Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Obicetrapib, Modern Fatherhood, and Indigenous Mental Health During Wildfires

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Obicetrapib, Modern Fatherhood, and Indigenous Mental Health During Wildfires · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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Good morning, everyone!
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Welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow, where we keep you informed on the latest health and medical news from around the world.
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I'm your host, Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow.
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Today, we're diving into a fascinating new development in the world of cardiology: a
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promising experimental cholesterol pill called Obicetrapib.
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This new medication has been making waves in the medical community due to its potential to
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significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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It offers a convenient once-daily dose that could be a game-changer for those struggling to
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manage their cholesterol levels.
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Researchers from Monash University in Australia recently conducted a Phase 3 clinical trial
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involving over 2,500 participants, all of whom were either diagnosed with heart disease or had
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genetically high cholesterol.
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The trial aimed to assess the efficacy of Obicetrapib when taken alongside existing
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cholesterol-lowering therapies.
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Participants were split into two groups: one received the experimental pill, while the other
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was given a placebo.
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After a 12-week period, the group taking Obicetrapib showed a remarkable 32.6% reduction
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in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often referred to as 'bad cholesterol,' and a 33.5%
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drop in lipoprotein(a).
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Lipoprotein(a) is particularly interesting because it's a protein that significantly
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increases the risk of heart attacks when present in high levels in the blood.
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Unlike low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) is an inherited risk factor and
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is notoriously difficult to manage with lifestyle changes or traditional medications.
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The ability of Obicetrapib to lower these levels is a promising breakthrough.
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Professor Stephen Nicholls, the study lead and director of Monash University’s Victorian Heart
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Institute, highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that many people at high risk
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of heart attack or stroke struggle to achieve sufficiently low cholesterol levels, even with
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the best available treatments.
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Obicetrapib could offer a new, effective option for these patients.
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It's important to mention that while the results are promising, the study did have some
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limitations.
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The participants were not specifically selected for high lipoprotein(a) levels, so the impact
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on individuals with elevated levels of this protein remains uncertain.
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Furthermore, the study focused on changes in cholesterol levels rather than actual heart
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attack or stroke outcomes, which means more research is needed to fully understand the
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long-term benefits of Obicetrapib.
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This medication was developed by NewAmsterdam Pharma, and the researchers noted that it was
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well-tolerated by the participants, which is always encouraging when considering a new
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treatment option.
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As always, further studies will be crucial to determine the medication's safety and efficacy
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over longer periods and across more diverse populations.
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Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments of this exciting new treatment
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option, and as always, consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes
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to your health regimen.
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Let's move on to our next topic for today.
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Swearing is an intriguing aspect of language that serves a multitude of purposes, from
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venting frustration to building camaraderie among individuals.
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A recent study by Martin Schweinberger from The University of Queensland and Kate Burridge from
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Monash University, published in the journal Lingua, delves into the fascinating world of
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swearing by analyzing over 1.7 billion words of online text across 20 English-speaking regions.
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The study uncovered a surprising 597 different forms of swear words, including creative
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spellings like '4rseholes' and acronyms such as 'wtf.' While Australians are often stereotyped
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as prolific swearers, the analysis revealed that Americans and Brits actually surpass them
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in both the frequency and variety of online swearing.
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Interestingly, the study found that vulgar words constitute a mere fraction of overall
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word frequency online.
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In the United States, vulgar words made up 0.036% of all words, compared to 0.025% in
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British data and 0.022% in Australian data.
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However, a significant percentage of individuals in these regions—12% to 13.3% of
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Americans, around 10% of Brits, and 9.4% of Australians—used at least one vulgar word in
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the data analyzed.
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The most frequent vulgar word identified was 'fuck,' manifesting in a staggering 201
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different forms.
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The researchers chose to focus on online language data that excluded social media to
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ensure robust comparisons across regions, using the Global Web-Based English corpus for their
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analysis.
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The findings also highlighted cultural differences in attitudes towards swearing.
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Despite Americans' conservative views on public morality, they frequently use swear words,
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likely due to the country's individualistic culture that values personal expression,
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especially in private or anonymous settings like the internet.
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Interestingly, the only religious-based swear word frequently used by Americans was 'damn.'
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In contrast, Australians are more accepting of swearing in public discourse, although they
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tend to tone it down online.
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The study also noted preferences for specific swear words across different regions, with
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Americans favoring variations of 'ass(hole),' the Irish leaning towards 'feck,' the British
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preferring 'cunt,' and Pakistanis opting for 'butt(hole).'
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Swearing and linguistic creativity are more common in countries where English is the
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dominant language, though Singapore ranked notably high in swearing frequency, just behind
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Australia.
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This may reflect the growing perception of English as a native language in Singapore, used
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as a tool for identity and expression, especially among younger generations.
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Overall, the study underscores that swearing is not simply a bad habit but a complex linguistic
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behavior with important communicative functions.
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It can build rapport, express humor and emotion, signal solidarity, and ease tension.
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As linguistic norms continue to evolve, swearing remains a vibrant part of language
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that resists suppression.
