The DocTalks Podcast

More than 500,000 Canadians live with dementia -- an overall term for a set of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no cure or treatments that can reverse dementia however, through research, St. Joseph’s Lawson scientists, led by Dr. Michael Borrie, Medical Director for St. Joseph’s Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, a key member of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging (CCNA) and Program Director of the South Western Ontario Regional Geriatric Program, are completing clinical trials on medications and treatments that can slow and sometimes stop the progression of the disease.  On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, Dr. Borrie joined host Mandi Fields to discuss the dementia research happening at Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph’s. You can listen to the previous episode with Dr. Borrie where he discusses what dementia is, here.  If you are interested in taking part in the studies Dr. Borrie mentions in this episode, please contact Julia Truemner, Research Coordinator, at memory@sjhc.london.on.ca or 519-64661000 Ex 46600. If you would like to help support Dr. Borrie’s research, please visit the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation’s website and learn more about making a donation. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a human heart beats about 100,000 times per day. Last season, DocTalks featured an episode on heart health in women – today, Dr. Neville Suskin joins the show to discuss heart health in men. Men are 2 times more likely to suffer a heart attack than women, and are newly diagnosed with heart disease on average 10 years before women. Dr. Suskin discusses why this is, the risk factors of heart disease and St. Joseph’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

How would you feel if you could no longer smell your favourite scent? Anosmia is a partial or full loss of smell. While usually a temporary symptom of an illness like a cold or sinus infection, more serious medical issues like a brain injury or diabetes could cause anosmia. On today’s episode of the DocTalks Podcast, Dr. Leigh Sowerby, Division Head of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Western University, joins to discuss anosmia. He chats with host, Mandi Fields, about causes, impact on lifestyle and treatments.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey.

What does life look like after cancer, once the treatment is done and you’re deemed cancer-free? On today’s episode of PatientTalks, a spinoff of the DocTalks Podcast, Kellie Chouinard joins the show to discuss survivorship. From grief, to support systems, to follow-up appointments, Kellie’s conversation with host, Mandi Fields, is an intimate and vulnerable look at life after breast cancer.   This is the final episode in the breast cancer PatientTalks series. Thank you to the women who shared their stories on our show and laid the groundwork for vulnerable conversations. If you haven’t listened to the first three episodes, you can do so on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.  To learn about breast screening and St. Joseph Health Care London’s (St. Joseph’s) Breast Care Program, visit the St. Joseph's website. Did you know? Eligible patients can now self-schedule their OBSP mammogram appointments for St. Joseph’s Hospital, online. Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that develops when the lymphatic system is damaged – whether from radiation, lymph node removal or other interventions. In breast cancer patients, with the removal of underarm lymph nodes, the average rate of lymphedema is 3%. If there is removal of underarm lymph nodes and radiation combined, the risk increases to an average of 12%. Today’s episode of PatientTalks, a spinoff of the DocTalks Podcast, features Deb Jazey, a breast cancer survivor who has been living with lymphedema for over ten years. Deb joins host Mandi Fields to discuss the realities of lymphedema, treatment and the emotional impact of the condition.  To learn about breast screening and St. Joseph Health Care London’s (St. Joseph’s) Breast Care Program, visit the St. Joseph's website. Did you know? Eligible patients can now self-schedule their OBSP mammogram appointments for St. Joseph’s Hospital, online. For information about the Assistive Devices Program Deb mentions in her interview, visit the Ontario government’s website. For those in the London region experiencing lymphedema, learn more about the Lymphedema Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

In recent years, the breast cancer incident rate in women under 50 has risen faster than in women over 50. Being diagnosed with breast cancer young comes with a unique set of challenges. On today’s episode of PatientTalks, Jenna Dias is back and joined by Katie Pollock to discuss what it’s like to be diagnosed young. Both diagnosed in their 30s, Jenna and Katie provide vulnerable insights into hair loss, intimacy and the importance of support systems.  To learn about breast screening and St. Joseph Health Care London’s (St. Joseph’s) Breast Care Program, visit the St. Joseph's website. Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

