Chris and Xand are back with a bonus episode, as they continue their conversation with Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection and menstrual health expert.

They talk about how menstrual health is covered in medical school, delve further into the stigma that still surrounds it, and what institutions are doing - or not doing - about it.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around health and wellbeing.

In this episode, the Doctors turn their attention to the menstrual cycle. Menstrual health and periods are still surrounded by myths, misunderstandings and stigma. So what are we getting wrong? They're interested in understanding what the menstrual cycle is, the benefits it provides, the stigma that surrounds it, and the issues associated with menstrual products.

To find out, Chris and Xand sit down with Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and an Honorary Consultant Physician. Her research focuses on menstruation and how it’s relevant to human rights and environmental sustainability, as well as to our health.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Sshhh! Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are back to hear more about noise in this episode of Doctors’ Notes. Continuing their conversation with Charlotte Clark, Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at City St George’s, University of London, they dig deeper into the science around environmental noise and its damaging effects on our health and wellbeing. Charlotte tells Chris and Xand about her research exploring the effects of noise on children’s learning and development, as well a current project to assess the impact of night flights.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the noise around every aspect of our health and wellbeing.

This week, Chris and Xand speak to Professor Charlotte Clark, Environmental Epidemiologist at City St George’s, University of London. She explains how being exposed to transport noise over long periods of our life can have disastrous consequences for our cardiovascular systems, brains and minds. But how big a problem is this? And is there anything we can do to protect ourselves from the effects of noise?

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

Urine for a treat in this week’s Doctors’ Notes, as Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their fascinating conversation with Dr Kate Bramham, Consultant Nephrologist at King’s College Hospital and Reader at King's College London.

In this bonus episode, the Docs delve into the issue of chronic kidney disease and why some communities are disproportionately affected by it. They also explore the effectiveness of kidney transplants and hear how kidney function differs between men and women.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tackle the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing.

Chris and Xand have always found the kidneys somewhat mysterious and elusive, going all the way back to medical school. Now they want to understand what makes this pair of organs so complex, and why they are so much more than simple filters. How do the kidneys work? What can happen when they go wrong? And how can we keep them healthy for as long as possible?

To answer these questions and more, the Docs are joined by Dr Kate Bramham, Consultant Nephrologist at King’s College Hospital and Reader at King's College London.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Chris and Xand continue their discussion with Dr Yusur Al-Nuaimi, Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Clinical Lead for the British Hair and Nail Society. They dive deeper into the science of nails and the vital clues they can provide about a plethora of serious health conditions. Plus, Yusur tells Chris and Xand about what first piqued her interest in dermatology, and the research she has carried out in this field.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tackle the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing.

This week, Chris and Xand are exploring the topic of nail health. As well as being useful tools on our hands and feet, nails can also be important signs of many diseases and disorders. But what exactly is a nail made of? How did nails evolve? And what should we be doing to keep them strong and healthy?

They speak to Dr Yusur Al-Nuaimi, Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Clinical Lead for the British Hair and Nail Society, to get some answers.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Chris and Xand continue their conversation with Professor Sophie Scott CBE, a leading expert in the neuroscience of laughter from University College London. They explore what sets real laughter apart from fake, how children pick up the habit of laughing, and whether faking a laugh can make you feel better. Plus, they ask Sophie how she first became interested in laughter research.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

At the BBC:

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around health and wellbeing.

In this episode, the Doctors turn their attention to laughter. You’ve probably heard the phrase 'laughter is the best medicine', but have you ever wondered if there’s actually any science behind that? Can a good belly laugh really help with stress, pain, or even your immune system? How does it help to improve our relationships? And why do we laugh at all - even when nothing’s particularly funny?

To find out, Chris and Xand sit down with Professor Sophie Scott CBE, a leading expert in the neuroscience of laughter from University College London.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken