Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Eat Move Think

In this episode, Medcan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter Nord sits down with Dr. Beth Abramson, Medcan’s Director of Cardiology, to explore the latest innovations in cardiovascular screening. They discuss how two advanced assessments, ApoB and Lp(a), are transforming proactive heart health strategies, and how these tests are now part of Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment. Plus, Dr. Abramson shares lifestyle tips every cardiologist wishes their patients would adopt.

Highlights:

Why Heart Health Matters:

• Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada.

• 1 in 12 adults aged 20+ are living with diagnosed heart disease.

• Early detection through proactive screening is key to reducing long-term risk.
  
  

What’s New in Screening Tools:

• ApoB: A direct, precise blood biomarker that provides a better risk assessment than LDL cholesterol.

• Lp(a): A genetically determined lipoprotein that only needs to be measured once—and can identify cardiovascular risk even in otherwise healthy individuals.

• Both tests align with updated Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines, though they are not yet widely adopted across Canada. Medcan is leading the way in their implementation.

How They Work:

• ApoB doesn't require fasting and is accurate even when LDL is low or triglycerides are high.

• Lp(a) is stable over time and can uncover hidden risks; early identification allows for better risk management and future intervention.

• New medications targeting Lp(a) are on the horizon, making this screening even more critical.
  
  

Takeaways:

Top Cardiologist-Recommended Lifestyle Tips for Heart Health:

• Prioritize regular physical activity

• Eat a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats)

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
  
  

These proactive steps, combined with Medcan’s expanded screening tools, can help individuals manage their risk and promote long-term cardiovascular health.

To learn more about how to support your heart, listen to the full episode.

For personalized cardiovascular guidance, visit www.medcan.com.

In this episode, Leslie Beck, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Food and Nutrition, discusses the US News & World Report’s Best Diets rankings. This year marks the 15th year in a row that the US News & World Report has published these diet rankings, which were released in early January. Sixty-nine leading health experts evaluated 38 diets in 21 different categories. Beck reveals the top four overall-rated diets for 2025 and also highlights some of the other notable category winners, and explains how following these diets can help you achieve your health goals.

The Rankings: Out of 38 diets, which diet ranked highest?
(Hint: It’s one of these four): 

• MIND diet
• Flexitarian diet
• DASH diet
• Mediterranean diet

The Categories: In addition to Best Overall Diet, categories also included: 

• Best for Healthy Eating
• Best for Inflammation, Brain Health, Menopause, Prediabetes, Arthritis and Fatty Liver

What The Top Diets Have in Common: Key features that support overall health and well-being

Takeaways:

• All of this year’s top rated diets emphasize whole plant foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts, lean proteins and healthy fats, while limiting adding sugars and saturated fats.
• All of the diets have solid evidence to support their effectiveness for managing or preventing a health condition or chronic disease.
• None of the diets restrict entire food groups or ban certain foods. 
• The best diet is the one you can sustain long-term while meeting your health and lifestyle needs.
• When considering a diet, ask yourself: Does the plan promote a way of eating that’s good for your children? (Find out why that’s important by listening to the episode). 

For personalized advice, consult your doctor or a Medcan dietitian at www.medcan.com/nutrition.

Medcan CEO and Chair Shaun Francis speaks with Tony Moreau, a retired warrant officer, and Dr. Kristina Moreau, a retired captain and family physician with a special interest in sports medicine. This father-daughter duo shares their transformative experiences as competitors in the Invictus and Warrior Games, shedding light on the power of adaptive sports and the value of community. 

Highlights: 

• Tony’s Journey: Following a PTSD diagnosis, the Invictus Games helped him rediscover connection, community and wellness through adaptive sports.

• Kristina’s Perspective: From military nurse to doctor to Warrior Games gold medalist, she shares how these Games provided healing and a renewed sense of belonging.

• Family Impact: The unique ways the Invictus Games brings families together and inspires hope for Veterans and their families. 

• Why It Matters: The mental health benefits of physical activity, camaraderie, and being part of a team.  

Takeaways:

• Adaptive sports create purpose, community, and healing for veterans.

• The Invictus Games are more than a competition—they are a celebration of resilience and recovery.

Looking for help with your health and wellness goals? Visit www.medcan.com.

Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images for Invictus Games The Hague 2020

Medcan’s Director of Clinical Innovation, Allison Hazell, is joined by Dr. Julia Alleyne, a Medcan family physician with a focused practice in sport and exercise medicine. Drawing from her extensive medical experience with numerous international sporting events including the Olympics and the Invictus Games, Dr. Alleyne shares insights, stories, and guidance to help inspire us all on our own wellbeing and recovery journeys.

 

Episode Highlights:

• Fear of Reinjury: Understanding why fear can slow recovery—and how to overcome it.

• The Power of Visualization: How seeing yourself succeed can boot confidence and improve performance.

• Lessons from Elite Athletes: What any of us can learn from Olympians and Invictus Games competitors.

• Active Rest & Rehab Strategies: Why staying mentally and physically engaged leads to better healing.

