Smoking
Slashing nicotine in cigarettes a smart move, says expert
A Government plan to slash nicotine in cigarettes is being lauded as smart, bold and realistic. A proposal released by Associate Minster of Health Ayesha Verrall includes reducing the amount of… Audio
Is any amount of coffee safe for baby during pregnancy?
Too much coffee during pregnancy could lead to kids having behavioural issues later in life. That's the takeaway from a new study which found that caffeine consumed during pregnancy can change… Audio
Using anti-smoking campaign approach for climate change action
An expert in public health says a hard-hitting campaign helped dramatically lower smoking rates in New Zealand and is asking - could the same be done for climate change? Dr Caroline Shaw explains her… Audio
Study shows Kiwis are living longer in poor health
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factor Study 2019 was published in the Lancet this week. It shows that New Zealanders are now living longer than ever but spending more years in poor… Audio
The Weekend Panel with Jane Clifton and Richard Harman
Our weekend panellists Jane Clifton and Richard Harman offer their thoughts on the past week's news from Aotearoa and abroad. Audio
Top skincare tips from 'the most powerful woman in beauty'
British blogger Caroline Hirons has just seen her new skincare tips book, Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide, become the first beauty title to top the Sunday Times Bestseller chart in 18 years.
…Does vape legislation go far enough?
Under a new law passed by parliament last night, vaping will be banned in workplaces, and advertising and sponsorships related to vaping products will be prohibited, along with the sale of vaping… Audio
Link found between permanent hair dye and increased cancer risk
A scientific study of more than 45,000 women has found a link between permanent hair dye and an increased risk of breast cancer. Cancer epidemiologist Diana Sarfati from the Cancer Control… Audio
Professor Gary McLean: International Covid-19 update
Gary McLean is a professor in molecular immunology at London Metropolitan University who specialises in infectious diseases, immunology and antibody engineering. He joins the show to look at the big… Audio
Unguarded X: Why women live longer than men
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have found that having two copies of the same sex chromosome is associated with having a longer lifespan. Co-author of the research Zoe Xirocostas… Audio
Does plain packaging on cigarettes actually work?
Has the plain packaging on cigarette packs introduced back in 2018 actually made a difference? A team at Otago University have been looking into that - we're joined by one of the team, Professor… Audio
Cigarettes deemed an essential product
MBIE has confirmed that cigarettes are deemed an essential product during the lock down phase. Public health expert Professor Robert Beaglehole talks about why that's a concern. Audio
Peter Doherty: 'People should act as though they have Covid-19'
Nobel prize-winning Australian immunologist Professor Peter Doherty says need to think like we’ve already got Covid-19 if we want to protect our most vulnerable. Audio
An optimistic partner is good for your health - new study
If you're in a long-term relationship, your partner's outlook can have a big impact on how long and how well you live, according to a new study by researchers at Michigan State University. It turns… Audio
Burnout linked to potentially deadly irregular heartbeat
A new study suggests that you could be at a higher risk of a potentially fatal heart flutter if you are suffering from vital exhaustion or burnout. Study author Dr. Parveen Garg from the University of… Audio
Why is it so hard to make healthy decisions?
Often the best things to do for our health aren't what we choose to do. If we better understood these irrational impulses, we could develop more effective healthcare, says a behavioural economist. Audio
Vegans and the people who hate them
Earlier this year, two pro-meat protesters skinned and ate raw squirrels in front of members of the public at a vegan food stand in Soho. Inspired by the event, food writer George Reynolds set out to… Audio
Cheap alcohol fuelling NZ's worsening drinking culture
Data released from New Zealand's largest annual health survey shows that our drinking culture is continuing to move in the wrong direction. Alcohol Healthwatch Executive Director Dr Nicki Jackson says… Audio
Exposure to chemical in plastic linked to type 2 diabetes
New research out of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne shows that exposure to a chemical in commonly used plastic items increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Audio
Thomas Novotny - The case for banning cigarette filters
Public health professor Thomas Novotny from San Diego State University's School of Public Health has just co-authored an editorial in The British Medical Journal calling for a ban on filtered… Audio