Imagine walking down to your local convenience store on an average day. You want to buy your favourite ice-cold can of Coca Cola but you notice that it costs 20% more. Do you still buy it? Maybe you do or maybe you don’t. You later find out that these taxes were imposed by the government to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks. How would you feel about that? Join us on the Public Health Insight Podcast as we unpack the polarizing idea behind health taxes on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, tobacco, and whether there should be a health tax when purchasing mobile devices.References for Our Discussion World Health Organization: Health taxes: a primerUMass Medical School: Would a fast food tax improve public health?Podcast Co-HostsLeshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, CAPM®William Wang, BA, MPHGordon Thane, BMSc., MPHBen Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHLinda Holdbrook, BSc, MPHSulaiman Alhalbouni, BMSc, MPHShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsLakey Inspired - Reminisce DeKobe - Left Behind [Full Album]Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Stroke Thrombectomy, also known as Mechanical Thrombectomy, is a new highly effective time-sensitive medical intervention that has demonstrated the potential to reverse paralysis from a stroke in over 60% of patients. Dr. Dileep Yavagal, a world-leading interventional stroke neurologist and Chair of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN), joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss his initiative called Mission Thrombectomy (MT) 2020+. This initiative is guided by a systems-thinking approach targeted at all levels of prevention to expand access to stroke treatments and reduce the global morbidity and mortality associated with strokes. References for Our Discussion Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) & Mission Thrombectomy (MT) 2020+: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke-Building Stroke Thrombectomy Systems of Care in Your Region: Why & How?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Grand Rounds: Public Health Strategies to Prevent and Treat StrokesNewswire: A Global Push to Increase Awareness, Action and Access to Thrombectomy Care for Stroke Patients is UnderwayPodcast Guests Dr. Dileep YavagalPodcast Co-HostsBen Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHLeshawn Benedict, HBSc, MPH, MSc, CAPM®Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Share Your Thoughts With Us!Visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsTwin Musicom - Not Without the RestKevin MacLeod - Almost in F - TranquillitySend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

