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.

 

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.

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

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

5.4 million Canadians are at high risk of experiencing or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea—and not all of them snore. Sleep apnea is the most common breathing-related sleep disorder, and spending the night in a hospital or clinic is an uncomfortable and inconvenient way to be diagnosed and get treatment. 

Here, Dr. Chris Chan, clinical director of Medcan’s new Sleep Program, explains who is at highest risk for sleep apnea, and he introduces a simple and evidence-based device that could help you discover your diagnosis while sleeping in your own bed.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

For years, scientific evidence has suggested that there could possibly be a link between exercise and cognitive function. A new study in Scientific Reports analyzed the genetic data of over 350,000 people to determine whether or not regular physical activity can really improve our brain health. So can working out really make us smarter? What type of exercise is best for our brains?

Here, University of Geneva senior researcher and study lead author, Dr. Boris Cheval, joins Move host Dr. Andrew Miners to explore the connection between movement and cognition, and to suggest how you can train your brain to love working out— whether or not you have that genetic predisposition to exercise.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Did you know that loneliness is associated with health risks as negative as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? When we think of a healthy lifestyle designed to promote longevity, we think of factors like diet, exercise or genetics. Rarely do we consider loneliness as a factor in determining how long we live.

Yet according to loneliness expert Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, “social connections have potent influences on health and longevity, and lacking social connection qualifies as a risk factor for premature mortality.”

Here, Dr. Holt-Lunstad joins Medcan MIND station team lead Jennifer Baldachin to explore how social connections promote wellness—with guidance on how to create new relationships.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Fitness trainers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to health and wellness. Here, Medcan fitness managers Anna Topali and Tyler Kerr lead some of our top trainers as they discuss science-based answers to the questions that come up again and again. Do women get bulky if they lift heavy weights? Will my sleep quality suffer if I work out at night? Is it OK to workout on consecutive days? Can I do cardio and resistance training on the same day? Is fasted cardio better for fat-loss, or is it dangerous to work out on an empty stomach? And how do I know the difference between that “good” sore feeling, and a sign that I’ve hurt myself? It’s all here—and more!

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

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.

As the weather heats up, so does the talk about sunscreen. Reapply every 2 hours—or every 4 hours. Only use SPF 30 or higher…but maybe the SPF 15 in your moisturizer is okay.

Here, Refine medical director Dr. Jonathan Levy clears up misconceptions about your skin and sunscreen. Learn why SPF 80 might not be as protective as you think, which UV rays your sunscreen is blocking, and how to know which brands will make you less likely to break out.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Sleeping well is crucial for wellness. But for those of us who work at demanding jobs, it can be all too easy to sacrifice sleep. In fact, thanks also to streaming services and social media, society is as sleep deprived as we’ve ever been. 

So in this episode, Medcan chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord talks with sleep deprivation expert Dr. Ann E. Rogers of Georgia’s Emory University. The two discuss the reasons we’re not getting the slumber we need—and share tips and tricks to maintain performance even during those periods where you’re not getting enough shut-eye. 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

What’s the best way to lose weight, and keep it off for good? Does your body prefer a low-fat or a low-carb diet? The body’s metabolism rate, genes, and microbiomes can all affect the way we lose or gain weight. The good news? The field of personalized nutrition will likely soon be able to give you a full list of which foods will help your body lose weight, and which will contribute to weight gain. 

Medcan’s director of food and nutrition, Leslie Beck chats with Dr. Christopher Gardner, the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. They explore the implications of Dr. Gardner’s research into the different ways that low-carb and low-fat diets can affect different bodies.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Medcan trainers and doctors say that the single biggest change you can do for your wellness is to go from doing nothing, to doing something. For the non-smokers among us, the biggest change in your body happens when you go from a sedentary lifestyle to a simple fitness routine that you can gradually build on, and walking is one of the best ways to get that routine going.

Here, Move host Dr. Andrew Miners chats with Dr. Ferreira, who recently started walking over 5km to work on a regular basis. They break down the physical and mental benefits of walking, and share some inspiring fitness stories from walking podcaster Dave Paul, and Medcan client Raysa Hidalgo. 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

Can you breathe your way to a better mood and reduced anxiety? This week’s guest says it's possible! Medcan consulting psychologist Dr. Amanda Beaman chats with the medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University, Dr. David Spiegel, a physician. Dr. Spiegel's recent study with podcaster and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman revealed the mental well-being benefits of a kind of breathwork called cyclic sighing.

