The Health Science Podcast
By Devin Box
The Health Science PodcastMar 25, 2021
What does the expansion of MAiD in Canada mean?
Today Devin and Zach explore the changes in medical assistance in dying made by the Canadian government.
Reference:
http://cmajnews.com/2021/03/19/billc7-1095930/
https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/get_the_facts_assisted_dying_law_in_canada
Social:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Science-Podcast-106177218155500
contact:
Why do people act narcissistic?
Today Devin and Zach break down exactly why people engage in narcissistic behaviours. The reason may surprise you, so tune in now!
Reference:
Kowalchyk, M., et al. (2021). "Narcissism through the lens of performative self-elevation." Personality and individual differences 177.
Social:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Science-Podcast-106177218155500
contact:
How Covid-19 can spread without us knowing
On today’s episode, Devin and Zach discuss how covid can spread without us ever knowing. Also, how does the vaccine change the spread of covid? Listen now to find out!
Reference: Rasmussen, A. L. and S. V. Popescu (2021). "SARS-CoV-2 transmission without symptoms." Science371(6535): 1206-1207.
Social:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Science-Podcast-106177218155500
contact:
Social media vs video games, which is worse for your mental health?
On today’s episode Devin and Zach discuss the impacts of video games and social media on depressive symptoms in adolescents. The results may surprise you… Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Kandola, A., et al. (2021). "Prospective relationships of adolescents’ screen-based sedentary behaviour with depressive symptoms: the Millennium Cohort Study." Psychological Medicine: 1-9.
Social:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Science-Podcast-106177218155500
contact:
How renewable materials can help fight Covid-19
On today’s episode, the Health Science Podcast is excited to welcome Dr. Orlando Rojas. Dr. Rojas is a professor at the University of British Columbia and works as the scientific director of the bioproducts institute. Listen now to hear how Dr. Rojas and his team are using advanced biomaterials to create medical masks during the pandemic.
Info: The Next Material Revolutions will start in the Forest:
A video on facemasks:
My web: https://rojas.chbe.ubc.ca/
BPI Web: https://bpi.ubc.ca/
contact:
Is there more THC in Cannabis today?
Today Devin and Zach analyze a paper that discusses the amount of THC in cannabis over time. Is the THC content going up? Listen now to find out!
Reference: Freeman, T. P., et al. "Changes in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta-analysis."
contact:
Are people wearing masks while in public?
Welcome to season two of the Health Science Podcast! Today, Devin and Zach explore the topic of mask wearing. Are people wearing masks in public? Are there demographic differences? Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Fisher, K. A., et al. (2020). "Factors Associated with Cloth Face Covering Use Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, April and May 2020." MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 69(28): 933-937.
contact:
Sport for Change: How sport is used to promote education
Today, Devin and Zach talk with PhD student Justin Robar. Justin shares his experiences promoting education through sport. Listen now to understand how sport is used for developmental outcomes.
Reference:
Justin’s thesis: https://dr.library.brocku.ca/handle/10464/14908
Justin’s volunteer organization: https://bpfafrica.org/
contact:
Can other upper respiratory infections teach us how to deal with Covid-19?
Today, Devin and Zach cover a very pertinent topic. How can a stressful environment actually hurt your ability to fight off infections? Listen now to find out!
Reference: Cohen, S. (2020). "Psychosocial Vulnerabilities to Upper Respiratory Infectious Illness: Implications for Susceptibility to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)." Perspectives on psychological science: 174569162094251-1745691620942516.
contact:
Exercise your way to a better brain!
On today’s episode we are excited to invite guest speaker Benjamin Tari on to discuss his research. Benjamin explains his research on how exercise can enhance executive functioning. What more could be shown about the powers of exercise? Listen now to find out!
Reference: Tari, B., et al. (2020). "Increased Cerebral Blood Flow Supports a Single Bout Post-Exercise Benefit to Executive Function: Evidence from Hypercapnia." Journal of Neurophysiology 124.
Benjamin’s other work:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benjamin_Tari
contact:
Is FoMO something that effects only young people?
