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 www.medcan.com.

In this episode, Leslie Beck, Medcan’s Clinical Director of Food and Nutrition, discusses the US News & World Report’s Best Diets rankings. This year marks the 15th year in a row that the US News & World Report has published these diet rankings, which were released in early January. Sixty-nine leading health experts evaluated 38 diets in 21 different categories. Beck reveals the top four overall-rated diets for 2025 and also highlights some of the other notable category winners, and explains how following these diets can help you achieve your health goals.

The Rankings: Out of 38 diets, which diet ranked highest?
(Hint: It’s one of these four):

• MIND diet
• Flexitarian diet
• DASH diet
• Mediterranean diet

The Categories: In addition to Best Overall Diet, categories also included:

• Best for Healthy Eating
• Best for Inflammation, Brain Health, Menopause, Prediabetes, Arthritis and Fatty Liver

What The Top Diets Have in Common: Key features that support overall health and well-being

Takeaways:

• All of this year’s top rated diets emphasize whole plant foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts, lean proteins and healthy fats, while limiting adding sugars and saturated fats.
• All of the diets have solid evidence to support their effectiveness for managing or preventing a health condition or chronic disease.
• None of the diets restrict entire food groups or ban certain foods.
• The best diet is the one you can sustain long-term while meeting your health and lifestyle needs.
• When considering a diet, ask yourself: Does the plan promote a way of eating that’s good for your children? (Find out why that’s important by listening to the episode).

For personalized advice, consult your doctor or a Medcan dietitian at www.medcan.com/nutrition.

Medcan CEO and Chair Shaun Francis speaks with Tony Moreau, a retired warrant officer, and Dr. Kristina Moreau, a retired captain and family physician with a special interest in sports medicine. This father-daughter duo shares their transformative experiences as competitors in the Invictus and Warrior Games, shedding light on the power of adaptive sports and the value of community.

Highlights:

• Tony’s Journey: Following a PTSD diagnosis, the Invictus Games helped him rediscover connection, community and wellness through adaptive sports.

• Kristina’s Perspective: From military nurse to doctor to Warrior Games gold medalist, she shares how these Games provided healing and a renewed sense of belonging.

• Family Impact: The unique ways the Invictus Games brings families together and inspires hope for Veterans and their families.

• Why It Matters: The mental health benefits of physical activity, camaraderie, and being part of a team.

Takeaways:

• Adaptive sports create purpose, community, and healing for veterans.

• The Invictus Games are more than a competition—they are a celebration of resilience and recovery.

Looking for help with your health and wellness goals? Visit www.medcan.com.