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.
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13:46
Inspiration from the Invictus Games
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. Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images for Invictus Games The Hague 2020
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21:34
From Resilience to Recovery: Lessons From the Invictus Games and other Sporting Competitions
Medcan’s Director of Clinical Innovation, Allison Hazell, is joined by Dr. Julia Alleyne, a Medcan family physician with a focused practice in sport and exercise medicine. Drawing from her extensive medical experience with numerous international sporting events including the Olympics and the Invictus Games, Dr. Alleyne shares insights, stories, and guidance to help inspire us all on our own wellbeing and recovery journeys. Episode Highlights: Fear of Reinjury: Understanding why fear can slow recovery—and how to overcome it. The Power of Visualization: How seeing yourself succeed can boot confidence and improve performance. Lessons from Elite Athletes: What any of us can learn from Olympians and Invictus Games competitors. Active Rest & Rehab Strategies: Why staying mentally and physically engaged leads to better healing. Integrating Wellness in Recovery: The role of support systems, motivation, and mindset Key Takeaways: Rehabilitation is not just physical—it’s mental, too Visualization is key for confidence and recovery Overcoming fear is essential to getting back on track Adaptive sports help athletes—and everyday people—find new purpose Looking for extra support in injury prevention, rehabilitation, or wellness? Visit www.medcan.com for more resources.
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17:04
Navigating Challenges in Employee Health: Strategies for Success
Is your workplace ready to thrive in the changing healthcare landscape? In this episode, Tara Warren, Medcan’s Director of Growth, and Dr. Peter Nord, Medcan’s Chief Medical Officer, discuss specific strategies employers can take to shift from reactive to proactive health support. Listen to the episode and learn about key topics in employee health, including: The Challenge: With millions of Canadians lacking primary care access, employers need to step up to provide health solutions. Proactive Care: The importance of annual, head-to-toe health assessments, early intervention, and ongoing support for employees. Retention & Recruitment: How investing in employee health creates a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. Future Trends: The growing role of employers in bridging healthcare gaps and supporting workforce well-being. Flexibility & Choice: How tailored options allow employees to customize their care, maintain discretion and privacy, and get support for specific personal health concerns such as menopause or weight management. The strategies Tara and Dr. Nord discuss in the podcast are detailed in our recent whitepaper, the Blueprint to Transform your Employee Health Straetgy. To download this whitepaper and read further insights and recommendations, visit medcan.com/blueprint. To learn more about our comprehensive employee health solutions, visit medcan.com/team.
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20:32
Exercises for Better Sleep
Can the way you exercise help you sleep better? In Eat Move Think episode 214, Medcan Fitness Manager Simon Lim explores the powerful connection between movement and restful sleep. Learn how when you exercise and the intensity influences your sleep patterns, and discover practical stretches and mobility routines to reduce tension and promote a better night’s sleep. Highlights: Exercise and Sleep Timing: Optimal times for different types of exercise and their impact on sleep. Mobility Stretches for Sleep: Techniques like the 90/90 stretch, windshield wipers, and thoracic windmills release tightness and prepare your body for relaxation. Walking at Sunset: How an evening walk can help regulate your circadian rhythm and prepare your body for sleep. Strength and Sleep: The benefits of targeted strength exercises to relieve discomfort and prevent tension. Sleep Disruption Tips: Strategies like reducing blue light exposure and avoiding late-night workouts that may interfere with rest. Tune into the video episode to watch Simon demonstrate the exercises and try incorporating them into your nighttime routine. Looking for support to improve your exercise routines and fitness levels in 2025? Learn more about Medcan’s fitness programs and explore additional resources at www.medcan.com/fitness.
Ireland