CAN you listen your way to good health?
That was the question posed by University of South Australia researchers investigating the potential benefits of health-related podcasts.
The short answer is, probably: podcasts can significantly improve health knowledge, increase exercise levels and boost healthy eating.
Based on results from 38 studies, the researchers found that people's engagement with health-related podcasts was generally high, suggesting that podcasts could be an effective medium for health information and behaviour change interventions.
The studies reported significant improvements in some aspects of human health, including in the areas of health monitoring, knowledge, behaviours, attitudes and chronic disease management.
However, in other areas, including physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and weight outcomes, the findings were mixed, with some studies finding improvements and others no change.
"Health and wellbeing podcasts have the unique ability to convey a wide range of health topics to a variety of listeners, but in a very accessible way," author Beth Robins said, adding that they're typically chatty and conversational, making them easy to listen to and understand.
So, next time you go for a jog or a walk in park, you could potentially double your money by listening to a podcast.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 25 Nov 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 25 Nov 24
