Doctor Dictionary

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
How has COVID-19 affected emotional regulation? 10:48
What are some techniques to manage your COVID-19 anxiety? 12:07
What if I have persistent COVID-19 anxiety? 14:17
What is your take-home message? 15:44
What resources do you recommend regarding COVID-19 anxiety? 16:49

Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: https://www.dcogt.com
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca
Faith's Website: https://ontariotherapycentre.ca

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Thank you again to Faith Balshin M.A, M.Sc.(cand), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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 my skin? 10:05
What should I avoid if I have eczema? 11:03
What are steroid creams and how do they work? 11:47
How often should I use my steroid cream? 12:47
Are there different kinds of steroid creams? 13:27
What are the main side effects of steroid creams? 14:01
Why is my eczema not improving with treatment? 15:10
How do you treat severe eczema? 16:08
What other resources do you recommend? 16:32

Canadian Dermatology Association: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/eczema/
Eczema Society of Canada: https://eczemahelp.ca
American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. Miriam Weinstein, Paediatric Dermatologist at North York General Hospital and the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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? 8:29
What are the non-medication treatment options for TMJ disorders? 9:03
What medications are used to treat TMJ disorders? 10:20
What are night guards or dental splints? Do I need surgery? 11:00
What resources do you recommend? 11:42

Canadian Dental Association: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/complications/temporomandibular_disorder/
National Institute of Health: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-12/tmj-disorders.pdf

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. Everton Gooden, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at North York General Hospital in Toronto. 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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 work to treat PCOS? 10:53
What other medications are used for PCOS? 11:46
Does PCOS affect my ability to have kids? 12:44
How can I increase my chances of having a baby? 12:59
What resources do you recommend for more information? 13:58

Young Women's Health: https://youngwomenshealth.org/2014/02/25/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. Eva Knifed, family physician at Discovery Family Health Clinic in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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? 5:21
When wouldn't you use emergency birth control? 5:58
What else is important when considering emergency birth control? 6:26
What resources do you recommend? 7:02

Resources: https://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. David Eisen, Chief of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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
What are the side effects of copper IUDs? 9:11
How long do copper IUDs last? 9:44
When do you consider the surgical methods of birth control? 10:05
Which surgical method of birth control is better? 10:36
What is a vasectomy? 11:34
What are the risks of a vasectomy? 12:25
What is tubal ligation or getting your tubes tied? 13:15
What are the benefits of tubal ligation? 13:58
What are the risks of tubal ligation? 14:34
How effective are the abstinence and withdrawal methods? 15:16
What is the fertility awareness method? 15:50
How do I know when ovulation is occurring? 16:33
Is fertility awareness a good method? 16:56
Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? 17:33
What other resources do you recommend? 18:07

Resources: https://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. David Eisen, Chief of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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 work? 6:52
When should I start taking the pill? 7:54
Does it matter when during the day I take the pill? 8:50
What happens if I miss a pill? 9:09
What is the birth control ring? is it a good methods? 11:03
Can you feel the ring during intercourse? 11:46
What is the birth control patch? 11:51
What are IUDs, or intra-uterine devices? 12:25
What are the benefits of IUDs? 13:05
Are IUDs painful to insert? 13:30
What are the risks of getting an IUD? 14:01
Why might I not want an IUD? 14:42
What are the side effects of an IUD? 15:54
How long can you leave an IUD inserted? 16:14
What are the progesterone-only types of birth control? 16:24
What are specific types and side effects of progesterone-only birth control? 16:53
How often do you get the progesterone injections, and are there side effects? 17:47
What should I do if I want to get pregnant? 18:45
What other resources do you recommend? 20:10

Sex and you -  https://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/
Dr. Dervaitis video series - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk5RWzabWjv4zmrvlrwTo-g

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. David Eisen, Chief of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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)? 13:10
What resources do you recommend for more information on birth control? 13:57

Resources: https://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. David Eisen, Chief of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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 differences between the treatment for child and adult asthma attacks? 7:42
What other resources do you recommend? 8:09

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. Jamie Blicker, Emergency Medicine physician at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department. 

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 'well controlled' asthma? 9:53
What is the problem with poorly controlled asthma? 10:57
What are some reasons I may have poorly controlled asthma? 11:24
What is the best way to take my puffers? 12:29
What are the as-needed puffers for asthma? 13:30
What medications are in the combination inhaler? 14:05
What are the side effects of the inhalers? 14:33
What type of puffer is used on a daily basis? 15:08
How long do puffers usually take to work? 15:43
Other than puffers, what else can help my asthma? 15:51
What other resources do you recommend? 16:37

Asthma Canada: https://asthma.ca
Canadian Lung Association: https://www.lung.ca/asthma

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TheDrDictionary

Peer reviewed by Dr. Jamie Blicker, Emergency Medicine physician at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada 
Original music by Nicholas and John Bragagnolo

DISCLAIMER: 
This podcast isnt meant to be a replacement for a traditional doctor’s appointment, nor is it meant to be providing medical advice. Rather, it is meant to supplement your doctor’s visit and explain why your doctor asked what they asked, and help explain the diagnosis and common treatment plans.

Doctors often have very different styles and approaches to a patient and their diagnosis. If we discuss a question or treatment plan that your doctor didnt mention, that doesn’t mean that they are a bad doctor. This could represent a difference in practice style, or the fact that your doctor knows you better than we do, and has created a treatment plan that better fits your lifestyle. 

In case of emergency, please go to your local emergency department.