It is estimated 1 in 8 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. On today’s episode of The DocTalks Podcast, a new series, PatientTalks kicks off with Jenna Dias, a St. Joseph’s patient and breast cancer survivor. Jenna joins host Mandi Fields to discuss the new PatientTalks series, her breast cancer journey and advice she has for those just starting, or in the midst of, their own journey.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many men experience low testosterone due to varying definitions and study populations, however data suggests that about 2% of men may have low testosterone, and another study has estimated that more than 8% of men aged 50 to 79 years have low testosterone. On today’s episode of the DocTalks Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Campbell, a urologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, joined host Mandi Fields to discuss signs of low testosterone, treatment, and why you don’t have to accept and ignore the symptoms as you age.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with 1/3 new cases of cancer in Canada being skin cancer. Being exposed to UV rays is one of the main causes of skin cancer, whether from the sun or tanning equipment – but most skin cancer is preventable. On today’s episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Mandi Fields is joined by Dr. Corey Moore, Site Head of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Division Head of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Moore discusses the main causes of skin cancer, risk factors and the importance of prevention.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey. 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than 878,000 Canadian adults have experienced a stroke. Strokes affect each person differently, based on where and how much damage is done to the brain, but there is hope. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie talks to Dr. Jamie Fleet, a physiatrist from St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute about the various treatments available to help people get back to life after a stroke.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among people aged 65 or older in Canada. 50% of falls occur at home and the most common injury from a fall are fractures. However, falls can be prevented. On today's episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Jaspreet Banghu a geriatrician at Parkwood Institute with a specialization in falls assessment, intervention, treatment and research and Janelle Unger, PhD, a registered physiotherapist and the principal investigator at the RED Neuro Lab who is currently conducting research in falls and falls prevention at St. Joseph’s Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity as part of a partnership with Western University.  Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

Each year, about 1,550 Canadians are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 400 will die from it. Yet cervical cancer can be prevented with regular cervical screening and follow-up of abnormal results. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Robert Di Cecco an obstetrician and gynecologist and the medical director of St. Joseph’s Colposcopy Clinic about the symptoms, screening and treatment options for cervical cancer. Dr. Di Cecco is also the Regional Lead for Cervical Screening for the South West Regional Cancer Program. Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 66 people in our country are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day and almost 38 per cent of those people will die from the disease. While most cases occur in adults over age 50, it’s becoming more common in the younger population. In this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Jamie Gregor, a gastroenterologist in the Gastroenterology Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital and past President of the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology and past Chair of the Specialty Committee in Gastroenterology for the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada about the symptoms, screening and treatments available for colorectal cancer.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

Did you know that how you walk can indicate how healthy your brain is? Studies show how someone walks and how fast can be an early predictor of future falls, frailty, dementia and even life expectancy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, by age 60, 15% of people will have an abnormal gait, a number that jumps to 80% once we hit 85. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with St. Joseph's Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, a world-renowned geriatrician and scientist with the Gait and Brain Lab at Parkwood Institute, about his teams work to study gait and provide interventions to delay diseases like dementia. Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

According to Asthma Canada asthma is the third most common disease in our nation, affecting more than 3.8 Million people. While there is no one cause or cure for asthma, there are triggers asthma sufferers should avoid and ways to control their condition. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie discusses the triggers, treatments and new science in asthma with Dr. Constance Mackenzie, a respirologist in the Asthma Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

More women die from osteoporotic fractures than from breast and ovarian cancer combined. According to Osteoporosis Canada, over 80 per cent of all fractures in people over age 50 are caused by osteoporosis. Unfortunately, once a fracture happens, this silent disease is often in the advanced stages. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is possible and on this episode of the DocTalks podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Kristin Clemens an endocrinologist in the Osteoporosis and Bone Disease Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital about prevention, diagnosis and treatment options.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer for women. However, early detection and new treatment options have improved the survival rate for breast cancer patients. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Sarah Knowles, the Interim Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program about the diagnosis, treatments and latest research in breast cancer.   Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

Chest pressure, burning sensation, jaw or neck pain - did you know these could be signs of a heart attack in women? Sometimes women ignore these symptoms, thinking they may be because of other illnesses. In this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Ashlay Huitema a cardiologist in the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London about the causes of heart attacks and heart disease in women, the treatment and rehabilitation options available and how women can prevent heart disease. Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, 2.4% of North Americans have lazy eyes, and 5% of children have crossed eyes, conditions that often go unnoticed but can lead to blindness if untreated. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie is joined by Dr. Sapna Sharan, an Ophthalmologist from St. Joseph's Health Care London's Ivey Eye Institute to uncover the causes, symptoms, early detection techniques and treatments for these serious eye conditions.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break.

For most women, pregnancy and birth are a time for celebration. It can also be a time of significant change in their bodies, hormones, diet and sleep. These changes can worsen or bring on mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Between 10 and 20 percent of pregnant women and new mothers are affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth, but many of them are reluctant to report psychiatric symptoms, feeling shame and worry or thinking their symptoms are normal. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Ian Gillespie chats with Dr. Verinder Sharma, a psychiatrist in St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Mental Health Program at Parkwood Institute. Dr. Sharma specializes in diagnosis, treatment and research of mood disorders and peripartum psychiatric illnesses.Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Kelsi Break