Episodes

Have you heard of the GOOP or Wellness Industry? Have you considered their practices or wanted to learn more? In this episode, we go over some myths and practices promoted by this industry. Before you listen, let's play a game of true or false: 1. Steaming should be used to cleanse the vagina 2. Pineapples make vaginal discharge taste and smell better 3. Eating bread causes yeast infections 4. Jade eggs inserted in the vagina are magical To learn more, see our Infographic.

Have questions about sexual violence? Where to get help? What to do when someone shares their experience of sexual violence with you? Joining us is Daniela Chavez Vega, one of the Education Programme Coordinators at the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre. For those who need to reach out, support services are available at: Assaulted Women's Helpline 24/7 toll-free at 1.866.863.0511. Further resources are available on our infographic, as well as on your local official provincial health w...

Have you ever wondered what happens after sexual abuse? Who are the people looking out for others when something like this happens? How does the system currently work, and how it's being made better? Joining us is Aileen Holland, a registered ER nurse making a difference in the field of sexual assault investigation. For those who need to reach out, support services are available at: Assaulted Women's Helpline 24/7 toll-free at 1.866.863.0511. Further local resources are available on your local ...

Has the thought of freezing your eggs crossed your mind? Joining us is Dr. Caitlin Dunne from UBC, a recipient of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award. She will discuss options to preserve fertility and in vitro fertilization. Infographic: IVF Infographic

Joining us for this episode is Neelam Punjani who will discuss the sexual and mental health of adolescents in conservative cultures. She draws a focus on hidden voices as well as exploring ways to improve communication with youth. Infographic: Sex Ed.html Resources: https://www.sexandu.ca/

Joining us on this episode is Dr. Jason Hamm, who shares his approach to navigating interactions with individuals who identify as non-binary and/or transgender, as well as exploring the unique challenges and barriers they often encounter. Infographic: Trans(cending)_Health_Infographic.html Resources: 1. Edmonton Pride Centre Phone: 780-488-3234 Email: hello@pridecentreofedmonton.ca Address: 2nd Floor, 10618 105 Avenue NW Edmonton AB, T5H 0L2 2. Access 24/7 (Royal Alexandra Hospital) Phone:...

Experiencing anxiety, or know someone who is? Learn about the signs, treatments, and misconceptions! Joining us is our special guest Dr. Helen Bondurant. Resources: Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/ Stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental disorders: findings from an Australian National Survey of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22023236/ Anxiety.org: http://anxiety.org/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad UptoDate Summaries: https://www.uptod...

Join us as we explore the importance of pap tests, what really causes cervical cancer and how you can protect yourself. We'll be discussing the latest guidelines in Canada so you know when your pap is due, how your immune system can fight cervical cancer, what you can expect if you have an abnormal pap, and more! Featuring Dr. Schepansky a Gynecologic Oncologist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta. Her practice is based at the Cross Cancer Institute and th...

Painful menstruation, otherwise known as dysmenorrhea, is a very common medical issue impacting women and young girls throughout their reproductive years. Today, we will be conversing with Dr. Kostov, a family practitioner in Edmonton, about the types of dysmenorrhea that exist, as well as what can be done to reduce pain and improve quality of life for women with this condition. We will also provide an overview of endometriosis, defined as the presence and growth of the uterine lining outside t...

Join us as we explore everything from the breast is best movement to common challenges mothers face, including simple solutions to improve breastfeeding success and why breastfeeding might not be right for you. Find out why some babies have more trouble feeding, why nipple guards may be hurting your milk supply, how infections and irritations can be avoided, and more! Featuring Erika Kalke, a nurse practitioner and lactation consultant working in the Edmonton area. Resources: (1) My Health Alber...

In this episode we will be touching on a rarely discussed but common health condition affecting many women at different stages of life: urinary incontinence. We will delve into this topic with Dr. Annick Poirier, a urogynecologist working in Edmonton with expertise in the area of pelvic prolapse and other urogynecological concerns. She will share with us the types of urinary incontinence that people may experience, as well as what the various risk factors are and how this condition can be manag...

Join us as we discuss everything you need to know about the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. Learn what factors put you at higher risk of being a carrier and the best way to get tested. We'll be exploring the difference between BRCA 1 and 2, what cancers besides breast these mutations puts you at risk for, and what options you have if you or a family member test positive. Featuring returning special guest Dr. Peiris, an oncoplastic and breast cancer surgeon from Winchester, UK, now in Edmonton specialising ...

