Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Signs of Vascular Brain Injury

Could ultra-processed foods affect brain health? Dr. Chow examines a study of adults that found higher intake was associated with more body fat and greater odds of vascular brain injury, while noting it cannot establish causation. Also covered: the decline in hosting at home, weighted vest benefits and risks, and diversifying nursing training in Halifax.

Bemotrizinol, the First New Sunscreen Option in over 25 Years

We examine bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen option in over 25 years, including its broad-spectrum protection, minimal skin absorption and unanswered environmental questions. Dr. Chow also covers recovery from lung cancer surgery, a study linking high ultra-processed food intake with brain changes in Canadian adults, and research on GLP-1 drugs beyond weight-loss.

Ontario Tightens Safer Supply with Supervised Dosing Requirements

Ontario is tightening safer supply prescribing: patients must take medications under professional supervision and receive opioid agonist therapy, raising concerns about access and the 12 percent who do not respond to that treatment. Dr. Chi-Ming Chow also examines a seven-day mouse-cell study of tadalafil and muscle repair, warnings about AI’s effects on healthcare workers, and Quebec’s early flu season, where free vaccines are limited to specific groups.

Helicopter Brain, Younger Heart Failure, Colonoscopy Follow-Through

Could information overload be keeping your nervous system on constant alert? Dr. Chi-Ming Chow examines helicopter brain, its physical symptoms, and ways to interrupt patterns of stress and anxiety. Also covered: rising heart failure among adults under 65, with an estimated 56 million people affected worldwide in 2023, planned surgery for an early-stage lung nodule, climate liability, and colonoscopy follow-up.

Smartphone Downgrades, Food Prices, AI Breast Cancer Prediction

Could trading your smartphone for a flip phone improve your time, focus and relationships? Dr. Chi-Ming Chow considers August Lamm’s experience and concerns about teens spending more than eight hours a day on screens. Plus, rising ground beef, chicken and produce prices, warnings about unapproved herpes treatments, gaps in vaping screening, patient safety, emerging therapies and advances in AI breast cancer screening.

Pneumonic Plague in Russia, Flu and COVID Vaccines, ADHD Overdiagnosis, and Grief Support

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses concern about pneumonic plague in Russia and the need for international monitoring, then reviews the basics of plague, its symptoms, and response strategies. He also covers Nova Scotia’s opening of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine bookings, an England review raising concerns about over-diagnosis of ADHD and autism, and a Northern Ireland initiative encouraging conversations about grief and mental health. The episode closes with a discussion of women reclaiming anger, workplace stigma, and healthy coping.

Plague Case in Russia, Fall Flu and COVID Vaccines, COVID Protein Research, and Safer Supply Rules

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses a reported plague case in Russia and the public health response, then covers Saskatchewan’s opening of fall flu and COVID-19 vaccination bookings. He also reviews Canadian Light Source research on a COVID-19 protein that may help guide antiviral development, Ontario’s proposed tighter rules for safer supply prescribing, and the Alberta Medical Association’s ratification of a three-year pay agreement.

Voice Disorders and Dementia Risk, Kids’ Screen Time, BPC-157, and Fall Vaccines

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses voice disorders as a possible early sign of dementia risk, then examines screen time addiction and its effects on children’s mental health and development, including links with depression and obesity. He also looks at the hype around BPC-157 peptides and the safety and regulatory concerns surrounding them. The episode closes with a practical look at a ten-minute exercise habit to help preserve muscle after 40, along with fall vaccine guidance for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Walking, GLP-1 Nail Risks, New Weight Loss Therapies, and Type 2 Diabetes

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses how walking may support longevity, then looks at possible nail disorder risks with GLP-1 medications and the importance of monitoring nail health during treatment. He also reviews new weight loss therapies for type 2 diabetes, including clinical trial design, side effects, and next steps. The episode closes with a discussion of a petition calling for health supports for residential school survivors and a proposal to criminalize denialism.

GLP-1 Brain Health, Hospital Cyberattacks, Orforglipron Safety, and Joint Replacement Surgery

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses concerns about GLP-1 drugs, rapid weight loss, and possible effects on brain health. He then looks at hospital cyberattacks and ransomware, along with the federal response. The episode also covers cardiovascular safety data for orforglipron in type 2 diabetes and compares robotic-assisted with traditional joint replacement surgery.

AI and Healthcare Spending, Drug Claims, Berry Pesticide Concerns, and Ontario Bike Lanes

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses pesticide concerns in imported Driscoll’s berries and hidden habits that may affect student social anxiety. He then looks at how artificial intelligence could influence healthcare spending, Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Times Square, and Ontario health-care workers’ opposition to Toronto bike lane removals. The episode also covers a GreenShield report showing rising drug claims for GLP-1 and ADHD medications.

AI Health Advice, ACL Rehab, Hearing Aids, and Canadian Health System Pressures

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow discusses the benefits and limits of AI for health advice, including when clinician input is needed and when urgent care is more appropriate than using AI tools. He then looks at supervised versus self-directed rehabilitation after ACL repair, and evidence that hearing aids may improve cognition in older adults. The episode also covers Canada’s extension of Ebola-related travel and immigration restrictions, warnings from Canadian health ministers about a federal funding “fiscal cliff,” an Ontario study on longer wait times for priority surgeries, and calls to stop privatization and invest in public hospitals.

Injury Prevention, Smoking Relapse, Galleri Test Review, and AI Research Integrity Concerns

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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.