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Doctor Dictionary

43 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

A continuation of your doctor's appointment, Doctor Dictionary is based on real questions asked by real patients during real appointments. Hosted by Dr. Josh Fletcher and Jake Blum, our goal is to help you understand exactly why your doctor asked what they asked and answer any burning questions you had or have thought of since your appointment. Welcome to Doctor Dictionary. Twitter: @TheDrDictionary Email: [email protected]

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Episodes

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)

August 17, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.17 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  Are there different types of vertigo? 1:21 What causes BPPV? 2:43 Why do I get BPPV? 3:37 What are the symptoms of BPPV? 3:51 Does BPPV usually only happen once or does it recur? 4:51 Is BPPV dangerous? 5:20 What physical exam is done for BPPV? 5:59 How do you treat BPPV? 7:01 Do I feel completely better after these maneuvers? 8:12 Does BPPV go away on its own? 8:44 Do I need medications for BPPV? 9:00 What resources do you recommend? 9:25 Vestibular.org: http...

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)

August 17, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.17 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  Are there different types of vertigo? 1:21 What causes BPPV? 2:43 Why do I get BPPV? 3:37 What are the symptoms of BPPV? 3:51 Does BPPV usually only happen once or does it recur? 4:51 Is BPPV dangerous? 5:20 What physical exam is done for BPPV? 5:59 How do you treat BPPV? 7:01 Do I feel completely better after these maneuvers? 8:12 Does BPPV go away on its own? 8:44 Do I need medications for BPPV? 9:00 What resources do you recommend? 9:25 Vestibular.org: http...

Concussion

August 03, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is a concussion? 1:07 Is a concussion a brain bruise? 2:10 How common are concussions? 2:26 What are common ways to get a concussion? 2:54 What are the symptoms of concussions? 3:20 What are the signs of something more serious? 4:45 What should I do if I have any worrisome symptoms? 5:35 What should I tell my doctor about my concussion? 5:49 How long do symptoms usually last? 6:18 What happens if my symptoms persist? 6:39 What causes persistent symptoms? ...

Concussion

August 03, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is a concussion? 1:07 Is a concussion a brain bruise? 2:10 How common are concussions? 2:26 What are common ways to get a concussion? 2:54 What are the symptoms of concussions? 3:20 What are the signs of something more serious? 4:45 What should I do if I have any worrisome symptoms? 5:35 What should I tell my doctor about my concussion? 5:49 How long do symptoms usually last? 6:18 What happens if my symptoms persist? 6:39 What causes persistent symptoms? ...

Is Doctor Dictionary Useful? A Survey.

June 02, 2021 11:00 - 56 seconds - 684 KB

Thank you for listening to Doctor Dictionary.  Survey Link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/GJwFU9OUb

Is Doctor Dictionary Useful? A Survey.

June 02, 2021 11:00 - 56 seconds - 684 KB

Thank you for listening to Doctor Dictionary.  Survey Link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/GJwFU9OUb

Diabetes: Diet with Jennifer Otley

April 09, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode, we interview Jennifer Otley, a certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietician at the North York Family Health Team. We discuss:  How does diet affect blood sugar? 1:54 Do I need to cut out all carbs from my diet? 3:47 When is the best time to eat my meals? 4:28 Should I be counting carbs? 5:03 Are some carbs better than others? 6:30 What is the glycemic index? 7:20 What is considered a balanced meal? 8:37 What dietary patterns are recommended in diabetes? 11:35 Is it ...

Diabetes: Exercise with Kate Carey

April 01, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

In this episode, we interview Kate Carey, a Diabetes Nurse Educator at the North York Family Health Team. We discuss:  How important is exercise in controlling blood sugars? 1:50 What are the other benefits of exercise in diabetes? 3:43 How much should I be exercising? 4:48 Is exercise safe in diabetes? 9:44 What are common myths about exercise in diabetes? 12:35 Take home message on exercise in diabetes: 13:54 What resources do you recommend? 14:25 How to reach Kate: 14:53 Diabetes Canada...

