Podcast appearances and mentions of shaun francis

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

As 2023 comes to a close, Eat Move Think is rounding up the health and wellness trends and updates that left lasting impressions on such Medcan experts as Shaun Francis, Dr. Peter Nord, Leslie Beck and Dr. Andrew Miners. How did their own personal wellness evolve? What innovations will they be watching next year? And what are the biggest takeaways that you can carry forward to optimize your own health in 2024? Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Our host, Shaun Francis, recently spent time in Helena, Montana on an expedition with other business leaders and Veterans. Shaun is the founder of True Patriot Love, one of Canada's largest charities that supports Canadian military members and their families and the organization behind the trip. Here, he joins his friends and fellow expeditioners: True Patriot CEO Nick Booth, former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Erin O'Toole, and Veteran Ryan Hawkyard. They reminisce about the highs and lows of the trip, explore the unique health challenges our Veterans face, and discuss why an adventure-style journey might be just what you need to kickstart your wellness. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Whether you're working on a deadline or enjoying time with friends, city noise is jarring to the ears and even worse for concentration. A growing body of scientific evidence also suggests that high noise levels can be harmful to your health, increasing risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. Here, environmental studies researcher Dr. Tor Oiamo joins Medcan CEO Shaun Francis to explore the connection between noise and health. They explain what's so bad about long-term noise exposure, and how you can know if you're within safe sound limits. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.    

Medcan is expanding. There's a summer pop-up in Muskoka's Port Carling, a new location in Collingwood is coming soon and the Oakville location has been open for 18 months. The design in each of these spaces feels less medical and more high-end hotel. Elements like natural light and organic materials promote a sense of optimal wellness in visitors, encouraging relaxation and comfort regardless of the reason for the visit. So can our listeners learn from Medcan's interior design choices, the better to create wellness-promoting spaces of their own? Medcan CEO Shaun Francis interviews Oakville general manager Eric Giberson and HOK senior principal Laura Jones to learn about the way light and colour promotes wellness at Medcan's new spaces—and, possibly, within the walls of your own home. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Privatized healthcare isn't new to Canada. But for Medcan CEO and Chair Shaun Francis, breaking the government monopoly on how we're cared for requires competition – and patient education.

When you experience stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. So what exactly does the “stress hormone” do? Why is there an instinct to freeze in stressful situations, and what lifestyle changes could improve our ability to handle stress? Here, Medcan CEO Shaun Francis talks to the director of the UHN Krembil Research Institute, Dr. Jaideep Bains, an expert on stress, about how exactly stress affects our wellness—and why it's so important to have healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with difficult situations. He also shares what he does to get through stressful times. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Mary Deacon has been pioneering efforts to improve Canada's mental health for 25 years. She's the founding president of the CAMH Foundation and the founding chair of Bell Let's Talk, which she still leads today. She's also worked with Medcan CEO and True Patriot Love chair Shaun Francis on a million-dollar fund to support military members, Veterans and their families. Here, the two friends discuss the past, present and future of mental health in this country, with a view to providing us with ways to improve access and reduce stigma. It's a conversation you don't want to miss. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

Ah, the last week of the year. Hopefully it's your chance to kick back, relax, and spend time with loved ones. The holidays can be a time of reflection as you reminisce on the past year, or maybe you're planning your 2023 and setting some New Year's resolutions. So what's the secret to making long-lasting, permanent change? In this encore episode, join Shaun Francis as he chats with weight management expert Dr. David Macklin for tips to create practical, achievable goals. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

The last 12 months have whizzed by, and so in this episode, Medcan experts like CEO Shaun Francis, Eat host Leslie Beck, Move host Dr. Andrew Miners and many more take stock of the way wellness changed in 2022, both for them personally, and for society as a whole. We also hear where our experts expect wellness to go in the next 12 months. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.    

Join us as we chat about guidelines and how we use them to help us to develop healthy eating habits. Sandy begins by sharing some tidbits of wisdom she's reading this week, and this leads us to a discussion about the new simplification of the WW program. We wrap up our chat by wondering aloud about gift-giving at the holiday season. Maybe we need guidelines for that too!   **Show Notes** Podcast we mentioned: We Can Do Hard Things Book we mentioned: Eat, Move, Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger, and Happier You by Shaun Francis

Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is the founder of True Patriot Love, one of Canada's largest charities supporting serving military members, Veterans and their families. So the week of Remembrance Day, we join Shaun and True Patriot Love CEO Nick Booth as they explore the inspiring stories of three Canadian soldiers who overcame wellness challenges and transformed their lives.   Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.

As temperatures fall, darkness and cold can make wellness behaviours more difficult. As we head into winter, many of us find it more difficult to maintain a healthy diet. We might skip more workouts to avoid going out in the cold, in favour of cozying up to a good book or movie. More time indoors and less sunlight both contribute to many of our struggles with mental health, and we're more likely to become depressed. So how can we stay healthier and happier than ever through the colder months? Shaun Francis joins Medcan experts Dr. Peter Nord, Dr. Andrew Miners and Joanna Stochla, RD, to find out. Check out the episode webpage for links and more info.  

Health Canada recently approved a new weight loss drug, semaglutide, also known as “Ozempic” or “Wegovy.” Experts refer to it as a “game changer” for its ability to curtail appetite and spur weight loss. In this episode, Medcan's director of weight management, Dr. David Macklin, a co-author of Canada's national guidelines for obesity treatment, provides host Shaun Francis with a semaglutide explainer. “We're in a super exciting stage in my field of medicine,” Dr. Macklin says. Check out episode highlights and links on our webpage.

The ultimate way to achieve a personalized wellness prescription is to base it on one's unique genetic code—to have every one of your DNA base pairs mapped, in a process known as whole genome sequencing, and then using that information to create precisely the right strategy for you. With its Genomic Health Assessment powered by whole genome sequencing, Medcan is pioneering the most precise form of precision medicine available. Here, Director of Clinical Innovation Allison Hazell explores the implications with host Shaun Francis. Link to episode webpage: https://www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com/podcast/ep109-whole-genome-sequencing

As you get older, your chances of getting sick and developing diseases get higher. But what if aging itself is the condition we should be treating? Dr. Nir Barzilai is the founding director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the world's leading expert on metformin. Here, he joins host Shaun Francis to discuss the potential of metformin to fight aging, and his new trial that could change the way we view and treat old age.

One measure of aerobic fitness is VO2max, which reflects your body's ability to take oxygen from air and put it in a form that helps you go. We noticed that one ranking of the best-ever VO2max scores featured five cross-country skiers in the top 10 results. So for our Winter Olympic special, host Shaun Francis and his team investigated what's so great about cross-country skiing. Including two Canadian Winter Olympians, Katherine Stewart-Jones and Emily Nishikawa, as well as McMaster exercise scientist Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, an enthusiastic cross-country skier himself.   For links and insights with time codes, visit the Episode 103 web page.

Mounting evidence suggests that our diet may play a role in our brain health as we get older. Age-related inflammation, or “inflammaging,” has recently been linked to higher risks of chronic disease, dementia and Alzheimer's. But how can we know which foods spur inflammaging? In today's episode, our host Shaun Francis talks with Medcan's director of food and nutrition, Leslie Beck, RD, to explore the connection between diet, inflammation and brain health as we age. The episode also provides a guide on which food choices can help keep our brains and bodies healthier, longer. For links and insights with time codes, visit the Episode 101 web page.