More than 13.5 million people around the world experience a stroke each year, resulting in over 5 million deaths.  As the fourth leading cause of death, it is important that public health continue focusing on health promotion, while healthcare focuses on medical interventions. Dr. Dileep Yavagal, a world renowned Interventional Stroke Neurologist, joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss the warning signs, risk factors, and geographic disparities associated with strokes. This conversation highlights the importance of synergizing high-quality preventative efforts with innovative medical interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with strokes. References for Our Discussion Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) & Mission Thrombectomy (MT) 2020+: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke-Building Stroke Thrombectomy Systems of Care in Your Region: Why & How?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Grand Rounds: Public Health Strategies to Prevent and Treat StrokesNewswire: A Global Push to Increase Awareness, Action and Access to Thrombectomy Care for Stroke Patients is UnderwayPodcast Guests Dr. Dileep Yavagal Podcast Co-HostsBen Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHLeshawn Benedict, HBSc, MPH, MSc, CAPM®Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Share Your Thoughts With Us!Visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsTwin Musicom - Not Without the RestKevin MacLeod - Almost in F - TranquillitySend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, fellow Western University Master of Public Health (MPH) Alumni, Samantha Yang and Janel Dhooma join the Public Health Insight Podcast for a friendly light-hearted conversation about our evolving understanding of public health. In this episode, we reflect on our journeys into public health from different backgrounds, lessons learned from our early careers, discovering your passion in public health, and the best 2020 memories from Public Health Insight.Podcast Guests Samantha Yang, BScFN, MPH, RDJanel Dhooma, BASc, RKin, MPHPodcast Co-HostsWilliam Wang, BA, MPHLeshawn Benedict, HBSc, MPH, MSc, CAPM®Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsAaron Kenny - Christmas Village E’s Jammy Jams - Nighttime Stroll E’s Jammy Jams - Book BagKevin MacLeod - Poppers and ProseccoE’s Jammy Jams - Present DayE’s Jammy Jams - Silent Night (Instrumental Jazz) Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Structural racism in education, the socioeconomic system, the justice system, and the healthcare system has been shown to widen health disparities, often disproportionately impacting Black communities. Dami, Danielle, and Lwam remain with the Public Health Insight Podcast for part 2 of our discussion highlighting key findings from a collaborative Anti-Black Racism report. In this episode, we apply systems-thinking to the issue of anti-Black racism, along with some strength-based approaches and next steps for those interested in becoming more involved in the fight against anti-Black racism. Link to the full report available below.References for Our Discussion Boyd, C. , Nandola, R., Lawal, M., & Oluwayemi, O., ... & Rawlinson, D. (2020). The Urgent Need for a System-Thinking Approach to Address Anti-Black Racism in Ontario: A Call to Action for Decision Makers and Policy Makers. Toronto, Ont. : ETIO Public Health Consultants & Public Health Insight.Podcast Guests Dami Lawal, BSc, MMAScDanielle Rawlinson, BA, JDLwam Mehari, BA, MPHPodcast Co-HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Ben Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHWilliam Wang, BA, MPHLinda Holdbrook, BSc, MPHShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsLakey Inspired - The DreamerToonorth - CitrineMasked man - Ish HappensAso - Sunsetsarbour x drkmnd - Interstellar knowmadic - facesNokiaa x nofeels - All UsJuan RIOS - petricorStrehlow - Mila CoolnessMonma - PotionSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Recent events of high profile cases of unarmed black men and women dying at the hands of police has reopened wounds of historical traumas experienced by many black communities. This frequent and ongoing occurrence highlights the need to move