Health Report - Separate stories podcast

In the news:
1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health?
Being vaccinated against HPV before pregnancy has benefits for pregnancy outcomes.
An unconfirmed case of pneumonic plague in Russia has caused international concern. Do you need to be worried?
 
References
AIHW: Polypharmacy in Australia in 2025
BMJ: Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: nationwide, populationbased case-control study
ABC News: Russia rails against online 'plague' claims, but few in Irkutsk trust authorities

The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life.
Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.
Guest/s
Dr Danielle Longmore, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist and post-doctoral clinician researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute
References
The Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countries

If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing actually decrease your risk of getting cancer?
A study looking at colonoscopies done 5 years after high risk adenomas had been removed provides some encouraging results.
Guest/s
Michael Bretthauer, Professor of Medicine at the University of Oslo and Gastroenterologist at Oslo University Hospital
References
Colonoscopy Intervals and Colorectal Cancer Incidence after Adenoma Removal

Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved. 
A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors. 
Guest/s
Susan Rees, Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW 
References
Gun and Other Weapon–Involved Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric Symptoms
Family and domestic violence support services:
If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero. 
Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 131 114

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.
You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au