The Dose

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&nbs...

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 Th...

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 transcript...

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. F...

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 SickKi...

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...

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:  ln...

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 . Trans...

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 o...

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 w...

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...

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...

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, ple...

TED Health is a podcast from TED that shares interviews, stories, and TED Talks that will help you better understand your health. You can learn the latest ideas on what exercise does to your brain, whether or not psychedelics can treat depression, why your body fights weight loss, and more.  In this episode: You’re just one exam away from a relaxing spring break. But you still have so much to...

As a growing number of Canadians use AI, physician groups like the Ontario Medical Association are warning against using it for medical help. Family physician Dr. Danielle Martin explains how AI chatbots can be useful, but risky when it comes to personal medical advice. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/dose-transcripts . Transcripts of each episode will be made available by...

The Dose is still on summer break, but we've curated some of our most popular episodes to make your summer a little healthier. In this double-episode, we explore what the research shows about the benefits of creatine supplements, as well what we can do now to live longer and healthier. 

The Dose is still on summer break, but we've curated some of our most popular episodes to make your summer a little healthier. In this double-episode, we explore how women can have better sex, as well as how heat affects women's bodies. 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 episode...

Recreational cannabis has become increasingly potent since Canada legalized it in 2018. That means intense and longer-lasting highs. Psychiatrist Dr. Philip Tibbo sheds light on what high-potency cannabis is, its physical and mental effects, and how to safely consume the drug. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by...

Wildfire smoke can feel unavoidable during summer in Canada, and that's on top of the air pollution that most cities experience during warmer months. Respirologist Dr. Chris Carlsten, head of University of British Columbia's Air Pollution Exposure Lab, explains how poor air quality affects our health, and how masks and air filters can help. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:  lnk.to/d...

To live longer, healthier lives, we need to eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise and sleep, and go easy on the alcohol. While the solutions are simple, building healthy habits is more complicated. Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and author of Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, explains why we should aim for a long "healthspan" versus...

Just Asking, hosted by Saroja Coelho, takes audience questions about major news and trends, then invites experts to give you the answers needed to make better decisions in your life. In this episode: Drugs like ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin are being looked at as possible treatments for depression, anxiety and PTSD. And while there’s a growing appetite from patients to explore these opti...

Cosmetics are a big business. But while many brands promise to beautify and rejuvenate, it's not always clear whether their makeup products and creams actually benefit our skin. Dermatologist Dr. Renee Beach explains how some cosmetics, including anti-aging creams, can improve skin health, but says not to believe everything you read on the label.   For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:&n...

Former U.S. president Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer has raised some questions, like how it could have gone undiagnosed for so long, and what the future holds. Dr. Laurence Klotz, chief of urology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, explains how prostate cancer is diagnosed, why some forms are more aggressive than others, and the extensive array of treatments available.   For transcri...