beyond selective outrage to create more sustained action. With this in mind, Public Health Insight is committed to collaborating with other organizations and individuals to tackle systemic challenges that impact public health and global health. In this episode (part 1 of 2), three guests join the Public Health Insight to discuss some key findings of a collaborative report titled “The Urgent Need for a Systems-Thinking Approach to Address Anti-Black Racism in Ontario: A Call to Action for Decision Makers and Policy Makers’. References for Our Discussion ETIO Public Health Consultants, Public Health Insight, & Danielle Rawlinson: The Urgent Need for a Systems-Thinking Approach to Address Anti-Black Racism in Ontario: A Call to Action for Decision Makers and Policy Makers (coming soon)Podcast Guests Dami Lawal, BSc, MMAScDanielle Rawlinson, BA, JDLwam Mehari, BA, MPHPodcast Co-HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Ben Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHWilliam Wang, BA, MPHLinda Holdbrook, BSc, MPHShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsToonorth - CitrineMasked man - Ish HappensAso - Sunsetsarbour x drkmnd - Interstellar knowmadic - facesNokiaa x nofeels - All UsJuan RIOS - petricorStrehlow - Mila CoolnessMonma - PotionSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that usually occurs at the same time every year in a seasonal pattern. Though the most common and familiar type of SAD occurs in the fall/winter months, a less common form of SAD affects people during the spring and summer months. The Public Health Insight Podcast delves deeper into the signs and symptoms, potential causes, public health significance, evidence-based interventions, and the importance of following up with healthcare providers. References for Our Discussion The Guardian: As darker days approach, it’s time to take seasonal depression seriously (by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett)Mayo Clinic: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)Podcast Co-HostsWilliam Wang, BA, MPHBen Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHGordon Thane, BMSc., MPHLeshawn Benedict, HBSc, MPH, MSc, CAPM®Linda Holdbrook, BSc, MPHSulaiman Alhalbouni, BMSc, MPHShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsLakey Inspired - Reminisce DeKobe - Left Behind [Full Album]Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Tim Davis is an educator, mental health advocate, coach, and author of the book titled ‘TRIPOLAR: The Story of A Bipolar Triathlete’. In the previous episode featuring part one of two in our two-part mini-series on lived experience, Tim shared his story of childhood trauma and grief, substance use, and the mental health challenges he faced following the tragic passing of his father. He remains with the Public Health Insight Podcast to transition our conversation to focus on his experience with suicidal ideation, his bipolar diagnosis, and how running and triathlons became a crucial part of his path to recovery. Tim also shares some words of encouragement at the end of the episode for others who may be struggling with mental health illness, substance use and addictions.Trigger WarningPlease note that this episode will discuss issues around mental illness and trauma, and may contain sensitive or triggering content. The purpose of this episode is to minimize the stigma associated with men’s mental illness and to create a culture in a society that promotes a safe space for men to be vulnerable and seek help when needed. If you or someone you love has been impacted by suicide, you are not alone. Please use your discretion when listening to this content and connect to the appropriate supports as needed. For our listeners in Canada, Crisis Services Canada offers a national suicide prevention hotline which can be reached at 1 833 456 4566 or by text at 45645. Another resource for people who prefer to correspond via text message is Crisis Text Line - you can get in touch with trained Crisis Counsellors 24/7 by texting ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsBlue Boi by Lakey InspiredChill Wave by Kevin MacLeodGymnopedie No. 1 (Erik Satie) by Kevin MacLeodThe Dreamer by Lakey InspiredSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

