Eat Move Think

For years, scientific evidence has suggested that there could possibly be a link between exercise and cognitive function. A new study in Scientific Reports analyzed the genetic data of over 350,000 people to determine whether or not regular physical activity can really improve our brain health. So can working out really make us smarter? What type of exercise is best for our brains? Here, University of Geneva senior researcher and study lead author, Dr. Boris Cheval, joins Move host Dr. Andrew Miners to explore the connection between movement and cognition, and to suggest how you can train your brain to love working out— whether or not you have that genetic predisposition to exercise. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Did you know that loneliness is associated with health risks as negative as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? When we think of a healthy lifestyle designed to promote longevity, we think of factors like diet, exercise or genetics. Rarely do we consider loneliness as a factor in determining how long we live. Yet according to loneliness expert Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, “social connections have potent influences on health and longevity, and lacking social connection qualifies as a risk factor for premature mortality.” Here, Dr. Holt-Lunstad joins Medcan MIND station team lead Jennifer Baldachin to explore how social connections promote wellness—with guidance on how to create new relationships. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Fitness trainers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to health and wellness. Here, Medcan fitness managers Anna Topali and Tyler Kerr lead some of our top trainers as they discuss science-based answers to the questions that come up again and again. Do women get bulky if they lift heavy weights? Will my sleep quality suffer if I work out at night? Is it OK to workout on consecutive days? Can I do cardio and resistance training on the same day? Is fasted cardio better for fat-loss, or is it dangerous to work out on an empty stomach? And how do I know the difference between that “good” sore feeling, and a sign that I’ve hurt myself? It’s all here—and more! Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

As the weather heats up, so does the talk about sunscreen. Reapply every 2 hours—or every 4 hours. Only use SPF 30 or higher…but maybe the SPF 15 in your moisturizer is okay. Here, Refine medical director Dr. Jonathan Levy clears up misconceptions about your skin and sunscreen. Learn why SPF 80 might not be as protective as you think, which UV rays your sunscreen is blocking, and how to know which brands will make you less likely to break out. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Sleeping well is crucial for wellness. But for those of us who work at demanding jobs, it can be all too easy to sacrifice sleep. In fact, thanks also to streaming services and social media, society is as sleep deprived as we’ve ever been.  So in this episode, Medcan chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord talks with sleep deprivation expert Dr. Ann E. Rogers of Georgia’s Emory University. The two discuss the reasons we’re not getting the slumber we need—and share tips and tricks to maintain performance even during those periods where you’re not getting enough shut-eye.  Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

What’s the best way to lose weight, and keep it off for good? Does your body prefer a low-fat or a low-carb diet? The body’s metabolism rate, genes, and microbiomes can all affect the way we lose or gain weight. The good news? The field of personalized nutrition will likely soon be able to give you a full list of which foods will help your body lose weight, and which will contribute to weight gain.  Medcan’s director of food and nutrition, Leslie Beck chats with Dr. Christopher Gardner, the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. They explore the implications of Dr. Gardner’s research into the different ways that low-carb and low-fat diets can affect different bodies. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Medcan trainers and doctors say that the single biggest change you can do for your wellness is to go from doing nothing, to doing something. For the non-smokers among us, the biggest change in your body happens when you go from a sedentary lifestyle to a simple fitness routine that you can gradually build on, and walking is one of the best ways to get that routine going. Here, Move host Dr. Andrew Miners chats with Dr. Ferreira, who recently started walking over 5km to work on a regular basis. They break down the physical and mental benefits of walking, and share some inspiring fitness stories from walking podcaster Dave Paul, and Medcan client Raysa Hidalgo.  Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.  

Can you breathe your way to a better mood and reduced anxiety? This week’s guest says it's possible! Medcan consulting psychologist Dr. Amanda Beaman chats with the medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University, Dr. David Spiegel, a physician. Dr. Spiegel's recent study with podcaster and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman revealed the mental well-being benefits of a kind of breathwork called cyclic sighing. Here, Dr. Spiegel explains how to perform cyclic sighing, and describes the way it uses the parasympathetic nervous system to improve affect. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Can certain foods cure pre-menstrual syndrome? Do soy products cause breast cancer? And can a healthy diet help you conceive, or improve the symptoms of menopause? In this episode of Eat Move Think, we explore the world of women's nutrition. Guided by Medcan’s director of clinical innovation, Allison Hazell, our Eat expert, Leslie Beck, RD, and registered dietitian Joanna Stochla clear up the biggest misconceptions around nutrition for women, and provide a suggestion for what you should be incorporating into your diet, right away. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

As we approach International Women’s Day, Eat Move Think begins a two-week look at wellness specifically for females. This week, Medcan senior medical advisor, and bestselling author of The New Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging, Dr. Vivien Brown, provides an overview on all things preventive health, touching on everything from telomeres to stress, and the importance of self-education to promote brain health. If you’re a woman, it’s an inspiring—and empowering—way to focus on your own wellness. And men can listen to learn about what’s best for their partners or loved ones!  Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.