What's That Rash?

Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others. Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help...References:The Science Behind Headaches: What's Really Happening In Your Skull The vascular theory of migraine—a great story wrecked by the factsTwelve-month efficacy of CGRP monoclonal antibodies and predictive value of short-term response: results of an Australian multicentre study Trial of Galcanezumab in Prevention of Episodic Cluster HeadacheErenumab for Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Clinical TrialEffect of Exercise on Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Chronic Migraine: A Systematic ReviewThe effect of different exercise types on migraine frequency in individuals with migraine: A pilot studyIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Am I addicted to caffeine?Is emu oil the new snake oil?There's a lot of fog around brain fog

We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise.So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform?Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise".References:Dr Gustav Zander’s Victorian-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s PlayThe effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses Whole-body vibration administered during a 3-week in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program increases resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents, a randomized clinical trial Immediate effects of localized vibration on flexibility: A randomized crossover trial Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static StretchingWhole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle Whole body vibration training improves leg blood flow and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele—A Randomized Trial Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review Whole-body vibration training improves muscle mass and strength in older adults through intra- and extra-muscular pathways The effect of whole body vibration training on quadriceps voluntary activation level of people with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): a randomized pilot study Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individualsHormonal and Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Adults Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial Efficacy of whole body vibration exercise in older people: a systematic review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care.Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses.Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of.References:Why Snail Mucin? Or, How This Ancient Practice Became a Skin Care SensationChemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucusAntimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersumAntimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potenciesReviewing The Potential of Snail Extract to Accelerate and Improve Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblastsThe efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocolsHelix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells849 Snail mucus increases the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in melanoma Snail Mucus Enhances Chemosensitivity of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Via Activation of the Fas PathwaySnails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin HealthFrom Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and BeautyArtificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins UniversityIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Does anti-ageing skincare actually work?Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances?What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus

Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too!But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound?Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears.References:Know Your Noise - National Acoustic LaboratoriesPumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of ColoradoTips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?Is there a cure for jet lag?Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever?

Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds.But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer.Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them.References:The Discovery of Vitamin C Treatment for scurvy not discovered by LindLinus Pauling’s Vitamin C CrusadeAscorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix FlyA randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancerThe Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent Vitamin C - Australian Institute of SportVitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Multivitamins: Are they a scam?Can consuming dairy really give you acne?Is sitting the new smoking?

Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing.That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan.Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects.References:Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGAMelanotan‐associated melanomaMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case studyBPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping AuthorityEffect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot StudySafety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot StudyIntra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee PainGeneral practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptidesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes?Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?

Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites?Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain.Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too.Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway! References:Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental cariesFlossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysisWhy would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million peopleStronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease Large study links gum disease with dementia What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing?It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity.Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity.References:The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study People are increasingly bored in our digital ageIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What is the perfect nap duration?Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer?Why are people taping their mouths?

How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna?Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration.Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect.References:The Man with a Fish on His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments"Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking?Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of HealthThe relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analysesOmega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseaseRegular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort studyAssociations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK BiobankAssociations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort studyOmega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degenerationOmega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsFish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving HemodialysisIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?

It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it.But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch?Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid.References:Scouting for boys - 1908The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014 Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performanceThe National Drowning Report 2025 Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?Is being an Olympian bad for your health?

Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains.After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing.Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had.References:How Retirement Was Invented: The earliest schemes for financial support in old age were pegged to life expectancy Towards higher retirement incomes for Australians: a history of the Australian retirement income system since Federation Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews Effect of retirement on cognitive function: the Whitehall II cohort study Retirement or no Retirement? The Decision’s Effects on Cognitive Functioning, Well-Being, and Quality of LifeRisk of Cognitive Declines With Retirement: Who Declines and Why?The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal StudiesRetirement and mental health: Analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-beingThe Effects of Retirement on Sense of Purpose in Life: Crisis or Opportunity?The Role of Meaning in the Retirement Transition: Scoping ReviewLife after work: how we can support retirees – R U OK? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you?How much protein do you REALLY need?

A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined?Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas. References:The history of nutritional sciences Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin' How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of WorkLong-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy the carnivore diet is so riskyIs botox worth a shot?

It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.References:Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and MortalitySerum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor StudyOmega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseasesPolyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studiesPerspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fatIf you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. References:The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary contextUse of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of HealthAntiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer InstituteAntiperspirants - National Kidney FoundationHow Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. References:Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problemsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of lifePumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive BladderProsta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients.While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays.Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns.References:How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council Sunscreen: a brief walk through historyWe tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICETGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025 Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trialMineral vs chemical sunscreens Can your sunscreen expire? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much? Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?

Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners.It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits.Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential.References:Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients Creatine in Health and Disease Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and CachexiaSingle dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivationCreatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and ImmunologyCreatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you?

Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated.There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down.Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations.References:Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network ConnectivityfMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic reviewNightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time?Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford AcademicDreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteersNightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What's the deal with night terrors?How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides?

