The Prevention Playbook

Published by Dr. Goldis Mitra, MD

Health & Fitness
Medicine

Your evidence-based game plan for a healthier life, with Dr. Goldis Mitra, a family physician from British Columbia, Canada. This is your practical guide to the preventive care and lifestyle changes that you need to keep yourself healthy long-term. Based on high quality research and medical guidelines, not the opinion of influencers. All delivered in bite-sized, accessible episodes.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Recent episodes

#5 Heat, sun, and bugs: Your summer survival guide

Jul 21, 202628 min

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. @preventionplaybookpod 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

#4 The Waiting Room: Vital signs & where to go when you're sick

Jul 1, 202622 min

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.

#3 Why you need to screen for high blood pressure

Jun 8, 202611 min

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.

#2 Why cardiovascular risk screening matters

Apr 28, 202614 min

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.

#1 Introducing the The Prevention Playbook

Mar 6, 20264 min

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.