In previous Public Health Insight Podcast episodes, you may have learned about opioids, harm reduction, safe consumption sites, and the broader social determinants of health that have population-level impacts. In part 1 of this mini-series, Tim Davis, author of TRIPOLAR: The Story of A Bipolar Triathlete, joins the podcast to share his lived experience with childhood trauma, substance use and addictions, and thoughts of suicide. Trigger WarningPlease note that this episode will discuss issues around mental illness and trauma, and may contain sensitive or triggering content. The purpose of this episode is to minimize the stigma associated with men’s mental illness and to create a culture in society that promotes a safe space for men to be vulnerable and seek help when needed. If you or someone you love has been impacted by suicide, you are not alone. Please use your discretion when listening to this content and connect to the appropriate supports as needed. For our listeners in Canada, Crisis Services Canada offers a national suicide prevention hotline which can be reached at 1 833 456 4566 or by text at 45645. Another resource for people who prefer to correspond via text message is Crisis Text Line - you can get in touch with trained Crisis Counsellors 24/7 by texting ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Music CreditsOver Time by AudionautixHome by DeKobeMonroe by Lakey InspiredSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

According to LivingWorks, a global suicide prevention organization, we are more likely to come in contact with someone in need of suicide intervention than we are to come in contact with someone needing CPR. Why do you think there is less emphasis on suicide prevention and intervention skills compared to other negative health outcomes, from a societal perspective? The Public Health Insight Podcast discusses the levels of suicide prevention (i.e., universal, selective, and indicated) and provides an overview of the various suicide prevention models or frameworks, such as the Socio-Ecological Model, Zero Suicide, Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Roots of Hope, and other community-led models. The conversation concludes with an analysis their strengths and limitations, and other community strategies moving forward to invest in holistic suicide prevention.If you or someone you know has been thinking about or impacted by suicide, you are not alone. For our listeners in Canada, Crisis Services Canada offers a national suicide prevention hotline which can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 or by text at 45645. Another resource for people who prefer to correspond via text message is the Crisis Text Line - you can get in touch with trained Crisis Counsellors 24/7 by texting ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.References for Our Discussion Public Health Agency of Canada: Language Matters: Safe Language and Messages for Suicide PreventionWorld Health Organization (WHO): National suicide prevention strategies: progress, examples and indicatorsShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming the lives of more than 800,000 people each year. September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in many jurisdictions across the world, however, it often does not receive the attention and urgency it deserves. The Public Health Insight Podcast discusses the importance of raising awareness of suicide and intentional self-harm, protective factors, the role of stigma, the need to use appropriate language, how to recognize the warning signs, and COVID-19’s impact on the incidence of suicide and prevalence of self-harm.Please use your discretion when listening to this content and connect to the appropriate supports as needed. If you or someone you know has been thinking about or impacted by suicide, you are not alone. For our listeners in Canada, Crisis Services Canada offers a national suicide prevention hotline which can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 or by text at 45645. Another resource for people who prefer to correspond via text message is the Crisis Text Line - you can get in touch with trained Crisis Counsellors 24/7 by texting ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.References for Our Discussion Public Health Agency of Canada: Language Matters: Safe Language and Messages for Suicide PreventionWorld Health Organization (WHO): National suicide prevention strategies: progress, examples and indicatorsPartnership with ‘Moving Beyond Repair’ - A Student-Led Conference hosted by the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public HealthOver the course of 3 days you can explore upstream approaches to Public Health Emergencies, engage with experts in Public Health, and listen to emerging student research. Not only will you have access to webinar sessions, you will also be able to attend interactive workshops and small-scale social networking events. The conference takes place from Thursday, November 12th to Saturday, November 14th - it is FREE to register.Learn more about  Moving Beyond Repair and secure your tickets by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moving-beyond-repair-upstream-approaches-to-public-health-emergencies-registration-127036534695. Wherever you are in the world, everyone is invited to attend.Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada. In Canada, almost 150,000 people, aged 65 and older, were hospitalized for injuries between 2017 and 2018. The majority of injuries were caused by falls, and every year, it is estimated 1 in 3 seniors aged 65 years and older are likely to fall at least once. Falls are a result of a combination of multiple risk factors and therefore requires a multi-pronged public health approach. The Public Health Insight Podcast examines promising practices and evidence-based interventions across the areas of falls risk assessments, the 3Es of injury prevention (i.e., engineering, education, and enforcement), exercise programs, the role of healthcare providers, community, and supportive policies. Is there more we should be doing to address falls or should we be more focused on creating an environment for seniors to maintain their independence?References for Our Discussion American Public Health Association (APHA) | Nation’s Health: Preventing senior falls requires community approach: CDC resources help health workers create programs that workPartnership with ‘Moving Beyond Repair’ - A Student-Led Conference hosted by the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public HealthOver the course of 3 days you can explore upstream approaches to Public Health Emergencies, engage with experts in Public Health, and listen to emerging student research. Not only will you have access to webinar sessions, you will also be able to attend interactive workshops and small-scale social networking events. The conference takes place from Thursday, November 12th to Saturday, November 14th - it is FREE to register.Learn more about  Moving Beyond Repair and secure your tickets by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moving-beyond-repair-upstream-approaches-to-public-health-emergencies-registration-127036534695. Wherever you are in the world, everyone is invited to attend.Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The World Health Organization defines a fall as “an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground,  floor or other lower level.” Fall-related injuries may be fatal or non-fatal, however, most are non-fatal, but may still result in significant injury or disability. Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, second only to road traffic incidents. November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada and the Public Health Insight Podcast seized the opportunity to discuss this historical month-long commitment to raising awareness about the incidence of falls, the underlying causes and associated risk factors, and negative health outcomes that occur as a result of falling. References for Our Discussion American Public Health Association (APHA) | Nation’s Health: Preventing senior falls requires community approach: CDC resources help health workers create programs that workShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

In the United States, older adults over the age of 65 currently represent 16% of the population, and this is expected to increase to 25% by the year 2060. Globally, there were 703 million people over the age of 65 years in 2019 and the total number of older persons is projected to more than double to 1.5 billion in 2050. This reality highlights the need for an ‘Age-Friendly’ society that meets their complex health needs associated with the expected increase in the number and severity of comorbidities and chronic diseases. Krithika Srivats, leader of HGS’s Healthcare Clinical Practice, joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to share her knowledge and expertise about some of the promising practices of the Frailty Framework, the need to integrate an age-friendly approach into care management for the aging population, and the desire of older adults to age in place in their communities.References for Our Discussion Social Work Today: Age-Friendly Health Systems: What Matters MostRush Center for Excellence in Aging (CEA): Age-Friendly Health System: Introducing The 4Ms Framework for an Age-Friendly Health SystemShare Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by ultimatearm from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

