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Would you want to know if a doctor prescribing you a particular medication was being paid by a drug company? It’s a question we, as journalists, often ask health professionals during interviews in the name of transparency. It’s always good to disclose it even though they're speaking objectively. That’s why we’ve done this investigation into how much the pharmaceutical industry is paying specialists and health professionals. Doctors receive these funds legitimately to be compensated for their time speaking at, or attending, educational meetings. It could also be for sitting on advisory boards or to cover the cost of flying to overseas conferences. However critics have concerns the payments may affect prescribing unconsciously because the companies are there to “sell a product”. Those who defended such payments pointed out it often involved important upskilling that saved the taxpayer money. There are more than 40 examples of doctors receiving upwards of $30,000 in an eight-month reporting window. You can see the list here.

Meanwhile, if you want to feel uplifted and motivated you should read this deep dive into what it takes to run a marathon by national health reporter Ruby Kraner-Tucci. She's spoken to 58 everyday Aussies about training for the 42.2 km race while juggling family, work and life commitments. I personally loved what each person revealed about the worst running advice they'd been given. One common answer was “push through the pain”. Read about why that’s a bad idea here.

Lastly, we’ve carried out some independent testing to find out what's really inside vapes. The results, which varied significantly, were truly alarming. You can watch the video about just how much nicotine is packed into some black market vapes here. One vaper described the amount as "crazy" when compared to cigarettes.

Until next week.



#1 We carried out lab testing on what’s inside vapes – the results compared to cigarettes were described as ‘crazy’ Black market vapes are legally banned yet sold freely over the counter – and new independent testing reveals how much nicotine and other chemicals they have. SEE THE VIDEO & RESULTS.

#2 Mum who lost two children to suicide calls for fix to mental health shortfalls Natalie Vizer has opened up about losing her beautiful daughter Poppy Eloise Reynolds to suicide at age 22. The heart-wrenching interview comes four years after her son Harry also took his life.

#3 Aussie mum gives birth to ‘one in 15 million’ identical quadruplets A mother has delivered naturally-conceived identical quadruplet girls in a birth so rare doctors say it has never been seen before.