• Integrating Wellness in Recovery: The role of support systems, motivation, and mindset 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Rehabilitation is not just physical—it’s mental, too

• Visualization is key for confidence and recovery

• Overcoming fear is essential to getting back on track

• Adaptive sports help athletes—and everyday people—find new purpose

Looking for extra support in injury prevention, rehabilitation, or wellness? Visit www.medcan.com for more resources.

Is your workplace ready to thrive in the changing healthcare landscape? In this episode, Tara Warren, Medcan’s Director of Growth, and Dr. Peter Nord, Medcan’s Chief Medical Officer, discuss specific strategies employers can take to shift from reactive to proactive health support. 

Listen to the episode and learn about key topics in employee health, including:

• The Challenge: With millions of Canadians lacking primary care access, employers need to step up to provide health solutions.

• Proactive Care: The importance of annual, head-to-toe health assessments, early intervention, and ongoing support for employees.

• Retention & Recruitment: How investing in employee health creates a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

• Future Trends: The growing role of employers in bridging healthcare gaps and supporting workforce well-being.

• Flexibility & Choice: How tailored options allow employees to customize their care, maintain discretion and privacy, and get support for specific personal health concerns such as menopause or weight management.

The strategies Tara and Dr. Nord discuss in the podcast are detailed in our recent whitepaper, the Blueprint to Transform your Employee Health Straetgy. To download this whitepaper and read further insights and recommendations, visit medcan.com/blueprint. 

To learn more about our comprehensive employee health solutions, visit medcan.com/team.

Can the way you exercise help you sleep better? In Eat Move Think episode 214, Medcan Fitness Manager Simon Lim explores the powerful connection between movement and restful sleep. Learn how when you exercise and the intensity influences your sleep patterns, and discover practical stretches and mobility routines to reduce tension and promote a better night’s sleep.

Highlights:

• Exercise and Sleep Timing: Optimal times for different types of exercise and their impact on sleep.

• Mobility Stretches for Sleep: Techniques like the 90/90 stretch, windshield wipers, and thoracic windmills release tightness and prepare your body for relaxation.

• Walking at Sunset: How an evening walk can help regulate your circadian rhythm and prepare your body for sleep.

• Strength and Sleep: The benefits of targeted strength exercises to relieve discomfort and prevent tension.

• Sleep Disruption Tips: Strategies like reducing blue light exposure and avoiding late-night workouts that may interfere with rest.

Tune into the video episode to watch Simon demonstrate the exercises and try incorporating them into your nighttime routine. Looking for support to improve your exercise routines and fitness levels in 2025? Learn more about Medcan’s fitness programs and explore additional resources at www.medcan.com/fitness.

 

Is travel one of the keys to a healthier, happier life? Most people know travel can be enjoyable, but did you know it has numerous health benefits? In Eat Move Think episode 213, Dr. Aisha Khatib, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Travel Medicine joins host Allison Hazell, Director of Clinical Innovation, to reveal the surprising and evidence-based health benefits of travel.  From the mental boost of planning a trip to the physical benefits of exploring new environments, this episode dives deep into the evidence that supports travel may help you live a longer, healthier life. 

Highlights:

• The Science of Travel and Happiness: Learn how planning a trip can increase dopamine, the brain’s "reward chemical," boosting anticipation and happiness.

• Cognitive Gains from New Experiences: Discover how immersing yourself in different cultures and environments enhances creativity, problem-solving, and neuroplasticity.

• Nature’s Healing Powers: Explore the benefits of "forest bathing" and spending time in green spaces, and how these activities reduce stress and improve overall health.

• Physical Benefits of Travel: Understand how exploring new locations naturally increases physical activity.

• Staying Safe and Healthy: Get tips from Dr. Khatib on protecting yourself from travel-related health risks, including vaccines, hydration, and staying active on the go.

What You Can Do:

• Incorporate travel into your life when and where possible - even short local trips can be beneficial, as Dr. Khatib explains.

• Enjoy the process of trip planning, which in itself can boost your wellbeing

• Incorporate the vast benefits of being in nature into your daily life, leveraging concepts like blue light therapy and forest bathing

• Ensure you are prepared for any health risks you may encounter by visiting a travel medicine specialist.

Learn more about Medcan’s Travel Medicine services and book an appointment with Dr. Khatib at medcan.com/specialist-health-services.

Are you a weekend warrior? Whether it’s playing recreational sports, cycling, or going for a long run, many of us are only able to fit their exercise into weekends. But is this enough to meet your health and fitness goals? In this episode of Eat Move Think, Dr. Andrew Miners shares insights on why being a weekend warrior can be as beneficial as spreading your exercise out throughout the week, how they can make the most of their activity while avoiding injuries and how to maximize the benefits of movement.

Watch or listen to Dr. Miners discuss:

• What it means to be a weekend warrior and the two common approaches people take

• The health benefits of weekend-only exercise, including mental health, cardiovascular, and muscular gains

• The potential risks, such as injury or missed workouts leading to long gaps in activity

• The importance of meeting Canadian exercise guidelines, including 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week

• Tips for balanced fitness, including strength training, flexibility routines, and ways to vary your workouts

What You Can Do

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity weekly, even if it’s all on weekends.

• Incorporate variety into your workouts to avoid overuse injuries and build a balanced fitness base.

