It Is Better To Know

Bedbugs.. even the cleanest person or residence can still be vulnerable to bedbug infestations. Today's episode is a treat because we have a guest speaker, Julie-Anne, who owns an Edmonton-based company that specializes in canine scent detection of bedbugs, Seek and Find Experts (SAFE). She walks us through how these dogs are certified to detect bedbugs, what a typical assessment looks like, which industries are most affected by bedbugs, and shares some insight on what other services she offers. We learn that pretty much anything is paw-sible when you believe!

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

What is radon? It's a tasteless, colorless, invisible gas that is a natural byproduct of uranium decay found in soil and rocks. That means all buildings have some degree of radon. Join us in today's episode as guest speaker Crystal, a certified radon measurement professional, sheds light on the importance of testing your home for radon levels, what you should be prepared for if test results are high, testing and radon mitigation costs, and growth in the awareness of radon testing. 

Tune into episode 49 for more information on the medical aspect of radon induced lung cancer with Dr. Kelvin Young. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Have you heard about radon before? A radioactive gas released from uranium decay, radon is found in any enclosed space where the building makes contact with soil. This means that homes, schools, workplace (unless you work outside) has radon!  It's a tasteless, odorless, and invisible gas. Why should you care? The answer is easy: radon can result in lung cancer, and it's largely preventable by reducing exposure. Hence, we're calling it the "deadlier cousin" of the silent killer (a.k.a. carbon monoxide). 

Joining us today is Dr. Kelvin Young, a medical oncologist from the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, AB, Canada. He brings his area of expertise to explore the medical aspect of radon induced lung cancer, including chances of survival and treatment options. Tune in to learn the Canadian vs. the WHO radon limit, how we can prevent this with testing kits, and how soon to take action depending on your testing kit results. 

Do you remember or know Buffy the Vampire slayer? No, this is not a typo! Listen to the end to find out about why Dr. Young is so passionate about this vampiric classic. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Every January, many of us ring in the new year with the goal of losing weight. Time restricted feeding is a popular type of intermittent fasting where eating and fasting occurs at set times on a daily basis. Not only is this a popular method for weight loss, but it also has many positive health impacts. Can this technique help you with weight loss? Tune in to today's episode to find out! 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

We might have the answer to last month's episode: the pandemic doesn't seem like it's ending anytime soon! From Alpha to now Omicron... we have encountered the newest variant of the coronavirus. Join us this month as we discuss the Omicron variant - why it's more transmissible than the other variants (even the previous Delta variant), if the vaccines are still effective against it, what different provinces in Canada are doing to prepare for the Omicron surge (including rapid tests), and what we can do to help decrease the risk of contracting it. Watch this TikTok video of an analogy for the COVID vaccine and let us know what you think: https://youtu.be/NTgW3Rw-AaY Last but not least, tune in to hear our podcast hosts reflect upon their 2021 New Year's resolutions! Did they achieve their goals?! Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Tired. Exhausted. Mentally drained. Dreading the next day of work already before this shift even ends. Does this sound familiar? If so, you may be experiencing BURNOUT. The World Health Organization has classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout is of particular importance in the healthcare profession. Join us as we explore what exactly burnout is, what factors contribute to it, and what you can do about it to rekindle your passion for work! Remember: you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

The title explains it all... in this month's episode, we explain the requirements to become a pharmacist and stay licensed. Then, we head into a discussion on why pharmacy is so saturated and the expected employment rate, vent about pharmacist salary and working conditions, explain some work-related injuries you wouldn't expect, tap into the overall job growth in 10 years and if there is still a need for pharmacists then… Join us as we discuss all these and more! Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Rare but serious blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine have led people to search for information about this adverse event. Tune in to this episode to learn all about VIIT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia), the blood clot condition that's shaking the nation (and worldwide!). If you're wondering how these clots happen and what the risks are after the 1st and 2nd dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, then this is the episode for you. We also talk about signs and symptoms of VIIT to monitor for, and what the evidence is for mixing a mRNA vaccine with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Not to mention.... happy father's day to all the paternal figures out there! We love you all beer-y much! 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

The media spawned names like "long-COVID19" and "long hauler". Both of these terms refer to the same thing: post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACs). If you are experiencing persistent symptoms 4 weeks after your initial diagnosis of COVID-19, you're considered a long hauler. Symptoms could include headache, loss of smell or taste, depression or anxiety, memory, concentration or difficulty breathing, cough, joint pain, and fatigue. Tune in to learn more about what we know so far about PACs and what we can do to speed up recovery from PACs.