When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one?You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm.Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person.References:Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank StudySetting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletesDiurnal variation in tennis serviceThe effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2 If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Chronotypes: early birds vs night owlsDoes magnesium work against muscle cramps?Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to

Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening.So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer.Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease.References:Physiology, Acid Base BalanceThe effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of manUrine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population studyWhy is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisisDiet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?MSG's messy myths and racist tropes

You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep.What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off?Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure.References:Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigationBinge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep MedicineThe inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight AdultsMitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What is the perfect nap duration?Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you?

If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain.Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two?Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be.References:Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationship between body surface treatment points Dry Needling versus Acupuncture: The Ongoing DebateAcupuncture: Past, Present, and Future Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain—An Umbrella Review Methodological challenges in design and conduct of randomised controlled trials in acupuncture Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-AnalysisComparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisAcupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysisAcupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trialsMagic tricks are helping scientists understand the placebo effect and pain - ABC NewsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?Are office jobs ruining our bodies?Is gluten really the enemy?

You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements.With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming.Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s.References:Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer ReportsBioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review Lead in Food and Foodwares - FDA Low Level Lead Exposure: History and Discovery Lead Toxicity: an Australian Perspective Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe? - the ConversationIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How much protein do you REALLY need?Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have toWhy do hangovers get worse as we age?

Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume.Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products?Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried.References:The first chemist in history may have been a female perfumer – here’s how the science of scents has changed since - the Conversation A Smelling Trip into the Past: The Influence of Synthetic Materials on the History of PerfumeryHealth and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products – University of MelbourneEffects by inhalation of abundant fragrances in indoor air – An overview Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway ObstructionCleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway ObstructionSynthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products Do fragrant products like perfume, toilet paper and baby wipes cause cancer? - Cancer Council Characterization of phthalates exposure and risk for cosmetics and perfume sales clerks Chemical exposure and lung function in fragrance industry employees Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality - JAMAIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorantsWhy is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?Are mobile phones giving us cancer?

Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes.But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing?Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it?References:Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosive StrengthGenetic associations of body composition, flexibility and injury risk with ACE, ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms in Korean ballerinasWhole-spine dynamic magnetic resonance study of contortionists: anatomy and pathologyPractical recommendations on stretching exercise: A Delphi consensus statement of international research expertsThe ideal stretching routine – Harvard HealthHow stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh for Ted-EdIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bullWhat on earth is grounding?!Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century.So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food?Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day.References:The Butter Wars: When Margarine Was Pink – National Geographic The Butter-Margarine Controversy - 1946What the margarine vs butter argument says about nutrition – University of MelbourneDietary fats - Healthdirect What’s better, butter or margarine? - Diabetes Australia Serum cholesterol response to replacing butter with a new trans-free margarine in hypercholesterolemic subjectsIndividual Cholesterol Variation in Response to a Margarine- or Butter-Based Diet: A Study in FamiliesEffects of margarines and butter consumption on lipid profiles, inflammation markers and lipid transfer to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndromeBMI modifies the effect of dietary fat on atherogenic lipids: a randomized clinical trialFrom margarine to butter: predictors of changing bread spread in an 11-year population follow-upAssociation between dairy intake and multiple health outcomes: a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses on Consumption of Different Food Groups and Risk of All-cause Mortality - ScienceDirectIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is emu oil the new snake oil?Is daylight saving time bad for us?Should you be avoiding nightshades?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary?The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all.Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place.References:Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and PurityShampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?The "No-poo" Craze: What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Adele and Howie Mandel have in common? They don’t "poo" - McGill UniversityEssentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair CleansingUnlocking the secrets of the hair microbiome: From scalp health to therapeutic advancesParabens in Cosmetics - US Food and Drug AdministrationIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?Which hair loss treatments actually work?Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints.It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse.Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend?References: Running and your knees - ABC listenEffects of Running on the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Updated Systematic Review at Short-Term Follow-upThe Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisThe risk of osteoarthritis with running and aging: a 5-year longitudinal study. - AbstractCan marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort studyHow much running is too much? Identifying high-risk running sessions in a 5200-person cohort studyUsing metformin to treat knee osteoarthritis - ABC listenChanging the brain to reduce pain and walk the Camino - ABC listenMetabolic syndrome meets osteoarthritis | Nature Reviews RheumatologyMechanical loading and orthobiologic therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA): a comprehensive reviewLeisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality RiskIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is sitting the new smoking?Sweaty sauna bathing for better healthIs being an Olympian bad for your health?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed.So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend?Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate.References:If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema? | WEHIZoonotic diseases and pets | American Veterinary Medical Association Behavioral changes induced by Toxoplasma infection of rodents are highly specific to aversion of cat odors | PNASPet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the LiteratureIs Dog Ownership Associated with Mental Health? A Population Study of 68,362 Adults Living in EnglandNo beneficial associations between living with a pet and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large UK longitudinal sample - ScienceDirectPet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric EpidemiologyThe Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review Pet ownership and maintenance of cognitive function in community-residing older adults: evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) | Scientific ReportsDog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community | Scientific Reports A modest protective association between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS OneDog, cat, bird, fish, and other pet ownership and mortality: Evidence from the HILDA cohortLong-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners | Scientific ReportsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How worried should you be about microplastics?Is daylight saving time bad for us?MSG's messy myths and racist tropesYou can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy.Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it.Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it. This episode first aired on October 23, 2024. References:Allergic Rhinitis: A ReviewO Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitisI’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know?Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trialThe Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini ReviewCan you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue.If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock?Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone.References:Time-zone effects on the long-distance air traveler - 1969Jet lag syndrome: circadian organization, pathophysiology, and management strategiesAn Abrupt Shift in the Day/Night Cycle Causes Desynchrony in the Mammalian Circadian CenterThe genetics of mammalian circadian order and disorder: implications for physiology and diseaseHow To Travel the World Without Jet LagEastward Jet Lag is Associated with Impaired Performance and Game Outcome in the National Basketball AssociationManaging Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag in Athletes: A Review and Consensus StatementMelatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag | Cochrane ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owlsIs daylight saving time bad for us?What is the perfect nap duration?