• Include strength training and flexibility exercises to support longevity and reduce injury risk.

• Stay active during the week by reducing sedentary behaviour and integrating movement into daily routines.

To learn more about Medcan’s personal training programs, visit medcan.com/fitness. For details on the Canadian Movement Guidelines referenced in this episode, visit the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Can you know what medicine will work for you—before you take it? The field of pharmacogenomics seeks to understand just that. Pharmacogenomics explores how our genes can influence our response to medications, and how genetic testing can help doctors optimize medical treatment for certain health conditions.

Tune in to episode 211 of our Eat Move Think podcast to hear Jessica Gu, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Genetics, explain:

• What pharmacogenomics is
• How pharmacogenomics works, including how your genes can influence medication effectiveness and the side effects you may experience
• Which conditions pharmacogenomics is most useful for, including mental health, cardiovascular conditions, and more.
• How pharmacogenomic testing works and what to expect during the testing process

What You Can Do

To find out if you are a good candidate for pharmacogenomic testing, speak to your primary care physician. You can also contact Medcan to request a consultation with one of our genetic counsellors at medcan.com/genetics. 

If you would like more information on working with one of our primary care physicians toward optimal health, visit medcan.com/care. 

Medcan’s team of registered dietitians are here to help. Learn more at medcan.com/nutrition. About 30% of Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes—and many don’t even know it. The good news? With the right approach, it’s possible to prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes—or even reverse it. In Ep. 210 of Eat Move Think, host Allison Hazell speaks with Leslie Beck, registered dietitian & Medcan’s Director of Food and Nutrition, about practical strategies for prevention, management and lifestyle changes that make a difference. 

Tune in to hear Leslie explain:

• How prediabetes is more common than you might think

• The difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes 

• Key lifestyle factors that influence insulin resistance including diet, exercise, and sleep

• Dietary choices that can help you manage blood sugar effectively

• How Continuous Glucose Monitoring can help you track and understand your glucose patterns in real time

What You Can Do

Start by understanding your current health status and risks by speaking to your doctor or scheduling a comprehensive Annual Health Assessment at Medcan. For personalized nutrition guidance and support, including Continuous Glucose Monitoring, visit medcan.com/nutrition

Imagine if you could know years in advance that you’re at risk for a certain illness. What if you had access to the tools and information to take action now to prevent it? In episode 209 of Eat Move Think, Dr. Peter Nord, Medcan’s Chief Medical Officer, explores this topic. 

Tune in to hear Dr. Nord explain:

• The role of genetics in predicting future health

• Medical advances that can help identify early risk factors and indicators

• What steps you can take now to improve your health into your later years

What You Can Do

Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment is a critical first step to understanding your current health and risk factors. It consists of up to 15 screenings including the hs-Troponin test. For those who would like to take a deeper look at their genetic information, we offer our Enhanced Genetics Screening services including Whole Genome Sequencing.

Learn More

Annual Health Assessment: medcan.com/assess

Enhanced Genetics Screening: medcan.com/genetics

 

Looking forward to skiing or snowboarding this winter? Make sure your body is ready so you can enjoy the season without injury. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Miners, Medcan Clinical and Operations Director of Sports Medicine, Therapy, Rehabilitation and Fitness shares expert tips to get your body ski-ready. 

Tune in to hear Dr. Miners explain:

• The types of injuries or strains you might experience during cross-country or downhill skiing or snowboarding
• What pre-season exercises you should start doing now to boost strength and prevent injuries
• What you can do when you’re out on the slopes to help reduce risk of injury or soreness

What You Can Do

Working with a personal fitness trainer is an excellent way to prepare for the upcoming season. Medcan’s Personalized Fitness Training Program provides you with a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, whether you are an exercise novice or a professional athlete. Work out in our state-of-the-art facilities in Toronto or Oakville or in the comfort of your home through our virtual sessions.

To learn more about how Medcan can help you reach your fitness goals, visit medcan.com/fitness.

Medcan’s Director of Clinical Innovation, Allison Hazell, speaks with Jessica Gu, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Genetics, about the ApoE gene and its connection to longevity, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. They explore how ApoE variants, including E2, E3, and E4, impact your health, and discuss how genetic testing, including whole genome sequencing, can help you understand your risk for these conditions. 

Tune in to learn how lifestyle changes can influence genetic risk factors and how you can use this information to lead a healthier, longer life.

What You Can Do
To help you understand your personal genetic insights, Medcan offers a suite of enhanced genetics screening options, including Whole Genome Sequencing. With DNA testing of over 4,000 genes, you will receive a comprehensive view of your potential genetic risks. A Medcan certified genetic counsellor and a medical geneticist will provide clinical guidance to support evidence-based decisions to improve your health. 

To learn more about our enhanced genetics screenings including Whole Genome Sequencing, and to request an appointment with one of Medcan’s genetic counsellors, visit medcan.com/genetics.

