The Dose

Researchers in Canada and around the world are exploring ways stem cells could help treat conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease, but the hype sometimes outpaces the science. Neurosurgeon and researcher Dr. Sheila Singh of McMaster University and King’s College London explains what stem cells can—and can’t—do, including why they’re no miracle cure for aging. For transcripts of The...

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Canada, and a growing number of never-smokers are getting diagnosed. Dr. Nicole Ezer, director of McGill University Health Centre's lung cancer screening centre, explains why this is happening and how workplace and environmental exposures may be contributing. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of each episode wil...

The One Meal a Day Diet, or OMAD, is a more extreme version of intermittent fasting that's been gaining in popularity. Its proponents say it can help people lose weight by eating a day’s worth of calories in a single meal. Family doctor and nutrition expert Dr. Mary Sco says there's little research suggesting that OMAD is more effective than other intermittent fasting diets. For transcripts of The...

Heat therapy is an age-old remedy that’s been growing in popularity. Whether it’s hot springs, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms, there are plenty of claims about how heat therapy can improve your health — but what does the research say? Brock University kinesiology professor Stephen Cheung explains how heat therapy can boost cardiovascular health and may even support mental well-being. Want to lea...

With more than 30 symptoms of menopause, it can be difficult to decide which treatments work best. Menopause specialist ob-gyn Dr. Kelsey Mills explains why hormone therapy is the gold standard, how new non-hormonal treatments are expanding options, and why symptom-based care—not hormone testing or “quick fixes”—is what really works. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcrip...

For decades, dietary guidelines have recommended low-fat milk to lower the risk of heart disease. But the U.S. recently updated its guidance, saying whole milk can be part of a healthy diet, while Canada still emphasizes lower-fat options. Registered dietitian Caroline Richard explains there's little difference in health outcomes—and that decades of public health messages about fat and sugar have...

For years, doctors have recommended taking Aspirin every day to help prevent heart attacks and stroke. Cardiologist Dr. Sonia Anand says that advice is still correct, but it only applies to certain patients. She cautions against taking too much Aspirin, because acetylsalicylic acid can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach and brain. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-t...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its childhood vaccination schedule, cutting back the number of immunizations from 17 to 11. Infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh says Canada’s schedule hasn’t changed, but she worries the U.S. move could create confusion and fuel vaccine hesitancy here. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcr...

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...

If you're dragging yourself into the office every day, you might be tired — or you might be experiencing burnout. Michael Leiter, professor emeritus of psychology at Acadia University and co-author of The Burnout Challenge, explains that burnout isn’t a personal failing, but a signal of deeper organizational issues. He shares how to recognize the signs and what you can do if you think you're affec...

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 ab...

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 shingle...

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...

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...

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 tr...

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...

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...

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/...

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 . Transcript...

Some wellness clinics in Canada are promoting IV vitamin and hydration therapy as a way to ease hangovers, migraines, and even prevent illness and inflammation. But Bernie Garrett, UBC associate professor and author of a book on deceptive health care, says there’s little evidence these treatments actually work. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of eac...

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 workda...

The Trump administration has claimed Tylenol in pregnancy causes autism, despite no conclusive evidence, and promoted the drug leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism symptoms. Pediatric neurologist Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou breaks down the science and what’s really known about these claims. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of each episode will...

The internet is full of hype for products claiming to boost mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance sexual performance—including testosterone supplements. Low testosterone can affect both men and women, but OB/GYN Dr. George Arnold says supplements rarely raise hormone levels; only prescribed testosterone can. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of each epis...

An estimated 70 per cent of people have experienced computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain. It's a condition caused by staring at a digital screen that's too close for too long and can lead to headaches, dry or blurry eyes, and neck, shoulder or back pain. Optometrist Meenal Agarwal says simple habits like taking regular breaks can help prevent CVS. For transcripts of The Dose, plea...

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are proven effective for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Researchers are now exploring their potential to reduce heart, kidney, liver, and even Alzheimer’s disease risks. But experts, including obesity specialist Dr. Sean Wharton, warn against off-label use. He breaks down the latest research and what the future might hold. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:...