We've spent 99 episodes interviewing global experts about optimal wellness. So for our 100th episode, host Shaun Francis and his team turned the mic over to listeners and explored audience-submitted Eat, Move and Think stories. Featuring one listener's thoughts on dairy, a 70-year-old man performing remarkable feats of strength, and an easy way to control your social media use. Also: An Omicron COVID-19 update from Medcan's chief medical officer, Dr. Peter Nord.   For links and insights with time codes, visit the Episode 100 web page.

Eat Move Think experts nutritionist Leslie Beck (eat), our host Shaun Francis (move), psychologist Dr. Jack Muskat (think) and Dr. Peter Nord (medicine) discuss the year that was, make their picks for the wellness trend that dominated the last 12 months, and speculate about what's to come in 2022.   Episode 95 webpage   We'll get to links and insights in a moment, but first: Our 100th episode is coming up! And want to hear from you: What's YOUR best eat, move or think tip? We'll use the best optimal wellness suggestions in episode 100. To submit your tip, record a quick video or voice note on your phone, and send it to info@eatmovethinkpodcast.com.   LINKS   Leslie Beck on plant-based eating.  Famous CEOs talk about the benefits and problems of the hybrid work arrangements that so trouble Dr. Jack Muskat.  Discussing the way social isolation can contribute to addictive behaviours, Dr. Jack Muskat is in conversation with psychologist Marc Lewis in Eat Move Think episode 90.  Dr. Peter Nord's pick for a top wellness theme of 2021 was virtual medicine. And the pendulum has shifted so far toward virtual care that the government of Ontario has asked doctors to do more in-person appointments. The “gamification of fitness” theme that so fascinated Shaun Francis happened thanks to the mainstream enthusiasm for such connected fitness equipment as Peloton, Tonal, Hydrow and Lululemon Mirror.   INSIGHTS   According to Medcan director of food and nutrition Leslie Beck, plant-based eating was one of the biggest food trends of the past year, with sales of plant-based “meats” booming. Part of the reason is that livestock production is among the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting to a more plant based diet is one way to help reduce global warming. In fact, demand for plant-based options is greatest among flexitarians, those who eat a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally also eat meat and fish. [03:24, 06:15]   Dr. Jack Muskat, Medcan's clinical director of mental health, believes the “think” theme of 2021 has to do with the lingering effects of social isolation. Humans are social animals, and yet we've talked ourselves into believing that we're okay with radically less social contact than before. Take hybrid work, which results in physical separation from coworkers. The psychological and emotional fallout of social isolation has been stress, fear, anger, paranoia, unwillingness to do things, unwillingness to try things. What Dr. Muskat calls “cognitive fog.” [13:35]   Combating the isolating effects of hybrid work takes effort from employers, Dr. Muskat says. One technique that he likes is used by Medcan: Weekly “high five” emails that allow colleagues to publicly recognize extraordinary work from coworkers. The emails include photos, and Dr. Muskat uses them as an excuse to introduce himself to other staff. So it creates a positive feedback loop. [21:07]   In medicine, according to Medcan chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord, the biggest sea change happened with virtual medicine, which has taken off in the last year. Before the pandemic, our health care was built around the convenience of the providers—the doctors—saying, this is how I run my day, and the patients fit into that. Virtual care shifts things so the locus of control is sliding more to the patient side, Dr. Nord says. [23:23, 27:03] Eat Move Think host and Medcan CEO Shaun Francis believes the biggest “move” trend of 2021 involved the “gamification” of fitness borne out by the new wave of connected fitness equipment like Peloton, Tonal, Hydrow and the Lululemon Mirror. Now, regardless of where you're physically located, it's possible to go on rides, runs and workouts with other human beings in a community, in real-time, amping up competition with oneself, and other participants. [30:08]

How do you feel? I find myself feeling anxious at times, thinking more about my state of mind and body, my immune system and my mortality. I guess it's part of growing older but it's been fuelled by this barrage of pandemic news, and after being trapped, I realize there is so much more I need and want to do. Shaun Francis joins me on Chatter that Matters to chat about his book Eat, Move, Think, the path to a Healthier, Stronger, Happier You.  His vantage point is the CEO of Medcan, a world-renowned medical facility. I also ask Shaun about the future and current state of our healthcare. Can we stay in step with an ageing population? Shaun is also the Founder of True Patriot Love which is a foundation that supports those who serve or have served in the military, and their families.  Shaun has co-led expeditions with injured soldiers and civilians to the far corners of the globe, to raise awareness and funds. It's an episode packed with great advice on making your health a matter of choice versus chance. Amy Deacon, one of my 'go-to' experts on mental wellness joins me to offer her perspectives on how to cope with the anxieties of keeping healthy when your world turns upside. down.  To chat with Shaun Francis: @shauncfrancis on Twitter and Instagram  @medcanlivewell on Twitter and Instagram   Medcan (medcan.com)   Eat Move Think podcast at eatmovethinkpodcast.com. True Patriot Love - https://truepatriotlove.com   Amy Deacon linkedin.com/in/amy-deacon-3b14147a Website: amydeaconcounselling.com    To chat with Tony Chapman Web:    https://chatterthatmatters.ca Twitter – @TonyChapman – https://twitter.com/tonychapman Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonychapmanreactions/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chatterthatmatters/ Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGvzmw9MFkUcGylrFA2xC  RBC - https://www.rbc.com RBC - Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards - https://discover.rbcroyalbank.com/rbc-canadian-women-entrepreneur-awards-cwea-a-virtual-celebration-of-impact-and-achievement/ RBC Future Launch - https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/index.html RBC Future Launch - Up Skill - https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/rbc-upskill.html RBC - Rexall - https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/rexall/  

Should we break up our work days with short bouts of exercise? Should we exchange the single 45-minute workout for three 15-minute bouts, or even smaller units of physical activity? According to The One-Minute Workout author and McMaster kinesiology professor Martin Gibala, a series of short exercise bursts distributed throughout the day provides a wide variety of health and longevity benefits. In this episode, Prof. Gibala chats with host Shaun Francis about the benefits of exercise snacking, and how to do it right. Episode 91 webpage LINKS Check out Prof. Martin Gibala's website, and follow him on Twitter. Gibala wrote his book in collaboration with Eat Move Think producer Chris Shulgan. In it, Prof. Gibala distills the scientific evidence that shows how to gain the benefits of exercise in a more time-efficient manner than ever before. It's called The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter and it's available at Indigo and Amazon. In episode 91, Gibala references a large Norwegian study that suggested interval training is as good or better than traditional moderate exercise for longevity benefits. Here's the link from the British Medical Journal. Read Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines  Exercise snacks can simply involve climbing up a set of stairs. Here's a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (and co-authored by Gibala) suggesting that brief, vigorous stair climbing is effective to improve aerobic fitness.  Here's Gibala's study that showed that one minute of all-out exercise three times a week could have similar benefits to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.   Read other studies and trials Gibala has co-authored here. Here's a link to the Oura ring fitness tracker discussed in this episode.    INSIGHTS  According to Gibala, breaking up our exercise into short bursts throughout the day may be a better strategy to promote longevity and fitness compared to a single bout of exercise in an otherwise sedentary workday. For example, three 15-minute exercise breaks throughout the day is better for us than one 45-minute workout, Gibala says. [04:33] Long bouts of sitting or reclining—what scientists term “sedentary behaviour”—come with their own health risks regardless of whether you're getting in a daily workout. For example, a sedentary lifestyle has been tied to such risks as developing diabetes, or dying from cardiovascular disease. That's part of the reason why the snacking strategy is so beneficial—it breaks up periods of inactivity. [09:49] Gibala recommends breaking up our levels of exercise intensity into green, yellow and red zones. A light walk around the block would be a green zone exercise, and running up and down a flight of stairs might bring you into the “sub-maximal” yellow zone, which corresponds to above 80 percent of maximal heart rate. And then the red zone is as hard as you can go. “An extremely vigorous sprint would put you in the red zone...The more intense the better,” says Gibala. [10:21] One of Gibala's best-known studies (linked above) showed that three 20-second all-out sprints set into a 10-minute long protocol, repeated three times a week, could have the same benefits as the exercise guidelines' recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. In other words, one minute of hard exercise repeated three times a week could be as efficient as two and a half hours of physical activity. “We're talking minutes in order to reap some significant benefits,” said Gibala. [10:57] One simple protocol for exercise snacking discussed by Shaun and Gibala is one minute of hard exercise followed by a minute-long break, repeated five times. Shaun tends to repeat the minute-on, minute-off protocol ten times, to great effect. “It kills me… more than any other routine that I do,” Shaun says. “It's amazing, I can't even stop sweating when I'm done.” Gibala points out that if you're interested in time efficiency, five repeats will provide 70-80 percent of the benefit in just half the time. [22:15]

