Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to affect one in four Canadians in their lifetime, yet many people may not recognize the symptoms until the disease has progressed. Often linked to smoking, COPD causes breathing difficulties that can develop gradually over months or years, making it easy to mistake symptoms for normal ageing. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, Dr. Cory Yamashita, Division Chair of Respirology at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, joins us to discuss the symptoms and risk factors of COPD, the potential long-term effects of vaping and why quitting smoking can make a significant difference for your lung health.

Note: The content of St. Joseph’s DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.

Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey.

The choice of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is extremely personal. In this episode of PatientTalks, a spinoff of the DocTalks podcast, we're joined by Gen Kroeker to talk about her journey with breast cancer and what led her to decide to have breast reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy. Gen speaks to the impact of that choice, vulnerable conversations with her care team, and reflects on the decision years later.

Gen is a model in the 'Show & Tell Lounge' at Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day on Oct. 22, 2026. BRA Day is an opportunity for patients to discover if breast reconstruction after mastectomy is right for them. Attendees will have the chance to meet surgeons, get their questions answered and view real-life results first-hand. The event is free, but registration is required.

If you're interested in donating to the Breast Care Program at St. Joseph's, visit the St. Joseph's Health Care London Foundation's website.

Note: The content of St. Joseph's DocTalks Podcast is for informational purposes only. The material is not intended for and should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a licensed health care practitioner.

Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey.

It's almost impossible these days to watch TV, scroll on social media or take transit without seeing ads for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications have taken the world by storm for treatment of Type-2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Tamara Spaic joins the DocTalks Podcast this episode to talk about the life-changing benefits of GLP-1 medications, side effects and the risk of prescribing them for cosmetic weight loss.

Brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. Produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey.