Life Shouldn’t Hurt with Grant Fedoruk

Guest Ish Mike Plemel

Guest Edgar Bermudas.

An interview with Hayden Curry, a visually impaired athlete, and her mother, Jodie, on the "Life Shouldn't Hurt" radio show. The hosts, Grant Fedoric and Anita Cassidy, explore Hayden's experiences thriving in various sports despite albinism and its associated visual impairment. They discuss the challenges she faces, such as light sensitivity and difficulty seeing objects like pucks or lines, along with the adaptations and support she receives from her family, coaches, and teammates. The conversation highlights Hayden's resilience, determination, and her inspiring message for other young athletes with challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and the inclusive nature of sport. The segments also touch upon broader issues of accessibility and misconceptions surrounding blind athletes, advocating for increased support for sports participation among individuals with visual impairments.

"Life Shouldn't Hurt" tackles important health issues through expert insights and real-life experiences, fostering meaningful discussions that can drive change. A recent focal point is the often-overlooked connection between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and various forms of cancer. The show features Danny Wills, who fought a cancerous tumor on his lymph node near his tonsil—directly caused by HPV. His story underscores how this widespread, frequently asymptomatic virus can lead to serious cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal. With a powerful message, the show advocates for the HPV vaccine as a crucial tool in cancer prevention, emphasizing its vital role in safeguarding public health.

This episode explores neuropathy, damage to nerves that can cause tingling, numbness, burning, and even paralysis. We hear from Dr. Darcy Zalasky, who shares his incredible journey. After a hip replacement, a dislocated hip led to severe sciatic nerve damage, causing paralysis and foot drop. His road to recovery required perseverance, physiotherapy, and a special nerve stimulator. Despite immense challenges, his story is one of hope, emphasizing the importance of the right support and never giving up. Join us to see how little gains lead to big journeys.

This is a discussion with Millie Friedman, a doula and president of the Doula Association of Alberta, about the role of doulas in the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Friedman explains that doulas provide non-medical emotional, physical, and educational support to empower individuals and their partners through childbirth, advocating for their preferences and needs. She emphasizes the importance of community and feeling seen during this transformative time and describes the contracting process and cost of hiring a doula, noting the availability of sliding scales and pro bono services. Friedman also touches on Hypnobabies, a method using hypnosis for childbirth, and the evolving nature of doula work, highlighting the need for increased recognition within the healthcare system.

From restless nights to chronic sleep issues, poor sleep can take a serious toll on your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Joining us is Dr. David Greenberg, a distinguished family physician based in Toronto with a special interest in sleep health. Dr. Greenberg offers practical advice to help unravel the mysteries of getting a good night's rest. We’ll explore why waking up feeling refreshed is essential and the importance of prioritizing sleep. He’ll share effective sleep hygiene tips—like maintaining a consistent bedtime, winding down before bed, and optimizing your bedroom environment by keeping it dedicated to rest and removing distractions like phones. We'll also discuss how alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco impact sleep, as well as how to identify underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea. Plus, hear about approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) and new non-addictive medications designed to help you stay asleep. Don’t miss this insightful conversation covering everything from the benefits of naps and choosing the right mattress to knowing when to consult your primary care provider. It’s time to stop neglecting sleep and start getting the rest you need.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of pre and postnatal exercise, featuring our inspiring guest, Jen Abbott. As a fitness expert redefining how expecting and new mothers approach movement, Jen shares her expertise and personal journey, proving that strength is not just physical—especially as she navigates her work while being legally blind. Jen dispels common myths about exercising during pregnancy, from core work to lifting heavy weights, and highlights the incredible benefits of movement for both mother and baby. Discover how prenatal fitness supports better fetal outcomes and smoother maternal recovery. Plus, learn how to ease back into exercise postpartum—focusing on core and pelvic floor strength, addressing diastasis recti, and finding realistic ways to fit movement into the life of a new parent. We also tackle important pelvic health challenges that can arise after childbirth and introduce Leading Edge Physiotherpy's latest technology the Emsella chair for pelvic floor strengthening. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable advice and empowering perspectives to support you through the transformative journey of motherhood.

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes pass into the world of professional sports! On Life Shouldn't Hurt, this week on the Corus Radio Network, join host Grant Fedoruk from Leading Edge Physiotherapy as he welcomes a true legend: Barry Stafford! For decades, Barry was the equipment manager for the Edmonton Oilers, seeing it all from the glory days to the championships. He was an unsung hero, the glue behind the scenes, the confidant who heard everything. Hear incredible stories from Barry's 38 years in the NHL – like the hilarious truth about Dave Semenko's training and the fact that some players actually used to smoke between periods! Barry reveals what it was like working with Hall of Famers, including why Wayne Gretzky was one of the easiest guys he ever worked with. Get insights into the demanding daily life of an equipment manager, the long hours starting at 6 AM and often ending at 1 AM on game nights, and how the dressing room staff has grown from just a few to around 50 people today. Learn about the evolution of player equipment, from the intense focus on skates where players like Paul Coffee pushed for extreme stiffness, to how the team budgeted for only about three pairs a year back then. It's not just about hockey! This is a conversation about the business of sport and the impact behind the scenes, exploring life lessons Barry learned, emphasizing gratitude, humility, kindness, and happiness. Don't miss this fascinating look at life on and off the ice, straight from someone who lived it!