Health Check

Join psychologist Dr. Linda Blair, GP Dr. Anisha Patel, and wellbeing consultant Benjy Kusi in a lively discussion on toxic positivity. They highlight the harm of suppressing negative emotions, share personal experiences, and emphasize the importance of authentic emotional expression in navigating mental health and self-esteem challenges. Explore strategies for addressing toxic positivity in the workplace, supporting individuals in tough times, and promoting genuine emotional expression on social media.

A new medication offers a potentially revolutionary disruption in HIV transmission – just as a leading global program to fight the disease gets hit with funding cuts.Also on the program, what can the recent heat wave in India teach the rest of the world about heat adaptation, and how health care systems can deal with rising temperatures world wide.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

BBC health and science correspondent, James Gallagher, and Claudia Hammond discuss groundbreaking health research at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition. Topics include using UV light to target cancer cells, predicting COVID-19 severity with blood tests, immune monitoring for vaccines, and analyzing baby movements for developmental issues.

This week on Health Check, we get an update on a new and concerning strain of MPox that is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also on the program, it has been two years since the United States overturned the constitutional right to an abortion with the Dobbs decision. What effect has this had on the global picture of abortion? And could arts-based strategies help doctors to cope with burnout and patient communication. Doctor Graham Easton joins Claudia Hammond to discuss these stories and more. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins(Photo: Test tubes labelled "Monkeypox virus positive" are seen in this illustration. Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

In this episode, Jess Robson, founder of 'Run Talk Run', discusses the mental health benefits of exercise. The podcast explores the impact of exercise on depression, the science behind a runner's high, and the importance of promoting a non-competitive atmosphere for sustained exercise habits. Additionally, it delves into the endocannabinoid system's role and the barriers individuals face in incorporating exercise for mental well-being.

Professor Matt Fox discusses the positive impact of internet use on life satisfaction and purpose, alongside Dr. Edgard Camarós' research on ancient Egyptian cancer surgeries. The podcast also covers the development of a combined flu and COVID vaccine, a dance program to prevent falls in older individuals, and a 'bug bounty' program for scientific papers.

Public health consultant Dr Ike Anya discusses the third human case of bird flu in the US and the spread from dairy cows, alongside a discussion on pregnancy allegations linked to weight loss drugs. Author David Robson highlights the impact of social connections on health, and a South Korean stress awareness competition involving resting heart rates is explored.

BBC Africa health correspondent Dorcas Wangira discusses the projected increase in global life expectancy by 2050 and the importance of public health measures. They also cover topics such as evolving mosquito behavior in Kenya, advancements in childhood cancer treatment, and the high metabolic energy expenditure during pregnancy.

This week, we’re looking at examples of innovative thinking in medicine. A new, non-invasive device could help people with paralysis to regain movement. And as Namibia passes a critical milestone, we look back on one of the biggest developments in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.Also on the programme, an update on the Korean doctors’ strike, and a summit looks to tackle the often-overlooked problem of indoor air pollution.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins Editor: Holly Squire

Smitha Mundasad discusses the surge in whooping cough cases, the risks of heat-related mortality for women, innovative vaccine patches, and the psychology of awe. Topics include managing whooping cough symptoms and advocating for vaccinations, the health effects of rising temperatures, pain-free vaccine delivery trials, and the mental well-being benefits of awe-inspiring experiences like viewing the Northern Lights.