Eat Move Think
The essential guide to living a longer, more active, and more fulfilled life, full of answers to your most-pressing health and wellness questions.
info_outline
What It's Like to See a Menopause Specialist
05/06/2024
What It's Like to See a Menopause Specialist
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.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/31094713
info_outline
How to Dial Into Your Performance Potential
03/11/2024
How to Dial Into Your Performance Potential
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.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/30294458
info_outline
Treating IBS with the Low FODMAP Diet
02/26/2024
Treating IBS with the Low FODMAP Diet
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29989998
info_outline
How to Extend Your Lifespan
02/12/2024
How to Extend Your Lifespan
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29880928
info_outline
Cognition Cures: In Life & In the Lab
01/29/2024
Cognition Cures: In Life & In the Lab
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29668458
info_outline
Ruck & Roll: The Complete Guide with Dr. Andrew Miners & Dr. Stuart McGill
01/15/2024
Ruck & Roll: The Complete Guide with Dr. Andrew Miners & Dr. Stuart McGill
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29466848
info_outline
How Human Connection Makes You Healthier
01/01/2024
How Human Connection Makes You Healthier
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29276773
info_outline
2023: The Year in Wellness
12/18/2023
2023: The Year in Wellness
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/29118883
info_outline
The Latest Guidance on Colon Cancer Screening
12/04/2023
The Latest Guidance on Colon Cancer Screening
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28890048
info_outline
Healthy Travelling
11/20/2023
Healthy Travelling
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28707593
info_outline
The Health Benefits of Adventure
11/06/2023
The Health Benefits of Adventure
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28510484
info_outline
Flu Fighters: How to Minimize Your Risk of Getting Sick
10/23/2023
Flu Fighters: How to Minimize Your Risk of Getting Sick
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28378427
info_outline
Your Women's Health Questions, Answered
10/09/2023
Your Women's Health Questions, Answered
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28245662
info_outline
Clearing Up Adult Acne
09/25/2023
Clearing Up Adult Acne
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/28114871
info_outline
Can Multivitamins Improve Your Memory?
09/11/2023
Can Multivitamins Improve Your Memory?
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27980472
info_outline
Is Noise Bad for Your Health?
08/28/2023
Is Noise Bad for Your Health?
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27861870
info_outline
Gut Check: Nutrition & Your Digestive Health
08/21/2023
Gut Check: Nutrition & Your Digestive Health
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27791121
info_outline
What to Do If You’re Insulin Resistant
08/14/2023
What to Do If You’re Insulin Resistant
Research suggests that “ 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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27741885
info_outline
Strength Training for Everyone
08/07/2023
Strength Training for Everyone
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27666237
info_outline
Intermittent Fasting with Dr. Krista Varady (Encore Episode)
07/31/2023
Intermittent Fasting with Dr. Krista Varady (Encore Episode)
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27594288
info_outline
All About Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus
07/24/2023
All About Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus
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 . 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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27531117
info_outline
The Outdoor Exercise Advantage
07/17/2023
The Outdoor Exercise Advantage
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.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27457008
info_outline
What Changed Your Wellness?
07/10/2023
What Changed Your Wellness?
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/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27403290
info_outline
Summer Weekend Wellness
07/03/2023
Summer Weekend Wellness
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27323811
info_outline
Hormone Replacement Therapy & Menopause Misconceptions
06/26/2023
Hormone Replacement Therapy & Menopause Misconceptions
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27250689
info_outline
Designing Spaces to Promote Wellness
06/19/2023
Designing Spaces to Promote Wellness
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27185598
info_outline
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health
06/12/2023
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health
“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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27117381
info_outline
How to Get Rid of A Headache
06/05/2023
How to Get Rid of A Headache
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/27022761
info_outline
What Happens When You're Stressed?
05/29/2023
What Happens When You're Stressed?
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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/26976840
info_outline
Ultra-Processed People with Dr. Chris van Tulleken
05/22/2023
Ultra-Processed People with Dr. Chris van Tulleken
“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 for links and more info.
/episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/26909796