Injury Prevention, Smoking Relapse, Galleri Test Review, and AI Research Integrity Concerns
E504 • Sep 28, 2026 • 19 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses warm-up techniques for injury prevention and performance, then looks at evidence suggesting some people may relapse to smoking after quitting vaping. He also covers the Galleri multicancer blood test and its FDA review, along with Ontario’s healthcare and education funding challenges. The episode closes with a discussion of AI-generated medical research, concerns about journal quality, publishers’ responses to AI-assisted studies, and the broader pressures affecting research integrity.
AI in Medical Documentation, Protein Powder Prices, and Safety Alerts on Alcohol and Plasma
E503 • Sep 25, 2026 • 13 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses how morbidities are documented in electronic health records and the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical documentation. He then turns to the rising cost of protein powder and a Canadian travel advisory warning about methanol-tainted alcohol in Nigeria, including the risks of methanol poisoning and alcohol safety. The episode also covers Health Canada’s suspension of a Winnipeg plasma centre licence after a donor death, with attention to oversight, paid plasma donation, and donor safety.
Climate, AI Health Chatbots, and the Economic Cost of Illness and Caregiving
E502 • Sep 24, 2026 • 10 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses the triple planetary crisis, Earth system boundaries, and the unequal health impacts of climate change, along with policy challenges, data gaps, and the role of health impact assessments in climate planning. He then examines the growing use of AI chatbots for health information, focusing on reliability, privacy concerns, and when to seek professional care. The episode also covers a Deloitte Canada report on the economic cost of illness and caregiving, including the prevention gap, lost labor income, caregiver strain, and the need for stronger systemic support.
Eyeball Tattoo Risks, Telehealth Privacy, and Alcohol Trends Across Generations
E501 • Sep 22, 2026 • 13 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins by discussing the risks associated with eyeball tattoos, highlighting potential health implications. The episode then explores the boom in telehealth, addressing related lawsuits and privacy concerns. Dr. Chow provides information on the Menopaus'ull Support Network's MenoVest event, which focuses on supporting individuals through menopause. He also examines the decline in alcohol use among U.S. adults, noting generational differences and interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption. The episode concludes with Dr. Chow's sign-off.
Milestone Episode: Ultraprocessed Foods, AI in Healthcare, and UroActive Innovations
E500 • Sep 21, 2026 • 16 minsIn this milestone 500th episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow reflects on the podcast's journey and provides an overview of the topics discussed. He addresses the impact and economic implications of ultraprocessed foods, advocating for a shift towards whole, unprocessed foods. The episode explores the health risks and regulatory concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, including initiatives from the Trump administration. Dr. Chow explains the No Surprises Act and speculates on potential upgrades to Apple's Health app. The discussion includes the trend of GLP-1 medications for young adults and introduces a new remote-controlled artificial urinary sphincter for men, detailing the UroActive device's clinical results and future potential.
Resident Work-Hour Debate, Ebola Update, and Norovirus Recall Advisory
E499 • Sep 18, 2026 • 8 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses the rollback of resident work-hour protections and proposed changes by the ACGME, highlighting expert opinions and concerns about resident well-being and patient safety. He informs listeners about the public comment period for these changes. The episode provides an update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the World Health Organization's response and call for resources. Dr. Chow also covers the recall of Alasko frozen raspberries due to Norovirus, detailing the symptoms, treatment, and recall advisory. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode.
Aging Population Strategies, Air Pollution Risks, and Caffeine Sensitivity Insights
E498 • Sep 17, 2026 • 25 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow addresses Japan's aging population and the national strategies in response. He discusses cognitive screening initiatives for aging doctors and presents a new meta-analysis linking air pollution to suicide risk. The episode covers clinical trial findings on the impact of maternal diet on infant allergies and explores the relationship between osteoporosis medications and dementia risk. Dr. Chow highlights the dangers of energy drinks for youth in Prince Edward Island and reports on a strike mandate by Saskatchewan health-care workers. Additionally, he examines genetic factors that influence caffeine sensitivity.