If you are suffering from long-COVID19, check out this AHS link for resources and tips: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17397.aspx

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

B.1.1.7?! B.1.351? P.1? B.1.617? Pop quiz for you: are these names of extraterrestrial beings that are infiltrating the Earth, gobbledygook that a toddler would utter, or the scientific names of COVID variants of interest/concern?! If you said COVID variants, you are CORRECT! Listen to this episode to find out if we should be CONCERNed about the variants of concern that are taking over the news these days! In this week's episode, we discuss why the coronavirus mutates, learn about the origins of each of these variants (the ones that were first identified in the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India!), if the current vaccines will work against these variants, and what we can do to stop these variants from spreading. Also.. happy Mother's Day to all the maternal figures out there (fur moms included!) - thank you for doing a grape job raisin us! (hehehe) 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

This episode is a continuation of the omega-3 saga with a focus on the benefits of fish oil on heart health. The two most common omega-3 fatty acids are DHA and EPA. In food, you'll find this most abundantly in oily fish! Learn what the evidence says so far about how omega-3 foods and supplements help cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Get the verdict on whether it helps with primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack! Okay, we have a joke for you too: you can tune a guitar, but you can't TUNA fish -- unless, of course, you play BASS! Fun fact: I believe this joke was used in an episode of the English dub of Dragon Ball Z by a character named Tien Shinhan. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Ahoy there, matey! Or should I say "matie". Learn all about the mighty omega-3 fatty acid from what it is to what it's good for. How about omega-6 and omega-9? You'll learn about the differences in this episode! Ever had your parent(s) insist that you eat fish even if you don't like it? Put your line and bait back in the water, folks, because we'll be fishing for the truth behind how omega-3 helps with brain health and development!

FYI: as per Merriam Webster dictionary, a "matie" is a young fat herring with roe or milt incompletely developed. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Do you have lots of hair, and don't care? Or are you one of us... finding that you are losing hair all over the place - in your hairbrush, in the shower, on the floor... Well, if you've ever been curious about whether or not biotin works for slowing down hair loss, this is the episode for you! Let us straighten this out for you! In this episode, we discuss what biotin is, where you can get biotin from, recommended daily amounts of biotin, whether it is safe for various populations to take, and the evidence behind it for hair growth. If anything, tune in to listen to all of our hair-larious puns! Let's mullet over... is biotin right for you?!

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Have you ever wondered about your risk of developing diabetes? Or how you developed diabetes, and whether your children will develop it too? Well today, we will be discussing which populations are at greatest risk for type 1 and 2. Who should be tested and what you can do to prevent or delay diabetes. Then, for mindless chatter segment, we discuss why the college admissions scandal is a scandal ! And what exactly is a side door entrance into elite universities? Join us as we discuss all these and more... *CANRISK Questionnaire: http://canrisk.gnb.ca/index-eng.php *Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

In this episode, we discuss the differences between urine and blood ketone testing and which method is more accurate. We also answer how much does testing cost and discuss how to use a blood meter and ketostix to test your ketones. Then we discuss the Britney Spears conservatorship and the #FreeBritney movement. Join us as we discuss all these and more... 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

The effects of the COVID19 pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of countless people. Home schooling children, job loss, stretching every dollar, inability to socialize normally, and losing loved ones from the virus -- it's no surprise that people are experiencing depression and anxiety. What alternatives are there when conventional therapies fail? Today's episode will explore one such alternative: psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms. Find out what it's used for, personal accounts from users, what the side effects are, how to gain access to it, and where it's headed in the future. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

We have all heard of Pfizer and Moderna by now... but AstraZeneca?! Johnson & Johnson?! What makes these 2 new contenders to the COVID-19 vaccine market special? Is it true that they are "less effective" than Pfizer and Moderna? How are these two vaccines created? What are the side effects? What age groups are they recommended in? Join us as we break down the evidence behind the newest COVID vaccines approved by Health Canada and learn how they work! 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Does melatonin work for insomnia? Hold up, melatonin can be found in FOOD?! What are the possible side effects from taking melatonin? What dose of melatonin should I take? When should I take melatonin? Wait, does melatonin work for other indications too like jetlag or shiftwork?! Are there other options on the market for helping with sleep? If you're harbouring curiosity on any of those questions above, make sure to tune in as we explore the answers to all of the questions and more...  in the form of a pharmacist-patient interactive skit! 

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Are you having trouble catching those zzz's?! Tune in to this episode to learn ALL about insomnia: how we define insomnia as a disorder, the pathophysiology behind why it happens, and why sleep is important. We also discuss medical conditions and medications that can cause insomnia, and take a dive into which patient populations are more at risk of sleep disturbances! Click "play" now to learn some FUN FACTS: learn which animal sleeps the least (and why!) and what is the longest world record for most number of days a human has gone without sleeping. 