If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in.Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible.Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock.References:DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarker of the pace of agingHow old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be?Plasma-Based Strategies for Therapeutic Modulation of Brain AgingInfusion of young donor plasma components in older patients modifies the immune and inflammatory response to surgical tissue injury: a randomized clinical trial | Journal of Translational MedicineOld plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical studyMetformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone?Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review - The Lancet Healthy LongevityA Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular DystrophyFollistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular DystrophyIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Can you train yourself to sleep less?

You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there. So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag?Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane. References:Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestationAflatoxins - National Cancer InstituteErgot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and historyThe expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC NewsDisgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviourYucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why the carnivore diet is so riskyCracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying?

It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked.When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell?Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t.References:The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense systemModerate exercise induces trained immunity in macrophages | American Journal of Physiology-Cell PhysiologyHigher risk of upper respiratory tract infection post marathon running: when physical exercise becomes a threat to the immune systemSport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness—Time to revisitExercise effect on symptom severity, morbidity and mortality in viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysisEffects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters | Cellular & Molecular ImmunologyThe effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illnessOrthostatic reactions and blood volumes after moderate physical activation during acute febrile infectionsExercising while sick won’t help you get over a cold faster – but it may prevent your next oneIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you train yourself to pee less?Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?Is sitting the new smoking?

It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself.At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice.Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one.References:Understanding Human Genetic VariationWhat Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMCThe sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular diseaseFirst, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testingDo at-home genetic tests work? - MD AndersonGenetic testing | Cancer Council Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesAustralians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz studyUnderstanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRCWhat people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian studyDirect‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should you base your diet on your blood type?Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?What on earth is grounding?!

Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space.There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds.Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do.References:The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal GeographiesChemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | InflammopharmacologyEmu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced MucositisEmu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in ratsVitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositisEmu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitisOrally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitisEmu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitisEmu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathwayEffects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c MicePreparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsionComparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamstersEmu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us?Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?

Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules?It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times.Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle.References:Early bird trait might run in families - the Health ReportGenetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWASA Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal PreferenceChronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological SciencesMindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adultsA systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity DisordersHow to Become a Morning Person - Sleep FoundationResetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performanceChronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohortFrom early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescenceThe morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of dayCheck out our other sleep episodes!What is the perfect nap duration?Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questionsCan you train yourself to sleep less?Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep?

In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink.People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties.Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications.References:Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic reviewMethylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMACellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous SystemMethylene Blue: The Little-Known DisinfectantThe Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMCIs methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the scienceFrom Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular NeurobiologyAnti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific ReportsWhat to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 miceChromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The LancetGeneration of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirectThe photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizerIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How worried should you be about microplastics?Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched.The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses.Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition.References: Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literatureComparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in WomenThe Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid LevelExercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Which hair loss treatments actually work?

Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth.There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives.Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm.References: From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of UrineShades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of SydneyWhite wine can stain teeth - NatureDo different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica ScandinavicaAccidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMCIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Why are people taping their mouths?

Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised.But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits.Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions. References:Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public HealthCoffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysisCaffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysisCoffee consumption and risk of stroke in womenCaffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric DisordersAssociation of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK BiobankPhysical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive CardiologyPhenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC NewsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Am I addicted to caffeine?Can consuming dairy really give you acne?A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah?

There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable.But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold.But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight.References:Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMCCold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied PhysiologyImmune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exerciseCold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj VirusesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have toIs NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too.Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health?Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price. References:Organic Certification ExplainedPesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirectGlobal analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of SydneyEcological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirectA Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food SafetyComparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and CucumberIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?