(w)healthy

In Canada, more than 772,000 people are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to nearly double within the next 20 years. Which is why today we are joined by Dr. Pieter Strauss, a physician and clinical researcher who is not just observing where Alzheimer's research is going, he's actively involved in the trials that are shaping what's coming next!

Just over a year ago on Day of Giving the community rallied to raise funds to bring Vinni, a surgical robot, to Kelowna General Hospital. A year later we are joined by the Head of Robotics, Dr. Dimitri Coutsinos, to get an update on Vinni's first months at KGH and hear about all of the amazing work they've been up to! Whether you donated to the campaign or saw Vinni around town this is an update you won't want to miss!

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and we are beyond excited to be introducing a very special new member of the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic, Dr. Talyta Grippe. Dr. Grippe is a neurologist with specialized training in neurophysiology and Parkinson's disease, and brings with her to Kelowna an extremely specialized knowledge base and emerging therapies. Through a partnership between the KGH Foundation and the Humphreys Family Foundation, a new model of care is being built, one that doesn’t just bring specialists here but supports them to do the full scope of their work.

Spring has sprung and with the nicer weather finally settling in to the Okanagan Valley you may have noticed the runners are back! But lots of us wonder what sort of impact running has on our joints? In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast we are joined by JF Esculier, a physiotherapist and co-founder of MoveMed Physiotherapy in Kelowna. Whether you're new to running or a seasoned pro JF answers all the burning questions you're bound to have!

You may recognize Patrick from his former position as a KGH Foundation Board Member but did you know that Patrick's first true connection with KGH was at the beginning of his kidney disease journey? 10 years later and Patrick is the grateful recipient of a kidney transplant and has dedicated his time to community and giving back, wherever possible!

To become an organ donor or to learn more about kidney disease visit https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Be-an-Organ-Donor

In Canada our health care system is labelled as 'universal' but what does that really mean? And what does it look like in practice? In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast we are joined by economist, Dr. Ross Hickey, who breaks it down for us and explains how the 'universal' system actually works in Canada, how other systems are working elsewhere, and the vital role community plays in it all.

No matter how much knowledge you already have on the system this is an episode where you're sure to learn something new!

In our second conversation with Elder Leon Louis, he shares syilx teachings on the true meaning of medicine, not just as something we take when we’re sick, but as a living relationship with land, water, plants, ceremony, and community. Guided by the Medicine Wheel, he speaks to balance across the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of our lives, and the responsibility we carry for the natural world.

In Loving Memory of

CEWEL’NA

Leon Louis

17 October, 1951 - 21 March, 2026

“Way kulenchuten, thank you grandmothers and grandfathers for this life”

Do you have someone in your life who’s routines and day to day activities look a bit different? Or maybe that someone is you, always struggling to catch your tail? In this week’s episode of the (w)healthy podcast, host Shauna Nyrose sits down with adult ADHD specialist Irene Spelliscy to talk about how ADHD can manifest for adults and you may be surprised to learn just how many aspects of one’s life it is affecting.

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast we are beyond excited to be joined by Dr. Jeff Wong, the new Head of Pediatrics at Kelowna General Hospital.

Speaking with Dr. Wong is like a breathe of fresh air and we feel that the conversation needs little introduction. If you live in the Okanagan and you have children, plan to, or know someone with children you're going to want to tune in!

Join KGH Foundation CEO Allison Young on the year-end episode of the (w)healthy Podcast as we revisit key moments from 2025, share campaign progress, and outline hopeful plans for 2026.Happy holidays from the KGH Foundation Team.