It Can't Hurt To Ask
Queensland Health
Explore your health questions, concerns and curiosities with It Can’t Hurt To Ask, the new myth-busting podcast from Queensland Health.
Featuring interviews with expert clinicians from across Queensland, this podcast takes a deep dive into your curly health questions. Season one focuses on all things blood. From bruises to blood donation, menstruation to mozzie-borne viruses, learn more about your health, inside and out.
Stream the latest episodes on your favourite podcast app or watch on the Queensland Health YouTube channel. New episodes drop weekly.
Organ Donation
Would you donate your organs to give someone a second chance at life? Organ donation is a complex process and in this episode, we learn about why only certain organs are a match for people in need and how blood types play a big role in matching organs to the perfect recipients. Dr Ross Francis walks us through the donation matching process, while Gary Torrens takes us through how kidney transplants are performed through the Queensland Kidney Transplant Service and shares his experience wor
Antibodies
Blood is a key player in your body’s immune response, carrying antibodies around your system to fight off infection and disease. In this episode, learn all about how antibodies work as part of the immune system from clinical immunologist Dr Peter Bourke. You’ll also hear from Cheryl, one of the many Queenslanders living with an autoimmune condition. She shares what it’s like when your immune system doesn’t behave the way it should.How does your body learn about pathogens in order to fight them o
Bruises
Do you bruise like a peach or is it rare that a knock makes a mark on you? What should you do if you feel like you’re bruising easily and should you ever be worried if you don’t bruise at all? In this episode, Dr Joshua Richmond and Dr Aarya Murali take us through how bruises happen, how to treat a bruise and what conditions can cause easy bruising. We also bust a few bruise myths. Is a hickey a bruise? Can you become anaemic from bruising too often? And why do bruises change colour over t
Ep 7 | Blood Cancer | What causes blood cancer?
What happens when your life force seemingly turns against you? For the 53 Australians diagnosed with one of the 100 types of blood cancer every day, this question becomes reality. In this episode, we take a deep dive into blood cancers, learning about different types of blood cancer, what causes them, the symptoms and treatments. Hear from Dr Joshua Richmond and Dr Aarya Murali as they explain the ins and outs of the disease and from Briony, who is in remission after being treated for advanced H
Ep 6 | Alcohol And Your Blood | How does alcohol affect my brain?
Does alcohol make you turn red? How does a breathalyser work? How would you know if you’re drinking too much, and where can you get support? In this episode, we learn all about how alcohol effects the body from Dr Jeremy Hayllar. He demonstrates how a breathalyser works, explains how alcohol affects your brain and memory and offers tips for people wanting to rethink how they drink. As the clinical director of Metro North's Mental Health - Alcohol and Drug Service (Adis), he provides insight
Ep 5 | Mosquito Borne Viruses | What viruses do QLD mozzies carry?
Are you the main mozzie attraction at a barbeque, coming home with dozens of bites? Or have you had the unfortunate experience of contracting a mosquito borne virus? Regardless of your history with mozzies, all Queenslanders need to know how to minimise their exposure to mosquito bites. In this episode, senior medical entomologist Scott Lyons, medical entomologist Brian Montgomery and Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Gerrard, take us through why mozzies bite, why the bites can be
Ep 4 | Blood Sugar | How can I keep my blood sugar at healthy levels?
Have you ever felt a bit cranky or lethargic, and had someone suggest your blood sugar is low? Or do you live with a condition like diabetes, which means you’re always aware of your blood sugar levels? Our blood sugar levels impact how we feel, how our body operates and how we behave. But how variable are they? Can a snack make all the difference to low blood sugar, and can getting a sunburn affect our blood sugar levels? In this episode, Dr Gaurav Puri helps us understand how our body
Ep 3 | Periods | Colour and flow - what's normal?
We’re all here because of periods, period. But we don’t all know a lot about the process of menstruation and it’s time for that to change. What’s normal and what’s not when it comes to periods? From timing to colour and flow, what should you expect from your period and when should you tell a doctor about something that seems a bit off? If you don’t have periods, what should you know to help better understand and support those who do? With the help of specialist gynaecologist and obstet
Ep 2 | Blood Donation | Where does my donated blood or plasma go?
Have you ever given blood? Or are you a bit scared of the *shivers* needle? Did you know that to meet demand, three Australians need to donate every minute? This episode will give you all the information you need before you roll up your sleeve. As Dr Alison Gould from Lifeblood walks us through the blood products donation process, we hear from a first-time blood donor, a Queenslander who has been giving blood and plasma for over 30 years, a Queensland family who rely on don
Ep 1 | How Blood Works | What is blood is made of and how does it work?