Medical Claims Audit, Presenteeism Effects, and Foreign-Trained Doctors in BC
E497 • Sep 16, 2026 • 17 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow covers a range of pressing health topics. He begins with an audit of medical claims in Nova Scotia and the ensuing court case, followed by the Health Minister's response and recommendations. The discussion moves to P.E.I.'s Chronic Disease Framework, highlighting the omission of exercise. Dr. Chow examines presenteeism and its effects on workplace health. He delves into a study on cefepime and its associated mortality risk. The episode also covers a BC Supreme Court ruling affecting foreign-trained doctors and highlights Terra Vista Elementary School's innovative bike-riding program. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and acknowledgments.
Heat and Mental Health, COVID-19 Updates, and GLP-1 Weight Loss Insights
E496 • Sep 15, 2026 • 25 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins by exploring the impact of heat on mental health, followed by a discussion on the recent rise in COVID-19 cases at Duke University. He covers the rebranding of Novo Nordisk to Novo and the Gates Foundation's new investment in AI. The episode delves into the preservation of muscle mass during weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Dr. Chow also highlights the realistic portrayal of emergency medicine in "The Pitt" TV series. Additionally, he examines the health risks associated with sleeping with a light on. The episode wraps up with concluding remarks.
Bruxism Treatments, Healthcare Worker Shortages, and GLP-1 Drug Safety
E495 • Sep 14, 2026 • 22 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses bruxism, featuring Ella's experience with Botox and its dental impacts. He explores psychological and lifestyle factors, diagnostic technologies, and treatment options. The conversation shifts to healthcare worker shortages in Canada, focusing on recruitment strategies and community support. Dr. Chow also examines "food divorce," its health implications, and alternatives. He highlights the risks of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wernicke encephalopathy, stressing nutrition and hydration. Lastly, he talks about September Reset routines and the portrayal of emergency medicine in "The Pitt" TV series.
Light Exposure and Cardiac Health, Cycle-Syncing Workouts, and UK Healthcare Updates
E494 • Sep 10, 2026 • 19 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses a study on light exposure during sleep and its impact on cardiac health, offering tips to minimize exposure. The conversation shifts to cycle-syncing workouts, exploring their popularity, scientific insights, personal experiences, and potential downsides. Dr. Chow contrasts cycle-awareness with strict cycle-syncing. He also examines the expanded roles of pharmacists in England and their impact on healthcare access, followed by a discussion on AI regulation in UK healthcare. The episode concludes with a look at cancer waiting times in England, highlighting patient experiences and government challenges.
Meal Timing and Metabolism, Menopausal Therapy Risks, and Walking for Health Benefits
E493 • Sep 9, 2026 • 15 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow welcomes listeners with insights into a study examining the timing of meals and its impact on metabolic health. He discusses findings related to eating patterns and their influence on metabolic syndrome. The episode delves into menopausal hormone therapy, exploring its effects on heart health and racial differences, while also highlighting associated risks. Dr. Chow provides a health update on Joe Biden’s prostate cancer, discussing screening guidelines. A study on the health benefits of walking pace is reviewed, followed by an exploration of the risks of hot beverages in relation to esophageal cancer. The episode concludes with closing remarks.
Longevity Medicine, Youth Sports Benefits, and Food Allergies in Schools
E492 • Sep 8, 2026 • 13 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow introduces insights into longevity medicine, focusing on the essential roles of sleep, stress management, nutrition, and exercise. He shares details of Dr. Navani's morning routine, highlighting its potential health benefits. The discussion turns to youth sports and their impact on children's mental health, emphasizing the advantages of balanced sports participation. The episode features Maryam Moshiri's personal story of living with polycythaemia vera, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the condition. Dr. Chow also addresses food allergies in Canadian schools, discussing challenges and safety measures. The episode concludes with closing remarks.
Exercise and Atrial Fibrillation, Meat Allergies, and Long COVID Challenges
E491 • Sep 7, 2026 • 19 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses the role of exercise in reducing atrial fibrillation, highlighting findings from the NEXAF trial. He explores meat allergy and suggests alternative protein sources for affected individuals. The episode takes an intriguing turn with a discussion on the benefits of flirting in relationships. Attention then shifts to long COVID, addressing its economic impact and diagnostic challenges, and examining the current state of research and funding. Dr. Chow concludes by celebrating the remarkable 112th birthday of Mabel Dunbar, acknowledging her longevity and life experiences.