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Being a dad today comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially when
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raising sons.
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The traditional ideals of manhood, where a man was expected to provide financially, remain
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stoic, and suppress emotions, are being re-evaluated.
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Dr.
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Daniel Singley, a licensed psychologist, highlights that many new dads are looking at
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these old models and finding them inadequate for today's world.
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The evolving landscape of masculinity and fatherhood is not without its struggles.
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Terms like 'male loneliness epidemic' and 'toxic masculinity' reflect the mental health
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challenges many men face in the United States.
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Dr.
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John Delony, a mental health podcast host, emphasizes the need for men to adapt to these
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changes by learning new skills and embracing vulnerability.
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Dr.
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Delony points out that older generations of men need to offer guidance and resources to younger
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men, encouraging them to express emotions and seek help when needed.
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It's about understanding that the rules have changed and that it's okay to feel lost or to
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cry.
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This shift is crucial for the mental well-being of both the current and future generations.
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Judy Yi-Chung Chu, who teaches about boys' psychological development at Stanford
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University, stresses the importance of dads in shaping their sons' identities.
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She observed that while boys often distance themselves from their mothers to avoid being
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labeled as 'mama's boys,' they tend to be more affectionate with their dads.
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This dynamic allows fathers to nurture their sons and show that warmth and kindness are not
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solely feminine traits.
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Fathers have a powerful role in modeling behavior for their sons.
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Dr.
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Singley notes that dads can teach by example, showing their children how to handle mistakes
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and take responsibility.
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By admitting when they're wrong and discussing their emotions, fathers provide a template for
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their sons to handle their own feelings and relationships.
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The notion of masculinity is expanding, and it's important not to replace one stereotype
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with another.
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Dr.
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Chu advises against swapping the idea that men must be aggressive and isolated for one where
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they can only be sensitive.
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Instead, a balance is needed.
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Traditional masculine ideals, like protection and providing, still have their place, but they
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should be complemented with empathy and flexibility.
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Finally, as Dr.
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Delony reflects on his own role as a father, he emphasizes the importance of preparing his son
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to be self-sufficient and emotionally intelligent.
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His goal is to raise a son who can navigate various social settings with grace and
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contribute positively to the world.
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This broader definition of masculinity allows boys to develop into well-rounded individuals
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who can adapt to different circumstances while maintaining their core values.
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In a heartwarming story of hope and resilience, the Canadian Street Soccer Association is
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making waves as it prepares to send a team of players affected by homelessness, mental health
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struggles, and substance abuse to the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway this August.
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This initiative offers an incredible opportunity for these individuals, many of whom
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never imagined they would participate in an international tournament.
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The Canadian Street Soccer Association, founded just last year, has been instrumental in
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bringing together players from across Canada.
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Recently, they held a national tournament in Mississauga, featuring participants from their
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programs in cities like Toronto, Brampton, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.
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The goal is not to find the best soccer players, but rather to use soccer as a tool to
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foster community and camaraderie among those facing significant life challenges.
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Hossam Khedr, the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Street Soccer Association,
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emphasizes that the organization is about more than just soccer.
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"We use soccer as a simple tool to bring people together," he says, highlighting the inclusive
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and supportive environment the association creates for its players.
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The Homeless World Cup, which was first held in 2003, aims to inspire and engage individuals
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experiencing homelessness through the power of sport.
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This year's event will see over 500 players from 68 countries competing, providing a global
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stage for those who have often felt marginalized or overlooked.
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Ed Kiwanuka-Quinlan, the Director of Operations for the Canadian Street Soccer Association,
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describes the national tournament as a celebration of recovery and inclusivity.
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He encourages players to focus on the joy of the game and the sense of community it brings,
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rather than the challenges they may face in their personal lives.
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Among the players heading to Oslo is Emma "Zero" Bellante, who has faced her own battles
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with mental health, addiction, and homelessness.
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She shares that the program has been a lifeline, helping her break out of isolation
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and rediscover the joy of soccer.
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"It's like a completely different game," she says, "with lots of clapping, encouragement,
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and people cheering each other on."
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Emma never imagined she would have the chance to play in an international tournament,
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describing the opportunity as both nerve-wracking and exciting.
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Her story is a testament to the transformative power of sport and community support.
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The Canadian Street Soccer Association selects players for the Homeless World Cup who are
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experiencing a "transitional moment" in their lives, whether they are recovering from
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addiction or mental health issues.
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The journey to Oslo is seen as a pivotal step in preparing them to reintegrate into society
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upon their return.
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Another player, May Nakintu, who moved to Canada from Uganda in early 2024, found a new
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sense of belonging through the association.
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After seeing a poster at her shelter in Toronto, she joined the team and immediately
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felt welcomed, describing the group as "another family."
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May has since become a certified referee with Canada Soccer, thanks to the encouragement and
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guidance she received from the association.
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Her journey underscores the potential for personal growth and achievement within this
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supportive community.
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Cesar Lobos, originally from Guatemala, shares how joining the Canadian Street Soccer
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Association helped him overcome homelessness and substance abuse.
