A recent meta-analysis finds that childhood hypertension rates (commonly known as high blood pressure) are increasing significantly around the world. Professor of cardiovascular medicine and population health at the University of Oxford, Kazem Rahimi, explains what is driving this trend. Recent changes in hormone therapy labels in the US come after years of lobbying by physicians and activists. Presenter’s friend, Dr Ann Robinson, explains how our understanding of hormone therapy – its risks and its benefits – has changed over time.Can stress during pregnancy impact a baby’s development even after birth? Claudia speaks to associate professor Ying Meng at the University of Rochester School of Nursing in the US to find out more about the surprising impact of cortisol on baby teeth emergence.Can weight loss drugs reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study sheds light on the answer. And, Health Check hears about an artificial tongue with a taste for spice.Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Helena Selby & Georgia Christie
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The disappearing mid-life crisis
Global health journalist Andrew Green has been looking at the impact of US funding cuts on the global HIV response, and reports his findings from Botswana about the impact is it having on HIV and AIDS services there, and what new agreements may be reached on healthcare funding.New research shows that the trend in human happiness is changing, with young people now experiencing more unhappiness than those in middle-age. Claudia speaks to Alex Bryson, Professor of Quantitative Social Sciences at University College London, to find out what is driving this change.How can we reduce phantom limb pain in war amputations? Professor of anaesthesiology and pain medicine at Northwestern University, Doctor Steven Cohen, explains how Botox injections are helping Ukrainian patients recover post-amputation and improving their quality of life. A new law in Karnataka, India will allow women a day of paid menstrual leave each month – but how is it being received? Plus, the remarkable HPV vaccination success story, and what that means for global cervical cancer rates.Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Helena Selby & Georgia Christie
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Canada loses measles elimination status
This week it was declared that Canada is no longer measles free and as a result The Americas have lost their measles elimination status. Claudia is joined by Vanessa Apea to understand why this vaccine-preventable disease is continuing to spread in North America.COP30 is underway in Belém, Brazil, and ahead of the conference’s Health Day we hear from BBC’s Climate and Science reporter Esme Stallard what global health is on the agenda. Reporter Dorcas Wangira is in Nairobi investigating a crackdown on helmet safety for motorcycle taxi riders. Plus, can speaking more than one language slow down the rate at which you age? And why politicians in France are suggesting doctors prescribe working from home instead of signing people off sick. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Hannah Robins
Assistant Producer: Katie TomsettImage: People stand near healthy awareness posters related to the measles outbreak during a public health awareness campaign, at the Taber Health Centre, in the largely Mennonite community of Taber, Alberta, Canada, October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot/File Photo
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Cloud seeding to cut air pollution in Delhi
Last week attempts at cloud seeding to reduce pollution in Delhi failed to produce any rain. We catch up with reporter Chhavi Sachdev to find out more about official’s latest and controversial attempt at tacking hazardous levels of air pollution in the city. The Maldives have become the first country to ban smoking for younger generations with no one born on or after 1 January 2007 being able to buy tobacco products. Journalist Philippa Roxby comments on what this means for health.What do the public know about the cancer risks of alcohol? Dr Sanjay Shete, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains his research comparing the real risks to public awareness.A Finnish study has found that voting behaviours in elections are strongly linked to health, suggesting it may even be a stronger determinant than education. Plus, how walking over 5,000 steps a day may slow the cognitive decline in those with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Katie Tomsett & Hannah RobinsImage: A commuter walks near India Gate amid heavy smog pollution on October 29, 2025 in New Delhi, India. Delhi is once again blanketed by hazardous smog following the Diwali festival, as pollution levels spike to the "very poor" and "severe" categories, with air quality indexes far exceeding safe limits. The crisis, which is driven by firecracker use, emissions, and seasonal crop residue burning has prompted emergency measures like cloud seeding. Image Credit: Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images
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What surpassing 1.5°C means for global health
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that global warming will ‘inevitably’ surpass 1.5 degrees. What does this mean for global health? The ninth annual Lancet report on health and climate could hold some answers.Also on the program, could contaminated meat be a source for some urinary tract infections? Professor Lance Price speaks about his new study finding a link between the two. Also on the program, could how we walk affect our health more than the distance we’ve travelled? Health journalist Layal Liverpool joins Claudia Hammond to discuss these stories and more. Presenter: Claudia Hammond with Layal Liverpool
Producer: Hannah Robbins and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins with Alice McKee
South Africa