Medication Risks, Food Policy, and Toronto's Heart Transplant Milestone
E313 • Oct 9, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with a welcome and introduction, setting the stage for the day's discussions. He examines a study on medication risks and FDA warnings concerning nursing homes, providing insights into safety measures. The episode then moves to California's decision to ban ultraprocessed foods in schools and highlights from the "Food Is Medicine" meeting. Dr. Chow discusses a groundbreaking heart transplant in Toronto and health-care initiatives in New Brunswick. He also explores efforts to improve digital connectivity in health care, emphasizing its importance. The episode concludes with closing remarks and an outro, summarizing the key points covered.
Tramadol Insights, AI in Healthcare, and Chewing Gum Flu Detection
E312 • Oct 8, 2025 • 10 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an introduction to the day's topics. He explores the effectiveness and risks of Tramadol, providing insights into current prescription recommendations. The discussion then shifts to the role of artificial intelligence in health care, examining its benefits, potential biases, and perspectives from patients. Dr. Chow introduces a novel flu detection method using chewing gum, discussing its potential impact on public health. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a brief look at what to expect in upcoming episodes, summarizing the key points covered.
Diet Drinks and Liver Health, Hydration Spa Regulations, and Doctor Job Market Challenges
E311 • Oct 7, 2025 • 10 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow starts with an introduction and overview of the day's topics. He delves into the impact of diet soda and sugary drinks on liver health, discussing study details, expert opinions, and underlying mechanisms. The episode then addresses regulatory inconsistencies in intravenous hydration spas, highlighting study findings, current FDA regulations, and expert recommendations. Dr. Chow discusses the shortage of job opportunities for newly-qualified doctors in England, examining the British Medical Association's stance and the systemic changes needed. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a sign-off, summarizing the key discussions.
Medical Training Journeys, Precision Farming, and Sleep-Aiding Fruits
E310 • Oct 6, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with a welcome and introduction, setting the stage for a diverse range of topics. He discusses unconventional paths in medical training, featuring Doctor Saniya Mohsin's unique journey. The episode then explores the use of high-tech collars for cows and the evolution of precision farming. Dr. Chow highlights the heartwarming initiative of crochet monkeys at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and their positive impact on young patients. Additionally, he provides insights into fruits that can aid in better sleep. The episode examines a study on the use of acupuncture for chronic back pain. It wraps up with closing remarks, summarizing the key discussions.
COVID and Flu Vaccines, Air Travel Health, and Wearable Tech for Arthritis
E309 • Oct 2, 2025 • 16 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow starts with a warm welcome and introduction before diving into the latest updates and controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations in Alberta. He then provides insights into flu vaccinations, sharing the latest recommendations from the CDC. The episode also addresses health concerns associated with air travel, particularly focusing on in-flight medical events. Dr. Chow explores the role of wearable technology in managing rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting its potential benefits for patients. The episode concludes with a summary and sign-off, encapsulating the key points discussed throughout.
COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy, Heart Failure Tech, and Protein Beverages
E308 • Oct 1, 2025 • 11 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an introduction before discussing COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, highlighting its role in reducing maternal risks and improving neonatal outcomes. The episode then examines advancements in remote monitoring for heart failure, focusing on the HearO app's development and recent study findings. Dr. Chow also explores Starbucks' introduction of new protein-infused beverages, sharing expert opinions on their health implications. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of these topics, offering insights into their potential impact on health and wellness.
Health Trends: Magnesium for Sleep, Ketamine Therapy, and Testosterone Insights
E307 • Sep 29, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow kicks off with an introduction to the 50-jump routine, sharing insights from health experts on its potential benefits. He then delves into the rise of eco-influencers and their role in combating health misinformation. The episode continues with a look at the trending use of magnesium lotion for improving sleep quality. Dr. Chow explores the emerging application of ketamine in mental health treatment, providing an overview of its potential benefits and risks. The discussion also includes an analysis of the current hype surrounding testosterone supplements. The episode concludes with a summary and sign-off.