The growing field of art therapy argues that paintings and sculpture can improve your wellness. In collaboration with Art Toronto, host Shaun Francis examines the evidence with such experts as the contemporary artist Marcel Dzama, RxArt founder Diane Francis, Sinai Health psychiatrist-in-chief Dr. Lesley Wiesenfeld and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts art therapist Stephen Legari. Plus: Medcan's art strategist, Stacy Francis, discusses her innovative approach to art.   Episode 89 webpage   LINKS   See this year's Art Toronto event featuring more than 300 Canadian artists, running from October 29-31 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and online until November 7.    Here's a FAQ about the art therapy process    Check out Diane Brown's nonprofit organization, RxART   See Sinai Health's Creative Arts Therapy program.   Learn more about Marcel Dzama here.   Read about museotherapy at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where art therapist Stephen Legari practices.    See Medcan's art collection, curated by Marshall Webb and Stacy Francis, including Liz Magor's Gut Jacket.   Check out some existing scientific research on art therapy, like a 2019 trial that suggested art therapy was effective in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life. Plus a 2017 study showed how just one art therapy session improved participants' mood, and reduced pain and anxiety. A 2014 article suggested art therapy can affect those with Alzheimer's and other dementias.    The World Health Organization's 2019 scoping review on the role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing   INSIGHTS   “When we're patients, we're still people, and we're people who are going through stress and strain.” According to Dr. Lesley Wiesenfeld, our healthcare experience can be improved by the presence of art that is beautiful, engaging or thought-provoking. [04:31]   The art on the walls at Medcan has been carefully picked out by Stacy Francis and art consultant Marshall Webb. The pieces were chosen for their potential to provoke attention and create a reaction in the people who see it. “I wanted [clients] to just have a contemplative moment that was not about the next test that they were about to receive,” says Francis. [07:03]   Art therapy is the combination of therapy with the presence or creation of art. Stephen Legari is an art therapist at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “Art therapy allows people to externalize their experience, enjoy a therapeutic relationship with art and feel supported as they're doing that,” says Legari. [10:36]   When we do things that don't come naturally to us (like art!), we use and connect more neurons in our brains. And that becomes more important as we age, according to Dr. Lesley Wiesenfeld. “This is why people get advice about, if you're left handed, use your right hand, [and] if you love crosswords, you should actually try a number puzzle instead,” she says. [13:54]   When we realize we aren't good at a hobby or activity, we tend to move on to something else. But Dr. Lesley Wiesenfeld says that “there's good support for the value of developing habits that are about both mastery, and tolerating our absolute mediocrity at something.” [26:24]   Interest in art therapy is growing fast. RxART is a nonprofit organization that commissions artists to transform hospitals and healthcare settings, and its founder Diane Brown has seen the interest first-hand, both from hospitals and from artists. Every RxART project is fully funded by the charity and free to the hospitals. Artists receive small honorariums.  “We don't have problems getting artists to collaborate. Rarely does an artist turn us down,” says Brown. [29:06] 

Want a cheat sheet on how to extend your life, while staying healthy and happy along the way? Medcan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter Nord has been a sailor for more than 50 years. He noticed that his fellow sailors are staying incredibly fit, sharp and healthy well into their old age. This week, Dr. Nord joins host Shaun Francis to describe five secrets of longevity that we can all incorporate into our lives — each one drawn from the way sailors live, as well as medical research. Don't worry, no sea legs required.   Episode 86 webpage.   LINKS AND INSIGHTS   Secret #1: If you like your work, keep at it for as long as you possibly can. Studies have shown that people who retire later are more likely to live longer, and Dr. Peter Nord has seen this first-hand among his fellow sailors who continue to sail well into their 90s.  “Like my dad told me, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life,” he says. Working later at jobs that are mentally taxing is a way to keep the mind engaged, which can help to promote longevity. “Those days of retiring and sitting on the front porch are leaving us, and it's a good thing,” says Dr. Nord. [06:48]   Additional links: Brookings study on retirement age and longevity, among other things Delaying retirement by just one year, from 65 to 66, resulted in an 11% drop in mortality rate   Secret #2: Figure out how to get exercise without it feeling like exercise. “It's great to go to the gym, great to do aerobic exercise, great to do strength training, those are all important things. But we don't need to necessarily do that,” says Dr. Peter Nord. As a sailor, a lot of his day is preoccupied by strenuous physical activity around his boat. Things like raising sails, handling ropes and even just keeping balance. “If we can be constantly moving… structuring our lives so that we can be doing things day to day that keep us active… All of those things are just incredibly valuable and have been demonstrated through research to add years to our lives.” Hobbies like walking, gardening, sailing or skiing are great ways to keep movement in our daily routine. [10:24]   Additional links: Regular physical activity performed by elderly people might play a certain protective role against Alzheimer's disease Associations of light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity with longevity 10 percent of all deaths among Americans 40 to 70 years old are a result of too little exercise   Secret #3: Build your muscles well into your later years. We generally associate strength training with younger adults, but it becomes increasingly important as we age. “Strength training prevents falls,” Dr. Nord says, adding, those who strength train tend not to break bones when they do fall. In turn, not breaking bones as much means you're “not in hospital, which means you're not going to get pneumonia, [or] that downward spiral that can happen with people as they age.” Muscle power gradually decreases after 40 years of age. Incorporating light resistance training exercises with dumbbells or stretchy bands doesn't take long, and has been proven to help you live longer. [15:00]   Additional links: The ability to lift weights quickly can mean a longer life (press release by European Society of Cardiology) Strength training is significantly associated with decreased overall mortality Article from Blue Zones: “Anti-Aging Benefits of Strength Training” Two decades of inactivity doubled Norwegian people's risk of dying young   Secret #4: Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. When Dr. Peter Nord is sailing, he doesn't have a lot of time to snack. “When you're on a boat and you're working hard, you're probably not ordering takeout… and you're not going to sit down to a four-course meal on your boat,” he says. Whether you're at sea or on land, contribute to your longevity by avoiding sugar and focusing on the Mediterranean diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, fish and fibre, and very little red meat. Studies show that sugar and processed foods have both been linked to higher rates of mortality. If you've got a sweet tooth, artificial sweeteners are a great alternative that won't affect your longevity. [17:50]   Additional links: There is a significant relationship between added sugar consumption and increased risk for cardiovascular disease mortality. Some quick guidance from Eat Move Think guest host Leslie Beck on how to follow the Mediterranean diet.  An increase in ultraprocessed food consumption may be associated with an overall higher mortality risk   Secret #5: Spend time in nature. Multiple studies have shown that when we get outside and connect to nature, our blood pressure, heart rates and risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases go down (ScienceDirect). As a sailor, Dr. Nord spends more time connecting with nature than most people. “Sailors are outdoors, they're in the wind, sun, you're connected to what's happening around you,” he says. Being in nature also contributes to our mental health. “We need to be exposed to sunlight, not just for vitamin D, but for preventing seasonal affective disorder. If we don't get outside, many of us get depressed.” Spending 30 minutes to an hour a day in nature will improve your health, no matter your age. [20:23]   Additional links: The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes Higher levels of green vegetation were associated with decreased mortality in American women

