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    Coronacast

    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.
    en-us400 Episodes

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    Episodes (400)

    Why are mosquitoes so attracted to me?

    Why are mosquitoes so attracted to me?

    Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites. 

    And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth. 

    Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

    We're doing a live show! Bring your rash to Brisbane March 22

    We're doing a live show! Bring your rash to Brisbane March 22

    What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane!

    Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. 

    We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane.

    Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild —  thatrash@abc.net.au

    We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will also be doing a live show, and Dr Karl will be there for some Great Moments in Science!

    Are hormones hindering your workout?

    Are hormones hindering your workout?

    Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness?

    It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion.

    But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'.

    One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle.

    Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research.

    References:

    Why do we have wisdom teeth?

    Why do we have wisdom teeth?

    The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble.

    Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)?

    Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them.

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    Multivitamins: Are they a scam?

    Multivitamins: Are they a scam?

    Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right?

    Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances.

    Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements.

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    Are chiropractors charlatans or misunderstood?

    Are chiropractors charlatans or misunderstood?

    Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness.

    There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century.

    But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic?

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    Does anti-ageing skincare actually work?

    Does anti-ageing skincare actually work?

    There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing.

    But do they work? And if so, how do they work?

    Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course).

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    What's the deal with night terrors?

    What's the deal with night terrors?

    Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night. 

    They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life. 

    Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    Why do we eat cereal for breakfast?

    Why do we eat cereal for breakfast?

    Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast?

    There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes. 

    But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

    Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull

    Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull

    No pain, no gain — right?

    Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down. 

    Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

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    Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?

    Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?

    Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too. 

    Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health. 

    Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

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    Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?

    Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?

    Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis. 

    When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend?

    Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens.  

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References: 

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    Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?

    Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?

    It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable?

    Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family.

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    Can listening to music make you smarter?

    Can listening to music make you smarter?

    Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear. 

    There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind. 

    Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

    Am I addicted to caffeine?

    Am I addicted to caffeine?

    Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea. 

    If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

    What is the perfect nap duration?

    What is the perfect nap duration?

    Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse?

    There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity. 

    Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit.

    References:

    Are probiotics worth the money?

    Are probiotics worth the money?

    If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do. 

    Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood. 

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    References:

    •  

    Does it matter whether I enjoy exercise?

    Does it matter whether I enjoy exercise?

    Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing?

    Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind.

    Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

    Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

    End of Coronacast, but we're not going away!

    End of Coronacast, but we're not going away!

    As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming!

    Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over.

    We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years.

    Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seeing the rise of a new variant? And what do we think we've learned over the last three years?

    BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBE! While Coronacast will be leaving us like OG SARS-CoV-2, Tegan and Norman aren't going anywhere. 

    They'll be staying right here with a new show that's all about answering the health questions everyone's asking!

    We know good health information is hard to come by and it's impossible to know who to trust. So send in your your health questions to our new show: What's That Rash?

    Every week, Norman and Tegan will have a swing at answering them, and give you some useful information and amazing stories to help you live a healthier life.

    Email us at thatrash@abc.net.au. First episode out 15th November.

    Also, genuinely, A MASSIVE thank you to every single person whose ever listened to Coronacast and/or sent in a question over the past few years.

    Without you, we've never have done more than 500 episodes over more than three years. You're the reason we're here and the reason we've loved doing this show. So thankyou!

    INTRODUCING - Hello AI Overlords (and some Coronacast news!)

    INTRODUCING - Hello AI Overlords (and some Coronacast news!)

    Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast.

    Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation!

    It's a new season of Science Friction! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people.

    So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatGPT too.

    Coronacast
    en-usOctober 24, 2023