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

We begin by updating you on the recent news about Tanya Roberts and how her death has raised concerned about Urinary Tract Infections. Then we convey all your burning questions about UTI by acting it out in a skit. This topic leads us to then discuss a very deep question... would you rather be a man or a woman? Which sex do you think has a tougher life? Or do you think both genders have their own sets of pressures?! Rate us on Apple podcast and leave us a review. We would love to hear your comments! Join us as we discuss all these and more... 

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

After covering the subject of vaping and its potential health risks, we learned that it is a known fact that it continues to rise in popularity among youth. Public awareness campaigns have been made to target youth about the effects of vaping. Legislation is also moving forward to discourage youth from using e-cigarettes. In this week's episode, we explore how to approach youth about vaping. Health Canada released a tip sheet, giving you the facts before the "talk", how to start the conversation, and provides guidance on how to keep the conversation going. 

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

We've all heard about the sunshine vitamin，but what does it really do and what is its role in the body? Join us as we discuss vitamin D deficiency, why "vitamin" D is actually a misnomer, what 3 sources you can get vitamin D from, and how much vitamin D you need. We also explore if vitamin D helps in heart disease, depression, and immunity?! But wait... how do you know if you are vitamin D deficient?! AND is there such a thing as too much D.... too much vitamin D, that is? Tune in to find out! Then, we discuss winter driving tips in our mindless chatter segment, to get us ready for the snowpocalypse and much， much more. Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

What are some of the CRAZIEST myths about COVID that you have heard? For example... can 5G networks transmit the COVID virus?! (and many more...) We take a plunge into the sea of rumours floating around about COVID and analyze them to discover if they are a MYTH or a FACT! Then, we move on to our mindless chatter segment of the week - continuing our dealbreakers discussion, this time about dealbreakers for both genders & for men! 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

We talk about getting COVID vaccines soon! We break down the criteria for these vaccines to get on the market, results of the Pfizer and Moderna trials, and speculate about the Sputnik V vaccine. Then, we discuss more about mRNA vaccines, side effects and storage requirements, who will get immunized first and analyze if there will be enough vaccines for everyone. Afterwards, we continue on with our mindless chatter segment this week: Black Friday shopping, sales and so much more.  

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

This week, we discuss more natural ways to improve your immune system. Listen to learn if you could carry out all 5 natural ways and minimize your chances of getting sick. Then on our mindless chatter segment this week, we delve into what the most common dating deal breakers are for women. Stay curious, my beautiful friends.  Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Welcome back, everybody! In this episode, we discuss how you can improve your immune system naturally. Is it even POSSIBLE to meddle in this process and boost your immune system?!  Listen to learn how you can you minimize your chances of getting sick during the winter season. In this week's mindless chatter segment, we continue to discuss Cecilia's dating life and dating red flags. Stay curious, my beautiful friends.  

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Accompany us this week on our journey into the world of COLD-FX and whether it helps boost immunity!  We dive into the history of ginseng which is the active ingredient in COLD-FX, its uses and its popularity, and how much a wild ginseng can sell on eBay. We also explore these questions: can you get ginseng naturally from foods, what people are using American ginseng for, what the heck are ginsenosides, what exactly is the evidence for ginseng for cold and flu, and what the dosing, side effects, and possible interactions are? But wait! There's more! Cecilia then gives us an exclusive update on her dating life! Tune in for an update about her *first* VIRTUAL date! We also discuss ideas for socially distanced dates, including how to have discussions with your date about navigating the new normal with the pandemic. Stay curious, my beautiful friends.   

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

This week we take a deep dive into the world of echinacea! Learn about the history of echinacea,  the echinacea related tweet that went viral years ago, different uses of this herb, proving echinacea's medicinal powers with a rattlesnake venom bite,  intro to antibiotic resistance, how echinacea works in the immune system, evidence for use and recommended doses, and side effects and interactions. Halloween is also right around the corner! Your friendly neighbourhood pharmacists explain the origins of black and orange as Halloween's staple colors, how the word "lunatic" is related to the moon, and the significance of spiders! Warning! There is a scary Halloween story so beware! Stay curious, my beautiful friends. 

Music: "Curious" by Bonsai Mammal. Written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.

Join us this week as we respond to a fan request to a popular question: does Vitamin C REALLY help boost your immune system? We discuss how the immune system works, how Vitamin C received its reputation for fighting off colds, and how Vitamin C helps with immune function. Next we have Valerie's first solo, what daily dosage of Vitamin C is recommended & food sources, what Vitamin C is shown to be possibly effective for, and our final word on vitamin C! We better "C" you listening to this episode! We also discuss whether too much honesty is good? What is the bystanders effect? And what you should yell instead of help! Stay curious, my beautiful friends.  

Music : "Curious" is performed by Bonsai Mammal, written by Andrew Southwell and Jimmy Harry.