Are younger generations more afraid of missing out than ever? Listen now to find out.
Reference:
Barry, C. T. and M. Y. Wong (2020). "Fear of missing out (FoMO): A generational phenomenon or an individual difference?" Journal of social and personal relationships 37(12): 2952-2966.
contact:
Is it too early for the Covid-19 vaccine?
On this episode, Devin and Zach look at a science article that discusses the potential dangers of emergency use vaccines.
Reference:
Smith, M. J., et al. "Emergency use authorisation for COVID-19 vaccines: lessons from Ebola." The Lancet.
contact:
How our choices shape our preferences
Today, Zach and Devin dive into some interesting psychology research. Listen now to find out how babies develop the ability to make choices, and how that may influence their choices as adults.
Reference:
Silver, A. M., et al. (2020). "When Not Choosing Leads to Not Liking: Choice-Induced Preference in Infancy." Psychological science: 0956797620954491.
contact:
How ADHD like tendencies can help your career
Today's podcast covers the unique relationship between ADHD like tendencies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Reference:
Gunia, B. C., et al. (2020). "The Weary Founder: Sleep Problems, ADHD-Like Tendencies, and Entrepreneurial Intentions." Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice: 1042258720940502.
contact:
What are gut bacteria?
Today’s episode is all about the wonders of gut bacteria! Devin and Zach discuss a research paper that may surprise you… Listen now to learn all about it.
Reference:
Van Nood, E., et al. (2013). "Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile." New England Journal of Medicine 368(5): 407-415.
contact:
This special type of light can STOP your migraines!
Today, Zach and Devin break down a research paper that claims green light can help stop migraines. With no side effects, is this the future of pain management? Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Martin, L. F., et al. (2020). "Evaluation of green light exposure on headache frequency and quality of life in migraine patients: A preliminary one-way cross-over clinical trial." Cephalalgia: 0333102420956711.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
How meditation can slow your brain's aging process
Can meditation cause your brain to grow? What about slowing the aging process? Today, Zach and Devin discuss a research paper that says these might be true.
Reference:
Lazar, S. W., et al. (2005). "Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness." Neuroreport16(17): 1893-1897.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
Does Creatine help you gain muscle mass?
On today’s podcast, Devin and Zach discuss a research paper that investigates the use of creatine as a supplement during an over-reaching exercise program. Does creatine actually work? Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Volek, J., et al. (2004). "The effects of creatine supplementation on muscular performance and body composition responses to short-term resistance training overreaching." European journal of applied physiology 91: 628-637.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
The affects of age on PTSD
Today we bring on recent master's program graduate Spencer Ashby. Spencer discusses the progression of PTSD in aging Canadian military veterans.
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Addictions: diseases or bad morals?
How we define addictions is a hotly debated topic. Today we analyze a paper that discusses the pros and cons of defining addictions with the biomedical approach.
Reference:
Berghmans, R., et al. (2009). "On the biomedicalization of alcoholism." Theoretical medicine and bioethics 30(4): 311-321.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
When social distancing becomes social isolation
I’m sure you have heard lots of public health officials tell you to socially distance yourself. But what if that could be damaging your health too? Listen now to find out how social isolation may be worsening your health, and what we can do to remedy it.
Reference:
Bzdok, D. and R. I. M. Dunbar (2020). "The Neurobiology of Social Distance." Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The effects of a fat-shaming culture
Today’s paper breaks down the effects of fat shaming on exercise behaviour in overweight people. Plus, a surprise guest appearance from Aliya!
Reference:
Meadows, A. and A. E. Bombak (2019). "Yes, We Can (No, You Can’t): Weight Stigma, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and Active Fat Identity Development." Fat Studies 8(2): 135-153.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Brain training games! Do they work?
Remember Lumosity? The games platform that was supposed to help your brain power? Today we revisit this topic to see what the research shows! Listen today to see whether games can help you think better.
Daniel's information:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Reference:
Bainbridge, K. and R. Mayer (2017). "Shining the Light of Research on Lumosity." Journal of Cognitive Enhancement.
