US Politics

Inside Health investigates the expanding industry of full-body MRI scans, which clinics promote as a means to detect diseases and health issues in their early stages, even before symptoms appear. Critics, however, argue that these scans represent a significant financial outlay for individuals and can lead to undue anxiety about potential health problems that may never materialize. The program also examines new research indicating a faster increase in strokes among Black African and Black Caribbean populations in the UK compared to white individuals, primarily driven by high blood pressure. Laura Foster speaks with Dr. Iain Marshall, a general practitioner who researches stroke risk factors, and Sheila Chingono, who experienced a stroke at age 32, to discuss the contributing factors and preventative measures.

Additionally, the report touches upon the concept of emergency food stockpiles. Contrary to the image of unappealing non-perishable goods, a nutritional scientist explains how to prepare healthy and palatable meals with long-lasting items, even without access to running water or cooking facilities. The segment highlights that this approach does not require giving up treats like biscuits.

The episode was produced by Gerry Holt, edited by Ilan Goodman, with sound engineering by Mary Stone and production coordination by Stu Laws. The program was a collaboration between the BBC's Audio Science Unit and The Open University. It originally aired on October 13, 2026.