A Check-Up on Healthcare

The Unknown Affect of Over-the-counter Drugs, Herbal Medicine, and Vitamins.

Happy New Year! It is finally 2021. Although the days go on, it gives us hope for a better year. Congratulations to Mr. Joe Biden on his inauguration and Ms. Kamala Harris for becoming the FIRST WOMAN and PERSON OF COLOUR to become Vice President. Great things to come. As we begin this year, we have many vaccinations occurring all over Canada. However, it is crucial to maintain our healthy immunity, which may call for the use of medications. Unfortunately, varying sorts of medications can have negative effects, and it is vital to ensure safe use. Knowing what, when, and how much to take medication is an important factor that each resident should consider, while staying at home. It can be difficult to make this choice without a casual visit to the pharmacist, so I have brought the pharmacist to you! Therefore, in this episode, I speak to pharmacist Amanpreet Purba about the effects of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal medicine, and multivitamins on immunity. By listening to this episode, you can expect a better grasp of the outcomes of employing each type of medication/supplement.  On a side note, this year has begun with a strict lockdown and for some, a major curfew, which can take a major toll on everyone's mental health, and it is not easy at all. Please give yourself time to breathe and relax, especially for all students struggling with online school, or university/college applications. It can get very overwhelming. I feel the anxiety within myself as well. But of course, we will get through this, and I am here if you ever need to talk :)  As always, thanks for listening and send in your feedback through the Instagram page @checkuponhealthcare. Also, great news! The podcast is now also available on Apple Podcasts, so be sure to tune in and leave a rating! Stay tuned for the upcoming brand new series all about the university (Canada)! As always, stay safe and be kind to your mind!

A Race for Vaccines: A Miracle or Hazard?

The Final Episode of 2020! Welcome back to all the previous listeners, and a great big welcome to the new ones! As you may have heard, COVID-19 vaccines are finally ready and are already being employed around the world. However, with great news comes great confusion. Hence, to relieve some tension and clear the air of crazy myths lingering around social media, I spoke with Gurinder Khokhar, an experienced local pharmacist. He discusses the process behind the preparation of the BioNtech Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, along with the potential risks you should be aware of. Additionally, he has provided a few medications and supplements that are effective at improving our immunity during the winter flu season.  The idea of a new vaccine is intriguing in many ways, and it completely normal to feel excited but also scared. If we continue to follow guidelines indicated by Health Canada and globally reputed health organizations, we will find our way through this crazy time. Nonetheless, if you ever need anyone to talk to and clear your mind, I will always be happy to listen :)  As always, thanks for listening and send in your feedback through the Instagram page @checkuponhealthcare Stay tuned for 2021's first episode! Have a lovely holiday and Happy New Year!

Becoming A Healthier You Through What You Eat

Halfway through! Welcome back to all the previous listeners, and a great big welcome to the new ones! Ever since this pandemic began, laziness has become inevitable. It is just so easy to remain put on a couch or bed all day. Unfortunately, laziness comes with declining health. So, it's time to get back into shape! But, being in shape is not just about working out, but also eating health foods. In this fifth episode, I spoke to dietician and diabetes management specialist on her advice for shaping a health meal plan, various nutritional ideas and terms include Keto diets and supplements, as well as some tips to effectively ease your way into managing your food intake.  As tough and annoying as it can be, what you put inside of you really matters. Your meals not only shape your body but also your mind. And no, it doesn't mean eating plain boring food. There are many delicious recipes for healthier alternatives of basic junk foods, including cakes, burgers, chips and much more. Hopefully these tips can help you get started! As always, thanks for listening and send in your feedback through the Instagram page @checkuponhealthcare Stay tuned for next month!

Calming Your Covid-19 Blues

Hey Everyone! Welcome back to all the previous listeners, and a great big welcome to the new ones! In this fourth episode, I had the opportunity to speak with third-year medical student Brittany Ladson about the different types of mental health concerns for separate people undergoing various situations. Whether it be the average person continuing their life in quarantine, someone isolated due to compromised immunity, or a frontline worker who must serve their community. Everyone is going through a lot during this pandemic. Our global society as a whole is going through many serious issues. In such circumstances, everyone reacts to stress in different ways, such as lack of sleep, excess anxiety, sadness, change in eating patterns, and for those already suffering from clinical depression, symptoms may amplify. Some, unfortunately, may even feel unsafe at home. Additionally, recognizing the symptoms of mental health issues is not easy and done best by therapists or professionally trained individuals. In today's time, it has become much more crucial to look after ourselves and keep our physical and mental state healthy.  Here are a few resources for anyone who needs them:  * Ontario Stress Coping Help Line: 211 * Brampton Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868 * Brampton Telehealth Help Line: 1-866-797-0000 * Brampton Assaulted Women's Help Line: 1-888-364-1210 * Brampton Crisis Helplines Website [https://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-static/3838416-brampton-crisis-helplines]  * Ontario COVID-19 Support for People Website [https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people] * WHO COVID-19 Advice Website [https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public]  There is nothing wrong with prioritizing your health and wellness. Find what drives your happiness or seek help to find what works for you. Lastly, if you ever need someone to talk to, I am always open to your DMS :) As always, thanks for listening and send in your feedback through the Instagram page @checkuponhealthcare Stay tuned for next month!

The Struggles and Mental Health Behind Med School

Hey Everyone! This third episode of A Checkup on Healthcare is going to be slightly different. I'll be shifting away from healthcare controversies and will talk to Chan, a second-year med school student who shares her experience and perspective on med school. It is the beginning of a new year, and everyone is going through a transition during this pandemic, whether it is a hybrid learning model or completely online. This episode addresses some questions med students, premeds, and future med students may have. Hopefully, this relieves some stress for those who are entering med school this year. Lastly, a great big good luck to everyone on their new and unique school year! Thanks for listening and send in your feedback through the Instagram page @checkuponhealthcare