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
How Much Control Do You Have Over Your Pain?
The world of pain management is an incredibly fascinating field. Join us today to discuss a nonpharmacological treatment for chronic lower back pain. How much control do you have over your pain? Listen now to find out.
Reference:
Carpenter, M. K., et al. (2012). "An Online Self-help CBT Intervention for Chronic Lower Back Pain." The Clinical Journal of Pain 28(1): 14-22.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Anxiety and Pregnancy: How Can Exercise Help?
Today Kristine Goertzen joins us to discuss the implications of anxiety on pregnant mothers. She also shares some details about a fascinating study looking at how exercise and diet can improve both the mother and baby's health.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Devin's thesis research
Today Devin shares his thesis research! Listen now to hear more about my academic life.
Medical assistance in dying, Canadian nurse perspectives
What is Medical assistance in dying? How does it affect real nurses in Canada? Listen now to find out more.
Reference:
Beuthin, R., et al. (2018). Medical assistance in dying (MAiD): Canadian nurses’ experiences. Nursing forum, Wiley Online Library.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Are ice baths beneficial for athletic performance?
Why do so many high caliber athletes use ice baths? Is it scientifically founded or just a myth? Join us today to find out!
Reference:
Allan, R. and C. Mawhinney (2017). "Is the ice bath finally melting? Cold water immersion is no greater than active recovery upon local and systemic inflammatory cellular stress in humans." The Journal of physiology 595(6): 1857.
Daniels info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Is red wine good for your health?
The whole wine makes you healthy thing again… Let’s find out if there is any truth!
Reference:
Copetti, C., et al. (2018). "Acute consumption of bordo grape juice and wine improves serum antioxidant status in healthy individuals and inhibits reactive oxygen species production in human neuron-like cells." Journal of nutrition and metabolism 2018.
Daniel’s info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The myths of vaccines and autism
Today we go over a paper explaining what the heck happened with the vaccines and Autism myth. Was it justified, or was it just bad science? Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Davidson, M. (2017). "Vaccination as a cause of autism—myths and controversies." Dialogues in clinical neuroscience 19(4): 403.
Daniel’s info:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Covid-19 on the ground
Today Robert Dima comes back on the show to discuss a myriad of topics. Our general discussion surrounds his experience working the frontlines in McMaster children’s hospital, as well as some interesting articles surrounding the pandemic.
Daniel's music:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Can diet and exercise reduce high blood pressure?
Today we break down a systematic review that investigates whether a diet and exercise combination can decrease high blood pressure. Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Jurik and P. Stastny (2019). "Role of Nutrition and Exercise Programs in Reducing Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review." Journal of Clinical Medicine 8: 1393.
Daniel's music:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The Keto diet might actually be hurting you…
Today we investigate the risks associated with Atkins and Keto diets. We also touch on some very important points regarding the conclusions that can be drawn from studies like this one.
Reference:
Bielohuby, M., et al. (2013). "Impaired glucose tolerance in rats fed low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets.(Report)(Author abstract)." The American Journal of Physiology 305(5): E1059.
Daniel's Music:
https://www.facebook.com/danhughesmusic100/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Is this the first viable Covid-19 Vaccine?
Today’s paper goes over the results of a recent trial for a Covid-19 vaccine. Does the vaccine work? Will it be available soon? Listen now to find out!
reference:
Zhu, F.-C., et al. "Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine: a dose-escalation, open-label, non-randomised, first-in-human trial." The Lancet.
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The world of virtual fitness for Parkinson’s disease
Today we are delighted to welcome Will Kohler to the podcast. Will is the founder of Rock Steady Boxing, a fitness program dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s disease stay physically active. Will joins the podcast today to discuss the challenges and triumphs of running an exercise program amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Listen now to hear Will’s unique insight into the Rock Steady program, and all the amazing things they are doing help fight Parkinson’s disease!
find Will at:
https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
How do your sleep habits effect your cognitive abilities?