 

Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Women’s Health and Vitality explores an important question in this episode: Is it burnout, or could something else be affecting your health? The symptoms of several health concerns can often be mistaken for burnout, which can lead to misdiagnosis or missed treatment opportunities. Dr. Zelovitzky reviews symptoms to watch for, including:

• Numbness in hands/feet or leg cramps

• Fatigue or shortness of breath

• Sleep changes

• Mood swings or persistent sadness

• Brain fog, hot flashes or irregular menstrual cycles 

Dr. Zelovitzky then breaks down five common health issues that can mimic burnout and shares actionable steps for addressing each one. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the symptoms and learn steps you can take on the path to feeling better.

NEXT STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

If you think you may be experiencing the issues described by Dr. Zelovitzky, or have other health concerns, speak to your doctor or health practitioner. If you haven’t had a detailed health assessment within the last year, the Annual Health Assessment from Medcan can help you gain comprehensive health insights. In just one day, you will complete up to 15 tests, including a dynamic lab panel along with cardiac health assessments, ultrasound imaging, and gender and age specific screenings. During the same appointment, you will receive your results along with personalized recommendations from our health professionals.

Medcan can then support you within our extensive ecosystem of services, including nutrition counselling, mental health and wellbeing services, and our menopause and perimenopause program. 

Learn more about Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment.

 

Does sunscreen cause cancer? That’s just one of the many skincare myths circulating this summer on social media. As a dermatologist at Refine by Medcan, Dr. Jennifer Tran gets a lot of questions about what’s trending on the various platforms. So in this episode, Dr. Tran provides her take on what’s based in scientific evidence — and what is completely suspect. Featuring such topics as snail mucin, pimple patches, benzoyl peroxide and benzene, glass skin, red LED lights, whether kids should be buying expensive skincare products and whether a flax seed facemask can function as a more cost-effective alternative to neuromodulators. 

For both audio and video of this show visit the official episode page at:
https://medcan.com/podcast/social-media-skincare-myths-205/

LINKS

Arrange an appointment with Refine by Medcan at one of its convenient locations today.  

Follow double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Tran on Instagram @drjenntran.

A positive account from a woman who incorporated snail mucin into her routine. And here’s an article that provides more detail on how snail mucin is extracted.

More about the K-beauty trend, glass skin.  

A good article examining how pimple patches work. 

The academic article describing the link between benzoyl peroxide and benzene. Another article, by CNN, notes that the study was in part based on a test that stored the skincare treatment at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 17 hours. 

Why 10-year-olds are buying expensive skincare routines, from the National Post.

An academic study examines the efficacy of red LED light therapy.  

This article features another derm weighing in on the the “flax seed as neuromodulator” trend.  

 

KEY MOMENTS 

00:00 Introduction

01:19 Dr. Tran introduces herself and the topics she will cover, including pimple patches, sunscreen, benzoyl peroxide, "glass skin", expensive skincare for children, red light LED masks, snail mucin, and flaxseed as an alternative to Botox.

03:34 Dr. Tran provides her verdict on pimple patches.

05:15 Dr. Tran addresses the myth that sunscreen causes cancer, stating that there is overwhelming evidence that sunscreen protects against skin cancer, and recommends mineral sunscreens as a safe alternative to chemical sunscreens.

06:32 Dr. Tran discusses the "glass skin" trend, explaining that it requires a combination of skincare products and in-office procedures to achieve the desired luminous, glowing skin.

08:16 Dr. Tran expresses concern about the trend of younger people, including children, being targeted with expensive skincare products, stating that this can be harmful to their self-esteem and body image.

11:06 Dr. Tran discusses red light LED masks, stating that they can provide some benefits, but are very expensive, and that in-office procedures may be more effective.

12:54 Dr. Tran addresses the trend of using snail mucin and flaxseed as skincare ingredients, explaining the potential benefits and drawbacks of each.

14:41 Dr. Tran concludes by advising listeners to be cautious of skincare trends on social media and to consult with a dermatologist before trying new products or remedies.

 

Cottage season is here. For many of us, that means trading the congested city for a cabin in the woods — and outdoor activities like paddleboarding, pickleball, wakeboarding, kayaking, golf or tennis. And whether you’re an expert or just getting started, preventing injury can be crucial to a successful summer vacation. That’s where functional movement training comes in. Join Medcan Interim Fitness Manager Simon Lim and Fitness Team Lead Stephanie Tzemis as they discuss the most common cottage sports, then walk you through specific functional movements designed to reduce injury, and promote mobility, stability and flexibility. 

Find both video and audio versions of the podcast at the episode webpage:

https://medcan.com/podcast/cottage-sports-injury-prevention/

LINKS

Looking for more tips on how to reduce injury and promote strength? Consult with a Medcan fitness trainer today.

The internet is full of sport-specific workouts. Here are some of them:

• Pickleball workout 

• Paddleboarding workout

• Tennis workout

• Improve your strength for golf

• Wakeboarding/wakesurfing workout

 

KEY MOMENTS

00:00 Beginning

00:12 Preparing for a summer full of fun

01:47 What are functional movements and how can they prevent injury? 

02:43 The four pillars of healthy joints: flexibility, mobility, stability, and strength 

04:37 Cottage sports can be dangerous because we’re not used to doing these movements every day. 

06:29 Are people more likely to get injured from cottage activities?

07:55 Functional movements: The basics

09:18 Poor posture can actually increase injury severity

11:50 When is the most optimal time to do some functional movements, and how often should I do them?

