The Omicron variant has been spinning off all sorts of sub variants during its 17 month long reign.

The latest is XBB.1.16 - known also as Arcturus - and like its sibling sub variants doesn't seem to be all that different.

But while Arcturus is busy trying to become the most popular sub variant of the month, we are undergoing another wave of infections. 

There are hundreds of people in hospitals around the country and it's continuing to affect how the health system operates.

Also on the show: Is COVID going to the dogs?

Arcturus' rise: Another COVID (sub sub sub) variant!

Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.

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Health & Fitness

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

A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah?

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

Your emotional support water bottle is probably too big

As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu.

And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often.

Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t).

References:
Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm
Effect of air pollution on the human immune system
Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function

How can you boost your immune system?

It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise. 

Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity.

Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it.

Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness…

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

References: 
Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review
Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance:A Review of the Current Literature
Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021

Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?

When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol?

Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects.

Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation.

References: 
Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when?
Is paracetamol effective for low back pain?
The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways

Arcturus' rise: Another COVID (sub sub sub) variant!

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