Health Report - Separate stories podcast

Those who drink alcohol want to do so safely, but the risks of disease are ever present.Studies show differing health outcomes and relationships between consumption of alcohol and diseases like cancer, early onset dementia and heart disease.A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.It shows that the 'no safe level of alcohol' finding does not exclude alcohol from having beneficial effects.GuestProfessor Jurgen Rehm, senior scientist and researcher, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada ReferencesA review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of disease

Neurodegenerative movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are currently diagnosed via the patient's clinical symptoms, without biomarkers.A study of more than 3000 donated brains from brain banks across the world, analysed genetic material and showed misdiagnosis rates of between 10 and 20 percent. Researchers hope to use these results to create clinical trials that will improve diagnostic accuracy. Guest/sClaire Shepherd, Director of the Sydney Brain Bank at Neuroscience Research Australia and Conjoint Associate Professor in Pathology, UNSW ReferencesPathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders

In the news this week:Researchers at a diabetes conference ejected after handing out editorial criticising US President Donald Trump.Fewer egg allergies in Australia after a shift in guidelines.The TGA says it's cracking down on unregulated peptides that risk consumer safety.Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?ReferencesDiabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference sparks outrageDiabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cutsEgg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg IntroductionTGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk responseTGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safety

IUDs -- intrauterine devices -- are a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception. But Australia lags behind other comparable countries when it comes to their uptake.One barrier to greater use is concerns over the pain of having an IUD put in.A national survey has looked at how common women experience pain during an IUD insertion and the factors linked to pain - including mental health and previous pregnancies. GuestProfessor Danielle Mazza, Head of the Department of General Practice, Monash University; Director, SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence ReferencesFactors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National Survey

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.The college says these attempts represent a trend of increasing barriers to reproductive health access for women.GuestDr Nisha Khot, President, Royal Australian College of Obstetrics and GynaecologyReferencesAbortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOG

Could coming changes to how bulk billing is administered affect the viability of Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare in remote parts of Australia?GuestProfessor Paul Torzillo, Medical Director, Nganampa Health Council

In the news this week:An update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.Changes to bulk-billing for general practice.Calcium and vitamin D - a new review of their effectiveness in reducing falls and fractures.ReferencesEbola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief saysEbola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsEbola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & UgandaEbola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC)Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis

On last week's Health Report, Norman and Preeya discussed the links between unsafe housing and health in remote communities.To dig deeper into the area, they speak to an architect with more than three decades of experience working with local communities and Aboriginal organisations designing and managing remote housing.GuestDave Donald, Architect and Director, Healthabitat

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

There's reportedly a major uptick in the number of people using or interested in peptides - injectable protein building-blocks.You may have seen them on your social media feed linked to marketing that says they can ease joint pain, improve muscle recovery or for skin care.But large parts of the peptides market are unregulated. What do we know about who is using peptides, what they contain and the evidence base for the benefits they purport to give?GuestDr Tim Piatkowski, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, School of Public Health, University of QueenslandReferencesResponding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public health

For people with a heart defibrillator, it's been common to undergo a treatment that lets the device take over a particular part of your heart's function.But a study of people with defibrillators has found it makes no difference and doesn't need to be done.GuestProfessor Prash Sanders, Director of the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders in AdelaideReferencesCardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial