We know many people are turning to generative AI for health advice, including tips on how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood. 

When is it safe to turn to a chatbot, and when do you need to see a real human being? And what if you can't afford it?

Also, a home review program that aims to get people off drugs they don't need to be on that might be negatively impacting their lives. 

And good news when it comes to Australia's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. 

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A paper has suggested exercise has minimal, short-term effects on osteoarthritis. But experts are warning people with the condition that they shouldn't stop moving. 

Also, school kids are being called on to help in the fight against superbugs. A new study shoots down low-dose aspirin for older people wanting to prevent cancer. 

And we take a look at another form of arthritis: gout. It's under-recognised and under-treated, but what can be done about it, and why is it such a complicated story?

References:

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Researchers have pin-pointed the best exercise routines for depression or anxiety symptoms, and they might be equal to medication and talk therapy.

Also, why states and territories are making changes to their maternity care guidance for doctors. 

An update on Alzheimer's disease off the back of important vaccine discoveries. Why the packaging of statins might need an upgrade.

And some clarity on beta blockers after a heart attack. Does everyone need to be taking them?

References:

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When you pay for private health insurance, you might assume you'll be well covered if you get injured or fall ill. 

But a new report has revealed the huge costs that catch people off guard, and sometimes prevent them from receiving care. 

Also, a study hints that constant colds in childhood might not be business-as-usual and should be taken more seriously. 

And we talk through the Nipah virus outbreak in India, and changes in Victoria to ADHD medication prescribing.

References:

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Many people turning to AI for health advice are doing it for valid reasons — it's cheap, fast and isn't bound by a 15-minute timer. 

But the checks and balances companies use to ensure their products are safe, or even accurate, aren't open to public scrutiny.

Also on the show, medical abortion is available up to nine weeks in Australia. There's a push to allow access later. 

And the much-maligned fat cell gets a look-in from a world-leading expert.

References

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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:

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How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer. 

Also, we could be missing cases of liver disease because of differences between pathology centres. 

The final instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process. 

And a look back at the year: does artificial intelligence have a place in your local doctors' office?

References

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People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically. 

Also, should everyone going onto GLP-1 medications for weight loss be screened and monitored for eating disorders? 

Another instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process. 

And a look back at the year: Robert F. Kennedy Jr and his hyperfixation on autism as an epidemic. 

References

Eating disorder resources:

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Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments. 

Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expert highlights the need to better educate patients and doctors on deprescribing. 

Another instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process. 

And a look back at the year: infectious diseases. 

References

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There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease  – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes.

Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Also, the exercise program that could change the game for colorectal cancer survivors. 

And a look back at the year: GLP-1 medications for weight loss. 

References

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