“Psychedelics saved my life,” says Payton Nyquvest. “Now [I'm] on a mission to pay that forward.” Nyquvest is the CEO of Numinus Wellness, a publicly traded Vancouver start-up that manufactures such illegal psychedelics as MDMA and psilocybin for clinical drug trials. The intent is to determine how effective they are as a therapy for mental illness. And if their potential pans out, Numinus Wellness wants to administer the drugs to patients in guided sessions across the continent. In this episode, the second of a two-part series, host Shaun Francis walks Nyquvest through his fascinating life story, his predictions for the future of psychedelic therapies—and how ayahuasca kickstarted his journey. Episode 85 webpage. Part one of the series.   LINKS Check out Numinus Wellness and read Payton Nyquvest's bio here. Check out Payton on Linkedin, Twitter and Instagram.   Learn more about MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and John Hopkins Centre for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research, two of the leading entities in psychedelic research.  Read up on some exciting studies on psychedelics and mental health:  MDMA and PTSD trial in Nature Medicine  Trial on psilocybin and depression in New England Journal of Medicine  Psilocybin clinical trial for treatment-resistant depression Ketamine clinical trial to treat bipolar depression Psilocybin-based compound clinical trial for MSP-1014 to treat mood disorders MDMA clinical trial to treat PTSD (phase 3) Learn about Project MK-Ultra, which experimented on human subjects with LSD, in this episode of The Fifth Estate by CBC.  Check out this study in Nature Medicine to learn more about ayahuasca and its effects. Read this story in The New Yorker to learn more about its cultural history and current popularity. Learn about how marijuana was legalized in Canada in October 2018. Read the Cannabis Act here.   Read some books that spurred the hype around psychedelics and wellness: How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan A Really Good Day by Ayalet Waldman Learn more about True Patriot Love and its support of military members, Veterans and their families, founded by Eat Move Think host Shaun C. Francis. Plus here's a link that provides information on how TPL is supporting innovative therapies to treat PTSD.    INSIGHTS Nyquvest turned to psychedelics as a last-ditch therapy for chronic pain. He had been trying treatments for years with no results. “When you're in the emergency room,” he says, “and physicians are looking at you sort of compassionately, saying, ‘Sorry… we don't have answers here for you,' it's a very lonely and isolating place.” Eventually, Nyquvest became desperate for relief. “I was getting hospitalised two to three times a week, and had really run out of options, and turned to psychedelics, really as a last ditch effort to try and save my life.” Nyquvest insists that psychedelics aren't a panacea or a magical solution, but they were the first thing that worked for him to treat his chronic pain. [02:55] Rather than making psychedelics available on the open market, Nyquvest believes psychedelic therapies should be administered by experienced professionals in guided sessions. “It's a service-based model, not a product-based model,” says Nyquvest. By way of contrast, cannabis is a product-based model, which sees the substance available for sale for recreational use by civilians. Nyquvest doesn't want to see the same thing happen to psychedelics. “The integration, the working with therapists, the support system is as much, if not more, important than just the psychedelic experience itself,” he says. [12:58] “When you have depression, you become labelled as a depressed person. You get put on some kind of an SSRI, and it's this symptom management thing that pharmaceutical companies have been profiting from significantly over the last number of years,” says Nyquvest. Psychedelics, in contrast, are already showing that they have potential not just to treat, but to cure mental illnesses, Nyquvest says. He mentions a MAPS study where “over 66 percent of the people who did MDMA for post traumatic stress disorder no longer met the PTSD criteria after three treatments.” In other words, two-thirds of participants were cured. Today, psychedelics may be administered as a last-ditch effort to cure a certain mental illness. In future, Nyquvest wants psychedelics to be administered on a “preventive mental health model, where people are able to get ahead of some of these things before they become a significant problem… so that they can get back to continuing to do their jobs, and living more happy and full lives.” [23:20] With the help of psychedelic-assisted therapy, Nyquvest has been able to separate his physical and mental health from the conditions that once plagued him. “I was labelled as someone who was very, very sick… and the recognition that there's actually inherently nothing wrong with me, [but that] there were events that happened in my life that I was struggling with… that was a big thing for me,” he says. Nyquvest uses the metaphor of dentistry to describe the way he sees psychedelics being used preventively. “Most people have great teeth… and still go to the dentist twice a year. I think it's a similar sort of thing in the way we should be treating the brain. I don't know a person who gets out of life unscathed in terms of some kind of event that happens in their life that they could probably use some looking at, and some support. And I think that's a huge opportunity for psychedelics.” [26:03] Nyquvest says that the old stereotype, of psychedelics users simply looking for an escape from reality, is just plain false. “A lot of the people that I know that have worked with psychedelics are very high-performing, entrepreneurial or otherwise type of people,” he says. “They've been able to clear a lot of the noise and really look at what is motivating [them]. The more deeply you understand some of those motivations, the better you can work with them, and the better you are at some kind of control or understanding of what's driving you.” [27:35] When Payton Nyquvest co-founded Numinus Wellness, his focus was on healing, curing, and developing new treatments. “The plan was always to just build a company that could make a significant impact, there was no plans of taking the company public, it wasn't even really something we thought was going to be on our radar screen for quite some time,” he says. But the world's excitement around psychedelics has led to more interest, more research and more funding. “It made sense for us to go public,” he says, because that's provided the funding to acquire mental health clinics, where Numinus may one day provide guided psychedelic therapies to patients at large. Going public came with challenges, though. “People talk about the overnight success and huge amount of enthusiasm in the psychedelic space, but when we went public, it was actually met with a significant amount of challenge and scrutiny.” Numinus has come a long way since then, holding onto a cash balance of more than $63 million in their latest quarter. [29:38] Asked to predict the future of Numinus Wellness, and the psychedelic space in general, Nyquvest says that he believes we're only just starting to learn about what psychedelics can do for mental healthcare. He hopes Numinus will remain at the forefront of the field. “Our goal has always been to be the number one most trusted brand in the psychedelic space… Our licencing out of the lab is an international licence, so we can work with any organisation all over the world… when you think about doing psychedelic therapy, [we hope] you go to a Numinus location in order to do that.” In the short term, Numinus Wellness will continue to collaborate with mental health clinics and MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. [31:20]

