The Doc Talk Podcast

Colorectal Cancer: Screening, Prevention, and What You Need to KnowWelcome back to The Doc Talk Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe take a deep dive into the critical topic of colorectal cancer—the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Whether you're curious about screening options or wondering how to reduce your risk, this episode has you covered.Episode Highlights:Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers:Learn key Canadian statistics and why early detection is crucial. Did you know the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer can reach 90% with early screening?The Importance of Screening:Dr. Sheila shares insights from family medicine, emphasizing the power of proactive screenings like the FIT test and colonoscopy. Meanwhile, Dr. Shazma highlights the challenges of diagnosing colorectal cancer in the emergency room, often when symptoms have already progressed.Screening Options Explained:Discover the differences between the FIT test (a simple at-home stool test) and colonoscopy (a more comprehensive diagnostic tool). Learn who should get screened, how often, and what to expect.Recognizing Symptoms:Dr. Shazma and Dr. Sheila break down red flags such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits—and when to seek medical attention.Prevention Tips:From diet and exercise to avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, find out how you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.Your Prescription for Health:If you’ve been putting off your FIT test or colonoscopy, now is the time to prioritize your health. Take this episode as your sign to book that screening and take a step toward prevention.Takeaways:Screening saves lives—talk to your primary care provider about when you should start.Colorectal cancer often develops silently, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear.Lifestyle changes, combined with regular screening, offer the best protection.References:Canadian Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Statistics (2023).Public Health Agency of Canada. Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines.Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines (2016 Update). 

IntroductionIn this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Shaz Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe delve into a topic that affects millions of women worldwide: perimenopause. This phase of life often brings about various symptoms, from mood swings to cycle changes, and can sometimes leave women feeling like they're in uncharted territory. Today’s discussion is structured around Dr. Shaz’s personal experiences and questions, along with insights from Dr. Sheila, who brings her expertise in menopause to provide guidance, clarity, and support for women going through these transitions.Episode HighlightsListener Question: Special thanks to Melissa Grelo, from the Social and Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, for sending in today’s question about the symptoms of perimenopause, which she describes as impacting cycles, mood, energy, and more. What is Perimenopause?Overview of perimenopause as the transition phase before menopause.Symptoms: From mood swings, fatigue, and cycle changes to hot flashes, perimenopause presents in various ways.Differentiating early vs. late perimenopause.Typical age range and onset.Symptoms and How to Manage ThemDiscussing lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms, including consistent sleep, stress management, exercise, and diet.Non-hormonal options for mood support, like CBT and specific medications.Hormonal therapy for managing severe symptoms affecting quality of life that can include hormonal contraception, IUDs and menopause hormonal therapy.Contraception ConsiderationsWhy contraception is still essential in perimenopause, as fertility doesn’t end immediately.Birth control methods that can help manage symptoms and prevent pregnancy, such as low-dose hormonal contraceptives and IUDs.Addressing Perimenopause at WorkTips on discussing symptoms with employers and practical strategies for managing symptoms at work.Common Myths: Testing for PerimenopauseExplanation of why blood tests aren’t typically useful in diagnosing perimenopause due to fluctuating hormone levels.Emphasis on tracking symptoms rather than relying on over-the-counter tests.Emergency Room InsightsDr. Shaz shares stories of patients experiencing symptoms like palpitations and other health concerns that can often be linked back to perimenopause.Resources for SupportCanadian Menopause Society: https://www.canadianmenopausesociety.orgMenopause Foundation of Canada: https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/Menopauseandu.caSponsor AcknowledgmentThanks to Always Discreet for supporting this episode. Always Discreet products are designed to keep you comfortable and confident through all stages of life, including perimenopause. When used correctly, Always Discreet can stop bladder leaks before they happen, and feel like you’re wearing no protection at all. Always Discreet has been there through all your life changes and will continue to support, educate and empower you during this new, upcoming phase. Visit Always Discreet for your own product here: https://checkout51.app.link/e/K3yAUdFCUKb Thank you for joining us on this week’s episode! Remember, this podcast provides general information and is not a replacement for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions related to your health. Follow us on social media @TheDocTalkPod, and don’t hesitate to send in your questions for future episodes!

Walking pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It’s called walking pneumonia because of the mild to absent symptoms. Even though the symptoms are mild, there are still things that can signal Mycoplasma pneumonia. The symptoms tend to build more slowly and can include cough, but also things like sore throat, runny nose fever, and fatigue, which often makes people think that they have a viral infection, rather than a bacterial pneumonia. This particular bacteria tends to require a different antibiotic than the standard pneumonia antibiotics that are usually prescribed. This is why it’s important to see a doctor if you have any of the following:You have linger symptoms that continue after antibiotics are completeYou have a fever that lasts more than 5 days or has returns after being absent for a few daysYou have a worsening cough, SOB, chest pain, or are coughing up bloodSomething doesn’t feel right or you’re worried Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.

Welcome to episode 1 of The Doc Talk Podcast! This episode is an overview of respiratory season. Key Viruses and the Illnesses They CauseInfluenza A (H1N1):Symptoms: Fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue.Complications: Pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma or heart conditionsRSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):Symptoms: Runny nose, cough, wheezing, reduced appetite.Complications: Bronchiolitis, severe respiratory distress in infants, and asthma exacerbationsCOVID-19:Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, cough, and shortness of breath.Complications: Long COVID, pneumonia, myocarditisRhinovirus (Common Cold):Symptoms: Sneezing, congestion, mild cough.Complications: Can trigger asthma attacks, and post-viral coughs are common among childrenWhy Is My Child Always Sick?Children often encounter 8–12 illnesses in their first year of daycare, thanks to close contact and shared spaces. Daycares are perfect environments for virus transmissionEarly exposure to germs may build immunity. Kids in daycare tend to get sick less frequently once they reach school age.Common illnesses: RSV, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, hand, foot, and mouth diseasePro Tip: Saline Drops StudyA UK study found that children under six who used saline drops four times a day had symptoms resolve two days sooner. The same group’s family members also had reduced infections—a simple yet effective intervention!Vaccination UpdateVaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are available and highly recommended for children, seniors, and high-risk groups to minimize severe outcomesWhat About Supplements?There is not supplements that has robust evidence on it’s effectiveness for preventing a viral infection or reducing the duration of symptoms. This includes echinacea, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Zinc and elderberry have mixed evidence and still need more data before we know for sure that they are helpful (or not). Take-Home Prescription from the Doc Talk:Masks in crowded spaces.Hand hygiene: Wash hands often! Teach your kids how to wash their hands regularly.Ventilation: Use air purifiers and open windows.Stay home when sick to reduce spread.Vaccinate against flu, RSV, and COVID-19.Saline drops for potentially faster recovery from colds and reduced transmission.Thanks to our sponsor, AirValent (airvalent.com), for supporting this episode. AirValent makes sleek CO2 monitors that can help you monitor how well your indoor space is being ventilated, so you can take action to improve it if the CO2 level is too high. AirValent has given us a special code for our listeners to get a discount on your device. Use code THEDOCTALK at checkout!Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.