Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in North America, yet most cases aren't the melanomas most people picture. In this episode kicking off our cancer screening series, we break down the 3 major types of skin cancer, whether you actually need routine screening from your doctor, and how to check your own skin. You'll learn the ABCDE method many people have heard of, plus the CUBED method for palms, soles, and nails — which catches what ABCDE misses, especially in people with darker skin tones. Plus: practical sun protection tips and the sunscreen myths worth unlearning.

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Written by: Goldis Mitra MD

Produced by: Goldis Mitra MD

Reviewers: Maya Geerts; Tahmeena Ali MD; Lesley Duncan; Beata Chami; Birinder Narang MD; Justine Spencer MD

Could your blood pressure be high and warrant treatment? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jesse Bittman, a General Internist specializing in hypertension and obesity medicine, to break down Canada's latest 2025 blood pressure guidelines. We talk about the blood pressure targets that apply to nearly every adult, why catching high blood pressure early can cut your stroke risk dramatically, and the lifestyle changes and medication strategies we're now using to bring numbers down safely and effectively. Whether you've just been diagnosed or are supporting someone who has, this episode gives you the tools to understand your numbers and take control of your health.

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Written by: Goldis Mitra MD

Produced by: Goldis Mitra MD

Reviewers: Lena Legkaia; Maya Geerts

The most accurate blood pressure reading you'll ever get probably won't happen at your doctor's office. In this episode we break down why a single high blood pressure reading is no longer the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension, and what's replaced it.

Learn how to properly check your blood pressure at home, why out-of-office readings often predict heart attack and stroke risk better than clinic visits do, and when your doctor might reach for the 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor to get the full picture.

Skip the white coat jitters — here's how to actually know your numbers.

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Written by: Goldis Mitra MD

Produced by: Goldis Mitra MD

Reviewers: Tahmeena Ali MD; Maya Geerts

Your kid's e-scooter is probably going faster than the law allows — and that's just the start. Dr Alaina Aguanno joins me to dig into why ER visits for e-scooter injuries are exploding, the real reason trampoline parks send more kids to surgery than backyard trampolines, and the one supervision habit that prevents more drownings than swim lessons ever will. Listen in to learn what you need to know before you & your loved ones hit the lake, the bike path, or your next backyard party – while still having a blast.

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Written by: Goldis Mitra MD; Alaina Aguanno MD

Produced by: Goldis Mitra MD

Guests: Alaina Aguanno MD

Reviewers: Tahmeena Ali MD; Lena Legkaia; Lesley Duncan; Jelena Brcic; Justine Spencer MD; Gordana Panic

This summer we're breaking down the real risks of heat-related illness, sunburn, and bug bites — and the evidence-based steps that make a difference to your health. I sit down with Emergency Physician Dr. Alaina Aguanno to discuss who is most vulnerable to heat, the warning signs of heatexhaustion and heat stroke, and how to keep kids and older adults safe before a heat wave hits. We also unpack surprising statistics about sun exposure and skin cancer, and highlight practical sunscreen and sun-protection guidance for every age. Then we top things off with a rundown of what actually works against mosquitos and ticks (spoiler alert: "natural" repellents are backed by very little science!) and what do to if you do get bitten.

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Written by: Goldis Mitra MD; Alaina Aguanno MD

Produced by: Goldis Mitra MD

Guests: Alaina Aguanno MD

Reviewers: Tahmeena Ali MD; Lena Legkaia; Lesley Duncan; Jelena Brcic; Justine Spencer MD; Gordana Panic

Have you ever found yourself staring at a thermometer or nursing a sudden injury, desperately trying to decide whether to brave the emergency department waiting room or just tough it out at home? You aren't alone.

In this episode of The Prevention Playbook, host Dr. Goldis Mitra sits down with Dr. Alaina Aguanno, a Vancouver emergency medicine physician and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. Together, they take the guessing game out of where to seek medical care.

Whether you’re trying to decode your body's vital signs when you're sick or trying to navigate a complex healthcare system without clogging up the Emergency Room, this episode is your ultimate guide to finding the right care at the right time.

High blood pressure affects more than 1 in 4 adults and is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide — yet many people who have it don't even know it. This episode kicks off a 3-part mini-series on hypertension by breaking down exactly what high blood pressure is, why it silently damages your heart and blood vessels over time, and what's actually driving it — from salt and alcohol, to genetics and certain medications. You'll also learn who should be screening and when, including why some people in their 20s and 30s shouldn't wait.

If you want to understand one of the most important ways you can improve long-term health and reduce your cardiovascular risk, this is where to start.

In this first episode of the The Prevention Playbook, Dr. Goldis Mitra pulls back the curtain on the silent "clogged pipes" of the human body: cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Mitra argues that heart and blood vessel health is actually about freedom—the freedom to travel without needing a dialysis machine or simply walk up the stairs without gasping for air. Think of a cardiovascular risk assessment as a high-stakes home inspection: you’re hunting for the leaks and faulty wiring before the whole house crumbles. From debunking the "I feel fine" myth to explaining why your genetics might lead you to face unique hurdles, this episode is a wake-up call to start screening early. Whether you’re 20 or 60, it’s time to stop leaving your quality of life to chance and start investing in the 80-year-old version of yourself.

The Prevention Playbook is hosted by family physician Dr. Goldis Mitra. Primary care is in crisis everywhere, and not all the health information out there is backed by solid evidence. Dr. Mitra cuts through the noise with practical, evidence-based guidance on the preventive care and lifestyle habits you need to stay healthy long-term — explaining not just what to do, but why.

Drawing on reputable guidelines and research, free from pharmaceutical or commercial funding, the show breaks down complex health topics into accessible, bite-sized episodes that help you take real ownership of your health.