1: Quit Talking to Cigarettes, Start Talking to Your Phone

An RCT of 590 adults who recently quit smoking found that a messaging app with live counsellors and chatbot support significantly improved long-term tobacco abstinence. Compared with controls — who received just 8 generic cessation texts — chat-based support was the clear winner for preventing relapse. The signal here is that ongoing, two-way support may matter more than willpower alone.

2: Appendicitis, 10 Years Later: Antibiotics Hold Their Own

An observational study followed over 250 patients treated with antibiotics for uncomplicated appendicitis to see whether medical therapy alone prevents recurrence a decade later. Complication rates were significantly lower with antibiotics (8.5%; 95% CI, 4.8%-12.1%) than with appendectomy (27.4%; 95% CI, 21.6%-33.3%). With no meaningful difference in quality of life, the findings support antibiotics as a reasonable option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in adults.

3: Your Patient’s Kidneys Prefer SGLT2 Inhibitors

A comparative effectiveness study of patients with Type 2 diabetes found that starting SGLT2 inhibitors — versus GLP-1 receptor agonists — was associated with better kidney outcomes over 5 years. Benefits included lower risks of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Taken together, the data suggests SGLT2 inhibitors may be the better first choice for primary kidney protection in adults with T2D.

Could a single shingles shot be a secret weapon against biological aging?

What happened: A new study suggests the shingles vaccine does more than prevent a painful rash — it may actually slow down the clock on biological aging in older adults.

Why it matters: Researchers analyzed data from the US Health and Retirement study, which included 4,000 adults aged 70+ in 2016. Building on previous links between vaccines and lower dementia risk, the team looked for signs of systemic "slowing."

Participants who received the shingles vaccine showed markers of slower biological aging than those who didn’t, including lower inflammation measurements and slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging. One possible explanation for the link between the shingles vaccine and aging is that the shot reduces chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in aging.

But: This isn’t The Substance — the shingles vaccine isn’t a cure for aging. The study had many limitations, including that it was observational and couldn’t prove cause and effect. Some vaccinated participants could’ve been living healthier lives, already slowing their biological age. Family health history, access to care, and prior immune records could also impact biomarkers.

Instead, experts would like to see more evidence-based strategies take place, such as a more diverse and randomized population of participants. People from different races and ethnic groups might react differently to the vaccine and the process of aging, just like people who have a history of health issues. Looking at a variety of different people rather than one age bracket will give researchers a better understanding of whether the vaccine meaningfully affects biological aging. 

Bottom line: Vaccines are one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history. But until further studies are done, the jury is still out on whether it can really slow aging.

1: 🧪 Watch out for “Fauxzempic.” Health Canada is sounding the alarm on fake semaglutide and other GLP-1 products creeping into Canada’s supply chain, often marketed under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The feds warn these unauthorized versions can be contaminated, inaccurately dosed, or downright dangerous — with risks ranging from allergic reactions to infections due to poor sterility. Health Canada says it’s finding these products sold both online and in stores, using ads with fake endorsements or official-looking logos.

2: 🛒 The federal government just rolled out a bigger “grocery rebate”… and then some. Prime Minister Mark Carney just unveiled the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. It’s essentially a supercharged GST credit — boosted by 25% over the next 5 years, with a 50% top-up arriving this year. But Ottawa isn’t just cutting cheques. The plan pours hundreds of millions into supply chains, local producers, and cracking down on “shrinkflation” to tackle high prices at the source.

3: 🧬 Colon cancer has flipped the leaderboard for younger adults: new data shows colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50, even as other major cancers (like lung and breast) decline. Mortality from colorectal disease has climbed about 1.1 % per year since the mid-2000s, pushing it past traditional killers in this age group and reigniting debate over screening age and early detection. Clinicians say the reasons aren’t fully pinned down — but lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures are all suspects.

4: ⚠️ Another development in the ongoing saga: Trump is threatening a 100% tariff on Canada over a China trade deal, right as the rules of US-Canada trade are back up for review. Canada’s response showed up this week in Goa — restarting energy talks with India and lining up other buyers for Canadian oil and gas. It’s the Canadian way: not so much politeness as prudence.

11 years: the time elapsed since the Patriots and Seahawks last met in the Super Bowl, a matchup officially set to repeat on Feb. 8. While their 2015 meeting ended in a legendary goal-line interception, the 2026 rematch features a new generation: MVP finalist Drake Maye and a Seattle squad led by Sam Darnold.

1 in 7: the share of GLP-1 patients in the US who reported taking lower-than-approved doses — often on their own. A new survey shows many are DIY-ing their intake to manage side effects or save money. With generics not due until mid-2026 and counterfeits already circulating, this off-label dosing adds a risky new layer to the market.

100: how many times faster a new filtration material can absorb PFAS “forever chemicals” compared with existing methods, a potential shift toward making large-scale cleanup feasible.

$269: the price (in CAD) of LEGO-inspired Brick Clogs — toeing the line between fashion and fun.

🍔 Make: these crispy, fried-to-the-core mushroom burgers and poppers for Super Bowl day. Chef Matty Matheson makes the case for keeping mushrooms in the lineup — never sidelined.

🛠️ Organize: your workflow with WriteUpp — built to reduce admin and keep documentation on track. Start with a 30-day free trial and save 50% in year one.

🎧 Listen: to this podcast with Canadian dividend-growth expert Mike Heroux on building a solid portfolio, avoiding yield traps, and spotting AI-related opportunities in dividend stocks.

🌍 Visit: a city just crowned the world’s top food destination for 2026 by Tripadvisor. From Michelin‑starred meals to buzzing street markets, it’s a foodie playground waiting to be explored. 

🎓 Learn: about integrating virtual cancer care into practice, with strategies to overcome barriers and advance equity — a free CME course for clinicians.

💰 Save: on new running shoes. If your old pair is starting to look like it’s run one too many marathons, this clearance shop has you covered.

After WestJet squeezed more economy seats onto some planes, legroom complaints were rerouted… toward doctors.

Recently, the airline told a 6'5" passenger seeking legroom accommodation that he needed to provide a doctor’s note — then sent a 12-page medical form to be filled out by his physician. The physician declined.

So we’re curious:

First clue: Hyaluronic ____

Need a rematch? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Crossword Archive to find every puzzle we’ve ever made, all in one place.

Think you crushed it? Challenge your physician friends to beat your time.

🖊️ This week, we want Postcall readers to caption this comic. Send us your funniest take (and don’t hold back). The winning entry will appear in next week’s issue! Email: [email protected] to submit your caption.

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