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.

All About Proactive Heart Health Screening 06/18/2025

All About Proactive Heart Health Screening 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 . /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/37061760

Best Diets for 2025 02/28/2025

Inspiration from the Invictus Games 02/13/2025

From Resilience to Recovery: Lessons From the Invictus Games and other Sporting Competitions 02/05/2025

Navigating Challenges in Employee Health: Strategies for Success 01/27/2025

Exercises for Better Sleep 01/20/2025

The Surprising Health Benefits of Travel 12/10/2024

The Surprising Health Benefits of Travel 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 . /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/34373325

Are You a Weekend Warrior? The Pros and Cons of Weekend-Only Exercise 12/03/2024

How Your Genes Affect Your Medications: The Science of Pharmacogenomics 11/26/2024

What to Do if You Have Prediabetes 11/19/2024

Can You Predict Your Future Health? 11/13/2024

How to Prepare for Ski Season 11/06/2024

The Genetics of Living Longer: Exploring ApoE and Longevity 10/29/2024

Is It Burnout or Is It Something Else? 10/21/2024

Debunking Social Media Skincare Myths 08/14/2024

Debunking Social Media Skincare Myths 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: LINKS Arrange an appointment with Refine by Medcan at one of its convenient locations . Follow double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Tran on Instagram . A positive account from a woman who incorporated snail mucin . And here’s an article that provides more detail on how snail mucin is . More about the K-beauty trend, . A good article examining how work. The academic article describing the link between benzoyl peroxide . Another article, , 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 . An examines the efficacy of red LED light therapy. This article features another derm weighing in on the the “” 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. /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/32303717

Cottage Sports: Tips to Reduce Injury for Everything from Pickleball to Paddleboarding 07/29/2024

Cottage Sports: Tips to Reduce Injury for Everything from Pickleball to Paddleboarding 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: LINKS Looking for more tips on how to reduce injury and promote strength? Consult with a Medcan . The internet is full of sport-specific workouts. Here are some of them: Pickleball Paddleboarding Tennis Improve your strength for Wakeboarding/wakesurfing 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. /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/32286647

What It's Like to Live With Prostate Cancer 06/24/2024

What It's Like to Live With Prostate Cancer 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 about your prostate cancer risk and stay up to date on your screening. See more prostate cancer statistics from the 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 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 /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/31839922

Leading Through Menopause: Strategies for Success 06/10/2024

Leading Through Menopause: Strategies for Success 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 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 among other useful resources. Salima Valji is the CEO and Founder of , 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 (formerly known as the North American Menopause Society). More references and research: report by the Menopause Foundation breaks down the economic impact of menopause. : A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies by The McKinsey Health Institute Read a recent 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: : 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: : Own Your Health With Facts And Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter Salima Valji’s pick: : 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 and on LinkedIn. /episode/index/show/eatmovethink/id/31634947