3.5 million Canadians are considered primary caregivers for someone living with dementia. These caregivers are often unpaid and rarely receive formal support, leading to high rates of burnout and other negative health outcomes. Rishawn Dindial and Praja Vaikuntharajan share their knowledge with the Public Health Insight Podcast about the burden experienced by dementia caregivers and how healthcare technology, such as the Memoryz App, can be used to alleviate caregiver dual-role strain.Partnership with the Global Health Students and Young Professionals SummitThe Canadian Global Health Students & Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS) aims to give space to students and young professionals (SYPs) involved or interested in the global health field. This is the forum for global health SYPs to connect, network, engage, and be inspired. Learn more about GHSYPS by visiting: https://ghsyps.ca/. The Summit takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2020 - it is free to register!References for Our Discussion Memoryz: Redefining the Standard of Care The Economist: As humanity ages the numbers of people with dementia will surge Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by monkik from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

More than 50 million people around the world are living with dementia and this number is expected to double every 20 years, as the global life expectancy continues to increase. Dementia is a general term used to describe a collection of symptoms, which includes impaired memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. As part of Dementia Awareness Month, Rishawn Dindial and Praja Vaikuntharajan from Memoryz, a healthcare startup company focusing on dementia care, join the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss some of the unintended consequences of an aging population, the global incidence and prevalence of dementia, gaps in dementia funding and research, and the importance of public health in advocacy and eliminating stigma.Partnership with the Global Health Students and Young Professionals SummitThe Canadian Global Health Students & Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS) aims to give space to students and young professionals (SYPs) involved or interested in the global health field. This is the forum for global health SYPs to connect, network, engage, and be inspired. Learn more about GHSYPS by visiting: https://ghsyps.ca/. The Summit takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2020 - it is free to register!References for Our Discussion Memoryz: Redefining the Standard of Care The Economist: As humanity ages the numbers of people with dementia will surge Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by photo3idea_studio from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Health workers in healthcare facilities, homecare, hospital staff, and many others have long been recognized as crucial components in a functioning and thriving society. They provide crucial services to the public to ensure that population health needs are met. Despite their important societal contributions, the World Health Organization estimates that health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world; this violence can be perpetrated by patients, their caregivers, or members of the general public. The Public Health Insight Podcast discusses the prevalence and incidence of type 2 violence - violence perpetrated by patients and/or visitors, the underlying root causes, and the overall barriers and facilitators of health worker safety.Partnership with the Global Health Students and Young Professionals SummitThe Canadian Global Health Students & Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS) aims to give space to students and young professionals (SYPs) involved or interested in the global health field. This is the forum for global health SYPs to connect, network, engage, and be inspired. Learn more about GHSYPS by visiting: https://ghsyps.ca/. The Summit takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2020 - it is free to register!References for Our Discussion Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Rising Epidemic by Wallace StephensViolence against health workers by WHOSupport Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by Vitaly Gorbachev from www.flaticon.com Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Education as a social determinant of health has the power to improve health outcomes for communities across the world, but what happens when access continues to be an issue for some neighbourhoods and populations? Nicole Vick, Adjunct Professor, TEDx Speaker and Amazon Best Selling Author of Pushing Through: Finding The Light in Every Lesson, remains with the Public Health Insight Podcast to shift our discussion to focus on the disparities in access to education, the barrier of social exclusion and institutional racism in our academic institutions, and how these factors interact to impact the health of already marginalized communities. Share Your Thoughts With Us!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Partnership with the Global Health Students and Young Professionals SummitThe Canadian Global Health Students & Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS) aims to give space to students and young professionals (SYPs) involved or interested in the global health field. This is the forum for global health SYPs to connect, network, engage, and be inspired. Learn more about GHSYPS by visiting: https://ghsyps.ca/. References for Our Discussion Krishni Metivier’s ‘Envisioning Higher Education as Antiracist’ Virginia Commonwealth University’s ‘Why Education Matters to Health: Exploring the Causes’ Support Our ShowIf you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Education is one of the most important modifiable social determinants of health. Despite the power of higher education, many health disparities persist for marginalized and racialized populations. Nicole Vick, TEDx Speaker and Amazon Best Selling Author of Pushing Through: Finding The Light in Every Lesson, joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss the role of education as a social determinant of health, examine racism in higher education as a barrier to the success of racialized students and graduates, and the importance of informal education or public health literacy. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Global Health Students and Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS)Link to event: https://ghsyps.ca/Link to abstract Submission (Due September 20th): https://forms.gle/ATixemoFZNE5FcRr8 If you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Road traffic collisions are largely preventable, however, it consistently remains one of the top 10 leading causes of premature death every year. The Public Health Insight Podcast discusses the role of leadership and institutional management in preventing road traffic collisions and Vision Zero as a framework to address road safety. The conversation concludes with an overview of some effective best practices and evidence-based interventions, such as seatbelts, drink-driving laws, and helmets. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.If you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page (link below) so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community.Icon made by prettycons from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Road traffic collisions are the 8th leading cause of death and one of the most burdensome causes of injury world-wide. In particular, it is the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29. The Public Health Insight Podcast examines road traffic deaths and injuries from a global perspective, some differences between developed and developing countries, and introduces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) geared towards road safety.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.If you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by making a contribution on our Patreon page so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we expand the Public Health Insight Community. Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Social isolation and loneliness are an indication of the number of social supports and the perceived collective quality of those connections. Dr. Mehrete Girmay is a Public Health Analyst based in the U.S. and she remains with the Public Health Insight Podcast to continue our discussion about some of the impacts of social isolation and loneliness on health outcomes, their disproportionate impact on the senior population, and the need for a creative systems-thinking approach that prioritizes equity. If you like our show, feel free to lend us some support by visiting our Patreon page and making a contribution so we can continue creating the content that you enjoy as we build the Public Health Insight Community. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts by commenting on our posts, sending us a direct message through social media, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Until then, we’ll see you in the next one.Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Social isolation and loneliness are often used to refer to the same concept, however, in public health research, some important differences exist. Social isolation is more of an objective measure based on the size of one’s social network and the frequency of social interactions. On the other hand, loneliness refers to the subjective discrepancy between one’s desired level of social connection and actual social connection. Dr. Mehrete Girmay joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss the impact of social isolation on population health and their association with premature mortality and chronic diseases.  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

