Nicky Pellegrino is a health columnist for the NZ Listener
The listener.co.nz is the website of the award-winning New Zealand Listener, which has been covering the political, cultural and literary life of Aotearoa New Zealand for 80 years with features on current events, politics, social issues, health, technology, arts, food, culture and entertainment.
Young & forgetful: Reducing your chance of developing dementia early
The symptoms can start as early as your 30s or 40s.
Legionnaires’ peak season is ahead: How to minimise the risk
Symptoms for the potentially fatal respiratory disease include muscle aches and fever.
Latest research suggests coffee can protect people against Parkinson’s disease
"When you look at people with Parkinson’s disease, none of them are the same."
Missing the mark: Why using BMI is outdated
Experts are arguing that health symptoms are more important than a target weight.
Next stop, cancer? How mRNA vaccines can target other diseases
NZ is central to research that may lead to a vaccine for malaria – and eventually cancer.
Sole survivors: Why active people have longer and happier lives
We need to remodel not just our bodies, but our cities and workplaces.
Mushroom magic: Is psilocybin the cure for anorexia nervosa?
A hallucinogenic compound found in mushrooms is offering new hope for the disorder.
How honest arguments make us smarter at work and happier at home
Pretending everything is okay to avoid conflict can have long-term consequences.
New test could be life-changing for people at risk of cardiac disease
GP is convinced new machine can make a difference compared to usual risk prediction tool.
New self-test for cervical cancer a possible game changer
Out will go the old pap smear test, to be replaced with a newer test that checks for HPV.
The side effects to look out for with some over-the-counter medications
"When you buy a drug over the counter, no one is assessing what your risk might be."
Defying age: The new treatments already on the way
Average life expectancy in NZ is 81.86 years. We are on the cusp of that changing: expert.
Spinal hack: Tips for dealing with lower back pain
Back pain is the No 1 cause of physical disability. The bad news is, rest is no cure.
Depriving cancer of carbs may become an effective treatment
A Waikato metabolic neurologist brings hope to people with an aggressive brain tumour.
Sports bras aren’t just fashion: It's time to change our views
New studies are looking into how women's breasts can best be protected with sports bras.
Is infecting yourself with human hookworms an effective health treatment?
Scientists are investigating the potential of human hookworms to treat various conditions.
Therapist diagnosed with ADHD sharing coping strategies with others
She has treated high-achieving businesspeople and lawyers who struggle with daily life.
New drug may slow heart failure, NZ researchers believe
Hopes are high for a new drug tackle multiple life-threatening conditions.
Breakthrough study discovers cause behind IBS
IBS has been poorly understood. But a new study will help with future interventions.
Covid-19 infection can make people vulnerable to shingles
Shingles is a painful viral infection, and few people qualify for its funded vaccine.
It’s never too late to start exercising
Exercising throughout life aids brain health, but late starters can reap the benefits too.