for a child's first smartphone?
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected]