Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their...
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Shazma and Sheila tackle the critical and often under-discussed topic of bladder health. From the nuances of urinary tract infections (UTIs) to the dangers of kidney infections and urosepsis, the doctors break it all down. Plus, they shine a spotlight on incontinence, exploring its causes, social impact, and treatment options. Join us as we answer listener questions, debunk myths, and offer a practical prescription for maintaining bladder health.Listener Question of the Week: Rachel asks about recurrent UTIs and when to worry about something more serious. Drs. Shazma and Sheila provide thoughtful insights and evidence-based advice to help Rachel and others struggling with this common issue.Key Topics Covered:Understanding UTIs: Symptoms, myths, and when antibiotics are (or aren’t) needed.Recurrent UTIs: Risk factors, including sexual activity, menopause, and medical conditions.When a UTI Gets Serious: Recognizing signs of kidney infections and life-threatening urosepsis.Incontinence Unpacked: Types of incontinence, its widespread impact, and treatment options.Listener Q&A: Advice for Rachel, who’s struggling with recurrent UTIs.Actionable Health Tips: From hydration to pelvic floor physiotherapy, practical ways to maintain bladder health.Doc Talk Prescription for Health:Stay hydrated—it’s key to flushing out bacteria.Don’t ignore UTI symptoms; treat infections early.Understand your risk factors and seek help if incontinence affects your quality of life.Consider local vaginal estrogen for menopause-related bladder issues.Explore pelvic floor physiotherapy—it’s underused and effective.Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Doc Talk Podcast for more expert advice on health topics that matter. And don’t forget to share it with someone who could benefit from this discussion! Thank you to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode of the DocTalk Podcast! Get your promo code for your product at: https://checkout51.app.link/e/K3yAUdFCUKbDon’t forget to subscribe to the DocTalk Podcast and share this episode with others who might benefit.Medical Disclaimer:The Doc Talk Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. While we are doctors, we are not your doctors. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any personal health concerns.
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8.5. Measles is back…again!
In this quick mini-episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Sheila and Shazma break down the basics of measles, why outbreaks are back, and how to stay protected with vaccinations. They highlight the serious risks associated with measles, share who should get the MMR vaccine, and address rare cases where vaccination might not be suitable. If you’re unsure about your immunity, this episode provides essential tips to ensure you’re safeguarded against this highly contagious virus.Key Points Discussed:What makes measles a big deal:Highly contagious; lingers in the air up to two hours after exposure.Serious complications include hospitalization, brain swelling, and long-term immune suppression.Who needs the MMR vaccine:Kids Adults born after 1970 (check if you need a second dose).Travelers and high-risk groups like healthcare workers.Exceptions for people born before 1970.Important reminders:Vaccination exceptions include pregnant people, those with severe immune suppression, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components.The best protection is two doses of the MMR vaccine.The Bottom Line: Measles is making a comeback due to low vaccination rates, but you can protect yourself and others. Check your vaccination records, and if in doubt, consult your doctor or get tested for immunity.Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for any questions about your personal health.Follow Us: Be sure to follow The Doc Talk Podcast (@thedoctalkpod) on social media for updates and to send in your questions!
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8. How Do I Optimize My Bone Health?
Today’s episode of The Doc Talk dives into a listener question on bone health and osteoporosis. Definition of Osteoporosis: - Dr. Sheila explains osteoporosis as a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them prone to fractures. - It’s often called the “silent disease” because there are no symptoms until a fracture happens.Osteoporosis Statistics: - Over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis. - It affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. - 80% of fractures in those over the age of 50 are due to osteoporosis, with the most common sites being the wrist, spine, shoulder, and hip.Health Consequences: - 22% of women and 33% of men who sustain a hip fracture will die within one year of the fracture. - The healthcare system impact is massive—$4.6 billion per year in Canada alone.Diagnosing Osteoporosis: - Dr. Sheila discusses the gold standard test: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test or DEXA scan. - Introduction of the FRAX score for assessing a person’s 10-year risk of fracture.- You can calculate your FRAX score at https://osteoporosis.ca/frax/Prevention Strategies: - Importance of calcium and vitamin D for bone health. - Sources of calcium and vitamin D. - Regular weight-bearing exercise and strength training. - Healthy diet and lifestyle recommendations. - Fall prevention measures.Supplement Recommendations: - Vitamin D: 1,000-2,000 IU daily. - Calcium: Ideally from food, with supplements only if needed. - Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and caffeine.Monitoring Bone Health: - Importance of regular check-ups and bone mineral density tests. - Possibility of slowing, stopping, or reversing bone loss with the right treatment.Medication Options: - Bisphosphonates, Denosumab (Prolia), and Hormone Therapy (HT).Bone Loss During Menopause: - Accelerated bone loss during perimenopause and menopause due to dropping estrogen levels. - Hormone Therapy as an effective treatment for osteoporosis prevention in early menopause.Fractures and Osteoporosis: - Common fractures seen in the ER due to osteoporosis. - Explanation of compression fractures and their impact on height loss.ER Management of Fractures: - Steps taken in the ER for suspected fractures, including imaging and treatment options.Conclusion:- Osteoporosis is silent until a fracture happens. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your bone health!Resources:- Osteoporosis Canada: https://osteoporosis.ca/- Calcium Calculator: https://osteoporosis.ca/calcium-calculator/- FRAX Score Calculator: https://osteoporosis.ca/frax/Thank you to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode of the DocTalk Podcast! Get your promo code for your product at: https://checkout51.app.link/e/K3yAUdFCUKbMedical Disclaimer:The Doc Talk Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. While we are doctors, we are not your doctors. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any personal health concerns.
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7. So, You’re Having Trouble Sleeping?
In this episode, we’re talking about all things sleep with sleep expert and social media star, Dr. Sujay Kansagra. If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested, this episode is for you. And make sure you stay until the end to hear Dr. Kansagra’s prescription for better sleep!We touch upon all your sleep-related questions, including: What about naps? How do cannabis and alcohol affect sleep? How does caffeine affect our sleep? What about sleep technology? And we end with Dr. Kansagra's sleep prescription. You don't want to miss this one.Episode Highlights:Sleep Basics: How much sleep do you actually need?The Science of Sleep: Understanding REM, deep, and light sleep cycles.Sleep Hygiene 101: Tips and tricks for creating a sleep-friendly environment.Napping: Good or Bad?: How to nap like a pro without sabotaging your nighttime sleep.Sleep Aids: What the evidence says about CBD, cannabis, and melatonin.Perimenopause & Sleep: How hormonal changes impact sleep patterns.Alcohol & Sleep: Why that nightcap might be ruining your rest.Medical Conditions & Sleep: Common conditions that disrupt sleep and what you can do about it.Sleep Tracking Tech: Are sleep trackers like rings, watches, and apps helpful or harmful?CBT for Insomnia: Why cognitive behavioral therapy might be the game-changer you need.Phones in Bed: The impact of screen time on sleep quality.Caffeine & Sleep: How your morning cup of coffee might be affecting your night.Meet Our Guest:Dr. Sujay Kansagra is a professor at Duke University and the director of the Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program. He’s authored numerous research publications and five books, including My Child Won’t Sleep, a practical guide for parents navigating sleep struggles. Dr. Kansagra is currently researching innovative technologies to address childhood insomnia. You can find him on social media as @ThatSleepDoc, where he shares evidence-based sleep advice with his 500K+ followers.Resources & Links:Follow Dr. Sujay Kansagra: @ThatSleepDoc on Instagram & TikTokBook recommendation: My Child Won’t Sleep by Dr. Sujay KansagraMore about sleep hygiene: Canadian Sleep SocietyThank You for Listening!We hope you found today’s episode helpful and that you’re already planning to implement some of Dr. Kansagra’s tips. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who could use a better night’s sleep!Follow us on Instagram: @DocTalkPodcastHave a healthcare question? Call in to be featured on a future episode!Thank you to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode of the DocTalk Podcast! Get your promo code for your product at: https://checkout51.app.link/e/K3yAUdFCUKbMedical Disclaimer:The Doc Talk Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. While we are doctors, we are not your doctors. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any personal health concerns.
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6. Could I get diabetes?
Episode Overview:Welcome back to The DocTalk Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling a condition that affects millions of Canadians: Diabetes. We discuss what diabetes is, risk factors, prevention strategies, complications, and how to manage it effectively. This episode is inspired by a listener question about reducing the risk of diabetes and its complications.Listener Question:“Hey docs, Diabetes runs in my family, and I’ve already seen one of my parents need hospital visits for complications of diabetes. What can I do to lower the risk of diabetes and its complications?”What is Diabetes?Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar remains persistently high due to either a lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2).Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, typically diagnosed at a younger age.Type 2 Diabetes: More common in adolescents and adults, due to insulin resistance and associated with lifestyle and genetic factors.How Common is Diabetes?1 in 3 Canadians are affected by diabetes or prediabetes.3.5 million Canadians have a diabetes diagnosis, and the number is expected to rise.Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of cases, while Type 2 diabetes makes up 90% of cases. Early Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes:Increased thirst & urinationUnexplained weight lossFatigueFruity-smelling breath (sign of Diabetic Ketoacidosis - DKA)Type 2 Diabetes is often diagnosed through routine screening but can have symptoms of fatigue, frequent urination, thirst, vision change and numbness and tingling in hands and erectile dysfunction.Complications of DiabetesHeart disease & stroke: 2-4 times more likely in people with diabetes.Kidney disease: Chronic high blood sugar can lead to kidney damage.Nerve damage & foot ulcers: Loss of sensation increases risk of infections and amputations.Eye damage (retinopathy): Regular eye exams are crucial.Immune system impairment: Increased risk of infections, poor wound healing.Managing DiabetesDiabetes education teams: Work with healthcare professionals for lifestyle and medication management.Blood sugar monitoring: Regular A1c testing and routine bloodwork.Medications: Options include Metformin, Insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic, originally a diabetes medication but now known for weight management).Our Prescription for You:Know your risk, especially if you have a family history.Prioritize healthy diet and exercise to lower your risk.Consider early testing if you have additional risk factors.Work with your healthcare provider to monitor and manage your health.For more information, visit diabetes.ca for additional resources and support.Thank you to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode of the DocTalk Podcast! Get your promo code for your product at: https://checkout51.app.link/e/K3yAUdFCUKbDisclaimer:The DocTalk Podcast 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 healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.Thank you for tuning in to The DocTalk Podcast! Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us for more insightful health discussions. See you next time! Follow us on Instagram @DocTalkPodcast
Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their kids, and patients themselves. And they know it's not always straightforward. Every two weeks they'll take a real question from a real patient, and provide in-depth answers with a clear path to action, with help from other trusted experts. No jargon. No time wasted. Just real talk about real issues from two doctors who've seen it all. And they'll give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the health care system like a pro. This is The Doc Talk. 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.
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