13:38 Who could benefit the most from functional movements? 

15:53 Pickleball & Tennis: The best functional movements to prevent injury

17:41 Golf: The best functional movements to prevent injury

19:05 Paddleboarding: The best functional movements to prevent injury

21:24 Swimming: The best functional movements to prevent injury

22:02 Kayaking: The best functional movements to prevent injury

22:48 Do I need to do functional movements if I’m just going for a leisurely swim?

24:18 Is there a full-body warmup we can do that targets every muscle group? 

25:00 Three most important takeaways from this episode about functional movement.

 

It’s estimated that this year, on average, 76 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every day. In Canada, prostate cancer makes up 22% of all cancer diagnoses in men. However unlike many cancers, prostate cancer is a condition that you can live and even thrive with.

Here, Dr. Peter Nord and Dr. Rajiv Singal hear from two Medcan clients who were diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer here at Medcan. Hear about their experiences, how you can prevent prostate cancer, and why a diagnosis does not have to hold you back from living a long and happy life. 

LINKS

• Visit our Men’s Health webpage to learn more about your prostate cancer risk and stay up to date on your screening.

• See more prostate cancer statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society

• Read some of the latest research on prostate cancer prevention and management:

• ”...higher intake of plant foods after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with lower risk of cancer progression,” from this 2024 study in JAMA Network Open

KEY MOMENTS

00:57 How common is prostate cancer?

03:44 Your risk goes up with age

4:58 It might not affect your quality of life at all

6:54 Men don’t always advocate for their health

7:55 Meet two Medcan clients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer

9:19 What is PSA?

11:59 Prostate cancer screening: MRI, PSA ratio and biopsy

14:08 Experience and risk of getting a biopsy

16:22 The Gleason Score, and stages of prostate cancer

20:50 Is it cancer or BPH? (benign prostatic hyperplasia) How to know

23:47 Does testosterone increase your risk of prostate cancer?

25:02 Your PSA trend matters more than your current levels

26:24 A regular GP may not have caught this Medcan client’s cancer

27:55 Treatment options: radiation vs surgery

30:55 The importance of being proactive about your health and recovery 

31:34 One man’s post-surgery 10,000 step streak

34:36 Surgery results and recovery

36:52 Lifestyle choices that can prevent an enlarged prostate

37:36 Tips from two of Dr. Singal’s patients

 

Menopause costs the Canadian economy $3.5 billion a year. Many women suffer through their symptoms in silence in the workplace, with fears of being criticized, isolated or even terminated. At Medcan, we’re working hard to fight against the stigma surrounding menopause. Here, we feature our recent webinar, Leading Through Menopause: Strategies for Success.

Joined by Janet Ko, President of the Menopause Foundation, and Salima Valji, CEO of Unleash Forward, Inc., Clinical Director of Menopause and Perimenopause, Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, covers critical topics on menopause awareness and support in the workplace. The panelists debunk myths about hormone therapy and breast cancer risk, offer valuable tips for advocating for menopause-related needs in the workplace, and share resources to empower women and foster supportive environments at work.

LINKS

• Medcan’s Menopause and Perimenopause Program led by Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, offers six months of comprehensive, holistic support that is personalized to your unique symptoms and concerns. 

• Janet Ko is the President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation, where you’ll find a helpful symptom tracker among other useful resources.

• Salima Valji is the CEO and Founder of Unleash Forward Inc., a purpose driven leadership accelerator focused on elevating women and people of colour to senior leadership roles and board positions. 

• Find more helpful resources at The Menopause Society (formerly known as the North American Menopause Society).

• More references and research: 

• The Menopause and Work in Canada report by the Menopause Foundation breaks down the economic impact of menopause. 

• Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies by The McKinsey Health Institute

• Read a recent critical review of the Women’s Health Initiative, which created societal distrust in the efficacy and safety of hormone replacement therapy.

Plus, our panelists’ favourite women’s health books to add to your bookshelf.

• Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky’s pick: Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives -- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer by Dr. Avrum Bluming and Dr. Carol Tavris

• Janet Ko’s pick: The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health With Facts And Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter

• Salima Valji’s pick: The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

• To stay in touch with our panelists, you can connect with Janet Ko and Salima Valji on LinkedIn.

 

As women age, physical and hormonal changes lead to new nutritional and wellness needs. So in episode 201 of Eat Move Think, Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky and Leslie Beck, RD, team up to guide you through women’s health by the decade. Learn what’s happening inside and outside your body during each decade of adulthood from your 30s onward—and how simple lifestyle and diet choices can help you move through your life with vitality and confidence.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Within Canada’s 20 million person labour market, 5 million people are working women over the age of 40. According to a recent report from the Menopause Society, an estimated 1 in 10 women will leave the workforce due to unmanaged symptoms of menopause—that’s around 500,000 women who will stop working because of their symptoms this year. 

As the Clinical Director of Medcan’s Menopause and Perimenopause Program, Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is working to change these statistics. In Part One of our Women’s Health Special Series, she’s joined by her former client, Norma Pasquale. After having faced debilitating perimenopause symptoms, Norma’s life changed after treating her symptoms with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hear her story, and learn how you can advocate for your health and get the best care and resources for your unique needs.