Global Cancer Rates, Malaria Prevention, and Dietary Insights on Psoriasis
E306 • Sep 25, 2025 • 24 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an introduction to recent cancer projections and screening studies, offering insights into global and age-adjusted cancer rates while discussing challenges in Canadian cancer care. The episode then shifts focus to malaria prevention efforts amid medical supply shortages, highlighting the impact on affected regions. Dr. Chow examines the role of diet in managing psoriasis and provides an update on the advisory regarding Tylenol use during pregnancy. The episode wraps up with closing remarks, summarizing the key points discussed.
Social Interaction, Creativity in Aging, Healthcare Innovation, and Exercise Insights
E305 • Sep 22, 2025 • 25 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow starts with a welcome and introduction before delving into the benefits of social interactions, highlighting GenWell's initiative and its positive effects on mental health. The discussion then shifts to creativity and aging, emphasizing family engagement in care settings. Dr. Chow shares insights into Mayor Doug Kobayashi's healthcare innovation and the success of the Colwood clinic. The episode also explores the cognitive benefits of creatine, supplemented by personal experiences. A focus on exercise follows, with tips on targeting specific muscles and the link between cycling and reduced dementia risk. The episode concludes with a wrap-up and closing remarks.
Ig Nobel Highlights, Hepatitis B Guide, Cannabis in Pregnancy, and Aspirin Cancer Study
E304 • Sep 19, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow welcomes listeners with an introduction to the Ig Nobel Prizes, highlighting the unique and curiosity-driven research celebrated by these awards. He provides a comprehensive guide to hepatitis B, covering its transmission and management for those living with the condition. The episode also offers new guidance on cannabis use during pregnancy, emphasizing the associated risks. Dr. Chow addresses the challenges of long ER wait times in Nova Scotia and discusses potential solutions to enhance patient care. He shares insights from the ALASCCA trial on the role of aspirin in colorectal cancer prevention. The episode concludes with closing remarks and gratitude.
Quebec's COVID Policy, Retinal Scans for Heart Disease, Measles Alert, and Weight Loss Drugs
E303 • Sep 18, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an introduction and welcome before discussing Quebec's new COVID-19 vaccination policy and its implications for immunity levels. He examines the broader trend in COVID-19 cases, providing context and insights. The episode highlights a study on noninvasive retinal scans as a tool for heart disease screening, exploring its findings and potential impact. Dr. Chow then discusses the life-extending benefits of weight loss drugs amid rising obesity rates. He addresses the measles outbreak in Manitoba and the public health response to contain it. The episode concludes with an FDA warning on unauthorized infant monitoring devices, emphasizing associated risks, followed by closing remarks and sign-off.
Multicancer Tests, Presbyopia Eye Drops, Workforce Trends, and Dementia Risk in Kids
E302 • Sep 16, 2025 • 28 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow explores multicancer detection tests, assessing their reviews, accuracy, and future research. He discusses studies on presbyopia eye drops, focusing on pilocarpine and diclofenac, their safety, and approval. The episode also covers healthcare workforce trends, insights from a Harris Poll on job satisfaction, and AI-driven retention strategies. Dr. Chow examines hormone therapy's impact on cardiovascular risks in older women and the link between childhood loneliness and dementia risk. He also provides insights on urinary retention and enhancing patient satisfaction through improved discharge processes.
Zone Zero Workouts, Brain Fog Tips, Medical Dramas, and Senior Wellness Advice
E301 • Sep 15, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow introduces Zone Zero workouts and explains the significance of heart rate zones for optimizing exercise routines. He then delves into the SWANS acronym as a tool for understanding and managing brain fog. The episode explores how medical dramas can mirror real-life healthcare issues, offering insights into their impact on public perception. Dr. Chow discusses the cortisol cocktail trend and its role in holistic stress management. He also provides targeted health and wellness advice for seniors, focusing on maintaining well-being in later years. The episode concludes with a summary and closing remarks.
