Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in North America — and yet, it’s still sometimes thought of as a man’s disease. Cardiologist and women’s health expert Dr. Beth Abramson talks about the differences in heart disease between women and men and why women need to pay attention. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

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

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

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 this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

An estimated one in three women and one in five men in Canada will break a bone due to osteoporosis. So how can we prevent it and keep our bones healthy? Dr. Carrie Ye, a rheumatologist and medical director of the Multidisciplinary Bone Health Clinic in Edmonton, 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

Whether you’re taking a plunge into cold water or stepping into an icy shower, cold-water immersion has become more popular. But what do we actually know about its health effects? Stephen Cheung, professor of kinesiology at Brock University, breaks it down for us. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

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

Noises like traffic, airplanes passing and construction don’t just harm our hearing. They can also have other long-term effects on our health. We speak to a researcher about those effects and why we need more awareness about the noise in our environment. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

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

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

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

With fall on the horizon and kids back in school, cases of COVID-19 are starting to tick up in some parts of the country, and there are new subvariants popping up too. So should you get another COVID booster shot now, or wait until the updated vaccines come out this fall? Infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist Dr. Allison McGeer 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

We know that energy drinks are popular with teens and pre-teens. What are the health risks that come with these caffeinated, sugary drinks? Pediatrician and clinician scientist Dr. Olivier Drouin 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

There are many factors that influence our mood, but one we may not think about is our diet. It turns out the emotions you feel have a lot to do with what’s happening in your gut, or your gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Mary Sco., a family doctor with a PhD in nutrition, breaks it down for us. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Many of us aren't sleeping enough, and that can have a big impact on our physical and mental health. Dr. Michael Mak, staff psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, talks about how to know if you're getting enough sleep — and what you can do to improve your night's rest.

We may know it’s important to take breaks at work, but sometimes when deadlines pile up, it feels impossible to find the time. Katharine Coons, national senior manager at the Canadian Mental Health Association, explains why that ten-minute break is so important — and how it can improve your mental health. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281

Some countries are moving towards stopping the next generation from ever legally being sold cigarettes. The British government recently proposed a ban on selling cigarettes to anyone currently 14 or younger, in hopes of creating the first "smoke free generation." New Zealand has passed a similar law. Michael Chaiton, senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, weighs in on these bans and speaks to the Canadian context.

It's RSV season and this year, seniors have the option to get a newly approved vaccine to protect against the respiratory virus. But the new vaccine comes at a cost to most seniors in Canada. Nurses and doctors are worried that cost will prohibit people from getting the RSV vaccine. This week on The Dose, we hear from Anne Summach, a nurse practitioner and assistant teaching professor in the University of Alberta’s nursing department.

Oral cold and cough medicine containing a popular decongestant was pulled from some U.S. pharmacy shelves this week. This comes after a panel of experts said phenylephrine is no better than a dummy pill at relieving congestion. But what actually works to treat cold symptoms? Family doctor and CBC Radio house doctor Dr. Peter Lin provides tips on how best to treat a cold or cough, and weighs in on popular home remedies. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, sleep and a lack of exercise. But what role does food play when it comes to blood glucose? This week on The Dose, registered dietitian Anar Allidina talks about the role diet plays, how eating certain foods can help regulate your blood sugar and when to know it's time to see a doctor. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and save lives when used appropriately, but when they aren’t needed, they can cause adverse effects and other harms — including antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, explains what conditions antibiotics do — and don’t — treat, why new antibiotics are limited and how resistance is affecting patients in hospital. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Regular Pap tests will soon be a thing of the past in Canada, as they get replaced by more effective HPV tests to screen for cervical cancer. And soon, there will also be the option in some provinces to do your own free HPV test at home. Obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Kim Alexander explains why the switch is happening and how the at-home test will work. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

It's that time of year when sunlight is hard to come by. If you're prone to seasonal depression or the winter blues, this can be a tough time of year. But there are ways to deal with, and maybe even prevent the symptoms. This week, we speak with Dr. Raymond Lam is a professor of psychiatry at UBC, and an expert and researcher in seasonal mood disorders. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Respiratory viruses are circulating in Canada, and hospitals are starting to fill up with young children and older adults. Dr. Lisa Barrett, an infectious diseases doctor and researcher at Dalhousie University, shares what you need to know, and tips for how to stay healthy. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Nearly a quarter of Canadians have hearing loss — and many others may not be aware that they have it. Young people are increasingly at risk of hearing loss because of unsafe listening practices. Audiologist Emma LeBlanc talks about how to prevent and treat hearing loss. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

The menstrual cycle can cause many physical, mental and emotional changes — from cramps and bloating to mood changes and more severe symptoms. Dr. Alison Shea, an obstetrician gynecologist and reproductive mental health specialist, shares information about the cycle and how people who menstruate can handle those shifts.

It's the time of year when many people like to raise a glass. But Canada's new guidelines say more than two drinks a week can raise your risk of some very common types of cancer. Addiction medicine specialist physician and UBC professor of medicine Dr. Evan Wood tells us what we should know about how alcohol can affect our health.

