The Dose

HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While most people infected with HPV recover, certain strains can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers, including oral, anal, and head and neck. Dr. Deborah Money, head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of British C...

A new Canadian Medical Association survey suggests that health misinformation is on the rise. Law professor and research director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta Tim Caulfield gives examples of health and science misinformation, breaks down how to spot it, and offers tips on how we can talk to friends and family about misinformation they might believe is true. For transcri...

The U.S. surgeon general has called for cancer warnings on alcohol and Health Canada suggests a maximum of two drinks a week. As Dry January winds down, we ask: How can I cut back or even quit drinking alcohol? Dr. Peter Butt, an addiction medicine specialist and clinical associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, explains how much alcohol is too much and breaks down how people can cut...

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the viruses responsible for the common cold. A spike in cases in China has made headlines, though the World Health Organization assures infection numbers are at expected levels. Dr. Satchan Takaya, division head for infectious diseases at the University of Saskatchewan, explains what HMPV is and how we can better communicate about infectious disease outbreaks...

Cases of norovirus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea, are on the rise in Canada and the U.S., and experts say there are easy steps we can take to protect ourselves. Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious diseases specialist and associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., explains how norovirus spreads, as well as how steps like simple handwashing can keep us safe.  For tra...

For many, winter weather means seasonal affective disorder. If you already live with depression, you might notice your symptoms worsen. Research now shows that exercise — as well as therapy and medication — can help. Catherine Sabiston, a University of Toronto professor, director of the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre and Canada Research Chair in physical activity and mental he...

Experts say that frequent use of social media is harming teens’ health, and the Australian government recently passed a law banning it for kids under 16. Here in Canada, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit. Psychiatrist and UBC associate professor of medicine Dr. Shimi Kang says rather than an all-out ban, parents should talk with their kids and figure out a plan that’s right for them. ━━━━━...

H5N1 avian flu has now spread through dairy herds in 16 U.S. states. Close to 60 human cases have been reported in the U.S. and one here in Canada with a B.C. teen. Most have been caused through contact with infected animals, though a few sources are unclear. A new study in the journal Science says the virus might be just a single mutation away from more easily spreading between people. But infect...

California is issuing warnings about consuming raw milk after bird flu was detected in some samples from a farm's milk products . But proponents of unpasteurized milk say that it’s healthier than pasteurized milk, despite evidence to the contrary. Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor and director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph, explains how pa...

Some communities in the U.S. are debating whether to remove fluoride from water supplies. And it's also happening in Canada. Officials recently voted to stop water fluoridation in Montreal's West Island. Dr. Gerry Uswak, a public health dentist and dental therapy professor at the University of Saskatchewan, explains how fluoride protects teeth, while addressing controversial research linking fluor...

You may have heard you should throw out your black plastic kitchen utensils. That’s because it could be leaching harmful chemicals into our food. Tizazu Mekonnen, a professor of chemical engineering and Canada Research Chair in sustainable multiphase polymers, explains how black plastic in our home can be harmful to our health, and offers safer alternatives we can use. Click here for an important...

Doctors across Canada say they're seeing a spike in cases of walking pneumonia. It's a milder form of pneumonia that doesn't often lead to hospitalization, but can still lead to serious issues like meningitis and encephalitis. Dr. Caroline Quach, a microbiologist and pediatric infectious diseases specialist, explains what could be fuelling cases and how to protect against infection. For transcript...

Sex isn't always easy to talk about. And for women who have difficulties with orgasm and libido, it can be complicated if they haven't learned much about their genitals, or explored what turns them on. Lori Brotto, a professor and Canada Research Chair in women's sexual health at the University of British Columbia, says better sex starts with education and communication. For transcripts of The Dos...

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, with an estimated one in eight men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. John Lewis, a prostate cancer researcher and University of Alberta oncology professor, says better screening tools will help detect the disease more effectively in men. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of e...

While breast self-exams haven't been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality, Dr. Mojola Omole — a general surgeon, breast surgical oncologist and president of the Black Physicians' Association of Ontario — says women should still perform self-exams to know what is normal, and when to seek care. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of each episode will...

Human cases of rabies are not common in Canada, but experts say people still need to be cautious and avoid infection. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital and Dr. Scott Weese, a professor and veterinary internal medicine specialist at the Ontario Veterinary College, explain everything you need to know about rabies from the human, and the animal side. For...

While most people think of acne as a skin condition for adolescents, it can also develop in adults. Dr. Kerri Purdy, head of dermatology at Dalhousie University, explains some of the risk factors for acne (genes and hormones, not necessarily diet) as well as the latest treatments. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available...

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 visi...

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 ep...

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 v...

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: l...

Experts are warning Canadians about the risk posed by mosquitoes due to environmental factors like climate change. Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious diseases specialist with Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga, Ont. explains what we need to know about mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 12,347 listeners this week. [Claim your free resources →]( freehea...

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...

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. Transcrip...

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, pleas...