 

Whether you’re giving a presentation at work or competing in a swim meet, there’s nothing more frustrating than having all the tools and the practice in the world, and fumbling under pressure.

Dr. Dana Sinclair, the author of Dialed In: Do Your Best When it Matters Most, knows this better than anyone. She’s a performance psychologist, and she’s worked with high-performers of all kinds (from the Toronto Raptors to Jamie Lee Curtis) to help them reach their potential. Here, Mind Station Team Lead Jennifer Baldachin chats with Dr. Sinclair. Get the best strategies to overcome fear, transform your self-talk, and dial into a performance mindset that lets you access your best self, no matter the circumstances.

 

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the world’s most common gastrointestinal disorders, and Canada’s rates are some of the highest. It’s difficult to diagnose, impossible to cure, and can be tough to talk about—but not for today’s guest. 

Kate Scarlata, RD, is an expert in IBS and the low FODMAP diet. Here, she joins Leslie Beck, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Food and Nutrition, to give you a comprehensive guide to the many facets of IBS, and how to get the best results using the low FODMAP diet.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

 

 

A recent report showed that Canada’s national life expectancy dropped for the third year in a row—now sitting at an average of 81.3 years. Why are experts calling this decline a historical change? How does your own life expectancy compare, and how can you make tweaks in your routine to help you increase your lifespan and your healthspan?

Here, Dr. Peter Nord is joined by Dr. Doug Manuel, MD, director of the Big Life Lab at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and expert in preventive medicine. The two docs explore the implications of a shorter national life expectancy on your life, and the most important things you can do to avoid becoming part of that statistic.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

 

Studying the brain has never been an easy feat. Researchers haven’t had steady access to growing human brain tissue—until now. The team at Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program is making impressive progress with the help of their lab-grown organoids, which mimic living human neurons and allow scientists to more accurately study the way different conditions affect the brain.

Here, Dr. Peter Nord explores how this advancement could change the way we understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and how your lifestyle choices might affect whether or not you actually develop a cognitive disease. He’s joined by renowned neurologist Dr. Sandra Black, who leads the Dr. Sandra Black Centre For Brain Resilience and Recovery, as well as the Director of Sunnybrook’s Biological Sciences Platform. Dr. JoAnne McLaurin.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Rucking, or wearing a weighted “rucksack” while walking or jogging, originated as a practical form of fitness hundreds of years ago. It started as a training technique to prepare soldiers to carry their gear long distances—and lately, civilians are praising its health benefits too. The hashtag #rucking currently has 23 million views on TikTok, and the versatile activity has been covered by experts like Peter Attia and Michael Easter.

Here, get the rundown on rucking and whether it’s right for you, with Move Host Dr. Andrew Miners and BackFitPro CSO Dr. Stuart McGill, the world’s leading back pain expert.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between—there is robust research showing that your health is directly related to your relationships with the people around you. Here, we break down the benefits of social connection and the health risks of loneliness. Plus, we give you a sneak peek of what Canada’s future Social Connection Guidelines will look like.

Learn how your peers can shape who you are, why it’s tougher than ever to connect, and how you can prioritize your social life to help increase health and lifespan. Join our Mind Station Team Lead, Jennifer Baldachin, as she chats with Genwell Project CEO Pete Bombaci, social epidemiologist Dr. Kiffer Card, and The Peer Effect authors Syed Ali and Margaret Chin.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

As 2023 comes to a close, Eat Move Think is rounding up the health and wellness trends and updates that left lasting impressions on such Medcan experts as Shaun Francis, Dr. Peter Nord, Leslie Beck and Dr. Andrew Miners. How did their own personal wellness evolve? What innovations will they be watching next year? And what are the biggest takeaways that you can carry forward to optimize your own health in 2024?

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Rates of colon cancer in Canada aren’t standard across the board. They’re dropping in populations over 50 years old, and rising in younger demographics. Dr. Jeff Axler, Medcan’s director of gastroenterology and endoscopy, has scoped over 40,000 colons throughout his career. 

Here, he chats with CMO Dr. Peter Nord about why Medcan’s colon cancer screening guidelines stand out from other recommendations in Canada, how you can learn about your unique risk, and why the preparation for your colonoscopy isn’t nearly as bad as you thought.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Many Canadians are packing their bags for their annual trip down south to spend the winter months somewhere tropical. Travelling has cognitive and physical benefits, so how can you continue to see the world while staying healthy? How can you get the right care when you’re away?

Here, Medcan CMO Dr. Peter Nord is joined by Medcan’s clinical director of travel medicine, Dr. Aisha Khatib. Learn how you can deal with health issues effectively while abroad (or even prevent them before you leave). Plus, get tips to zap your jet lag—whether you’re gone for the week or the whole winter.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Our host, Shaun Francis, recently spent time in Helena, Montana on an expedition with other business leaders and Veterans. Shaun is the founder of True Patriot Love, one of Canada’s largest charities that supports Canadian military members and their families and the organization behind the trip. Here, he joins his friends and fellow expeditioners: True Patriot CEO Nick Booth, former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Erin O’Toole, and Veteran Ryan Hawkyard.