There are many different harm reduction strategies in public health, including wearing seatbelts while in a vehicle or wearing a helmet when riding a bike. Public Health Insight’s Hosts assemble for a captivating discussion on one of the more controversial harm reduction strategies, referred to as Safe Consumption Sites (SCS). In this conversation, we explore the history of SCS, political and ideological opposition to the sites, and its overall societal benefits. The United States is behind many developed countries in terms of implementing legal safe consumption sites, do you think it's time for the U.S to have Safe Consumption Sites?Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Smashicons from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Racialized and marginalized populations often disproportionately experience negative health outcomes compared to the broader population; COVID-19 is no exception. Linda Holdbrook joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to continue our conversation on the social determinants of health, with a deeper dive into the role racism plays in population health and how the underlying health disparities have been magnified by the ongoing pandemic.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is a central dogma to the field of public health. There are many different definitions of SDOH from reputable organizations, however, in its simplest form, it refers to the social and economic conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age - working as a system to influence the health of populations. Linda Holdbrook joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss some of these SDOH as identified by the World Health Organization and the importance of incorporating these determinants to achieve effective public health practice. As a prelude to our next episode, we ask the question whether racism or racial discrimination, should replace ‘race’ as a social determinant of health. What do you think?We would love it if you followed us and shared your thoughts with us through direct messages on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Abstinence-based messaging and interventions have long been used as the gold standard to deter populations from adopting various types of behaviours that can have detrimental effects on health. However, its limited success in addressing drug addiction and other public health issues has called for a more holistic multi-pronged approach to meet the needs of our modern-day society. Harm reduction is an evidence-based public health strategy that has been implemented to minimize the risk of injury, disease, or death associated with a potentially high-risk or addictive behaviour. Public Health Insight’s Podcast Hosts discuss the underlying principles of harm reduction strategies and the overall weaknesses of stand-alone abstinence-based programs and health promotion campaigns. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Systemic racism in institutions such as the healthcare system can amplify already existing racial and ethnic health disparities. For the past decade, cultural competence has been explored as a potential solution to remedy the mistreatment and substandard care often delivered to people of colour, immigrants, and other marginalized populations. Rose Marcelin joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss some of the promising outcomes that may be achieved if cultural competence is integrated into healthcare practice as well as some limitations in scaling up such initiatives. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Smalllikeart from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The United States of America’s multi-payer privatized healthcare system is drastically different from Canada’s universal single-payer healthcare system, but why does the U.S spend more on healthcare as a percentage of GDP compared to Canada? Rose Marcelin joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss the nuances of these distinct healthcare systems and the importance of accessibility, affordability, and equality in determining healthcare quality and ultimately population health outcomes.If you enjoyed the episode, follow us on your podcast platform of choice and also follow us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] tuned next week when we continue our conversation in the next episode on integrating cultural competence in healthcare as an avenue to address health disparities in vulnerable and marginalized populations. Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Outrage continues in the US and all around the world as a result of George Floyd's death and others at the hands of police brutality, which uncovered how entrenched systemic racism in our society has become, especially anti-black racism... But, what is systemic racism?In this episode, we explore institutional racism as a social determinant of health and the first steps we need to take.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected]. Link to Podcast Episode: https://publichealthinsight.buzzsprout.com/1023340/4097753-racism-the-black-experience-and-the-perpetual-fight-for-equality-part-1Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Opioids are a specific class of analgesic drugs that can be found naturally occurring in the opium poppy plant. It has been documented that this drug has been used since the earliest days of civilization to treat severe acute pain and terminally ill patients. Public Health Insight’s public health professionals discuss how overprescribing opioids based on weak evidence and the subsequent efforts to correct these practices in the past created the current opioid epidemic we are now facing in North America. Remember to follow our podcast on your podcast platform of choice and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. If you would like to hear more about solutions to the opioid epidemic and what has worked successfully in other countries, please let us know by direct messaging us on our social media platforms or emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Prior to the ongoing multi-phased strategies to ease restrictions in jurisdictions across the world, countries were actively exploring innovative ways to return to normal during the COVID-19 pandemic without jeopardizing the health and safety of its citizens. At the centre of those discussions was the topic of Immunity Passports, a legal document issued by an official testing authority following a positive serological antibody test and a negative COVID-19 viral test. PHI’s Public Health Professionals engaged in an informative conversation to explore the potential benefits and limitations associated with Immunity Passports if they would have been adopted as a main strategy to facilitate the safe reopening of the economy and the loosening of public health restrictions as society yearned to return to some level of normalcy. Though very few countries proceeded to integrate immunity passports into their national reopening strategy, this concept was once seriously considered for broader application in the international context. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Flat Icons from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

