Health Check

Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective at treating common childhood infections, according to a new study. The research, led by the University of Sydney, found some antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organization for children had less than 50% effectiveness in treating infections such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. Claudia Hammond is joined by Monica Lakhanpaul, professor of integrated community child health at University College London, to discuss the findings and calls for the urgent development of new treatments. We also look at Raynaud’s phenomenon – a disorder that stops blood flowing properly to people’s fingers and toes – and hear from a Canadian musician who’s had to end his concerts early because of it, along with a researcher in Germany working to identify what causes it. Claudia also looks at new research from China suggesting that practicing tai chi may help slow down the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. And Monica tells us about the work she’s been doing in Brazil