They reminisce about the highs and lows of the trip, explore the unique health challenges our Veterans face, and discuss why an adventure-style journey might be just what you need to kickstart your wellness.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

When the temperature drops, we spend more time indoors, in closer proximity to other people, increasing our risk of getting sick. To help you stay healthy and happy during the colder months, we’re bringing you a comprehensive guide to the prevention and treatment of the cold and the flu. Get tips and tricks from all of your favourite hosts to help you eat, move, and think your way to staving off the sniffles, avoiding those aches and pains, and getting back on your feet. Learn which common remedies work, which don’t, and which are essential for staying healthy.  

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is the clinical director of the Menopause and Perimenopause at Medcan. Since the program launched this year, she’s been working with women at Medcan to educate them about their health and help treat their unique symptoms and situations.

Here, she joins Marisa Ciarlitto to chat about the questions that she gets asked most, how she helped some of her clients get through common problems, and how you can get the most benefit out of your next appointment with your doctor.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Adult acne affects 5.6 million Canadians (and 75% of them are women!). September is Acne Awareness Month, so in episode 187 of Eat Move Think, we’ve teamed up with Refine, Medcan’s dermatology clinic, for the ultimate guide to adult acne.

Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Tran breaks down the who, what, where, when and whys of acne, and how you can know what’s best for your skin.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

It’s an exciting time for the fields of nutrition and neurology. This year, two large studies determined that taking a daily multivitamin could improve memory and cognition in older adults. So can supplements actually improve your brain health? How else can food choices affect cognitive function? Here, our Eat host, Leslie Beck, RD, is joined by Toronto Memory Program medical director Dr. Sharon Cohen to provide a comprehensive guide to multivitamins and cognition.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Whether you’re working on a deadline or enjoying time with friends, city noise is jarring to the ears and even worse for concentration. A growing body of scientific evidence also suggests that high noise levels can be harmful to your health, increasing risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attacks.

Here, environmental studies researcher Dr. Tor Oiamo joins Medcan CEO Shaun Francis to explore the connection between noise and health. They explain what’s so bad about long-term noise exposure, and how you can know if you’re within safe sound limits.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

 

Gastrointestinal health complaints form a large proportion of the reasons people visit their doctors—even though few people like to talk about what’s going on down there. And Medcan’s registered dietitians often get questions about how to promote digestion. So our Eat host, Leslie Beck, Medcan’s clinical director of food and nutrition, suggested a guide to all the gut, microbiome and digestive tract questions our listeners might otherwise not be comfortable asking.

Here, Beck is joined by Medcan gastroenterologist Dr. Bharat Markandey to tackle: What foods promote gut health? Do probiotics and prebiotics work? And how can you tell whether everything’s working correctly? It’s all in here—and more! 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Research suggests that “one in three Canadians is living with diabetes or prediabetes.” So if your doctor tells you that you’re insulin resistant, what steps can you take?

Here, Dr. Peter Nord is joined by Medcan endocrinologist Dr. Susan George—who was named to the Order of Canada in 2020—to break down how you can eat, move and think your way to improved insulin sensitivity—and maybe even reverse your diagnosis.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Perhaps your doctor mentioned it to you: consider adding strength training to your weekly routine. And here’s the thing: Strength training gets even more important as we get older.

So in this episode, Dr. Andrew Miners, Medcan’s director of sports medicine and fitness, and McMaster kinesiology professor Dr. Stuart Phillips provide a guide to optimal strength training for everyone — particularly those who are getting older, who can use their stronger muscles to stay active and vibrant longer than ever before. Get tips on how to start properly, and learn about the latest research on the surprising ways strength training can change your body and your mind for the better.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular fitness and nutrition trends out there right now—not only as an effective weight loss technique, but as a way to manage chronic disease risk and lower blood pressure. So what risks come with IF, and what should you know before giving it a try?

In this encore presentation, Eat host Leslie Beck joins IF expert Dr. Krista Varady of the University of Chicago, Illinois to break down the various types of IF, and how to do it safely and effectively for your body.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

Last year, Medcan director of weight management Dr. David Macklin predicted the diabetes medication semaglutide would be a game changer for those seeking help to lose weight. Now known by trade names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, today semaglutide is advertised on billboards and in TV commercials — and the hashtag has more than 330 million views on Tiktok. So we invited back Dr. Macklin to get his perspective on the medication, now that it’s actually on the market and being used by hundreds of thousands of people across North America. Joined by Medcan CMO Dr. Peter Nord, Dr. Macklin explains semaglutide’s benefits, side effects and costs — and describes what’s different about Medcan’s approach to weight management in the semaglutide era.

DISCLOSURE

In addition to his role at Medcan, Dr. Macklin helped to write the Canadian clinical guidelines for obesity. He also receives consulting fees, honoraria, and licensing fees from Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is the manufacturer of semaglutide (trade name Ozempic).

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Something about exercising in nature just makes you feel good. Hiking up a hill to enjoy forest views. Biking through the countryside. Even a walk through your community. And in fact, a new study suggests that working out in fresh air provides a special boost to your cognitive abilities – one that you won’t get if you exercise indoors.