Many of us ring in the new year, pledging to live healthier and better lives. Unfortunately, new year's resolutions often fail. Clinical psychologist Taslim Alani-Verjee tells us how we can structure our resolutions for success — and make sure we actually accomplish our goals.

Everyone knows that physical exercise is necessary for a more healthy life, but recommendations for how much exercise seem to vary from expert to expert. Sport medicine physician Dr. Jane Thornton outlines global exercise guidelines, while explaining why short bursts of physical activity are often enough to help us keep active.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder – or ADHD – is a common diagnosis in children. But more and more grownups are also being diagnosed with ADHD. Psychiatrist Dr. Ainslie Gray explains some of the tell-tale signs you might be living with undiagnosed ADHD, as well as some of the ways people might be unknowingly coping with the condition.

Millions of people around the world suffer from chronic back pain everyday, often not knowing if they'll ever recover. Pain specialist Dr. Brenda Lau offers advice on how you can manage chronic back pain, as well as some of the newer treatment options that can help offer relief.

Dopamine is often associated with helping us feel pleasure, though its role in the body is far more complex. The neurotransmitter is essential for memory and learning, as well as reward-related behaviours. But some of those behaviours can be problematic. Patricia Di Ciano, a scientist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, breaks down how dopamine functions, and whether dopamine fasting actually works.

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing stops and restarts many times during sleep. Despite being a fairly common condition, an estimated eight out of 10 Canadians live with undiagnosed sleep apnea. Sleep physician Dr. Sachin Pendharkar explains how sleep apnea works, as well the options available for diagnosing and treating the disorder.

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.

Most of us assume that our memories get worse as we grow older, but it's not as simple as that. Toronto Metropolitan University neuroscientist Natasha Rajah helps explain why some of our memories often remain just as strong in old age as when we're younger, as well as how changes in our brain as we get older influence our ability to retain and retrieve information.

Part two of Dr. Goldman's conversation with Dr. Lynora Saxinger, who joined us to talk about navigating all things summer. Yesterday we covered swimming, backyard parties, sports, patio drinks and more. Today, the great indoors: from cottages to weddings, malls, libraries, day camps, gyms and more.The infectious diseases specialist and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton helps evaluate the risks.

The sixth wave of COVID-19 has seen an increase in hospitalizations and more ICU admissions. What’s different this time is that we have a new medication called Paxlovid that can keep at-risk people out of hospital. We hear all the details on Paxlovid from Kelly Grindrod, a pharmacist and associate professor at the school of pharmacy at the University of Waterloo.

The largest immunization rollout in Canadian history has begun with the arrival of the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. This milestone raises many questions, from why different people get the first shots in different provinces to concerns about potential allergic reactions or adverse side effects when our turn finally comes. Plus, there's already a lot of misinformation out there. Dr. Caroline Quach, chair of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), answers these questions and gives us the science-based facts.

This week: After a long, hard winter and spring, summer is almost here. After months of being cooped up inside, you may be desperate to have friends on your back deck, hit a hiking trail or go for a swim. But what are the risks during a pandemic? Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta joins Dr. Goldman to answer the question "How safe are my favourite summer activities?"

Running or jogging is said to be one of the best cardio exercises you can do to stay in shape. But it’s not for everyone. This week we spoke with Dr. Jane Thornton, sports medicine physician and Canada Research Chair in Injury Prevention and Physical Activity for Health at Western University, about how running can help us stay healthy, how to start running and proper form.

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

More and more Canadians are getting their second dose of COVID vaccine. So what's safe for you to do if you're heading into a two dose summer? Can you travel? Hug your grandkids? Go to restaurants? Infectious diseases specialist Lynora Saxinger has the answers for what life can look if you're fully vaccinated.

Dr. Brian Goldman and infectious disease expert Dr Susy Hota explain how masks work and how best to use them.

As physical distancing, handwashing and staying home have helped to reduce the spread of COVID-19, public health officials are starting to cautiously relax some of the self-isolation measures Canadians have been under for two months. But we're still in a pandemic, with no vaccine or treatment for the coronavirus.  Host Dr. Brian Goldman welcomes infectious disease expert Dr. Allison McGeer back to The Dose to give you the latest facts about the risks and advice on how to stay as safe as possible in these uncertain times.  

More than three times as many Canadians have received the Pfizer vaccine compared to the one made by Moderna. But Canada has a stockpile of Moderna vaccines. So how do the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines measure up now? We find out from Kelly Grindrod, a pharmacist and associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy.

Vitamin D has been touted as a "wonder treatment" with a lot of health benefits. But what can vitamin D actually do for my health? This week on The Dose, Dr. Peter Lin, a Toronto-based family physician, speaks about what the research shows, dosage amounts, and much more.

The third wave of COVID is here in Ontario according to experts but epidemiologist Raywat Deonandan says there are steps governments and individuals can take to blunt its impact in Ontario -- or avoid the wave altogether in other regions of the country -- including closing schools.

