The Dose - podcast cover

The Dose

A weekly look at the health news that matters to you. Dr. Brian Goldman brings you the best science from top experts in plain language. He cuts through the BS and confusion to give you a dose of smart advice that you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Thursday.

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Episodes

How do atmospheric pollutants affect my health, especially around wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke is becoming a bigger source of air pollution for all Canadians. What’s in wildfire smoke that makes it bad for your health, and who is most at risk? Epidemiologist and public health researcher Sarah Henderson shares what you need to know. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

May 25, 202325 min

What do I need to know about ticks?

Ticks are appearing earlier in the year in Canada and sticking around longer, thanks to climate change. And that means cases of Lyme disease are rising. Infectious diseases physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch walks us through what we need to know about Lyme disease and how to avoid and detect tick bites. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

May 18, 202323 min

What do I need to know about the new RSV vaccine?

Researchers have been working on a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for decades. This week, the first ever RSV vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We speak about that and other potential RSV treatments with Sabina Vohra-Miller, founder of the website Unambiguous Science. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

May 10, 202323 min

How can I prevent and detect melanoma?

Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, and rates of melanoma are growing in Canada. But melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers out there. Dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll shares what you need to know. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

May 04, 202320 min

How does drinking coffee affect my health?

For many of us, coffee is an essential part of our day. So what impact is it having on us, beyond just waking us up in the morning? To try to answer that question, we speak to Thomas Merritt, a geneticist and professor at Laurentian University in Sudbury. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Apr 26, 202325 min

What do I need to know about taking care of my vision?

Regular eye exams can help screen for symptoms of serious eye diseases. And you should be getting them even if you see well, and don’t wear glasses or contacts. Ophthalmologist Dr. Lesya Shuba from Dalhousie University explains why, and what else we can do to take care of our vision. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Apr 19, 202324 min

What do I need to know about fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease is not well-known among the general public, even though it’s estimated one-quarter of all Canadians have it. So this week on The Dose, hepatologist Dr. Alnoor Ramji tells us what fatty liver disease is, and how you can both prevent it and treat it. 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 ....

Apr 12, 202323 min

How do I know if I have asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, yet it’s often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Dr. Shawn Aaron, a respirologist at the Ottawa Hospital, talks about the causes and symptoms of asthma and the best way to diagnose it. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Apr 05, 202322 min

What should I know about UTIs?

There are a lot of myths out there about urinary tract infections or UTIs. We want to debunk some of those myths, so this week Dr. Peter Lin, a family physician based in Toronto, addresses what you should know. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Mar 29, 202323 min

What do we know about the health effects of the keto diet?

The keto diet is one of the most popular diets out there, and has been for several years now. Proponents love it, but every so often concerns are raised. Registered dietitian Andy De Santis shares what you need to know. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Mar 22, 202324 min

How can I cut down on salt in my diet?

Chances are you're eating too much salt — and that can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Registered dietitian Samantha Chabior talks about how excess salt affects our bodies and shares her tips on how to cut back. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Mar 15, 202323 min

How can I sleep better around Daylight Saving Time?

For most people, Daylight Saving Time disrupts their sleep schedule. But thankfully Dr. Elliott Lee, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, has some ways to prepare for the time change this weekend. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Mar 08, 202324 min

What is norovirus and how can I avoid it?

Cases of norovirus are increasing in Canada after a pandemic lull. If you haven't had it before, it's a highly-contagious virus that causes several unpleasant symptoms. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, shares what we know about the virus and how best to avoid it. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Mar 01, 202323 min

Is it OK to take protein supplements?

There is no shortage of protein powders, shakes and bars on the market. But are they the best way to get protein into your diet? Registered dietitian Anar Allidina shares her thoughts on protein supplements. Clarification: When referencing the recommended dietary allowance of protein, Anar Allidina meant 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, not eight grams. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Feb 22, 202324 min

Should I be worried about food dyes?

We've been hearing about a specific red food dye, red dye No.3, that a consumer advocacy group in the U.S. is trying to get removed from food and drinks. But what do we know about the health effects of food dyes more broadly? Joe Schwarcz, a chemistry professor and director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, has the answers. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Feb 15, 202323 min

How can I lower my risk of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is considered the "most serious" women's cancer. Its symptoms are often generic, there is no routine screening procedure and when detected, the cancer is often in later stages. This week, Paige Gibbings, a registered nurse and clinical coordinator for the ovarian tumours surgical program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, shares what people should know about ovarian cancer. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts...

