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.

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.