Welcome back! This week I had an amazing conversation with Shaun Francis on the Medcan Live Well podcast. Shaun is the CEO of Medcan, an executive health service that does full comprehensive medicals for executives all over Canada and the U.S. We had a great conversation all about the benefits of recovery, why we all need to be thinking about how to sleep better, and how to optimize our lives for the best results. You can check out more Live Well episodes here. Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-greg-wells/support

Anna goes outside the box on this edit, bringing in friend and Managing Partner of Bespoke Lending Solutions, Shaun Francis, to help explain the “insanity” of the current mortgage and housing market. The two talk all about lending criteria, interest rates, the classic variable vs. Fixed debate, historical patterns and how Covid-19 has skyrocketed our ‘move now' mindset. In this edit, you will learn everything you need to know about working with a broker and whether this market is an opportunity or a risk.  About the Guest:  Shaun Francis M.BA, is a Partner and Senior Mortgage Consultant at Bespoke Lending Solutions based in Vancouver, BC. He is also a proud husband and father, 17-yr. financial-industry veteran and mentor to a team of brokers working in the Lower Mainland. Website: http://www.bespokelending.com (www.bespokelending.com)  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shaunfrancis (www.instagram.com/shaunfrancis)  Business Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bespokelending (www.instagram.com/bespokelending)  About the Host:  @unapologeticanna on FB and Instagram  UnapologeticStories.com  Anna was born with a deep fascination for letters - a fascination that deepened when she discovered those letters could turn into words, those words into sentences and those sentences into stories. Not surprisingly, Anna graduated from The University of Victoria, with a Degree in both English and Gender Studies, fuelling her eventual mission to put the power of words back into the hands of women. Despite multiple other certifications along the way, including one with world-renowned author and personal transformation pioneer, Deepak Chopra, it was ultimately her personal battle with post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety that became the catalyst for the work she does now, as she helps pave the way for others to live with vulnerability and courage whether they are online, offline or on stage.  Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to the Unapologetic Stories Podcast! If you enjoyed this edit and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this edit? Leave a comment in the section below! Follow the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast edits, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or in your favourite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews mean everything to us. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which brings these important stories to more awesome listeners like you. Your time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts is greatly appreciated!

As the global vaccination campaign continues, we continue to have questions. Is it safe to mix and match different vaccines? When is the optimal time to get my second dose if I’m aiming to maximize the resulting immunity? And: Will COVID-19 ever end? Medcan’s Medical Advisory Services team of expert physicians join host and CEO Shaun Francis to break down the latest information and provide need-to-know guidance. Featured in this episode is Medcan chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord, clinical director of travel medicine Dr. Aisha Khatib and senior medical consultant Dr. Matthew Burnstein.   To enlist the services of Medcan’s Medical Advisory Services, email corporatesales@medcan.com.   https://www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com/podcast/ep-68-covid-conclusion   LINKS  Here are the preliminary results from the U.K. study on mixing and matching vaccines and the Spanish one, which both suggest combining doses may be safe.    Read the latest survey results from the International Air Transport Association that found 81 percent of people will feel confident about travelling again once they’re fully vaccinated.    INSIGHTS  As noted by CEO Shaun Francis, World Health Organization guidance suggested that countries keep borders open, yet most countries are pursuing policies that are 180 degrees away from that. The MAS docs note that, while closing borders and limiting travel — like the bubble between the Atlantic provinces and in Australia — has been relatively effective in reducing the spread of COVID, it can only ever work as a temporary solution that buys time. “You can’t keep the borders closed forever and just hope the virus goes away,” says Dr. Nord. This is the time to boost vaccination rates and immunity, because, if not, infections will become widespread again as soon as the borders reopen. [Time code: 10:16] We’re still not certain on the results of mixing and matching vaccines, but the early data look promising. A recent study from the U.K. analyzed what happens when AstraZeneca is first dose and Pfizer is the second. Preliminary results indicate that the vaccines remain effective, though there did seem to be an uptick of mild side effects, like fever and headaches, that last for a few days. A similar study conducted in Spain found a strong immunoglobulin response from mixing doses. “There’s no reason to believe one can’t safely combine vaccines,” says Dr. Burnstein. “It’s just that we don’t have the real-world experience yet to prove it.” [Time code: 12:49]   When will the world be ready to travel again? Potentially very soon, for people who have been fully vaccinated, at least. According to the International Airport Transport Association (IATA), most people feel safe about travelling after receiving both doses of the vaccine; more than 80 percent feel more confident about travelling with some kind of document that proves their vaccine status. Scottish travel agency Skyscanner has also found that people are more likely to travel to a country that also has a high vaccination rate. “People are looking for safety, and they’re looking for that kind of immunity,” says Dr. Khatib. “But we’re just not quite there yet. I think it’s going to take a little bit of time.” [Time code: 16:02-20:16]   While vaccine-rich populations may be eager to travel soon, Dr. Khatib also reminds us that it will take much longer for the entire industry to bounce back. In fact, IATA estimates that travel rates won’t fully return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023. This follows past travel trend lines during international crises: Global travel fell 30 percent during the SARS outbreak, then took about 11 months to recover; during the 2008 economic crash, travel dropped 50 percent and took 19 months to rebound. [Time code: 20:55] When’s the best time to receive your second dose? Lots of discussion about that in Canada, where the wait has been extended from the manufacturers’ initial guidelines. However, new trials with the AstraZeneca vaccine are indicating a stronger immune response if there’s a slightly longer wait between doses, up to 16 weeks. “It's actually showing in the real world to be actually more protective, immune-wise,” says Dr. Khatib. [Time code: 24:16]The good news is that all the COVID vaccines continue to be effective against new variants of concern, including the B.1.617, which originated in India. That said, it’s estimated that just a single vaccine dose is only 33 percent effective against the B.1.617 variant, while there’s about an 81% efficacy rate with both doses. “We’re going to start to see a push to get those second doses out,” to make sure we’re better protected against emerging variants, explains Dr. Khatib. [Time code: 26:15]   So when does COVID end? “That begs the question of a fourth or fifth wave,” says Dr. Nord. “Only when the globe literally has a 75 percent vaccination are we going to be able to see this thing die.” Until then, there will likely continue to be flare ups, but at least we know we have health measures to address rising cases as vaccination efforts continue. “It will probably become like the cold or the flu,” adds Dr. Khatib. “We just have to get it tamped by vaccination, but I don’t think we can actually ever eradicate COVID-19 at this point.” [Time code: 27:05]

Nabeela Ixtabalan is Walmart Canada’s new executive vice president of people and corporate affairs—and when she introduced herself to the company’s 90,000 associates she identified as a “recovering workaholic.” That’s an apt label for someone who was running a multi-million dollar business in her 20s (then as an executive at Starbucks) while at the same time parenting her first child and putting herself through grad school. But the pressure she put on herself provoked debilitating panic attacks. In this episode, she speaks with host Shaun Francis, CEO of Medcan, about her “baseline”—the set of self-care strategies she now uses to maintain her own mental wellness. She also talks about the way Walmart Canada is leading a national movement to more thoughtfully manage employee wellness. It’s a fascinating episode sure to appeal to anyone seeking pointers on how to manage the demands of work, home and self-care. For Nabeela Ixtabalan’s “baseline” and more check out www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com.   Links: Some recent blog posts by Ixtabalan “Know Your Baseline” — a more fulsome description of her baseline and the concept in practice. Confessions of a Recovering Workaholic  How Nabeela Ixtabalan Focuses on Well-Being with Her Team   Guest Bio   Nabeela Ixtabalan is EVP, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer of Walmart Canada. She leads human resources and corporate affairs for 90,000 associates and over 400 stores across the country. She holds almost 20 years of leadership and business development experience with top recognized brands including Walmart, IKEA, and Starbucks Coffee in the US, Canada and Europe. Nabeela previously held the position as Head of Digital Transformation for Ingka, leading IKEA’s digital and retail transformation globally. She is Board Director of the Future Skills Centre and Miracle Foundation.    Nabeela Ixtabalan grew up in Houston Texas, as a first generation American to immigrant parents from Lebanon. In high school she began working as a barista at Starbucks and was promoted there from store manager to district manager to talent acquisition manager—while at the same time earning her bachelor of science degree in supply chain management and marketing from Indiana University. She also has a Master’s of Science in organizational behaviour, design and management from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a certified life coach and six-sigma green belt.