On Monday, May 25th, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year old African American man was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and has sparked outrage across the country and in other cities across the world. For centuries, the black community has experienced systemic racism and discrimination, particularly at the hand of whites who have been in a historical position of power still to this day. While black men disproportionately experience negative outcomes when interacting with police, black women are also overrepresented in police violence - they are also mothers, sisters, aunts, partners, and friends of these male victims. In Part 2 of the Two-Part State of the Union Roundtable Series, we continue our discussions, from the previous episode, about moving beyond initial discomfort for a more open dialogue on the topic of racism to the urgency and need to sustain the momentum generated by societal outrage in order to achieve meaningful long-term change. We also share some powerful TV shows and movies that can serve as good educational tools about the subject of anti-black racism in the context of the United States.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

On Monday, May 25th, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year old African American man was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and has sparked outrage across the country and in other cities across the world. For centuries, the black community has experienced systemic racism and discrimination, particularly at the hand of whites who have been in a historical position of power still to this day. While black men disproportionately experience negative outcomes when interacting with police, black women are also overrepresented in police violence - they are also mothers, sisters, aunts, partners, and friends of these male victims. In Part 1 of our two-part State of the Union Roundtable Series, Linda Holdbrook, Rose Marcelin, and TeNatalie Golding-Walker join us to share their thoughts on racism, prejudice, discrimination, police brutality, and white privilege.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