Diabetes: Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)

March 26, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.38 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What is hypoglycaemia? 2:04 What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia? 2:33 What are the risks of developing hypoglycaemia? 3:07 What is the problem with hypoglycaemia? 3:57 Do I always know if my blood sugar is low? 4:18 What are some common causes of hypoglycaemia? 4:53 What is the treatment of hypoglycaemia? 5:43 How high does my blood sugar need to be before I can drive? 7:06 What resources do you recommend? 7:51 Diabetes Canada: https://www.diabetes.ca Ameri...

Diabetes: Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)

March 26, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.38 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What is hypoglycaemia? 2:04 What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia? 2:33 What are the risks of developing hypoglycaemia? 3:07 What is the problem with hypoglycaemia? 3:57 Do I always know if my blood sugar is low? 4:18 What are some common causes of hypoglycaemia? 4:53 What is the treatment of hypoglycaemia? 5:43 How high does my blood sugar need to be before I can drive? 7:06 What resources do you recommend? 7:51 Diabetes Canada: https://www.diabetes.ca Ameri...

Diabetes: What Can Go Wrong

March 15, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What are the complications of diabetes? 2:02 Why do these complications occur? 3:51 Why does diabetes cause heart disease? What are the symptoms? 4:26 Why does diabetes cause stroke? What are the symptoms? 5:22 Why does diabetes affect blood flow to the limbs? What are the symptoms? 6:18 What else increases my risk of complications? 7:16 How do we treat the complications of diabetes? 8:17 How do we prevent the complications of diabetes? 8:34 Why does diabetes a...

Diabetes: Treatment

March 04, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the non-medication treatment of diabetes? 2:05 What are some of the common medications used to treat diabetes? 3:48 Does everyone with diabetes need to be on medications? 4:45 How do you know if your diabetes is well-controlled? 5:34 What is metformin and what are the side effects? 6:11 What is Hemoglobin A1C? 7:09 What if my blood sugars are still high after starting metformin? 7:26 What is emagliflozin (Jardiance), canagliflozin (Invokana), or dapagli...

Diabetes: Diagnosis and Blood Tests

February 25, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.17 MB

In this episode, we discuss: Why are blood tests important in Diabetes? 2:10 What tests are done to check blood sugar? 2:47 How do you diagnose diabetes? 4:13 How do you diagnose prediabetes? 5:32 How often do you screen for diabetes? 6:03 Why do I need more blood work if I have already been diagnosed with diabetes? 6:47 How can I manage my blood sugars at home? 7:18 How do I know if my diabetes is well-controlled? 8:08 What should my blood sugars be at home? 9:16 What are the problems wit...

Diabetes: Diagnosis and Blood Tests

February 25, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.17 MB

In this episode, we discuss: Why are blood tests important in Diabetes? 2:10 What tests are done to check blood sugar? 2:47 How do you diagnose diabetes? 4:13 How do you diagnose prediabetes? 5:32 How often do you screen for diabetes? 6:03 Why do I need more blood work if I have already been diagnosed with diabetes? 6:47 How can I manage my blood sugars at home? 7:18 How do I know if my diabetes is well-controlled? 8:08 What should my blood sugars be at home? 9:16 What are the problems wit...

Diabetes: The Basics

February 16, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What actually is diabetes? 2:15 What is the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? 3:59 Are there other types of diabetes? 6:19 What are risks for developing diabetes? 7:23 Does everyone with insulin resistance develop diabetes? 9:02 How do I know if I have prediabetes or insulin resistance? 9:51 Does everyone with prediabetes develop diabetes? 10:33 What are the symptoms of diabetes? 10:59 Why should I care if my blood sugar is high? 11:55 How do you ...

Psychotherapy and COVID-19 With Faith Balshin

February 08, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

In this episode, we interview Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Faith Balshin. We address the following topics: More about Faith Balshin: 1:35 What is psychotherapy? 3:31 What does it mean to be a registered psychotherapist in the qualifying category? 4:42 What is your role as a psychotherapist? 6:18 Is it normal to have multiple different therapists? 7:28 How has COVID-19 impacted people in your practice? 8:04 What are the symptoms of COVID-19 anxiety you see in your practice? 9:19 ...

Eczema

January 25, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the definition of eczema or dermatitis? 1:49 What are the symptoms of eczema? 3:15 Are there other kinds of eczema or dermatitis? 4:37 How common is eczema? 6:06 What are some risks for developing eczema? 6:23 What are some triggers for eczema? 6:46 Does eczema look the same in children and adults? 7:09 Can you outgrow eczema? 7:47 What problems can arise from having eczema? 8:00 What is the treatment for eczema? 8:54 What is the best way to moisturize ...