Soon, all adults will have the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Medical Advisory Services Team at Medcan compiled the top questions they’ve been hearing from corporations and clients. Here, host and CEO Shaun Francis takes them up with chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord. The result is a timely and informative episode featuring easy-to-understand answers to your most pressing vaccine-related questions. For complete show notes and a full episode transcript go to www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com. Link: https://www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com/podcast/ep51-vaccine-update

Eat Move Think continues to explore behavioural change, this time with new Medcan psychology team lead Dr. Jack Muskat and executive producer Christopher Shulgan. The two men use their own personal experiences with lasting lifestyle change to extract lessons for those looking to use the new year, and the next phase of the pandemic, as an opportunity to improve one’s life. Find complete show notes at https://www.eatmovethinkpodcast.com/podcast/ep47-change-is-possible According to Dr. Jack Muskat, a great book on stress is Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky. For more science on how to work out the mechanics of habit formation, consider checking out The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Check out Dr. Jack Muskat’s e-book: Leadership and All The S#!t That Comes With It. The first volume in our “how to change” series featured Dr. David Macklin in conversation with host Shaun Francis in episode 45. Learn more about Medcan’s psychology services.  Follow Shaun Francis on Twitter and Instagram, and Medcan @medcanlivewell. Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

As we start to think about New Year’s resolutions, host Shaun Francis talks to Dr. David Macklin, who helps people manage their weight. Here, Dr. Macklin applies the tips he’s developed to help people eat better, and applies them to the creation of other positive habits, such as how to become more physically active. Tip number one, Dr. Macklin says, involves exploring the reason you want to change in the first place. Plus: The value of long-term thinking, and how to avoid getting derailed by slip ups.  This episode is based on a webinar. See the archive on YouTube.  For complete show notes, visit eatmovethinkpodcast.com.   Dr. David Macklin obtained his medical degree at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Toronto. He is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Dr. Macklin has focused his career on weight loss, metabolism and obesity management. He is the Founder of Weightcare Clinics, co-founder of PatientTalk in Toronto and one of Canada’s leading physicians in weight care management. He has committed his career to helping others change their behaviour, develop a healthy lifestyle and manage their weight. Dr. Macklin has extensive clinical experience in the management of obesity and preventive medicine with a focus on the behavioural aspects of obesity. Dr. Macklin is a member of the Canadian Obesity Network and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He was a co-author of Canada's clinical practice guidelines for obesity. Listen to Dr. Macklin’s interview of Dr. Arya Sharma in episode 32.  Follow Shaun Francis on Twitter and Instagram, and Medcan @medcanlivewell.  Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

What actions create a healthy lifestyle? What preventative health measures should we all take to ensure a long, happy and active life? It’s all in here. With the help of such Medcan experts as chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord, nutritionist Leslie Beck, fitness trainer Stephen Salzmann and psychologist Dr. Jonathan Danson, host Shaun Francis and producer Chris Shulgan distill the recommendations in a tidy half hour.

Canada’s new 24-Hour Movement Guidelines include brand-new recommendations for sleep. The move reflects a growing awareness among researchers that rest and recovery is crucial to overall wellness. Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to weight gain, memory problems and poor mental health. In this episode, host Shaun Francis interviews Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, the expert who helped to develop both Canadian and World Health Organization guidelines.

In the U.S. and Canada the public-health response to COVID-19 discouraged people from visiting hospitals or seeking care from MDs, prompting cancellations for childhood vaccinations, colonoscopies and mammograms. How will such decisions affect overall wellness? And what should we learn from what happened? To discover the answers, host Shaun Francis interviews Dr. Ateev Mehrotra of Harvard Medical School, who tracks large data sets of doctor visits. In public health emergencies, Dr. Mehrotra says, spillover effects “can have a larger toll than the actual thing that triggered that emergency.”

Today wearable technology is integral to wellness and the future of precision medicine, with such devices as the Fitbit, the Oura Ring and the just-released Apple Watch Series 6. But which tech is best? For guidance, host Shaun Francis talked to the most tapped-in tech observer out there, Amber Mac, about the little-known wearable that Amber thinks tops everyone else. Plus, the goods on the COVID Alert app and Amber’s recent interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Disagreeing with stop-the-spread coronavirus strategies is Martin Kulldorff, a professor of medicine in biostatistics at Harvard. As a founding signatory to the Great Barrington Declaration, Prof. Kulldorff believes most COVID government policy is wrong. Protect the vulnerable, he says, and allow the virus to spread through the young healthy population to achieve herd immunity. Here, in a feature interview with host Shaun Francis, Kulldorf describes his logic.

Health columnist André Picard has been at the Globe and Mail newspaper since 1987. Covering the coronavirus has made him one of the most closely-read pundits of the pandemic. Here, Picard speaks with host Shaun Francis about his belief that we have to learn to live with COVID-19, the disastrous effects of the virus on long-term care, and what the pandemic reveals about our health-care system overall.

How should parents prepare children for back to school? How to speak to anxieties about masks and social distancing? What do you say to a child who is worried about catching the coronavirus? Or passing it on to grandparents or immunocompromised parents? Child psychologist Dr. Naomi Slonim provides her tips for moms and dads looking to prepare schoolchildren of all ages.   Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau. Executive producer is Chris Shulgan. Senior producer is Russell Gragg. Remember to rate and subscribe to Eat Move Think on your favorite podcast platform. Follow host Shaun Francis on Twitter and Instagram, and Medcan on Twitter and Instagram.

How much protein do you need if you’re trying to lose weight but also build muscle? What’s better—plant- or animal-based protein? Why is protein so key in preventing sarcopenia, or age-related decline in strength? And, is it possible to consume too much protein? In a special feature interview with protein expert Stuart Phillips of McMaster University, guest host Leslie Beck, Medcan’s director of food and nutrition and the Globe and Mail’s nutrition columnist, tackles these questions and more.  Leslie Beck on Twitter @LeslieBeckRD Stuart Phillips on Twitter @mackinprof Some of Prof. Stuart Phillips best-known authored or co-authored papers: IOC Consensus Statement: Dietary Supplements and the High-Performance Athlete Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men The New York Times's Well Blog write-up of Phillips’ “boot camp” study that demonstrated the role of high-protein intake in gaining muscle mass while still losing weight  Prof. Phillips’ latest coauthored paper: Of sound mind and body: Exploring the diet-strength interaction in healthy aging Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau. Executive producer is Chris Shulgan. Senior producer is Russell Gragg. Remember to rate and subscribe to Eat Move Think on your favorite podcast platform. Follow host Shaun Francis on Twitter and Instagram, and Medcan on Twitter and Instagram.