Right now, you’ve got about 5 litres of blood pumping through your body. Blood literally keeps you alive, but how much do you know about how it works? With the help of haematology registrar Dr Aarya Murali and haematologist Dr Jeremy Robertson, we’ll breakdown what goes into making blood, how it powers your body and the mechanics that make it cycle through your system 100,000 times a day. As always, it can’t hurt to ask about some weird and wacky blood myths, so we’ll bust a few
Introducing: It Can't Hurt To Ask
From the team that gave you My Amazing Body, we're putting the power back into your pockets as we tackle your health questions, concerns and curiosities in our new podcast, It Can't Hurt To Ask.It Can’t Hurt To Ask is the podcast with the answers, helping you better understand your health, inside and out.The new season will focus on all things ‘in my blood’. You will hear from top experts and everyday Queenslanders as we delve deep into important health topics related to your blood. From blood d
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a treatable anxiety disorder affecting around 3 million Australians at some time in their lives. This episode is about PTSD. What is it? Who does it affect and what does it do to your body? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anxiety
One quarter of Australians will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime. This episode is about anxiety. What is anxiety? Who does it affect and what does it do to your body? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Across Australia one in seven new mums and one in ten new dads experience postnatal depression each year, and postnatal anxiety is just as common. This episode is about perinatal depression and anxiety. What is it, who does it affect, and what does it do to your body? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
This episode is about mental wellbeing. What is mental wellbeing, how can we look after it and why is it so important? Tony Coggins, a mental wellbeing expert, explains what mental wellbeing is and the best ways look after it. We also explore the six building blocks of mental wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Depression
Dr Daniel Gileppa, a mental health expert and psychiatrist at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, explains what depression is and how it affects your body. He also talks about the signs and symptoms of depression and the best ways to look after your mental wellbeing. Kasey, a Queensland woman, talks about her lived experience with depression Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Heart
This episode is all about the heart. Dr Greg Starmer, the Director of Cardiology at the Cairns Hospital explains what the heart is, what it does and why it's so important. He also talks about problems that can occur with your heart and the best way to keep it healthy. Amanda, a Queensland woman, talks about what it's like to live with a pacemaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Brain 2.0
This episode is all about the Brain, with a focus on how your brain helps you move. We spoke to neurologist Dr Alex Lehn from the Princess Alexandra Hospital about how your brain controls your bodily functions. He also explains what functional neurological disorders (FND) are and how they affect the body. Then, Queenslander Christine talks about her experience with FND. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lungs
This episode is all about the lungs - one of the most important organs in your body. The Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Dr Michelle Murphy describes the different parts of the lungs, how they function and how the they work with rest of your body. Dr Michelle Murphy also explains the impact of COVID-19 on your lungs. Then, Queenslander Josh talks us through what it's like to have a collapsed lung. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f
The Immune System
This episode is all about your immune system. What is your immune system, where is it and why do you need one? Dr Jane Peake, Director of the Queensland Paediatric Immunology and Allergy Service explains how the immune system works, and the types of conditions that can affect the immune system. We also hit the streets to find out what Queenslanders really know about their immune system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Bowel
What does your bowel do, where is it and what does it look like? Is it all about poo? General and colorectal surgeon Dr Ming Ho explains how the bowel works, the types of conditions that can affect bowel health and what it's like to perform surgery on the bowel. Queensland woman Kate talks about her experience with Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Liver
This episode is all about your liver. Where is your liver, what does it do and how can you keep yours healthy? We hear from Princess Alexandra Hospital surgeon Dr Peter Hodgkinson about why someone might need a liver transplant and how he performs them, and get his advice for ways to avoid ending up on the operating table. Then, Queensland man Jordan takes us through what it was like to have a liver transplant as a teenager, after living with a low-functioning liver throughout childhood. Want mo
Pain
This episode is all about the pain. What is pain, why do we experience it and is it ever useful? We talk with Dr Joseph Kluver, a specialist pain physician, about how pain works and what happens when pain stops being acute and becomes a chronic problem. He explains how he works with patients who have persistent pain and the therapies that can lead to long-term change in their lives. We also talk to Sara Shams, who is a bilateral through-knee amputee, about her experience with phantom limb pain a
Gender