Eczema

January 25, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the definition of eczema or dermatitis? 1:49 What are the symptoms of eczema? 3:15 Are there other kinds of eczema or dermatitis? 4:37 How common is eczema? 6:06 What are some risks for developing eczema? 6:23 What are some triggers for eczema? 6:46 Does eczema look the same in children and adults? 7:09 Can you outgrow eczema? 7:47 What problems can arise from having eczema? 8:00 What is the treatment for eczema? 8:54 What is the best way to moisturize ...

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders

January 06, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.92 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What does TMJ stand for? 1:40 Are TMJ disorders common? 2:43 What conditions are associated with TMJ disorders? 3:18 Should I see my doctor if I have TMJ problems? 3:46 What are some risks for developing TMJ disorders? 4:21 What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders? 4:54 What are the different causes of TMJ disorders? 6:14 Are any special tests needed to diagnose TMJ disorders? Do I need to see a specialist? 7:34 Does everyone need treatment for TMJ disorders? 8:2...

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders

January 06, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.92 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What does TMJ stand for? 1:40 Are TMJ disorders common? 2:43 What conditions are associated with TMJ disorders? 3:18 Should I see my doctor if I have TMJ problems? 3:46 What are some risks for developing TMJ disorders? 4:21 What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders? 4:54 What are the different causes of TMJ disorders? 6:14 Are any special tests needed to diagnose TMJ disorders? Do I need to see a specialist? 7:34 Does everyone need treatment for TMJ disorders? 8:2...

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

December 07, 2020 15:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? 1:40 What causes PCOS? 3:02 What causes the actual cysts that develop on the ovaries? 4:41 What symptoms are caused by high levels of androgens? 5:38 What other conditions are associated with PCOS? 6:18 Why do I need blood work? 7:31 Is there any problem with having irregular periods? 8:07 Do diet and exercise actually help with my symptoms? 8:37 What should my exercise goals be? 10:09 How does the birth control pill ...

Emergency Birth Control

December 02, 2020 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.35 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the 'emergency' in emergency birth control? 1:52 What should I do if I'm considering emergency birth control? 2:28 What are the different options for emergency birth control? 2:53 What is the morning after pill? 3:07 When is the morning after pill effective? 3:35 What is Plan B AKA Next Choice AKA Option 2 AKA NorLevo? 3:44 When is this effective? 4:19 What is Ella? 4:32 What are the downsides of Ella? 5:01 When would you use a copper IUD for emergency ...

Emergency Birth Control

December 02, 2020 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.35 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the 'emergency' in emergency birth control? 1:52 What should I do if I'm considering emergency birth control? 2:28 What are the different options for emergency birth control? 2:53 What is the morning after pill? 3:07 When is the morning after pill effective? 3:35 What is Plan B AKA Next Choice AKA Option 2 AKA NorLevo? 3:44 When is this effective? 4:19 What is Ella? 4:32 What are the downsides of Ella? 5:01 When would you use a copper IUD for emergency ...

Birth Control Without Hormones

November 27, 2020 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What are the different kinds of birth control without hormones? 1:49 How effective is birth control without hormones? 3:45 What are the side effects of birth control without hormones? 5:55 What are some of the benefits of birth control without hormones? 6:21 What are IUDs (intrauterine devices) without hormones? 7:09 Why would I want a copper IUD instead of a IUD with hormones? 7:39 How do you insert a copper IUD? Are they similar to IUDs with hormones? 7:57 Wh...

Birth Control with Hormones

November 24, 2020 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What are the different types of birth control with hormones? 1:50 What are the non-pregnancy benefits of birth control with hormones? 2:28 When shouldn't someone use birth control with hormones? 3:24 Is birth control with hormones dangerous? 4:41 Do these methods of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? 5:11 What are the side effects of hormones? 5:32 How do you know when the dose is right for me? 6:39 How does the birth control pill wor...

