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...
If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out.But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked.Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them.References:When time outside doesn't slow short-sightedness - the Health ReportThe history of spectacles - the College of OptometristsTo Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain OpenUndercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progressionInterventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review
--------
19:00
Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants
We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.References:The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary contextUse of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of HealthAntiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer InstituteAntiperspirants - National Kidney FoundationHow Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine
--------
19:00
How much protein do you REALLY need?
Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content. Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods?Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day. References:Protein - Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New ZealandTips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians AustraliaHow much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distributionAssociation between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
--------
17:00
What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution?
Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health.But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself?Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in.References:Estimates of global mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)The health effects of fine particulate air pollutionAmbient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health OrganizationParticulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterAir pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting
--------
20:00
Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?
Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not.Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story.Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer.References:Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesisInfluence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle CrampsMagnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane ReviewA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg crampsPickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled TrialAustralian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice
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.
South Africa