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.

There are now two COVID-19 vaccine candidates that look very promising. Late-stage clinical trials suggest they may be more than 90 per cent effective. The Canadian government has signed deals with both manufacturers, so if they’re approved by Health Canada, experts say they should be available to us sometime next year. But a new vaccine naturally raises lots of questions, from its safety profile to who will get it first in a country of more than 37 million people. Dr. Jeff Kwong, interim director of the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases at the University of Toronto, gives us some answers.

Addressing emotional roots of comfort eating key to losing weight gained during the pandemic

The longer we live with COVID-19, the more clear its toll on our mental health becomes. Now we're dealing with yet another emotional challenge: a holiday season unlike any other, when most Canadians are being asked to hunker down within our own households to prevent the spread of the virus. Plus, it's winter, when many people feel down even in "normal" times. There's hope for sure -- a COVID-19 vaccine is coming.  Psychology professor Steve Joordens helps guide us through ways to stay emotionally well until we get there.   

A new, decade-long study published in the British Medical Journal suggests artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose could put us at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study joins many others with similar unfavourable findings. Leslie Beck, a registered dietitian and columnist, breaks down the potential risks of the sugar substitutes.

Mask mandates have been lifted in several provinces, though some hospitals and long term care homes are still insisting on masks. But Omicron and subvariants have not disappeared. So this week we’re asking: What should I do when the mask mandates are lifted? Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa, helps us navigate.

Losing weight is frustratingly hard -- especially during a pandemic when studies show people have gained weight. Host Dr. Brian Goldman is joined by one of Canada’s leading experts on weight loss, Dr. Sean Wharton, who breaks down the best science around how to lose weight, as well as the connections between COVID-19 and obesity.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit North America governments and infectious disease experts advised the public to stay home and stay physically distant from anyone not in their household. Those restrictions have made it challenging for single folks to find a way to connect with new friends and potential sexual partners. From sex and foreplay to kissing and holding hands, the pleasures of touch have become a complex and risky activity in the age of COVID-19. But now, life is opening up and that means some people may be looking to date and include an intimate partner in their social bubble. A lot of people are wondering how you can do that and stay safe. Today on the Dose Dr. Goldman is joined by Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Deputy Commissioner at New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and one of the experts behind a new set of candid guidelines on safe intimate relations during the pandemic. They tackle the question: Is it safe to have sex or be intimate with someone new during COVID-19?

As many experts feared, the number of COVID-19 cases is rising after flattening out during the summer. The biggest climb is among people under 40, especially adults who are 20-29 years old. The reasons this is happening are more complex than you might think. Infectious disease epidemiologist Ashleigh Tuite explains why and delves into what this means for all of us, no matter what our age.

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

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.

Surgery delays, addiction, a steep drop off in ER visits, all contributed to a spike in excess deaths during the pandemic beyond COVID deaths. Yet for some common conditions, the drop in ER visits had no impact on patient outcomes. What does this tell us? And how can we tackle the surgery backlog? Dr. Peter Juni, the scientific director of The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, explains.

Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, answers questions about how you can return to work safely.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, along with stressors from physical isolation to home schooling to grief, many people may feel their ability to manage is reaching its limits. Canadians are suffering from so much anxiety that Kids Help Phone has started a dedicated service to support adults, in addition to children and youth. Alisa Simon from Kids Help Phone joins The Dose host Dr. Brian Goldman to talk about issues you might be struggling with and ways to cope mentally and emotionally.

The risk of catching coronavirus outdoors is very low. Yet new pandemic restrictions in Ontario ban most outdoor sports and gatherings. Infectious diseases physician Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti joins Dr. Brian Goldman to debunk myths about outdoor transmission - and explain why being outside is so much safer than being inside, and what you can do to reduce your risk even further.

Coronavirus is airborne, so what does that mean for how we fight COVID outbreaks? Michael Brauer, a professor in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC, is calling for a shift in COVID prevention strategies. He says we need to focus more on ventilation and much less on disinfecting — particularly because cleaning products can be associated with some health conditions.

In this new COVID-19 reality, we’ve been talking a lot about how to protect our physical health and slow the spread of the coronavirus. But there's also been an enormous toll on our mental health. This week on The Dose, Dr. Peter Selby, chief of medicine for the Psychiatry Division at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to talk about how we can manage our anxiety and stay mentally healthy through this unprecedented time.

Dr. Allison McGeer, one of Canada's top infectious disease specialists, joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to give you the most up-to-date information on the new coronavirus, a reality check on travel bans and quarantines and what you can do to protect yourself and the most vulnerable people around you.

Psychedelics are no longer just illegal street drugs. A lot of research has come out about their benefits as treatments for people with mood and other mental health disorders. So what do we know about how psychedelics can treat mental illness? We hear from Dr. Robert Tanguay, clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary and Chief Clinical Medical Officer at the Newly Institute.

