The Dose

Caroline Richard, registered dietitian and nutrition professor researching diet and the immune system, discusses milk’s role in health. She covers the US shift toward full-fat dairy, Canada’s lower-fat guidance, fortification versus plant milks, lactose intolerance signs, and age-based recommendations. Conversations focus on evidence (or lack thereof) about fat content, historical low-fat messaging, and practical milk choices.

Dr. Sonia Anand, a vascular medicine specialist from McMaster University, dives into the nuances of daily Aspirin use. She outlines how Aspirin works and discusses the difference between low and high doses. Anand emphasizes that while it can significantly aid those with previous heart issues, routine use for primary prevention is not recommended anymore. She highlights risks, including dangerous bleeding, and stresses individualized care based on health conditions and age. Practical advice includes consulting healthcare providers before starting Aspirin.

Dr. Caroline Quach, an infectious-diseases specialist and Chief Medical Officer of Health for Quebec, discusses the recent changes in the CDC's recommended childhood vaccines. She highlights concerns over potential vaccine hesitancy due to reduced immunizations in the U.S. and discusses the importance of maintaining universal standards in Canada. Topics include the implications of de-listing certain vaccines, the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination, and the risk of disease resurgence. Quach also shares strategies for addressing parental concerns around vaccinations.

Scromiting is a term popping up on social media that combines screaming and vomiting. It refers to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a painful condition that can affect long-term cannabis users. Dr. Kirk Magee, an emergency physician at the QE2 Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, says he’s seeing more patients with the condition — and that stopping cannabis use is the only effective treatment.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.

Michael Leiter, professor emeritus of psychology and co-author of The Burnout Challenge, dives deep into the complexities of workplace burnout. He defines burnout not as a personal failing but as a signal of organizational issues. Discussing early signs like persistent exhaustion and cynicism, Leiter highlights the risks in value-driven roles such as healthcare and education. He emphasizes the importance of two-way dialogue with employers and suggests practical strategies to change work conditions. Mindfulness and vacations aren't enough; real change is necessary to combat burnout.

A U.S. federal vaccine advisory panel has voted to drop its long-standing recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. In Canada, most infants don’t receive the vaccine until two months of age, with some exceptions. It can all be a bit confusing. So Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, explains what Canadians should know about when to get vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Researchers say a shingles vaccine could slow the progression of dementia and lower the risk of dying from it. Earlier this year, they produced the strongest evidence yet that the vaccine might reduce the risk of getting dementia in the first place. Dr. Nathan Stall, a clinician scientist and geriatrics lead at Sinai Health explains why shingles may be linked to cognitive decline and how a shingles vaccine could help.

A new variant of H3N2 may mean a more severe flu season in Canada, and this year's flu vaccine may not be quite as effective against it. Dr. Stephanie Smith, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, explains what you should watch for this flu season, why you should still get vaccinated, and how else you can protect yourself.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.

Canadians are some of the biggest users of antidepressants in the world, yet many people taking them aren’t sure when, or whether, they can safely stop. Dr. Ishrat Husain, head of the Mood Disorders Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explains how long antidepressants should be used, how to taper safely, and what patients need to know before making a change. 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.

With roughly five billion people flying each year, in-flight medical emergencies happen more often than you’d think. One recent study found they occur about once every 212 flights. Dr. Vincent Poirier is an emergency physician and a senior medical advisor for Air Canada and Air Transat. He explains the most common medical incidents, how airlines handle them, and what passengers should know.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.