Birth Control with Hormones

November 24, 2020 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What are the different types of birth control with hormones? 1:50 What are the non-pregnancy benefits of birth control with hormones? 2:28 When shouldn't someone use birth control with hormones? 3:24 Is birth control with hormones dangerous? 4:41 Do these methods of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? 5:11 What are the side effects of hormones? 5:32 How do you know when the dose is right for me? 6:39 How does the birth control pill wor...

Birth Control Basics

November 20, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is contraception or birth control? 2:25 What are some different kinds of birth control? 3:03 Are some methods better than others? 4:06 How do these methods work? 5:58 What actually happens in the body when I get pregnant? 5:58 What are the hormones involved in pregnancy? How do they work? 7:41 What actually causes my period? 10:22 How does birth control with hormones work? 11:40 Does birth control protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? 13:...

Birth Control Basics

November 20, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is contraception or birth control? 2:25 What are some different kinds of birth control? 3:03 Are some methods better than others? 4:06 How do these methods work? 5:58 What actually happens in the body when I get pregnant? 5:58 What are the hormones involved in pregnancy? How do they work? 7:41 What actually causes my period? 10:22 How does birth control with hormones work? 11:40 Does birth control protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? 13:...

Asthma Attacks

November 13, 2020 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.32 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What is an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation? 2:12 What are the symptoms of an asthma attack? 2:36 What are some risks for having an asthma attack? 3:14 How do I know if I'm having an asthma attack? 4:02 What should I do if I'm having an asthma attack? 4:46 What is done in the emergency department if I have an asthma attack? 5:24 Will I need to stay in the hospital after an asthma attack? 6:14 How do I prevent future asthma attacks? 6:38 Are there any major ...

Asthma Attacks

November 13, 2020 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.32 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What is an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation? 2:12 What are the symptoms of an asthma attack? 2:36 What are some risks for having an asthma attack? 3:14 How do I know if I'm having an asthma attack? 4:02 What should I do if I'm having an asthma attack? 4:46 What is done in the emergency department if I have an asthma attack? 5:24 Will I need to stay in the hospital after an asthma attack? 6:14 How do I prevent future asthma attacks? 6:38 Are there any major ...

Adult Asthma

November 12, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the definition of asthma? 1:47 How common is asthma? 2:30 What are the symptoms of asthma? 2:42 What makes these symptoms worse? 3:10 Is asthma the only cause of wheeze? 4:42 What factors increase my risk of developing asthma? 5:19 Are there conditions associated with asthma? 6:12 How is asthma diagnosed? 6:43 What is spirometry? 8:08 Are there any other special tests done to diagnose asthma? 8:55 What is occupational asthma? 9:20 What is considered 'w...

Preschool and Childhood Asthma

November 06, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is the definition of asthma? 1:46 What are the symptoms of asthma? 2:50 Is asthma the only cause of wheeze? 3:22 How often do children experience symptoms? 3:58 Do children outgrow asthma? 4:43 How common is asthma in children? 4:58 Do genetics play a role in asthma? 5:19 How is preschool asthma diagnosed? 6:19 Can you diagnose asthma after the first episode? 8:05 Are there special tests used to diagnose asthma? 8:31 Which puffer or treatment is used? 9:02...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

October 07, 2020 23:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  What is IBS? 2:12 Who gets IBS? 2:48 What are risk factors for developing IBS? 3:13 What causes IBS? Is it dangerous? 3:58 Does this mean I have an allergy to specific foods? 4:54 What’s the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance? 5:14 What are other symptoms of IBS? 6:07 How long do you need to have symptoms to be diagnosed with IBS? 7:01 Is IBS associated with diarrhea or constipation 7:40 When should I be worried that my symptoms aren’t becau...

Anxiety

September 29, 2020 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What does anxiety actually mean? 2:15 Is it normal to have some anxiety? 4:08 How common are anxiety disorders? 5:03 What are some risks for developing anxiety? 6:00 Can anxiety come and go? 7:29 How long do you need to have anxiety to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder? 7:29 What are panic attacks? 8:17 How do you generally treat anxiety disorders? 9:47 Why should you avoid caffeine in anxiety disorders? 11:35 What are specific phobias? 12:10 How do you tre...