Across Canada there is a patchwork of inconsistent conclusions on whether or not schools are contributing to the exponential spread of COVID-19, leaving many parents and teachers confused. Amy Greer, Canada Research Chair in Population Disease Modelling, joins The Dose host Dr. Brian Goldman to provide some clear, science-based answers.

Since the first days of the pandemic, people who have recovered from the coronavirus have complained of long COVID symptoms. There’s still a lot to learn about the condition, but researchers are looking for answers. We spoke with Manali Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at McMaster University and affiliate scientist with the Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton.

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.

Countries in the European Union are seeing a steep rise in COVID-19 cases, just weeks after lifting COVID-19 measures. Meanwhile, in most parts of Canada, pandemic restrictions are being eased. So with provinces lifting mask mandates, should I still wear a mask? We hear from Jason Tetro, a microbiologist and author of The Germ Files.

Dr. Goldman answers questions about the coronavirus from kids across Canada, with the help of Tai Poole, host of the CBC podcast Tai Ask Why, and Matt Galloway, host of CBC Radio's The Current

It's that time of year again: Time to get the annual flu shot. But this year, the influenza vaccines will roll out along with the bivalent shots and people have questions about timing of their vaccines. Dr. Brian Goldman spoke with Ashley Davidson, a pharmacist and owner of a Shoppers Drug Mart in Alberta.

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.

Surveys suggest cannabis use in Canada is up by as much as 35% in the pandemic. And cannabis sales doubled in this country last year. So what are the risks of cannabis use? And how can you minimize those risks? Neuroscientist Sarah Konefal, a research and policy analyst with Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, has the lowdown on the reducing the harms of getting high.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "accelerated approval" this month to the first new drug to treat Alzheimer's disease in nearly two decades. But there is controversy over the efficacy of the drug, as well as its cost and side effects. Saska Sivananthan, chief of research and knowledge translation for the Alzheimer Society of Canada, breaks down what we know so far about the drug.

You may have heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but now there’s a new term used by researchers: postbiotics. This week we’re asking: What do we know about postbiotics? We speak with Jennifer Stearns, assistant professor at McMaster University’s department of medicine.

Denmark was one of the first countries to lift all of its COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month.The government says they no longer consider COVID-19 "a socially critical disease" and they’re learning to live with it. What can Canada take away from Denmark’s ‘live with COVID’ approach? We find out from Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa.

Dr Prabhat Jha, Director of the Centre for Global Health Research, at St Michael’s Hospital, and Professor of epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto answers questions about contact tracing.

Canada and many other parts of the world are lifting restrictions and trying to move on from COVID-19. But not everyone is ready to ditch the mask and other pandemic measures. Dr. Steven Taylor, a clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at University of British Columbia, shares insight on how people can navigate society with fewer COVID-19 restrictions.

Jen and Neil are a happily married couple in their thirties. From the outside, life is picture perfect. But behind their smiles lies a heartbreaking secret: they can’t get pregnant. Join CBC journalist Jen White and her husband Neil Hyde in this intimate and informative eight-part series on their yearslong struggle with fertility — a journey filled with hormone injections, transvaginal ultrasounds, tears, anxiety, shame, laughter, and hope. Listen to more episodes at: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1338-one-in-six

Some Canadians may be looking at the reopening in the U.K. with some envy but not so fast, says U.K. epidemiologist Dr. Deepti Gurdasani. The delta variant, also known as B1617, first identified in India, is driving a new COVID wave in the U.K. — and it's spreading quickly around the world, including in Canada. Gurdasani has stark advice to Canadian officials: act now to contain this variant or a fourth wave is likely coming.

British Columbia has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of illicit drugs like opioids, cocaine and crystal meth. This move is part of a big idea called harm reduction. So how much could drug decriminalization help with harm reduction? Dr. Hakique Virani, an addiction medicine and public health physician in Edmonton, explains.

Global leaders are trying to move forward on climate action at COP26 in Glasgow as the world reels from more and more extreme weather events. Canada has been hit by deadly floods, wildfires and heat domes. These seemingly insurmountable problems are making some people nervous enough to want to see a doctor. Dr. Brian Goldman speaks to registered counselling therapist Nancy Blair about the best way to deal with eco-anxiety.

We’re heading into Thanksgiving weekend in the midst of a resurgence of COVID-19 in Canada. Many of us are craving a gathering with the people we love, but we’re also in a critical phase of this pandemic -- and the decisions we make about gathering with others now have big consequences. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger talks us through the risks and offers her insight on how we can flatten the curve in time for the holidays.

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.

Some countries are now administering a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch helps answer the question: Just how many vaccine doses do we need to stay a step ahead of the pandemic?

As kids are either back in class or about to return, Dr. Brian Goldman speaks with infectious diseases pediatrician Dr. Fatima Kakkar about how parents can protect their kids in school against Omicron.