Dolly Parton's Healthcare Legacy, Paxlovid for Long COVID, and Back-to-School Vaccinations
E490 • Sep 4, 2026 • 14 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow reflects on Dolly Parton's legacy in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care and adaptability. He discusses personal branding, motivation, and humor in medicine, drawing parallels with Dolly Parton's authenticity and trust-building. The episode reviews a study on Paxlovid for treating long COVID, detailing the RECOVER-VITAL trial's findings and implications. Dr. Chow addresses back-to-school vaccinations, highlighting concerns over declining immunization rates and regional measles outbreak risks. The episode also examines a study on cannabis edibles and driving impairment, discussing participant responses and policy implications. The episode concludes with closing remarks.
Harvard Scandal, Chronic Pain Insights, and Prostate Cancer Diet Risks
E489 • Sep 3, 2026 • 16 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow opens with an introduction to the recent scandal at Harvard Medical School, examining its implications for oversight, accountability, and the wider impact on medical institutions and students. He explores the legislative response concerning body donation oversight. The episode then delves into new findings on chronic pain, highlighting the role of skull bone marrow and TSPO protein. Dr. Chow discusses the link between dietary fats and mortality risk in prostate cancer patients. The cognitive benefits of hormone replacement therapy are also explored. The episode addresses the controversy surrounding Alberta's Bill 11 and its implications for health care policy. The episode concludes with closing remarks.
Diet and Sleep, CT Coronary Insights, and Xylitol Risks
E488 • Sep 1, 2026 • 13 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with insights from a dietitian on the relationship between diet and sleep, exploring foods and dietary factors that influence sleep quality. He delves into the TARGET-CTCA study, examining the role of CT coronary angiography in acute coronary syndrome and its implications for patient care. The episode also addresses the potential cardiovascular risks associated with xylitol. Dr. Chow discusses challenges in subspecialist capacity and explores potential solutions to address these issues. The episode concludes with a wrap-up and closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of these health topics.
Quiet Quitting in Marriage, Political Stress, and Sleep Health Insights
E487 • Aug 31, 2026 • 19 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow examines "quiet quitting" in marriage, discussing its definition, social media's role, and expert insights. He explores attachment styles, early experiences, and offers repair strategies. A McGill University study on exercise, naps, and memory amid sleep deprivation is highlighted. Dr. Chow also addresses political stress, its health impacts, and the Body Politics Lab's role in public engagement. He discusses parasocial grief after Dolly Parton's passing and the authenticity of celebrity grief. The episode critiques healthcare's administrative burdens, focusing on Medicaid work requirements, and concludes with a call to action for Congress.
Full-Body Scans, Intrinsic Capacity, and Advances in Brain Surgery
E486 • Aug 28, 2026 • 26 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow begins with an overview of celebrity experiences with full-body scans, raising concerns about their use in healthy individuals. He introduces the concept of intrinsic capacity, discussing its categories and implications for health. The episode highlights a breakthrough in AI-assisted brain tumor surgery in London and covers Manitoba's new mandatory physical education curriculum. Dr. Chow addresses the severe consequences of postpartum psychosis and examines the decline in cervical cancer screening rates in the U.S. He also discusses the FDA's approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines and Health Canada's investigation into viral squishy toys. The episode concludes with closing remarks.
Youth Volunteering, Aging Muscles, and NFL CTE Concerns
E485 • Aug 26, 2026 • 9 minsIn this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow highlights a volunteer program by University of Saskatchewan students aimed at supporting seniors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscle health as we age. He delves into the prevalence, symptoms, and diagnostic challenges of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in NFL players, followed by an editorial on brain donation and the issue of selection bias. The episode reviews the role of nicotine vapes in smoking cessation and underscores the necessity of regulation. Dr. Chow discusses smoking as a leading cause of preventable disease, concluding with reflections on these significant health topics.