There’s a national effort underway to get people to download what’s known as a contact tracing app. To help listeners understand why they’re so important, Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis talks to the University of Waterloo math PhD candidate who pioneered the “decentralized Bluetooth exposure notification” technology that started it all—James Petrie, the director of research at Covid Watch. Also featuring an interview with Florian Kerschbaum, the director of the University of Waterloo’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute. Visit eatmovethinkpodcast.com for complete show notes.    Mentioned in this episode: James Petrie’s co-founder in Covid Watch is Tina White. Here’s her profile at Stanford.

At 55, Deedee Moscoe looked around one day and realized her life needed a reboot. Caring for her aging parents left her without any time for her career—or herself. Deedee’s journey to remake her life is chronicled in a documentary called Hack Your Age, airing on Zoomer Media’s Vision TV. It’s also emblematic of the moment we’re in, as society returns to the next normal. With host Shaun Francis, Deedee explores a typically human dilemma with extraordinary honesty and humour.

By devoting so much of our attention to stopping the spread of COVID-19, with lockdowns, with physical distancing measures, by closing borders and many businesses, are we ignoring the possibility we could be harming population health in other ways? That’s what host Shaun Francis explores with Dr. Vivek Goel, member of the federal government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and vice-president of research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, at the University of Toronto. Mentioned in this episode: Vivek Goel’s podcast is What’s Next and it’s produced by the University of Toronto. He’s on the federal government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force.   Find the POST Promise here and here’s the federal government press release.

What’s the objective for COVID-19 management? Is the model to eradicate the virus altogether? To contain it until we have a vaccine? And how does that objective affect our U.S. border strategy? Irfan Dhalla is a physician and a vice-president at Unity Health Toronto who is challenging policy makers to think about such issues. In this episode, he and host Shaun Francis engage in a fulsome debate about the future. For complete show notes visit eatmovethinkpodcast.com.   Follow Irfan Dhalla on Twitter @irfandhalla and Shaun Francis @shauncfrancis.

Dr. David Carr is an ER doc who has been on the front lines caring for patients affected by COVID-19 in Toronto. Host Shaun Francis spoke to Dr. Carr about the mistakes we’ve made these last few months, what it’s like to tell someone they’re infected with COVID, and the dangerous resource crunch we’re facing as the health care system tackles the elective surgery backlog while still fighting the pandemic—with flu season around the corner.   Follow Dr. David Carr on Twitter @davidcarr333. For complete show notes go to eatmovethinkpodcast.com. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

Exercise is the most important thing you can do to help yourself cope. But the pandemic makes it difficult for us to get physical activity. Host Shaun Francis spoke with brain health expert Dr. Jennifer Heisz, the professor who leads McMaster University’s Neurofit Lab, to learn a set of easy-to-follow tips and tricks that use physical activity to decrease stress even in these uncertain times. For complete show notes go to eatmovethinkpodcast.com. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

The need for more testing has existed throughout the pandemic. To stop COVID-19, you need to be able to see it and assess how many people have it. Most jurisdictions in North America are nowhere near the ideal yet. To learn what’s going on, host Shaun Francis spoke to one of the most outspoken of the experts on the issue, Dr. Lauren Lapointe-Shaw, a clinical epidemiologist.  For complete show notes go to eatmovethinkpodcast.com. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

Australian Open Men's Player Shaun Francis joins us for episode 21 on The Touch Project Podcast #TheTouchProject

A recent poll revealed that 50% of us feel our mental health has worsened since the pandemic started. Dr. Jonathan Danson is a clinical psychologist who believes that the extra time we all have, from not having to commute or take kids to sports practices, is particularly difficult for high achievers. He says it induces “analysis paralysis,” and his prescription for how to address that forms a large part of his conversation with host Shaun Francis.  Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Visit eatmovethinkpodcast.com for complete show notes. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced by Ghost Bureau.

Why do some large gatherings of people become superspreader events, while some do not? Jonathan Kay is a Canadian journalist who compiled a database of the most important COVID-19 clusters. His analysis features surprising implications for business and government, and may help all of us return to work safely — as well as make life more enjoyable over the next few months.  Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Visit eatmovethinkpodcast.com for complete show notes. Follow Jonathan Kay on Twitter @jonkay. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

What’s to come? For those seeking guidance, we checked in with the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Kai Singbartl. He’s the chair of infection control and prevention at Mayo Arizona, and he spoke to Medcan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Peter Nord, about the COVID-19 therapies that excite him, and when to expect a vaccine. Also, please check out Medcan’s Dr. David Carr on the Toronto Star’s This Matters podcast. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

Coronavirus has compressed all the different parts of our lives into one place—the home. So Shaun consulted with an expert in work/life balance on how to navigate our new reality. Stew Friedman is an emeritus professor at Wharton business school. He founded the Wharton Leadership Program and its Work/Life Integration Project. He’s also a bestselling author and the coauthor of this spring’s fascinating book, Parents Who Lead. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Follow Stew Friedman on Twitter @StewFriedman. Buy his book, Parents Who Lead, at Amazon or Indigo. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

Our relationship with food has changed since social distancing began. We’re eating in more. We're worrying whether food will be available. And we’re indulging more. So for this episode, we decided to feature a conversation between Medcan’s two in-house food experts: Leslie Beck is the nutrition columnist for The Globe and Mail and Medcan’s director of food and nutrition. Jason Smidt is the executive chef of Nourish by Medcan, our food delivery service.  Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Follow Leslie Beck on Twitter @LeslieBeckRD and Jason Smidt on Instagram @nourishchefjay. View the Nourish by Medcan menu. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

Epidemiologists are researchers who study disease outbreaks—how they happen and how long they’ll last. One of the world’s foremost is Dr. David Fisman, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a practicing infectious diseases clinician at Toronto Western Hospital. Shaun Francis interviewed Dr. Fisman about how long we’ll have to live with social distancing, when life will return to normal—and what happens next.   Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Follow Dr. Gina Di Giulio on Twitter @DrGinaPsych.  Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

We’re all dealing with anxiety lately. What do we do if things start to spiral? How do we manage our thoughts when the future is so unpredictable? What if it all starts to seem like a little too much? Medcan Director of Mental Health Dr. Gina Di Giulio, a clinical psychologist, has a frank, authentic and grounded discussion with Eat Move Think executive producer Christopher Shulgan that walks through real situations and how to manage them. “We can all cope better than we think,” says Dr. Di Giulio. Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Follow Dr. Gina Di Giulio on Twitter @DrGinaPsych.  Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

What’s to come as this pandemic develops? How far might governments go to prevent the spread of the coronavirus? The problem is, we just don’t know. So to confront some concrete scenarios, we interviewed an on-the-ground observer in Spain, another Western democracy, but one with 22 times the number of COVID-19 cases, to learn what life is like there—in one possible future scenario for Canada. The interview turned out to be sobering—and illuminating.   Please subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast platform. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

How do you work out when you’re self-isolating? It’s an important question. Even if social distancing has you trapped inside, exercise is important for immune function and mood. It’s also the secret to a good night’s sleep. Here, Medcan Director of Fitness Stephen Salzmann provides listeners with the basic principles that go into any workout session, outlining a series of strength-building push and pull exercises that’ll keep you fit even when you’re trying not to leave your house.  This episode guest hosted by executive producer Christopher Shulgan. Eat Move Think host Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

An expert in infectious disease, Dr. David Kelvin is a Canada Research Chair at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine who conducts research in China and Italy. He’s also just been given a million-dollar grant to develop a test to predict whether a given person will experience a mild, moderate or severe case of COVID-19. Here, Medcan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter Nord spoke to Dr. Kelvin to learn what people can do to minimize their risk of experiencing a severe form of the novel coronavirus.   Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

It’s a human tendency to feel irritable if the body goes too long without eating. But Dr. Felice Jacka’s research indicates our relationship with food is much deeper. Dr. Jacka is the author of Brain Changer: The Good Mental Health Diet and a psychiatric epidemiologist from Australia’s Deakin University, where she runs the Food and Mood Centre. And she’s almost single-handedly created one of the hottest fields in wellness today: the area of nutritional psychiatry, which suggests that our food choices may be able to lift the symptoms of depression, as well as other mental illnesses. Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Visit the Eat Move Think website. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau.