Throughout the pandemic, Ontario and Quebec have consistently had the highest number of infections in the country. But now, Canada’s unexpected COVID-19 hotspot is Manitoba. After seeming to successfully keep the virus at bay during the first wave, things have taken a disastrous turn for the worse. Health-care workers have called on the Manitoba government to take urgent action, saying the pandemic has spiralled out of control in the province. Jason Kindrachuk, a Canada Research Chair in emerging and re-emerging viruses at the University of Manitoba, explains what's happening and the lessons we can all learn as we grapple with this phase of the pandemic.

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.

Dr Nisha Thampi, medical director of infection prevention and control at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, answers the question: How can I send my kids back to school safely for them and for us?

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

Omicron is still the dominant coronavirus strain in the country. But lately we’ve been hearing about what’s been dubbed the “little sister” of Omicron, known as subvariant BA.2. So what do we know about this Omicron subvariant? We find out from Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).

If you haven't been in to see your family doctor in the last two years, now may be the time to do it. So if I haven't had my regular checkup since before the pandemic, what should I ask my doctor? We find out from Dr. Peter Lin, a Toronto-based family doctor and a director at the Canadian Heart Research Centre.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and some experts want women to get routinely screened after they turn 40. Dr. Paula Gordon, a breast radiologist and a clinical professor in the University of British Columbia’s radiology department, breaks down how often women should be screened, how to be breast aware and why knowing your breast density matters.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Canada -- and so does the sense of urgency felt by health-care providers and public health officials. It’s become clear to many that at this point, the only way to stop the virus from choking the health-care system is to bring in tough restrictions to reduce contact between people. Physicians in Alberta recommend a short, sharp lockdown -- known as a “circuit breaker” -- to slow the pandemic surge. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger returns to The Dose to explain what that means.

More than a dozen possible cases of severe acute hepatitis in children have popped up in Canada and many –including parents and researchers– are trying to figure out why. This week, we speak to Dr. Tehseen Ladha, a pediatrician and assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta.

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.

A lot of things have changed since our lives went into lockdown almost four months ago. Almost every part of Canada is cautiously reopening businesses and services, people are starting to resume contact with a limited number of friends and family through social bubbles or social circles -- and the prevailing public health advice is to wear masks when we can't physically distance from others. All of this can be confusing. Infectious disease specialist and microbiologist Dr. Allison McGeer, who has been helping The Dose listeners to navigate this pandemic since the beginning, returns this week with insight into what we've learned so far -- and the latest guidance on how to stay as safe as possible in this new COVID-19 normal.

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.

The COVID variant P1 is surging in BC and spreading east. Infectious diseases and critical care specialist Dr. Srinivas Murthy joins Dr. Brian Goldman to break down what you need to know about P1 - and what can be done to stop it, including restricting interprovincial travel.

Intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs, are a popular form of birth control in this country. This week on The Dose, Dr. Renée Hall, medical director of Kelowna General Hospital's Women’s Services Clinic, shares what you need to know about IUDs.

The number of kids up-to-date on their routine immunizations has been dropping. Meanwhile, vaccine-preventable diseases have reappeared, with a confirmed case of polio in the U.S. The virus has also been detected in wastewater in the U.K. and Israel. Dr. Sloane Freeman, a pediatrician at St. Michael's Hospital, shares what she's seeing in her practice — and what parents can do to get their kids caught up.

Diet plays a significant role in our risk of getting cancer. But what foods are good, and what food and drink should we only eat in moderation? We’ll cover the latest research on cancer risk and red meat, alcohol, and sugar. All with the help of Rachel Murphy, assistant professor in the School of Population and Public Health at University of British Columbia and scientist at BC Cancer.

Some sleep experts in Canada have seen a rise in insomnia and sleep-related complaints since the start of the pandemic. For some people, sleep aids can help them get some much-needed rest. Dr. Brian Goldman, host of CBC podcast The Dose, spoke with Dr. Elliott Lee, a sleep specialist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, about what we know about how effective sleep aids are in helping people stay asleep.

Learning how to breathe better can have real impacts on your overall health, according to James Nestor, author of “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art”. He shares tips on how we can harness the power of our breath, even when we're wearing a mask, and feel better physically and mentally as a result.

Catherine Hankins, the co-chair of Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, explains why achieving herd immunity may be elusive, but stopping transmission with vaccines can lead to a similar return to some semblance of normalcy — and that should be the focus.

Many people battling substance use disorders and addictions are especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional stress can leave some people struggling to avoid relapse. Physical distancing to prevent the spread of the virus can make it difficult to access critical addiction recovery supports and services. Dr. Peter Selby from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers insight into what's needed to help people suffering from addiction make it through this crisis. 

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

Since people began getting sick from COVID-19, there’s been concern about having enough medical supplies of all kinds, including ventilators for very ill patients. While no one wants to be in a position where we need a ventilator, many of us don't know the risks that come with being placed on a breathing machine. And as we learn more about how to treat the coronavirus, some preliminary evidence suggests that in some patients ventilators have done more harm than good. Dr. Reuben Strayer has seen this phenomenon up close. He’s an emergency physician and associate medical director at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where COVID-19 has taken hold. He himself has COVID-19, and as an expert on managing critically ill patients with airway and breathing problems, he is the perfect expert to answer the question "What do I need to know about ventilators in light of COVID-19?"

