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

Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

What You Can Do:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch or listen to Dr. Miners discuss:

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

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

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

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

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

What You Can Do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What You Can Do

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

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