Eat Move Think

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.