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

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

Dr. Goldman and infectious disease specailist Dr. Isaac Bogoch separate fact from fiction: Will Ibuprofen worsen COVID-19 symptoms? Is it true that children and young people don't get severe cases of COVID-19? Is there a difference between people who get very sick and those who have mild cases? Can you reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 if you have a chronic condition? How can you tell the difference between a cold or flu and COVID-19? Are there more symptoms than just respiratory issues? If you get COVID-19 and get better, are you immune? Why is the self-isolation period 14 days long? Should you self-isolate if someone you know is getting tested and have symptoms? How long does the virus live on surfaces and is there a difference between hard and soft surfaces? Plus a bonus look at this week's White Coat, Black Art on new drugs being touted as treatments for COVID-19

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-1.6732281

This week on The Dose, we hear from one expert on what we know and don't know about the health effects of vaping and how it could help smokers quit cigarettes. David Hammond, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, answers some of those questions and more.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been rising in several parts of Canada and health experts are worried. But what do these daily and weekly totals really mean? What's a "reproduction number" and why is it important? Epidemiologist Dr. David Fisman, one of Canada's top experts on the mathematics of infectious disease, joins us on The Dose to explain what these numbers say about how COVID-19 will affect our lives this fall and what we can do to change them.

Colder weather and relaxed pandemic restrictions mean more people indoors. This week, we’re asking how ventilation and air filtration can reduce the spread of COVID-19?

With kids in Canada mostly back in classrooms, more kids are testing positive for COVID-19. So how do you know if your kid has COVID? Infectious disease physician Dr. Janine McCready breaks down the symptoms, the best tests for kids, and how to lower the risk of your kid getting sick.

The question of how COVID-19 spread to humans has been circulating widely this week. One theory making the rounds is that the deadly virus originated and escaped from a lab in China. It gained steam when U.S. President Donald Trump validated the idea, saying China could face consequences if it is “knowingly responsible" The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the notion. So where did the deadly virus begin and how did that rumour start? Today on The Dose Dr. Goldman is joined by Professor Jason Kindrachuk, an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases,at the University of Manitoba, to tackle the question: 'Is there any truth to rumours that the coronavirus came from a lab in China?’

Doctors say walking is one of the most meaningful things you can do to improve your health because it delivers a powerful range of physiological, cognitive and mental health benefits. So much so that Dr. Jane Thornton actually prescribes walking to her patients.

Having a high BMI is supposed to be a call to get serious about your health by losing weight. But recent studies say BMI can be inaccurate and misleading. So should you worry if your BMI is too high? To cut through the BS about BMI, Dr. Brian Goldman sits down with Dr. Arya Sharma, a professor of medicine at the University of Alberta, who just happens to be Canada’s obesity guru.

What's the difference between seeing a therapist and trusting a therapist? Dr. Hillary McBride and her clients want you to hear for yourself in Other People’s Problems. After working together for years, they want to demystify the long game when it comes to mental health and let us hear what years of therapy really sound like. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/otherpeoplesproblems

Kids under five are the only age group that aren’t eligible for a vaccine yet. Vaccine manufacturers are working on vaccines for young children, but parents and guardians have a lot of questions while they wait. What do we know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids 5 and under?  We find out from Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatrician and infectious diseases physician at Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary.

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.

This week we hand The Dose over to you. Canadians have been on a roller-coaster with changing guidance on the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, so we put your questions to infectious disease specialist Dr. Zain Chagla who, despite rising COVID-19 numbers and vaccine concerns, remains optimistic.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, we’ve heard a lot of talk about coronavirus tests. But how do tests for such a new virus work and what do the results really tell you? If your test comes back negative, what do you do? And what kinds of tests will help us in the future, when we want to know about potential immunity to the virus? Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jeffrey Pernica joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to dispense a dose of expert insight into all of these questions.

Health officials say they’re in a battle against misinformation amid a disturbing rise in measles and other diseases. Conversations about vaccines usually centre on children. But what vaccinations do you need as an adult? Family doctor and vaccine researcher Dr. Iris Gorfinkel joins Dr. Brian Goldman to give you the dose on adult vaccines for diseases ranging from shingles to HPV.

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.

As kids' screen time soars during pandemic, experts say there could be serious long term physical, mental and emotional consequences - but treating tech like nutrition can help parents: consume healthy tech, limit junk tech, and eliminate the toxic.

There have been stories circulating suggesting a connection between blood pressure medication and how people fare if they get COVID-19. Dr. Nadia Khan, president of Hypertension Canada, clears up some misinformation and tells Dr. Brian Goldman when we really need to worry about high blood pressure — and what to do about it.

This year's allergy season has come early in parts of Canada, with some specialists saying there's growing evidence to suggest a connection to climate change. We spoke with Dr. Anne Ellis, professor of medicine and chair of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Queen's University.

