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Ashleigh Gleeson
National Health Editor

There’s one key question that has hung over the use of statins for decades. Is it worth taking the cholesterol-lowering medication for preventative reasons after the age of 75? The evidence around the benefits of taking them in middle age or early retirement has been strong. But now, for the first time, new research has found it can also cut the risk of adults over 70 having their first heart attack or stroke by a very significant amount. Cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines are now expected to change as a result of what the 10-year study involving 10,000 Australians concluded. You can see what the new guidelines are expected to involve in this report by Sarah Booth.

Meanwhile, with the popularity of running surging, we look into how to speed up your 5km run with these eight useful tips that include what to drink before heading out and how fast to go. Surprisingly, you need to slow down to get quicker.

Have a great week.

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Four stories to read today
‘I lost 18kg in nine months after menopause by adding this to my diet’
Eating less is not the answer to menopause weight gain, CSIRO research warns, as one Melbourne woman’s remarkable transformation proves a counterintuitive approach works.
Why doctor advice to people aged 75+ about taking statins will change
Australians aged 75 and over are expected to get new advice on taking statins after a landmark study made this finding.
I’m a divorcee — these 6 things helped me … including throwing away my undies!
A woman who lost her 25-year marriage has revealed why throwing away her underwear was one of six small steps she took to recover after divorce.
Top data scientist’s guide to feeling ‘bulletproof’: ‘I haven’t been sick in 8 years’
Kristen Holmes hasn’t been ill for eight years. It’s the result of everything she’s learnt from decades researching health statistics.

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#1 My GP told me my memory was ‘fine’ - by 55 I had dementia Jim Rogers put his memory lapses down to age, the wear and tear of a busy life – until a cardiologist watched him unable to silence his own ringing phone and everything changed.

#2 Colonoscopy concerns: 890 patients to be contacted for review Queensland Health has begun contacting 890 patients who had colonoscopy procedures between 2023-2026 after an audit found it may not have met expected care standards at two hospitals.

#3 Grandad had devastating strokes after alleged Covid hospital failure A grandfather battling Covid went on to suffer five strokes after he was allegedly let down by the hospital in this way.

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