This special edition episode is all about gender. Gender is something we all have. It's a part of us that influences how we live in our bodies and interact with the world around us, how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. In this episode, we learn what gender and gender identity are, how your gender is different from your sex or sexuality, and about gender diversity. Psychologist Olivia Donaghy explains the ins and outs of gender, while psychiatry registrar Dr Claire McAllister talks abo
The Brain
This episode of My Amazing Body is all about the brain - one of the most important, and most mysterious, organs in your body. Consultant epileptologist from Princess Alexandra Hospital, Dr Sasha Dionisio describes the different parts of the brain, how they work together and how the brain works with the rest of your body. He also answers curly questions about where the mind is, speaks about how disease and injury can affect the brain, explains how he and his team diagnose and treat epilepsy, and
The Arteries & Veins
Right now, you've got about five litres of blood whooshing around your body. But how does it get where it's going? Learn all about the arteries and veins in this episode, with expert guests cardiologist Dr Dale Murdoch, and vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr Juanita Muller. Find out how arteries can become blocked, how your veins work (spoiler: it's not your heart that pumps blood through your veins!) and what causes problems like deep venous thrombosis and varicose veins. Hear from Shelley, a
The Thyroid
Don't know what your thyroid gland does or why it's so important to your health? What are diseases like Hashimoto's and Graves' and how do they affect your thyroid? Is your lethargy or weight gain linked to a thyroid problem? In this episode of My Amazing Body, we explore everything you need to know about the thyroid gland, with interviews featuring endocrinologist Dr Harish Venugopal and Queensland woman Leanne, who shares her story of living with Hashimoto's disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast
The Testicles
Did you know that the word avocado was derived from the Aztec word for testicles? Most Queenslanders are more familiar with the inside of an avocado than the inner workings of the testicles - in this episode of My Amazing Body we're joined by paediatric surgery fellow at Queensland Children's Hospital Dr Annie Roberts to correct this imbalance. Find out how the testicles are formed, how they develop in childhood and puberty, when testicular pain is an emergency and the answer to the most divisiv
The Adrenals
Are you an adrenalin junkie? Learn all about the little glands that produce adrenalin, as well as cortisol and a whole bunch of other hormones, in this episode of My Amazing Body. Endocrinologist Dr Tom Dover joins us to explain the important role these glands play in your day-to-day health, how they control your fight or flight response, and the conditions that might change how well they work. Queenslander Natalie talks about how her fight or flight response is triggered by a fear of public spe
The Kidneys
Learn all about your kidneys in this episode of My Amazing Body. Nephrologist Dr Vishwas Raghunath explains where the kidneys are, what they do, and how to prevent kidney disease. Kidney donation recipient Angela shares her touching story about receiving a kidney from her father. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ears
Join us for a fascinating deep dive into how your ears work with clinical audiologist Dr Janice Wu. Find out how your ears turn soundwaves into hearing, what role your ears play in balance and how you can protect your hearing health. Author Jessica White shares her experience of growing up deaf, while Queensland man Dion talks about his experience with labyrinthitis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Skin Microbiome
This episode of My Amazing Body introduces you to your skin microbiome. What do the bugs on your skin do? Are they helpful or harmful? Listen to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Bone Marrow
Learn all about your bone marrow in this episode of My Amazing Body, including what it is, where it is, and why it's so important for keeping you alive. We speak to Paediatric Oncologist Dr Chris Fraser and bone marrow donor Vince, who made a life-changing donation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Gut Microbiome
Learn all about the gut microbiome in this episode of My Amazing Body, including the type of microbes that live in your gut, the effects they can have on your health and what you can do to promote great gut health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ovaries
This episode is all about the ovaries. We took to the streets to find out what Queenslanders really know about the ovaries and discovered that, while most people know the basics, there are some ovary facts that really need clearing up. We're joined by Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar Dr Erin Wilson, who takes us through the roles the ovaries play in a woman's body, from the development of a baby's ovaries in the womb, to what they're up to post-menopause. Dr Wilson also explains some of the
The Ulnar Nerve
Why does it hurt so much when you hit your funny bone? And why do we call it the funny bone when it's actually the ulnar nerve that creates that very un-funny pain? How can too much time spent typing, rowing or even sleeping harm your ulnar nerve? Occupational therapist Belinda Bond explains how your nerves work, and in particular, the important role of the ulnar nerve. Queensland woman Kat shares her story of discovering she had a tumour growing near her ulnar nerve, and the process of recoveri
The Eye
How does vision work? Do carrots really help you see in the dark? Why does vision worsen with age, and is there anything you can do about it? Professor Glen Gole, Director of Ophthalmology at Queensland Children's Hospital, talks us through the anatomy of the eye, how sight develops during childhood, and different conditions that can affect vision. Queenslanders Jim and Tina share their stories about dealing with the possibility of losing their vision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for