So how does exercising outside really affect your body? Here, Medcan CEO Shaun Francis sits down with the study’s lead authors, Dr. Olav Krigolson and Katherine Boere of the University of Victoria, to understand what’s up. 

Eat Move Think is all about giving you new ways to become the healthiest version of yourself. So in this special summer episode, we’ve challenged some of Medcan’s most wellness-obsessed teammates to tell us all about the content that changed the way they make their healthy choices. Hear about the media and pop culture that has made a big impact on Medcanners’ lives, and you might just find your next best read, watch or listen along the way. 

Follow along with the books, podcasts, films and other media referenced in the episode on the episode webpage. 

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been waiting for the sunny days of summer. Between all the plans and trips you might have in store, it can be easy to let your healthy habits and routines fall by the wayside. So how can you optimize your wellness while you’re away? Join fitness managers Anna Topali and Tyler Kerr as they and their fitness team leads to find out. They provide tips and tricks to help you turn your weekend trip from a wellness challenge to a healthy cross-training opportunity, and come back to the city feeling as great as you did when you left.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is the clinical director of women’s health and vitality at Medcan and leads the new perimenopause and menopause program. She’s a certified menopause practitioner and an advocate for the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Zelovitzky also has an unusual backstory that includes working on Bay Street before attending medical school while raising two young daughters.

Here, she joins Director of Clinical Innovation Allison Hazell to talk about menopause misconceptions, the education gap that exists around women’s health—and how Medcan’s new program aims to empower women with knowledge.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Medcan is expanding. There’s a summer pop-up in Muskoka’s Port Carling, a new location in Collingwood is coming soon and the Oakville location has been open for 18 months. The design in each of these spaces feels less medical and more high-end hotel. Elements like natural light and organic materials promote a sense of optimal wellness in visitors, encouraging relaxation and comfort regardless of the reason for the visit.

So can our listeners learn from Medcan’s interior design choices, the better to create wellness-promoting spaces of their own? Medcan CEO Shaun Francis interviews Oakville general manager Eric Giberson and HOK senior principal Laura Jones to learn about the way light and colour promotes wellness at Medcan’s new spaces—and, possibly, within the walls of your own home.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

“Worst air quality in a lifetime for many,” read the Weather Network app for many North Americans recently. Residual smoke from the wildfires in northern Ontario and Quebec created serious air pollution, causing Environment Canada to recommend that we avoid strenuous activities and limit our time outside. So how does wildfire smoke and air pollution affect our health, what can we do to protect ourselves, and are there ways to counteract health effects of wildfire smoke?

Here, the Eat Move Think team breaks down the air quality situation in Canada, with the help of Medcan respirologist, Dr. Chris Chan, and wildfire smoke expert Dr. Stephanie Holm of the University of California, San Francisco. 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

 

We’ve all had a headache that stopped our day in its tracks. To mark Migraine Awareness Month, we’re devoting an episode to the causes and cures for all sorts of headaches. That dull, throbbing pain could be caused by stress, poor diet, eye sight issues, or many other underlying conditions.

So how can you know what is causing your headache? What is the best way to get rid of it, and how can you avoid them in the long run? Here, Dr. Peter Nord breaks down everything you need to know about getting rid of headaches, with the help of Medcan physiatrist, Dr. Marcus Jansen, and Medcan optometrist, Dr. Suneet Dhadwar.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

When you experience stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. So what exactly does the “stress hormone” do? Why is there an instinct to freeze in stressful situations, and what lifestyle changes could improve our ability to handle stress?

Here, Medcan CEO Shaun Francis talks to the director of the UHN Krembil Research Institute, Dr. Jaideep Bains, an expert on stress, about how exactly stress affects our wellness—and why it’s so important to have healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with difficult situations. He also shares what he does to get through stressful times.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

“If you’re eating something that came wrapped in plastic and contains even one ingredient that wouldn’t be found in most household kitchens, it is most likely ultra-processed food,” writes today’s guest, Dr. Chris van Tulleken. He’s an Oxford-educated infectious diseases doctor, with a Ph.D. in molecular virology, as well as a BBC television personality. His latest book, an international bestseller, is Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food. He says that North Americans get 50-60% of their calories from ultra-processed food.

So how is ultra-processed food affecting our bodies and our brains? How is it really bad for us, and how can you optimize your wellness in an ultra-processed world? Medcan director of food and nutrition Leslie Beck, RD, answers these questions and more in her conversation with Dr. Chris van Tulleken.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

In 2022, Medcan became the first wellness provider in the country to enter the age of truly personalized medicine by integrating whole genome sequencing into a comprehensive preventive health assessment — allowing clients access to the most advanced technology available to promote longevity and address potential future health concerns.

Now, a year later, Medcan genetic counsellors look back and evaluate what they’ve learned. Who is getting their whole genome sequenced, and what impact has the decision had on their lives? What are some of the most surprising findings? And what most excites the genetic team about future innovations to come? Director of clinical innovation Allison Hazell leads director of genetics Jessica Gu and genetic counsellor Justin Lorentz in a fascinating discussion that also features chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord reflecting on his own personal experiences getting his whole genome sequenced.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.