The Dose

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.

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. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introducing The Dose with Dr. Brian Goldman. It's a deep dive into the health questions you want answered. Every week, the team behind White Coat, Black Art will bring you the top experts and the latest evidence to help you stay healthy. The Dose will cut through the confusion around health news. Why ask Google, when you can ask Goldman? Coming to your podcast feed starting February 20th.