The number of overdose deaths involving pregabalin shows that more education is needed for those prescribing it.

The Monash IVF review raises questions for the way the industry is regulated.

And a look at the Massachusetts Model which aims to limit the influence of private equity in health care.

References

• Victorian Overdose Deaths 2015–2024
• Regulating Private Equity in Health Care — The Massachusetts Model

Millions of Australians suffer from low back pain, and it’s a leading cause of disease burden overall.

Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) addresses the physical, psychological and social factors that contribute to low back back.

A new study has looked at how long the benefits from CFT last, looking three years out from the start of treatment.

Guest/s

• Professor Mark Hancock, Professor of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University

References

• Cognitive functional therapy with or without movement sensor biofeedback versus usual care for chronic, disabling low back pain (RESTORE): 3-year follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial

Evidence shows the ovaries are not to blame for most cancers formerly known as 'ovarian cancer'.

The most common, and severe, actually begin in the fallopian tubes and fimbriae.

Studies suggest opportunistic surgery could be the best prevention.

Guest/s

• Associate Professor Orla McNally, director of gynaecological oncology at the Royal Women's Hospital, and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

References

• Gauging the Magnitude of Missed Opportunity for Ovarian Cancer Prevention
• FIGO position statement on opportunistic salpingectomy as an ovarian cancer prevention strategy

There's growing evidence of the link between the gut microbiome and our sleep — or lack of sleep. 

A new study has tried to identify which bacteria contribute to the risk of insomnia, and which might protect against it. 

It's information that could be used in the future to develop effective treatments. 

Guest/s

• Professor Ancha Baranova, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University

References

• Investigating bidirectional causal relationships between gut microbiota and insomnia

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at [email protected]

Taking too many supplements with vitamin B6 in them can lead to concerning symptoms and even long-term nerve pain. 

Now, more concerns are being raised about B6-containing products, this time energy drinks that contain far more than the daily recommended amount. 

Also, a new study estimates the lives and life-years saved by COVID-19 vaccination — and another study assesses the safety of updated mRNA vaccines. 

References

• Global Estimates of Lives and Life-Years Saved by COVID-19 Vaccination During 2020-2024 | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network
• Safety of JN.1-Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines | Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

A diet full of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has generally been thought to be bad for your health – and a trigger for disease.

But for the first time a study has looked at the health effects of UPFs within the context of national dietary guidelines.

And while a minimally processed diet is still better for you overall, it’s not all bad news if you’re sticking close to those directions.

Guest/s

• Dr Sam Dicken, Centre for Obesity Research, University College London

References

• Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial

It can be hard to know when a woman is in perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause.

In the past irregular periods were thought to be one of the first indicators of fluctuating hormones.

But vasomotor symptoms – like hot flashes and night sweats – are also reliable indicators, especially for women who already have inconsistent menstrual cycles.

Guest/s

• Professor Susan Davis, director of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne 

References

• Prevalence and severity of symptoms across the menopause transition: cross-sectional findings from the Australian Women's Midlife Years (AMY) Study

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is approved in Australia for use in treatment-resistant depression.

But a new study suggests the benefits of psilocybin in these patients might not be as effective as past clinical trials have suggested.

In 2023, Australia became the first country in the world to legalise the use of psychedelics to treat some mental health conditions.

Guest/s

• Associate Professor Fredrik Hieronymus, Group leader of the clinical psychopharmacology group, University of Gottenburg

References

• Control Group Outcomes in Trials of Psilocybin, SSRIs, or Esketamine for Depression

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.

You can email us at [email protected]