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

On Season 3 of Other People’s Problems, host Hillary McBride takes you where microphones rarely go, into her therapy office where her clients hurt, heal, and ultimately thrive. This is what people sound like when they talk with someone they trust about difficult childhoods, ongoing mental health struggles, and the sudden changes we’re all facing right now living through a pandemic. Here’s the first bonus episode of Season 3 of the CBC podcast, Other People’s Problems. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/otherpeoplesproblems

Monkeypox is a viral infection that’s usually found in parts of Africa. But the current outbreak has shown up in countries including the U.K., Spain, Portugal, Australia, the United States and Canada. That’s just one of several things that has doctors puzzled. So this week we’re asking: What do I need to know about monkeypox? We get some clues from Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta.

With the COVID-19 variants spreading in Canada, infectious disease specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger joins Dr. Brian Goldman to break down the newest science around masks, with tips on which ones you should be wearing, how to fit them, and how to tell if your mask is working.

Although the majority of people recently infected with COVID-19 have been younger adults, the virus has already made its way back into long-term care and retirement homes, with about 100 active outbreaks and counting across Canada. Dr. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health and University Health Network in Toronto, returns to The Dose with guidance on how we can use what we've learned about COVID-19 to keep our elderly loved ones safe while cases continue to rise outside the walls of long-term care homes.

Millions of Canadians are without a family doctor or primary care provider. Dr. Peter Lin, a family physician and a director of the Canadian Heart Research Centre, spells out ways people can take charge of their health when they're in between or searching for a primary care provider.

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.

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-listen-1.6732281

There’s been a lot of talk about gyms lately. A COVID-19 outbreak that infected dozens of people was recently tracked back to a fitness studio in Hamilton, Ont., even though the operators had taken precautions. At the same time, several gym owners in COVID hot spots argue that not all fitness facilities pose the same risk. Plus, we know exercise is key to physical and mental health during these stressful times. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Zain Chagla explains how we can reduce our risk and stay well.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Zain Chagla breaks down everything you need to know about the five leading vaccines against COVID-19 and how they work - or don’t - against the variants of concern. And what it could all mean for your life and the future of the pandemic.

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.

Feeling anxious about re-entering society when pandemic restrictions are lifted? Or maybe you're feeling exuberant? Steven Taylor, author "The Psychology of Pandemics", and a professor and clinical psychologist in the department of psychiatry at UBC, walks us through the psychology of post-pandemic life — and why some people will experience lingering mental health side effects, while others will experience something called post-traumatic growth.

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

The pandemic is testing the limits of kids' resilience. But there are proven strategies that can help children cope, even if caregivers and parents feel they’re not coping so well themselves. Nancy Heath, a professor of educational and counselling psychology at McGill University in Montreal breaks down what parents should - and shouldn't - be doing to foster resilience.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials say getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year. The flu and COVID are different diseases caused by different viruses, so why does it matter? Just in time for flu season, infectious disease specialist Dr. Danuta Skowronski joins us on The Dose to explain -- and to set the record straight on some common misconceptions.

COVID-19 is hitting seniors hard across Canada. Several long-term care homes have suffered deadly outbreaks, including a nursing home in a small Ontario town that lost more than a dozen seniors in just a few days. Whether they live in long-term care facilities or in their own homes, COVID-19 threatens not only the lives of older Canadians, but also their emotional health as they face crushing isolation, unable to see their loved ones. Geriatrics specialist Dr. Samir Sinha joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to give us all a dose of advice on how to help seniors get through this pandemic.

Infectious disease specialist and virologist Dr. Samira Mubareka says the presence of seemingly more infectious coronavirus variants in Canada is a public health emergency and existing public health rules around social distancing, masks, and hygiene may have to be tightened.

For seniors, falls are the number one cause of ending up in hospital due to injuries. And about half of these hospitalizations result from a fall in the home. Dr. Brian Goldman talks to occupational therapist Marnie Courage about some simple tips to help reduce the risk of falling.

Health Canada approved a new COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster from Moderna earlier this month. The updated shot builds on the original vaccine by adding protection specifically against the Omicron BA.1 variant. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta, shares what you need to know as the boosters roll out.

The pandemic led to a drop in the rates of smoking and vaping tobacco. But while smoking rates continue to fall, vaping rates especially in teens are creeping up again. David Hammond, a professor of public health, outlines the risks and why we can't forget the 'old pandemic' of smoking.

COVID case counts are once again climbing in many parts of Canada along with hospitalizations. This week, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended that a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine be given to all Canadians ages 80 and up.

Stress changes your brain and has physical, mental and cognitive side effects. Many Canadians report drastically increased stress rates during the pandemic. Psychology professor Leslie Roos joins Dr. Brian Goldman to share proven, evidence based strategies for managing stress and feeling better.