Anxiety

September 29, 2020 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What does anxiety actually mean? 2:15 Is it normal to have some anxiety? 4:08 How common are anxiety disorders? 5:03 What are some risks for developing anxiety? 6:00 Can anxiety come and go? 7:29 How long do you need to have anxiety to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder? 7:29 What are panic attacks? 8:17 How do you generally treat anxiety disorders? 9:47 Why should you avoid caffeine in anxiety disorders? 11:35 What are specific phobias? 12:10 How do you tre...

ADHD

September 28, 2020 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is ADD/ADHD? Is there a difference? 1:52 Can you be diagnosed with both the inattention and hyperactivity subsets of ADHD? 4:27 How long do you need to have these symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD? 4:42 If my child is showing symptoms at home, is that enough to be diagnosed with ADHD? 5:01 Why do you need to have symptoms in multiple settings? 5:34 What methods are used for screening patients with ADHD and why? 6:29 Is ADHD my fault? Is it because of my p...

ADHD

September 28, 2020 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is ADD/ADHD? Is there a difference? 1:52 Can you be diagnosed with both the inattention and hyperactivity subsets of ADHD? 4:27 How long do you need to have these symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD? 4:42 If my child is showing symptoms at home, is that enough to be diagnosed with ADHD? 5:01 Why do you need to have symptoms in multiple settings? 5:34 What methods are used for screening patients with ADHD and why? 6:29 Is ADHD my fault? Is it because of my p...

Psychotherapy and Depression

September 25, 2020 01:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

In this episode, we discuss: What is psychotherapy or cognitive therapy? 2:03 What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)? 3:04 Does talking actually work to make you feel better? 4:12 What are some bad thought patterns that can worsen depression? 5:38 Is psychotherapy a lot of work? 8:21 What does the homework for psychotherapy look like? 8:54 When should I do this homework? 10:35 What is the time commitment for psychotherapy? 11:22 Is psychotherapy done individually or in a group? 11:22...

Medications and Depression

September 24, 2020 22:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  How do these medications work? 1:56 Are these medications dangerous? 1:56  Do these medications work immediately? 3:08 How long will I be on these medications? 4:43 Do I need these medications once I feel better? 5:03 How do I know if the medication is working? 5:23 What are the side effects? 6:17 Are these medications addictive? 8:10 Should I stop taking these medications immediately if I experience side effects? 8:21 What are the key takeways on the medicatio...

Medications and Depression

September 24, 2020 22:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MB

In this episode, we discuss:  How do these medications work? 1:56 Are these medications dangerous? 1:56  Do these medications work immediately? 3:08 How long will I be on these medications? 4:43 Do I need these medications once I feel better? 5:03 How do I know if the medication is working? 5:23 What are the side effects? 6:17 Are these medications addictive? 8:10 Should I stop taking these medications immediately if I experience side effects? 8:21 What are the key takeways on the medicatio...

What is Depression?

September 24, 2020 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.87 MB

In this episode, we discuss: How common is depression? 1:37 What actually is the definition of depression? 2:25 If I feel down, does that mean I'm depressed? 3:33 What else can cause depression? 4:15 Why might blood work be done in depression? 5:29 What causes depression? 7:27 What are the main treatments of depression? 8:44 What is psychotherapy? 8:44 What medications are used in the treatment of depression? 10:04 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TheDrDictionary The Black...

Doctor Dictionary - Trailer

September 22, 2020 23:00 - 4 minutes - 2.83 MB

A continuation of your doctor's appointment, based on real questions asked by real patients during real appointments. Hosted by Dr. Josh Fletcher and Jake Blum, our goal is to help you understand exactly why your doctor asked what they asked and answer any burning questions you had or have thought of since your appointment. Welcome to Doctor Dictionary. Twitter: @TheDrDictionary Email: [email protected]  DISCLAIMER:  This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional ...

Doctor Dictionary - Trailer

September 22, 2020 23:00 - 4 minutes - 2.83 MB

A continuation of your doctor's appointment, based on real questions asked by real patients during real appointments. Hosted by Dr. Josh Fletcher and Jake Blum, our goal is to help you understand exactly why your doctor asked what they asked and answer any burning questions you had or have thought of since your appointment. Welcome to Doctor Dictionary. Twitter: @TheDrDictionary Email: [email protected]  DISCLAIMER:  This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional ...