The Dose

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.

E-scooter injuries are on the rise in Canada, including in children. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, between 2022 and 2024, hospitalizations involving e-scooters for kids between five and 17 years old increased by 61 per cent. And growing research is examining e-scooter injuries. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at SickKids, says no one under the age of 16 should ride an e-scooter.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 Health Canada-approved drug called lecanemab has been shown to slow early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Neurologist Dr. Sharon Cohen, who participated in phase three trials for the drug, explains why lecanemab is such a big deal.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.

Most Canadians reset their clocks twice a year. We spring forward, fall back and experts say that messes with our body's internal clocks. Rébecca Robillard, University of Ottawa associate professor and co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, says we should abolish Daylight Saving Time, in order to protect our sleep and overall health.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! 

An estimated one third of Canadian adults are obese, and ultra-processed foods are a major culprit. Leading nutrition scientist Kevin Hall recently co-wrote a new book on how foods nourish and harm us. He says understanding what's in our food is essential for our health, and that not all ultra-processed foods are bad.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! 

Bernie Garrett, an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing, explores the controversial world of IV hydration and vitamin therapy. He discusses the rapid rise of wellness clinics and the deceptive health claims surrounding them. Bernie highlights the lack of solid evidence to support these treatments for hangovers and migraines. He also warns about the potential risks, including serious adverse reactions, and stresses the importance of seeking care from licensed professionals. A must-listen for anyone curious about the safety of these popular therapies!

It’s respiratory virus season again, and experts say to look out for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Allison McGeer explains what the data shows about how severe this year might be, as well as how Canadians can protect themselves.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!