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Playing soccer provided him with energy and encouragement to change his life.
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Now, with his own apartment and a positive outlook, he describes the upcoming trip to Oslo
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as a "Cinderella dream."
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For Cesar, this will be his first time traveling since moving to Canada 41 years ago.
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He reflects on the courage it takes to break free from a difficult cycle and appreciates the
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opportunity to be on the "right track" towards a better future.
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Intermittent fasting is gaining traction as a popular diet trend, but did you know it might
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have biblical roots?
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This eating pattern, which involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting, is
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mentioned in the Bible and is seen as a way to connect with the divine.
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The Mayo Clinic describes intermittent fasting as a method that could assist with weight loss
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and provide other health benefits.
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There are various approaches, such as the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat
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during an eight-hour window, or fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice a week.
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The idea behind intermittent fasting is that it prompts the body's cells to alter their
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functioning, focusing on repair, energy use, and maintaining body-wide balance.
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This concept is not new, as religious fasting is a practice found in many faiths, including
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Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism.
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According to a 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center, about 21% of Americans engage in
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fasting for religious reasons.
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In the Bible, fasting is often depicted as a way to draw closer to God.
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For instance, in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus advises his followers on how to fast discreetly.
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While religious fasting aims for spiritual growth, intermittent fasting is pursued for its
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potential physical and mental benefits, such as weight loss and improved focus.
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Research suggests that intermittent fasting may positively impact blood pressure,
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cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and more.
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Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years and
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highlights benefits like increased longevity, a leaner physique, and sharper mental faculties.
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However, the long-term effects remain uncertain.
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It's crucial to note that intermittent fasting isn't suitable for everyone.
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Those with a history of disordered eating, hypoglycemia, type 1 diabetes on insulin,
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children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and others should refrain from this
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practice.
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As always, consulting with a healthcare provider before making any significant
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lifestyle changes is advised.
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Intermittent fasting's potential health benefits continue to intrigue both the public
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and the scientific community.
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As its popularity grows, there's a need for more comprehensive studies to fully understand
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its impact.
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Dr.
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Lou Vadlamani, an Ohio-based cardiologist, notes that while intermittent fasting raises
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questions about cardiovascular health, more research is needed to establish a direct link.
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Our final topic today is a poignant one, touching on the immense mental health
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challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada during wildfire evacuations.
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As wildfires become more frequent and intense, largely due to climate change, Indigenous
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people living on reserves and in remote areas are disproportionately affected.
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This displacement can have severe mental health implications, and experts are calling for
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better support systems to address these challenges.
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Take the experience of Jeewa Liske, for example.
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In August 2023, she was four months pregnant when she had to evacuate her home in
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Yellowknife due to thick wildfire smoke.
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The journey to safety was arduous, involving a 20-hour drive to Edmonton through hazardous
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conditions.
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The evacuation order came as she struggled with anxiety, compounded by separation from her
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spouse, who remained behind to fight the fires.
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In Victoria, where she eventually found refuge, she faced challenges in accessing prenatal
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care, heightening her stress levels.
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Jeewa's story is just one of many that highlight the disproportionate impact of
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wildfires on Indigenous communities.
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Researchers have found that Indigenous people are particularly vulnerable to being displaced
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by wildfires, which can take a significant toll on their mental health.
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The trauma of evacuation is compounded by cultural dislocation, as the relationship with
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the land is integral to the identity and well-being of Indigenous people.
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Suzanne Stewart, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, underscores that
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Indigenous communities experience adverse mental health outcomes partly because they
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often reside in areas prone to wildfires.
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This, coupled with the cultural trauma of being displaced, exacerbates their vulnerability.
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Stewart, who has provided counseling to Indigenous evacuees, emphasizes the need for
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mental health supports that validate feelings and address emotional and spiritual needs
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during evacuations.
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The historical context adds another layer to this issue.
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Many Indigenous people have been historically marginalized and relocated from traditional
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lands to remote regions more susceptible to natural disasters.
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This history of forced relocation can reawaken past traumas during evacuations, impacting
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their mental health and sense of autonomy.
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To better support Indigenous evacuees, experts suggest several measures.
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These include allocating resources to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities, such
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as providing interpreters for elders at reception centers, and forming Indigenous-based
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disaster plans.
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Additionally, there's a growing recognition of the benefits of cultural burns—controlled, slow
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fires—that reduce wildfire risk and enhance biodiversity.
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Governments are increasingly turning to this Indigenous practice to mitigate the impact of
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wildfires.
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It's crucial that as we face the challenges of climate change and increasing natural
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disasters, we take informed and inclusive approaches to support Indigenous communities.
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By doing so, we not only help mitigate the immediate impacts but also support long-term
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recovery and resilience.
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It's a reminder of the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and practices
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into modern disaster management strategies.
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That brings us to the end of today's episode.
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Thank you for joining me on Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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Remember to stay informed and take care of your mental and physical health.
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Until next time, I'm Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow, wishing you a healthy and mindful day ahead.