As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm Effect of air pollution on the human immune system Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function

It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise. Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… 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! References: Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance:A Review of the Current Literature Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021

When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References: Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when? Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways

Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron deficiency pattern of the restless legs syndrome The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome:An Updated Algorithm 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!

Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer. The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January. So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms? What is preventative chemotherapy? What could treatment look like? What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy? How long does it take to recover from? We're answering the health questions everyone's asking on What's That Rash?

Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and food preference Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis The World Health Organisation on aspartame, and dietary guidelines

Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. 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: Racial Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Perceptions and Behaviors, and Psychosocial Impact of Adult Female Acne The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting Enjoyment of watching pimple popping videos: An fMRI investigation

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: Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets Olfactory responses and field attraction of mosquitoes to volatiles from Limburger cheese and human foot odor Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes

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!

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: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance The Efects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis Bidirectional Interactions between the Menstrual Cycle, Exercise Training, and Macronutrient Intake in Women: A Review

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: Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis: Associated Dental Anomalies in Non-Syndromic 5923 Patients Childhood diet may contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, research shows

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: Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin? Dietary antioxidants and primary prevention of age related macular degeneration: systematic review and meta-analysis Dietary flavanols restore hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with lower diet quality and lower habitual flavanol consumption

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: Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia A Phase 3 Randomised Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention

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: Genetics and skin ageing - Dermato-Endocrinology Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments Role of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-ageing effects

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: Night Terrors: Clinical Characteristics and Personality Patterns An evolutionary perspective on night terrors

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: Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Bath Breakfast Project Towards an Evidence-Based Recommendation for a Balanced Breakfast Breakfast skipping and timing of lunch and dinner: Relationship with BMI and obesity

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: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Critical Neural Microdamage-Derived Neuroinflammation Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Do They Have Anything in Common? Effects of Descending Stair Walking on Health and Fitness of Elderly Obese Women “The Glorious Pain”: Attaining Pleasure and Gratification in Times of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) among Gym Goers

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: The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review Sanatoria revisited: sunlight and health

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: Dog ownership at three months of age is associated with protection against food allergy Sensitisation, asthma, and a modified Th2 response in children exposed to cat allergen Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflammatory functions are linked to paediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance

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