Today’s paper focuses on the cognitive effects of your sleep habits. What does too little or too much sleep do to your brains ability to function?
Reference:
Wild, C. J., et al. (2018). "Dissociable effects of self-reported daily sleep duration on high-level cognitive abilities." Sleep 41(12): zsy182.
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
How your workout partner can make you exercise harder
Most of us like working out with a friend, but can your perceptions of that friend change how hard you work? Our discussion today tries to answer these questions and provide you with more tools to exercise better!
Reference:
Plante, T. G., et al. (2010). "Effects of perceived fitness level of exercise partner on intensity of exertion."
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
How is interval training different from other forms of exercise?
On this episode, we dive into the details of how exercise changes your muscles. We also discuss how muscle adaptations change depending on the type of exercise you are performing.
Reference:
Macinnis, M. J. and M. J. Gibala (2017). "Physiological adaptations to interval training and the role of exercise intensity." Journal of Physiology 595(9): 2915-2930.
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
How does media portrayal of thinness effect body image satisfaction in young women?
On today’s episode we dive into the world of health psychology. How does the thin-and-perfect media portrayal of women effect real women? Can education programs combat this? Listen now to find out!
Reference:
Yamamiya, Y., et al. (2005). "Women's exposure to thin-and-beautiful media images: body image effects of media-ideal internalization and impact-reduction interventions.(Report)." Body Image 2(1): 74.
Contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Can we control our reflexes? What does that mean for rehabilitation?
Today’s episode focuses on the fascinating ability of humans to consciously effect involuntary reflexes. What is the importance of this you may ask? Listen now to find out how this control may serve as a rehabilitation technique to those who have suffered a spinal cord injury.
Reference:
Thompson, A. K., et al. (2013). "Operant conditioning of a spinal reflex can improve locomotion after spinal cord injury in humans." The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 33(6): 2365-2375.
contact:
debox@uwo.ca
Exercise and pregnancy
Our guest today is Stephanie Paplinskie. Stephanie is an exercise and pregnancy researcher out of Western University in London Ontario. Her research focuses on resistance training during and after pregnancy and monitors a variety of outcomes for both the mother and child. Her studies focus on physiological and psychological outcomes associated with resistance training programs. She follows mothers’ post-partum journey by engaging in a community-based mom-and-baby stroller fitness program.
Join us for an insightful chat as Stephanie guides us through her journey, and hints at the exciting research and exercise programs that she is involved in.
links
http://www.csep.ca/cmfiles/publications/parq/parmed-xpreg.pdf
Mottola, M. F., et al. (2018). "No. 367-2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 40(11): 1528-1537.
https://www.nsca.com/education/articles/ptq/training-clients-during-pregnancy-modifications-and-considerations/
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The impact of healthy habits on mortality risk in normal weight, overweight, and obese men and women
Building off of episode 2, this episode will discuss the effects of healthy lifestyle habits on mortality. Does the effect change if you are overweight? How about obese? Listen to find out!
Reference:
Matheson, E. M., et al. (2012). "Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Mortality in Overweight and Obese Individuals." The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 25(1): 9.
Does too much advanced medical imaging cause harm?
On this episode we are pleased to have Robert Dima on the show. Robert is a PhD student and a diagnostic medical Sonographer. Robert joins the podcast to discuss the debate on whether our system uses too much advanced medical imaging. Robert provides his knowledge and experience to help us understand this fascinating debate.
Please contact for any references quoted in the podcast.
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
The effects of fitness on mortality risk in normal weight and obese men
This episode we will cover a research paper that investigates the effects of cardiovascular fitness on mortality between different BMI categories. How does fitness effect mortality risk? Is this effect the same for obese men? Listen to find out!
Reference:
Wei, M., et al. (1999). "Relationship Between Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mortality in Normal-Weight, Overweight, and Obese Men." JAMA 282(16): 1547-1553.
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca
Intro to the podcast
This podcast is a quick intro to your hosts, what we do here on the podcast, and how often we will post.
Thanks for listening!
contact:
dbox@uwo.ca