Welcome to this episode of The Tonic, terrestrially broadcast on August 29 and 30, 2026 on AM740 and FM 96.7 in Toronto. Topics covered on the show track the lifestyle articles and themes published in The Tonic Newsletter and on the Tonic Website. This week we’ll discuss the risks and treatment of colorectal cancer with researcher and surgical oncologist Dr. Rebecca Auer MD, back pain caused by central sensitization with neurologist Dr. Eric Anderson, why parents should be their children’s primary sex educators with author Dr. Janet Rosenzweig, and how substance abuse complicates bi-polar disorder with author Louise Barnett
We specifically discuss:
The Risks and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
- The difference between colon and rectal cancer
- The screening age for colon cancer has lowered
- Normalizing discussing symptoms of colon cancer
- The screening process for non-high risk individuals
- The FIT test and diagnostic colonoscopies
- How often should high-risk individuals have colonoscopies?
- Screening protocols in Quebec
- Who is most at risk for rectal cancer?
- Blood in the stool doesn’t mean you have cancer
- Is rectal cancer difficult to treat?
- Treatment options
- Immunotherapy
- Post-treatment challenges
Pain Caused by Central Sensitization
- Approximately 90% of back pain is not structurally caused
- The factors that contribute to back pain
- Why surgery and injections don’t alleviate pain
- What is central sensitization?
- How is central sensitization overcome?
- Targeted psychological therapy
- Virtual treatment
Why Parents Should Be Their Children’s Primary Sex Educators
- Accurate information about sexuality is a critical protective factor for kids
- Why should parents be the primary sex educators for their kids?
- Is inserting family values into the discussion problematic?
- Why are parents qualified to give sex education?
- Navigating social media and the internet
- ‘Deepfake’ sexual images
- How do conversations between parents and kids start?
How Substance Abuse Complicates Bi-Polar Disorder
- What is Bi-Polar 1 Disorder?
- Why is substance abuse a “symptom” of Bi-Polar Disorder?
- The numbing effects of treatments
- Believing that treatment isn’t necessary during the manic phase
- How does substance use impact those with Bi-Polar Disorder?
- Alcohol use and eventual sobriety
- Why is sobriety important for those with Bi-Polar Disorder?
- The pillars of support
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To learn more about Dr. Rebecca Auer MD go here
To learn more about Dr. Eric Anderson go here
To learn more about Dr. Janet Rosenzweig go here
To learn more about Louise Barnett go here