Feb 09, 202319 min

How can socializing benefit my health?

It’s been said that Canada and other developed nations are in the grip of an epidemic of loneliness. The good news is that things like volunteering to help others and even chatting with someone you don’t know can be good for your health. Kate Mulligan, senior director of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing, shares what we know about how socializing can benefit our health. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.67...

Feb 01, 202323 min

How can I manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?

This week, we're answering your questions about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and treatments. Dr. Shafeena Premji, a family doctor and medical director of Mahogany Clinic in Calgary, shares her best advice on how to manage symptoms and when to speak to a health-care provider. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Jan 25, 202327 min

What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is becoming more widely discussed, with research still emerging. This week, Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist and expert on intermittent fasting, shares his tips on who should fast and how to do it. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Jan 18, 202322 min

What do we know about COVID-19 co-infections?

Across Canada, we’ve seen high numbers of people sick with flu and a lot of kids sick with RSV or Group A strep. In some cases, people have both COVID and another viral illness. Allison McGeer, an adult infectious disease physician at the Sinai Health System, goes through what you should know about co-infections.

Jan 11, 202323 min

How can I make exercise part of my routine?

If you've ever struggled to keep your New Year's resolution to exercise more, experts say to start small and to schedule time to workout are key. Mary Jung, an associate professor at UBC’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, shares her tips on how to make exercise a habit.

Jan 04, 202326 min

ENCORE: What can I do to boost my memory?

There are plenty of ads for supplements that supposedly boost our memory. If you’re worried about memory loss, you might be tempted to give them a try. But how well do they work? Dr. Sandra Black, cognitive neurologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, has the answer, as well as the latest research on other ways we can boost our memory.

Dec 29, 202221 min

Can mindfulness help with stress?

It’s the holiday season and for many, visits from the inlaws or hosting holiday parties can be a stressful time. Dr. Melanie Badali, a clinical psychologist at North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic in North Vancouver, discusses how mindfulness can help people get through the holiday season.

Dec 21, 202222 min

What should I know about group A strep?

Group A streptococcus has been in the headlines recently after 15 kids died in the U.K. Dr. Joanne Langley, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, discussed what guardians and adults should know about this bacteria that can cause a range of illnesses.

Dec 15, 202221 min

How do I know if I’m properly hydrated?

You've probably heard that drinking eight glasses of water a day is key, but experts say that doesn't work for everyone. Dr. Jane Thornton, a sports medicine physician and former Olympic rower, debunks some of the water myths on this week's episode.

Dec 07, 202222 min

Why is Ozempic getting so much attention?

We’ve been hearing a lot about Ozempic recently. It’s a drug to treat diabetes, but it’s now becoming popular with celebrities and regular folks wanting to shed a few pounds. Dr. Ali Zentner, a Vancouver-based specialist in internal medicine, diabetes and obesity, shares what you should know about the drug.

Nov 30, 202218 min

What should I know about this flu season?

The annual flu season is back. Recently, health officials have taken the step of calling the sharp increase in flu cases an “influenza epidemic.” Dr. Allison McGeer, an adult infectious disease physician at the Sinai Health System, walks us through everything you need to know about this year's flu season.

Nov 23, 202225 min

What should I give my sick child during this medication shortage?

Parents have been dealing with a new challenge this cold and flu season: finding over the counter pain and fever medication for their kids. So this week on The Dose we’re asking: How should sick children and their parents cope with this medication shortage? Kelly Grindrod, a pharmacist and associate professor at the school of pharmacy at the University of Waterloo, has some tips for parents.

Nov 16, 202222 min

How often should I be having colonoscopies?

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Canada, but if caught early, many people have a good chance of surviving. But screening for it is key. Dr. Jill Tinmouth, lead scientist at the colorectal cancer screening program at Ontario Health and gastroenterologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, speaks with guest host Dr. Peter Lin about colorectal cancer screening.

Nov 09, 202221 min

What should I know about RSV?

A lot more kids are heading to emergency rooms with symptoms of RSV so this week we're sharing what you should know about RSV. Dr. Fatima Kakkar, an infectious diseases pediatrician at Montreal's Sainte-Justine Hospital, shares what parents should know about the virus.

Nov 02, 202226 min
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