Join us as we explore the history of breast cancer treatment throughout the years- from the radical mastectomies of the 20th century to the less invasive lumpectomies and personalized therapies of today. We will be learning about the warning signs of early breast cancer, the various forms that breast cancer can take and how these differ in both their initial and ongoing management as well as their long- term prognosis. Featuring special guest Dr. Peiris, an oncoplastic and breast cancer surgeon...

Join us as we explore how proper breast care and mammography is important for continued overall health throughout life. Learn more about what breast pain, nipple discharge, and other breast changes mean and discover what to expect with your first mammogram. Featuring special guest Dr. Kelly, an Edmonton family practitioner with the Opioid Dependency Program and former Breast Expert for the Comprehensive Breast Care Program in Edmonton. Resources: 1) Government of Canada (Information on Mammogra...

Join us as we explore everything to do with hormone therapy from peri- to post- menopause. We will be discussing the risks and benefits of these therapies, and who should and should not be taking them. Last, we will briefly touch on bioidentical/natural products and their current role in hormone therapy. Featuring returning special guest Dr. Hosford, a family physician from Sherwood Park, located just outside of Edmonton. Resources: (1) My Health Alberta (Information on Menopause and Hormone T...

Join us to explore the ins and outs of urinary tract infections, as part 2 of this series on genitourinary infections. Find out who may be more prone to developing UTIs, why this is the case, and how you can reduce your chances of developing one. Featuring returning special guest Dr. Hosford, a family physician from Sherwood Park, located just outside of Edmonton. Resources: (1) My Health Alberta: Urinary Tract Infections in Teenagers and Adults https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditi...

Join us as we explore some of the most common non- sexually transmitted infections of the genitourinary tract- learn which symptoms to look out for with both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, what the risk factors are in developing these infections, and how to combat their recurrence. Featuring special guest Dr. Hosford, a family physician from Sherwood Park, located just outside of Edmonton. Resources: (1) Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada: (Guidelines for Yeast In...

Join us as we explore some of the most common pregnancy related questions, including - weight gain, sex, safe sleeping positions, mood changes, and birth control after baby. Featuring special Dr. Hirt-Walsh an Edmonton gynecologist/obstetrician. Resources: 1) Government of Canada (Resources on having a baby): https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/benefits/having-baby.html 2) Government of Canada (Nobody's Perfect Program for Parenting): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-...

Join us as we explore the world of childbirth, including: Braxton Hicks versus true contractions, episiotomies and epidurals, recovery from c- section, and the role of midwives and doulas in labour and delivery. Featuring special guest Dr. Hirt- Walsh, an Edmonton Obstetrician/ Gynecologist. Resources: 1) Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (General Pregnancy Information): www.pregnancyinfo.ca 2) Alberta Health Services (Childbirth and Parenting Education Information): www.birt...

Join us as we explore healthy eating throughout pregnancy; the use of alcohol, smoking, and marijuana; and lastly, teratogens, such as Accutane, infections, and uncontrolled maternal diabetes, all factors that may affect fetal development Featuring special guest Dr. Jennifer Hocking, an anatomy professor from the University of Alberta with an extensive background in embryology, toxicology, and developmental biology. Resources: 1. Government of Canada (Healthy Eating and Food Safety in Pregnanc...

Join us as we explore some of the most common eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Learn everything from the development, management and recovery - to the physical, social and emotional impacts that an eating disorder can have on a person and their loved ones. Featuring special guest Dr. Ostolosky, a psychiatrist and program director for the Eating Disorders Program at the University of Alberta Hospital. Resources: National Eating Disorder Information Centre: http://...

Join us as we explore the fad diet and nutrition trends of the last few decades; the latest research on keto, veganism, intermittent fasting and more; and the newest changes to the Canada Food Guide. Featuring special guest Dr. Jin, an Edmonton gastroenterologist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Medical Director of Nutrition Services for the Northern Alberta Zone. Resources: Canada Food Guide: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/ Dietitians of Canada (Nutrition Month March 2019): https://w...

Learn more about the who, what, when, where, and whys of global reproductive health. Featuring special guest Dr. Cathy Flood, who is a urogynecologist practicing in Edmonton. For more information: WHO fact sheets: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/en/ IWHP by the SOGC (to get involved): http://iwhp.sogc.org/index.php?page=about-iwhp&hl=en_US Review article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2492587/

Learn more about the who, what, when, where, why, and hows of menopause. Featuring special guest Dr. Tarek Motan, who is a reproductive endocrinologist practicing in Edmonton. For more information: Menopause and U: https://www.menopauseandu.ca