Episódios
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We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts.
Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed?
Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special.
References
Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams
Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications
The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study
Nocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep
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It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive.
So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole?
Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation.
References
Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury
Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic Review
Feasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis players
Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss
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The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it?
It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat.
Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits.
References
Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index”
Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-review
Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating
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In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity.
In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate.
As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline.
Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence.
References
The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna
Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events
Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence
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Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood.
It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom.
Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles.
References
Onychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managed
Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sample
Habit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbiting
A review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders
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If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive.
But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily.
Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind.
References
Female and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US Olympians
Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review
The mental health of Australian elite athletes
Adaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs
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Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health.
Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics.
But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body.
References
Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it
Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking?
The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review
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Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird?
Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years.
In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen.
References
Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon
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You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster.
Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood?
Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale.
Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
References
Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic review
Getting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report
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Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms.
Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome.
As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with.
References
Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota
Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study
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There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us?
There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble.
Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one.
Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
References
Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report
Coeliac disease: review of diagnosis and management
Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet
Gluten-free diet may increase risk of arsenic, mercury exposure
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Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up?
At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing…
In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer.
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It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction.
At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming.
Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure.
References:
The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review
Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles - Cochrane review
Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect
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For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health.
You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms.
Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up.
References:
Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study
Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis
Plant-based diets and long-term health: findings from the EPIC-Oxford study
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Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it?
There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels.
Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us.
References:
Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli
The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
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Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves.
Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed.
Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives.
References:
Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality?
Sleep in the Military
Familial natural short sleep mutations reduce Alzheimer pathology in mice
What's That Rash? on napping and Norman's nap-time tips
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It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone.
The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage.
Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable.
Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
References:
Does your body really start falling apart in your 30s? - ABC Health
Age changes in pain perception: A systematic-review and meta-analysis of age effects on pain and tolerance thresholds
Declining muscle mass is part of aging, but that does not mean you are helpless to stop it
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Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing.
There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.
Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older.
References:
Physical and Mental Activity, Disease Susceptibility, and Risk of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on UK Biobank
Association of Lifespan Cognitive Reserve Indicator With Dementia Risk in the Presence of Brain Pathologies
Drugs Contributing to Anticholinergic Burden and Risk of Fall or Fall-Related Injury among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia and Multiple Chronic Conditions
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Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again.
It can be confusing to follow.
Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits?
References:
The French paradox: Lessons for other countries
Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review
Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate
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Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal?
It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day.
Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much.
References:
Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners
Statement of the 3rd International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference
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