COVID-19 has turned every aspect of our lives upside down. Right now, there’s a burning question on the minds of countless kids and parents across the country: Is Halloween still happening? Public health guidelines vary depending on where you live and have sparked a lot of discussion on social media. Pediatric infectious diseases specialist Dr. Caroline Quach helps us make sense of this tricky issue.

Learning how to breathe better can have real impacts on your overall health, according to James Nestor, author of “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art”. He shares tips on how we can harness the power of our breath, even when we're wearing a mask, and feel better physically and mentally as a result.

Dr. Susy Hota, the Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control at University Health Network in Toronto joins Dr. Brian Goldman to answer 10 questions on COVID-19.

There's lot of confusing information around the COVID-19 vaccines. It's hard to figure out what's accurate and what's misinformation or deliberate disinformation. Infectious diseases expert Tara Moriarty joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to talk tips and hacks for spotting COVID vaccine misinformation.

Considering taking some time off from alcohol? Addictions specialist Dr. Peter Selby says booze breaks like "Dry January" are a good idea, especially in light of a new study showing Canadians are binge-drinking during the pandemic.

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

The stress of COVID-19 has left a lot of people lying awake at night. Before the pandemic, insomnia already affected a significant proportion of Canadians. Now the number of people suffering from lack of sleep has skyrocketed. But Célyne Bastien, a psychology professor specializing in insomnia at Laval University and president of the Canadian Sleep Society, says there are things we can do to help ourselves get the rest we so badly need.

COVID vaccines are already approved in Canada for people aged 12 and older. Now, PfizerBioNTech says it plans to apply to Health Canada to authorize its vaccine in children aged five to eleven, as early as this week. So what do we know about kids and COVID vaccines?

As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are anxious to return to normal life, when we can hug our elderly parents or grandparents and once again gather in large groups. Many experts say that can't happen safely until a coronavirus vaccine is developed. In this unprecedented time, researchers around the world are working toward that goal, but it has to be done safely and follow a careful scientific process. Dr. Natasha Crowcroft, a vaccine expert at the the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, joins host Dr. Brian Goldman to help explain how close we are to an effective vaccine against COVID-19, the barriers we must overcome to get there, and what we need to do in the meantime.

Balance is crucial to our overall well-being. But it can be challenged at any age, and we start to lose our balance in our 50s. The good news is that simple exercise can help maintain and even restore balance. Lisa Hoffart, a physiotherapist with Canadian Sport Institute Calgary and Group 23 Sports Medicine helps answer: Why is it important to maintain my sense of balance as I age?

For years, doctors have been telling people to take an Aspirin a day to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. But recent studies suggest that unless you've already had a heart attack or a stroke, this may not be the best idea. Family physician Dr. Mike Kolber, who also teaches at the University of Alberta, joins Dr. Brian Goldman to give you the dose on who might want to think twice about this age-old advice.

This week: How to don and doff a face mask safety. What are the best materials for a homemade mask? Who really needs a mask? How can I clean my mask? Do I need to worry about getting takeout? Should I really wipe down every single grocery item? All that and more as Dr. Brian Goldman talks to 'the germ guy' Jason Tetro on The Dose.

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

Since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March, patient visits to hospital emergency room have dropped by up to a half. It's not surprising since leaving the house, let alone a trip to see the doctor, is now one of many activities that Canadians may question, as we all try to avoid exposure to COVID-19. But emergency physicians are concerned people are too afraid to seek medical attention and that it could have a serious impact on their health. So today on The Dose, we’re asking the question, 'Is it safe to go to the ER during COVID-19?' Dr. Goldman is joined by Dr. Ken Milne, Chief of Staff at South Huron Hospital in Exeter Ontario. He is an adjunct professor in Emergency and Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. He also teaches at Western University and is the creator of The Skeptics’ Guide to Emergency Medicine.

This month, as we’ve faced a global pandemic, we've also seen an historic movement rise up to protest anti-Black racism. That movement and COVID-19 are coalescing at the same time for a number of reasons, and public health experts are coming to the forefront to explain why. Today on The Dose, Dr. Onye Nnorom the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine joins Dr. Goldman to answer the question "How does systemic racism predispose people to COVID-19? Dr. Nnorum is also the President of the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario.

Of all the things we don’t understand about COVID-19, how it affects children is at the top of the list. There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation about what role kids play in spreading the virus. That’s in part because there’s not a lot of strong science out there yet. In the meantime, parents are left to wonder about rare reports of severe cases and strange symptoms such as “COVID toes.' Meanwhile an Australian study published this week (not yet peer reviewed) suggests transmission of COVID-19 between teachers and students is rare in schools. So what does that mean for a potential return to the classroom, and does it signal anything about when it's okay to hug a grandparent or play with a friend? This week on The Dose, Dr. Goldman is joined by infectious disease specialist Dr. Shaun Morris from SickKids hospital in Toronto to answer the question “What do we really know about kids and COVID-19?” Dr. Morris is also a professor of paediatrics and public health at the University of Toronto.

Some experts are calling for more rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 in Canada. But how accurate are rapid tests and when should you use them?