Here, Dr. Spiegel explains how to perform cyclic sighing, and describes the way it uses the parasympathetic nervous system to improve affect.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Can certain foods cure pre-menstrual syndrome? Do soy products cause breast cancer? And can a healthy diet help you conceive, or improve the symptoms of menopause? In this episode of Eat Move Think, we explore the world of women's nutrition. Guided by Medcan’s director of clinical innovation, Allison Hazell, our Eat expert, Leslie Beck, RD, and registered dietitian Joanna Stochla clear up the biggest misconceptions around nutrition for women, and provide a suggestion for what you should be incorporating into your diet, right away.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

As we approach International Women’s Day, Eat Move Think begins a two-week look at wellness specifically for females. This week, Medcan senior medical advisor, and bestselling author of The New Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging, Dr. Vivien Brown, provides an overview on all things preventive health, touching on everything from telomeres to stress, and the importance of self-education to promote brain health.

If you’re a woman, it’s an inspiring—and empowering—way to focus on your own wellness. And men can listen to learn about what’s best for their partners or loved ones! 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Canada’s new alcohol guidelines took a radically different approach. Most health recommendations provide advice on safe amounts of the substance in question. But Canada’s 2023 Guidance on Alcohol and Health tells us there is no safe amount when it comes to drinking spirits, wine or beer. Sidestepping any suggestion for specific consumption levels, they instead inform Canadians about the risk we incur for an alcohol-caused death at given consumption levels per week. To learn about the implications for us all, Medcan chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord walks us through interviews with guideline coauthors Dr. Tim Naimi, physician and director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, and Dr. Jürgen Rehm, epidemiologist at CAMH and professor at the University of Toronto. We also check in with guideline critic Dr. Dan Malleck, historian and health sciences professor at Brock University. 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Everyone from Peter Attia to the Global Cycling Network is talking about zone-based fitness training. It’s gaining popularity as a way to optimize your workouts and train like an endurance athlete, all while making sure you don’t work too hard.

So we contacted a global expert to determine whether it’s worth the hype. What is Zone 2 training, and how can you do it effectively—no matter your fitness level? Dr. Stephen Seiler is a professor at Norway’s University of Agder, and for decades he’s been researching the concept of the “polarized training” that separates training styles by lactate range and heart rate. Here, he explores the benefits of slowing down with Medcan CEO Shaun Francis. 

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info. 

Workforces increasingly expect their employers to support their health and wellbeing—which is why Medcan created the Workplace Health and Wellness Strategy Playbook. In the latest episode of our weekly podcast, Eat Move Think, join such MAS physicians as Dr. Peter Nord, Dr. Alain Sotto, Dr. Matthew Burnstein and Dr. Aisha Khatib as they share first-hand experiences of best practices for workplace wellness, to promote engagement and productivity among employees.

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.

 

February is Heart Health month, and with the heartiest (ahem) of holidays coming up, in the form of Valentine’s Day, what better time to bring attention to how you can keep your heart healthy and strong? Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, and is the first leading cause of premature death in women. Here, Medcan director of cardiology, Dr. Beth Abramson, joins Dr. Peter Nord to break down everything you need to know about heart disease, and the main risk factors that cause it. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk, how the risk factors are different for women, and how COVID-19 can affect your heart.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Mary Deacon has been pioneering efforts to improve Canada’s mental health for 25 years. She’s the founding president of the CAMH Foundation and the founding chair of Bell Let’s Talk, which she still leads today. She’s also worked with Medcan CEO and True Patriot Love chair Shaun Francis on a million-dollar fund to support military members, Veterans and their families. Here, the two friends discuss the past, present and future of mental health in this country, with a view to providing us with ways to improve access and reduce stigma. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Our conversations about mental health have changed in the past few years. Things that were considered taboo or inappropriate to mention are now commonly discussed. And that’s great, because authentic conversations can help to reduce stigma. So when your coworker or close friend discloses that they’re having a tough time, how can you provide the response they need? What’s the best way to set boundaries? What do you do if you don’t have the time to talk? And how can you take care of yourself? Learn about things to say, do, and avoid to best show your support, from wellness host Dr. Peter Nord and Medcan social worker Jennifer Baldachin.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

 

Eat Move Think is all about life hacks and wellness guidance to help you be at your best. So what happens when you place too much of a focus on productivity and goal-chasing? In productivity expert Chris Bailey’s new book, How to Calm Your Mind, he writes that “in an anxious world, the path to productivity runs through calm.” Here, Medcan consulting psychologist Amanda Beaman talks to Bailey about his own journey to calm, how our brains are affected by high levels of stress and anxiety, and how the rest of us can use calm to become more engaged, more present, and more productive in everything we do.

Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.