The Dose

Recreational cannabis has become increasingly potent since Canada legalized it in 2018. That means intense and longer-lasting highs. Psychiatrist Dr. Philip Tibbo sheds light on what high-potency cannabis is, its physical and mental effects, and how to safely consume the drug.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Wildfire smoke can feel unavoidable during summer in Canada, and that's on top of the air pollution that most cities experience during warmer months. Respirologist Dr. Chris Carlsten, head of University of British Columbia's Air Pollution Exposure Lab, explains how poor air quality affects our health, and how masks and air filters can help.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input! 

Dr. Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, shares insights from his book on longevity. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on healthspan over lifespan. Tune in for tips on building healthy habits around diet, sleep, and exercise to enhance longevity. Dr. Topol discusses the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, the role of strength training, and even the latest advancements in Alzheimer's risk assessment, making this an enlightening conversation for anyone looking to live better and longer.

Just Asking, hosted by Saroja Coelho, takes audience questions about major news and trends, then invites experts to give you the answers needed to make better decisions in your life.In this episode: Drugs like ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin are being looked at as possible treatments for depression, anxiety and PTSD. And while there’s a growing appetite from patients to explore these options, the research is still ongoing about why they work the way they do, and which patients are best suited for them. Where does the research currently stand? And what risks should patients be aware of? Just Asking brings on two experts to help answer those questions.You can find more episodes of Just Asking here.

Cosmetics are a big business. But while many brands promise to beautify and rejuvenate, it's not always clear whether their makeup products and creams actually benefit our skin. Dermatologist Dr. Renee Beach explains how some cosmetics, including anti-aging creams, can improve skin health, but says not to believe everything you read on the label. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Former U.S. president Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer has raised some questions, like how it could have gone undiagnosed for so long, and what the future holds. Dr. Laurence Klotz, chief of urology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, explains how prostate cancer is diagnosed, why some forms are more aggressive than others, and the extensive array of treatments available. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Dr. Varun Kapila, a vascular surgeon and the president of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery, dives into the surprising reality that varicose veins can start affecting individuals in their 20s and 30s. He discusses risk factors like hormonal changes and lifestyle choices that contribute to their development. The conversation covers effective prevention strategies, including compression stockings and healthy habits. Dr. Kapila also highlights the emotional toll of visible veins and emphasizes the importance of early treatment to avoid complications.

Seasonal allergy sufferers who've noticed their symptoms getting worse aren't imagining things. Due mostly to the effects of climate change, but also urban planning, seasonal allergies are more intense. Dr. Anne Ellis, chair of the division of allergy and immunology at Queen's University, explains why you're suffering more, and that allergy treatments are offering new hope. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

A new miracle cure-all has been making the rounds on social media, promising that people who take methylene blue can improve their mood and cognition. Some TikTok videos even suggest the synthetic dye could be used to treat cancer. Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill's Office for Science and Society, explains there’s little evidence to suggest methylene blue is useful outside of very specific circumstances.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently spoke of an autism "epidemic" when he announced "a massive testing and research effort" to investigate potential causes. But as developmental pediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner explains, the rise in diagnoses reflects broader recognition of the signs and symptoms, rather than increased prevalence. And that, she says, means more people are getting the help they need. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.