The Dose

It's fall respiratory illness season and experts are once again urging Canadians to get vaccinated. Dr. Susy Hota, division head of infectious diseases at the University Health Network and Sinai Health in Toronto, breaks down the latest vaccines and treatments for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, while also talking about how everyone can stay safe this season. 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.Correction: A previous version of this episode said that Ontario is paying for every senior to receive an RSV vaccine. Ontario is only paying for high-risk seniors.

Whooping cough cases are on the rise across Canada and vaccination rates in some provinces aren't keeping pace. Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist in Calgary, explains how whooping cough is distinct from other respiratory infections, and how children and adults can stay safe.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.

Iron deficiency is relatively straightforward to treat, yet a significant percentage of Canadian women and girls live with the condition. Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, a hematologist at St. Michael’s Hospital and director of hematology in the University of Toronto's department of medicine, explains how to diagnose iron deficiency and maintain our body's iron stores.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.

Experts know that men and women respond to heat differently, but we're still learning about how women respond to extreme temperatures. Dr. Amita Mahajan, an endocrinologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary, explains how extreme heat affects women's bodies and the role that hormones play in regulating their core temperatures.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. Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious diseases specialist at Trillium Health Partners, delves into the rising threats posed by mosquitoes in Canada. He explains why some individuals attract these pests more than others, revealing fascinating factors like pheromones and body temperature. The discussion highlights the risks of diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis amidst climate change. Dr. Chakrabarti stresses the importance of preventive measures and the need for more research into the health impacts of these diseases.

There are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Gimlet that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between.Science VS looked at the class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists a year ago, and they've only gotten more popular — and more controversial. We’re hearing that these kinds of drugs can be tough on your stomach, and that the weight loss comes with worrisome loss of muscle. We’ve also heard claims that they might increase your risk of suicide. So — should we be freaking out here?? In this episode, Science Vs hosts talk to endocrinologist Dr. Vibha Singhal, neuroscientist Dr. Nora Volkow, and gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Camilleri.  And a warning, this episode does deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. A full list of international hotlines can be found here. The episode transcript can be found here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsOzempic2Scarier 

Whether it’s travelling abroad, or being active outdoors, summer can increase risk of injury, burns and bites. Emergency physician Dr. Shaneka Kulasingham walks us through common summer medical emergencies, how to avoid them and what to do if you end up needing help. She also gives tips on what to pack in a first-aid kit.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.

As Canadians spend more time outdoors, enjoying yet another warm summer, experts are warning about anaplasmosis — a tick-borne disease that's slowly on the rise. Heather Coatsworth, chief research scientist of field studies in the National Microbiology Laboratory, explains what we need to know about anaplasmosis, as well as offers tips on how to avoid tick bites.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.

In this discussion, George Mumford, mindfulness coach for the Edmonton Oilers, shares insights on harnessing mindfulness for peak athletic performance. He explains how mindfulness helps athletes navigate high-stakes games like the Stanley Cup finals by promoting self-awareness and mental toughness. Dr. Brian Goldman dives into the impact of fan support on performance, emphasizing the psychological factors at play. Together, they explore how a growth mindset and emotional management can transform challenges into opportunities for success.

Almost two-thirds of Canadians have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetimes. For some people, exposure to trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Margaret McKinnon, a professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at McMaster University, explains how we can better process trauma.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.