During the initial stages of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it became abundantly clear that there were no comprehensive surveillance systems in place to systematically collect and/or report race and ethnic data for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada. This issue was brought to the forefront when it was reported that Black Americans were more likely than the general American population to be diagnosed with and die from COVID-19. Similar health disparities have also been identified for other people of colour and Indigenous groups in North America. Vivetha Thambinathan joins the Public Health Insight Team to discuss the importance of collecting racial and ethnic demographic data in a culturally appropriate manner, the cautions associated with interpreting data without proper context, as well as some strategies to ensure the data informs public health programming and policies to address health inequities. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

On May 1st, 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a nation-wide ban on military assault-style weapons. This ban was implemented 13 days after a gunman murdered 22 people in the province of Nova Scotia, making it the worst mass shooting in Canadian history. According to Amnesty International, more than 500 people across the world die from gun violence and another 2,000 suffer gun-related injuries each day. The Public Health Insight Team frames gun violence as a public health issue as it results in premature morbidity and mortality, and provides a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of gun-control laws in the North American context.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Vaccinations have been one of the greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century, credited with extending global life expectancy, reducing premature mortality and morbidity, and reducing healthcare costs. May 8, 2020, marked the 40th anniversary of smallpox eradication - recent proof that vaccines have prevented millions of deaths each year since its invention. This heralded success of vaccines can often mean it is a victim of its own success as more people decide against immunizing their children. The Public Health Insight Team discusses how vaccine hesitancy poses a threat to public health and the potential re-emergence of previously controlled vaccine-preventable diseases.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at  [email protected]. Icon made by Smashicons from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks can disproportionately affect communities in developing countries with vulnerable public health infrastructure and health systems. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the investment and innovation that may be required to successfully repurpose and scale-up efficient elements of existing public health systems in low-resource settings.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant contributions to human society, most recently in modelling and predicting the spread of infectious diseases in a way that provides decision-makers with helpful information. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the other side of the coin by sharing their thoughts on the practical, ethical, social, and moral implications from the widespread application of AI in public health. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] made by photo3idea_studio from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The agricultural and food production industries have been drastically disrupted by the ongoing pandemic, creating an imbalance in supply and demand that will likely influence the price of healthy and nutritious foods. Jessica Schill, a Policy Advisor for Beef Farmers of Ontario, joins the Public Health Insight Team to discuss food insecurity and the long-term implications for public health.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Global warming has become synonymous with polar bears and melting ice caps. In order to achieve sustainable climate action, climate change advocates are challenged to work collaboratively to reframe the narrative to emphasize the direct and indirect impact on the Earth's global citizens. The Public Health Insight Team discusses some of the nuances at the nexus of environmental health and human health. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] made by Skyclick from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has impacted virtually every country, forever changing the lives of many of the world’s citizens. Lost in all of this, is the rapid propagation of misinformation on the internet and on social media, described succinctly by the term ‘infodemic’. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the negative public health impacts of misinformation and the general public’s responsibility in helping to stop the spread. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The ongoing pandemic has now directly or at least indirectly affected the health and economies of the world's 195 countries. The public health panel discusses the unique implications for those of lower socioeconomic status and what it means if more people fall beneath the poverty line, creating the highest poverty rates observed since the 1990s. The  Public Health Insight Team takes this poverty analysis a step further and examines possible barriers for reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

Refugees are displaced in many countries all around the world in countries with limited financial aid and healthcare human resources. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the unique challenges in the face of the ongoing pandemic and potential future implications for other diseases. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Icon made by Darius Dan from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

There is a growing concern that front-line healthcare workers from all disciplines in hospitals and other care settings are not being provided with the tools to ensure their safety in the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the short and long-term mental health consequences.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Icon Made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

More than ever before the world is interconnected through the process of globalization. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the real-world implications of global health resource imbalances and the untapped potential in other countries.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The societal benefits of social distancing have been well-documented in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 - often left behind are the social, ethical, and cultural consequences. The Public Health Insight Team discusses the implications for vulnerable populations.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Made by Nhor Phai from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

The Public Health Insight Team discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic can be traced to wildlife trade and wet market practices in China. This topic was inspired by a video by Vox called “How wildlife trade is linked to coronavirus”.Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.