Episode 300: Chronic Disease Trends, West Nile Surge, Insomnia Insights, and COVID Updates
E300 • Sep 11, 2025 • 15 minsIn this milestone 300th episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with a celebration of the podcast's journey. He then delves into the latest trends in chronic disease mortality in the United States, highlighting significant health disparities. The episode moves on to an urgent update on the surge of West Nile virus infections, stressing its public health implications. Dr. Chow explores the connection between chronic insomnia, cognitive impairment, and accelerated brain aging, providing insights into potential interventions. The episode concludes with COVID-19 updates, focusing on the recent case uptick in Alberta and the introduction of new vaccination policies to address the evolving situation.
Smartwatch Updates, Diabetes Screening, Shingles Vaccines, and AAFP Guidelines
E299 • Sep 10, 2025 • 15 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow explores the latest on Apple's smartwatch health features and their impact on personal health monitoring. He discusses global diabetes awareness and the importance of early screening. The episode also highlights CanAge's advocacy for expanding shingles vaccine coverage in New Brunswick and the benefits of increased accessibility. Dr. Chow reviews the latest vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasizing their public health significance. The episode wraps up with a summary and sign-off.
Global Diabetes, Sucralose Research, Air Pollution, and Thunder Bay Primary Care Expansion
E298 • Sep 9, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow introduces today's topics, beginning with an exploration of the global issue of undiagnosed diabetes and the challenges it presents in management. The discussion then shifts to recent findings on sucralose and its potential impact on cancer treatment, highlighting the need for future dietary research. Dr. Chow also examines the connection between air pollution and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the implications for public health. The episode continues with an update on the expansion of primary care services in Thunder Bay, analyzing its potential benefits for the community. Finally, Dr. Chow discusses trends in personal health data and the role of technology in modern healthcare.
Health Insights: Processed Foods, Knee Pain, Childhood BP, and AI in Medicine
E297 • Sep 8, 2025 • 19 minsJoin Dr. Chi-Ming Chow as he explores a study on ultra-processed foods, examining its methodology, findings, and health implications. Discover insights into knee health, focusing on obesity and sports-related pain. Analyze a study on childhood blood pressure and its long-term cardiovascular risks. Delve into food industry trends, such as protein-enriched products and 'Maple washing,' and their impact on consumer behavior in Canada. Dr. Chow also highlights medication-related fall risks in older adults and discusses AI in healthcare, addressing its benefits and limitations. Concluding with closing remarks.
Montreal's Drug Risks, Yukon Doctor Agreement, and Smartphone-Hemorrhoid Link
E296 • Sep 5, 2025 • 8 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an introduction to the day's topics. The discussion starts with an examination of Montreal's drug supply, focusing on the emerging risks associated with the use of animal sedatives in illicit drugs. The episode then moves to the new agreement in Yukon aimed at attracting and retaining doctors, analyzing its potential impact on healthcare access in the region. Dr. Chow also discusses a novel study linking smartphone use to an increased risk of hemorrhoids, exploring the implications for daily habits and health. The episode concludes with a summary and sign-off, emphasizing the importance of awareness in these health matters.
Martha's Rule in England, Winnipeg ER Wait Times, and Sweeteners' Cognitive Impact
E295 • Sep 4, 2025 • 11 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow opens with an introduction to the day's subjects. The first discussion centers on the rollout of Martha's Rule in England, analyzing its impact on patient advocacy and medical care. The focus then shifts to the prolonged wait times in Winnipeg emergency rooms, examining the current government efforts to address this pressing issue. Dr. Chow also evaluates a recent study on artificial sweeteners, exploring their potential link to cognitive decline and the implications for public health. The episode concludes with a summary and sign-off, reiterating the importance of staying informed on these critical health topics.
UK Energy Drink Ban, Legionnaires' in Ontario, and Dementia Challenges in Africa
E294 • Sep 3, 2025 • 12 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow introduces the day's topics, beginning with the UK's proposed ban on energy drinks, examining the potential health implications and the motivations behind this legislative move. The discussion then shifts to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in London, Ontario, exploring the associated challenges and risks to public health. Dr. Chow also addresses the rising tide of dementia in Africa, highlighting the struggles faced by patients and the significant healthcare challenges in managing this growing concern. The episode concludes with closing remarks and expressions of gratitude.