Inside Health

New research which shows that paracetamol doesn't help back pain; the overuse of blood thinning drugs; new laws on limits for driving on prescribed drugs, and treating kidney stones.

Dr Mark Porter counters reports of Crohn's disease and junk food, why teachers' voices need a rest, evidence for cholesterol lowering spreads; is it harmful to cook with olive oil?

Earlier this year Switzerland became the first country in Europe to decide to stop routine screening. Yet here in the UK a similarly comprehensive review – led by Sir Michael Marmot and looking at the same evidence – came to the opposite conclusion. So, how can two groups of experts arrive at such different conclusions? Dr Mark Porter discusses the evidence with a panel of experts.

Dr Mark Porter discusses the risk of Ebola cases in the UK, why bike saddles could cause erectile dysfunction, the pros and cons of recording consultations and insect bites

Dr Mark Porter returns with a new series to address confusion about Statins for more people. And he turns patient when he is investigated for persistent heartburn. Plus should GP's who miss cancers be named and shamed and why drugs can't be recycled.

Headlines this week claim that 'thousands of patients die in hospital of thirst' but did the authors of the study actually analyse hydration? Mark Porter investigates the evidence for using Baclofen to treat alcoholism and hears how it helped a listener drinking 6-8 bottles of wine a day. Why did NICE question the use of Paracetamol - the UK's favourite painkiller - in the treatment of osteoarthritis? And are saturated fats really bad for us?

Dr Mark Porter investigates the dramatic increase in testosterone prescribing; Low fibre diets - why eating high fibre is not always recommended; And Skype with your GP.

The evidence for anti-virals and flu. Mark Porter gets his body fat checked. How GPs should raise the issue of a person's weight? And concern about total body scans.

With a replacement of the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway expected over the next few months Professor Keri Thomas, National Clinical lead for End of Life Care, debates the need for change and calls for a more personalised care for the dying. And Inside Health examines differences in sex development, when it is unclear if a new born baby is a boy or a girl. Plus, does the environment of your GP's surgery increase or alleviate anxiety?

Stress and pregnancy; Why insomnia can often be mismanaged despite there being an effective drug-free treatment; Cluster headaches and why can they appear when the clocks change; Smoking and mental health.

Dr Mark Porter finds out why cervical cancer screening could change. Why the virus that causes cervical cancer is also behind a big rise in oral cancers. Orifice surgery. And when to eat.

Is sugar really addictive? As the Chief Medical Health officer suggests that it is and a 'sugar tax' may have to be introduced, leading experts debate whether the white stuff on our table is really habit forming. How 40 year old research hidden away in a book has thrown new light on a link between iron deficiency and stroke. And why the clue to solving recurrent thrush may be getting the diagnosis right in the first place. Plus concern about the increase in prescription charges just announced by the government.

Psychological trauma after a stay in intensive care, overtreating stroke in people over 80, lens replacement surgery for cataracts and what are the complications of scarlet fever?

Mark Porter investigates the risks for men taking selenium supplements, the dangers of the lung disease which makes your chest sound like Velcro, and constipation in children.

Loneliness and ill health, who should take statins, cycle lanes & air pollution and how often should coughs be treated with antibiotics?