Entering 2020 we're now firmly in the second year that marijuana has been legalized in Canada. But there remain an enormous number of questions. What's a safe dose? Has CBD oil actually been proven to do anything? And how the heck do you pronounce cannabinoids? To answer these questions, we gathered together three of the world’s experts for a panel discussion last year at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Before an audience of C-suite executives from around the world, Shaun Francis interviewed the people who are actually conducting the research at the intersection of human health and marijuana consumption. Dr. Mark Ware is the chief medical officer of Canopy Growth, the world’s largest cannabis company. James MacKilliop is the co-director of McMaster University’s DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research. And Dr. Rakesh Jetly is the chief psychiatrist for the Canadian Armed Forces and an expert in the therapeutic uses of cannabis for mental health. After the panel discussion, I met in person with Dr. Mark Ware for a follow-up discussion.  Thanks to Dr. Mark Ware, Dr. Rakesh Jetly, Professor James MacKillop and the CEO organization that hosted the panel discussion at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Shaun Francis is Medcan’s CEO and chair. Follow him on Twitter @shauncfrancis. Connect with him on LinkedIn. And follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis. Eat Move Think is produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau and recorded at Toronto Podcast Studio.

Shaun Francis is a principal and senior mortgage consultant at Bespoke Lending Solutions and is back for another round after being the very first guest on the show. The guys talk about Justin Trudeau's home-buying equity plan, hiring people for your company, the importance of a strong team, people appreciating the small things and how networking is the lifeblood of success. // Shaun Francis - bespokelendingsolutions.com, Instagram: shaunfrancis, // Denny Dumas - dennydumas.com, Instagram: denny.dumas // Podcast Videos can be found on YouTube

We all want to live better lives. In this special episode, host Keith McArthur brings back 10 of his favorite guests and asks them to share the most important life lesson they've ever learned. Feedback / Connect: Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else great podcast are found Visit MyInstructionManual.com for shownotes, more great content and to sign up the email newsletter Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur Join our Facebook page and our Self-Help Book Club on Facebook Find us on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube Download a free copy of 18 Steps to Own Your Life by clicking HERE Purchase Winning Resolutions HERE Episode 63 Show Notes [00:00] Welcome and Intro [1:35] Cait Flanders: Don't be Afraid to Fail Cait Flanders is the author of The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More than Anything You Can Buy in a Store Cait also appears in Episode 62. Listen here. [4:51] Kristen Meinzer: Forgiveness is overrated Kristen is co-host of the By the Book podcast. Kristen works full-time in the podcast industry as a producer and host. Kristen also appears in Episode 45. Listen here. [8:19] Chris Browning: Bad things get better when you talk about them Chris Browning is the California-based accountant behind the popular Popcorn Finance podcast. He launched the podcast after he and his wife got out from under $27,000 in debt Chris also appears in Episode 41. Listen here. [11:54 ] Gretchen Rubin: The biggest failures teach the biggest lessons Gretchen Rubin is New York Times bestselling author of multiple books including The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies. Gretchen also appears in Episodes 50 and 51. Listen here and here. [13:49] Laura Vanderkam: Hard work pays off Laura is author of several productivity and time management books. Her most recent book is Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. Her TED Talk on how to gain control of your free time has been viewed more than 10-million times. Laura is also the co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast. Laura also appears in Episode 44. Listen here. [18:00] Shawn Francis: Hold yourself accountable Shaun Francis is author of Eat Move Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger, Happier You. He is the CEO of Medcan, a Toronto-based company that provides holistic health services. Shawn also appears in Episode 42. Listen here. [21:45] Kerry Rowett: Trust Yourself Kerry is author of Align + Attract: Align Your Energy to Create a Business You Actually Love. She is a Holistic Kinesiologist living in Adelade, Australia. Kerry also appears in Episode 46. Listen here. [24:40] Mark Hamade: Don't be happy with second best Mark Hamade is a fitness enthusiast, an entrepreneur, a business coach, a Lebanese immigrant, a former Marine, and a cancer survivor. He set a resolution to lose more than 200 pounds. Mark also appears in Episode 58. Listen here. [26:55] Kathleen Trotter: Movement is non-negotiable Kathleen Trotter is author of Finding Your Fit and Your Fittest Future Self. She is My Instruction Manual's regular fitness contributor, and a Toronto-based personal trainer with a degree in exercise science. Kathleen also appears in Episode 61. Listen here. [32:00] Allison Melody: The body is designed to heal itself Allison Melody is host of the Food Heals podcast. By her 25th birthday, Allison lost both her parents to cancer. This led her to explore non-traditional healing methods, including nutrition. Allison also appears in Episode 43. Listen here.

Shaun Francis, Chair and CEO of Medcan, joins host Stew Friedman to discuss his new book "Eat, Move, Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger, Happier You" highlighting the importance of our physical health for longevity, quality of life, and work performance on Work and Life.Check out the Work and Life Podcast, here! http://www.workandlifepodcast.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shaun Francis is Chair and CEO of Medcan and he’s author of a recently released book entitled Eat, Move, Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger, Happier You. He was a student in Stew’s very first Total Leadership class for Executive MBAs at Wharton. Medcan is a global leader in assessing their clients’ overall well-being and inspiring them to live well for life. It’s routinely recognized for as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Shaun graduated from the United States Naval Academy after he was nominated by President Reagan to attend as a Canadian. He received the military’s highest recognition for a civilian, The Canadian Forces medallion for Distinguished Service, for his work on behalf of veterans. He’s received an honorary doctorate and countless other awards. Shaun co-led an expedition to the summit of Island Peak, adjacent to Mount Everest, with 12 injured Canadian, soldiers raising funds the True Patriot Love Foundation, which Shaun chairs. Stew and Shaun talk about the importance of our physical health for longevity, quality of life, and work performance. They drill down on the best diet (the Mediterranean ) and how it’s a sustainable one, not a fad. They talk about cardio as a way to prolong life and muscle strengthening as a way to improve the quality of one’s life over time. They discuss how the mind, and the way we exercise our choices, is central to prolonged health. They delve into the pernicious impact of the stigma of mental health care. Shaun uses the example of wounded warriors, the most fit among us, succumbing to mental health problems as an illustration how we are all of vulnerable to mental strain. They also talk about the importance of being role models for our children. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shaun Francis, author of Eat Move Think reveals how we can add years to our lives, while adding life to our years. And host Keith McArthur speaks with mindfulness contributor Joelle Anderson about his personal meditation struggles. Feedback / Connect: Subscribe to My Instruction Manual on Apple Podcasts or on Android Visit MyInstructionManual.com for shownotes, more great content and to sign up the email newsletter Email: keith@myinstructionmanual.com Keith on Twitter: @KeithMcArthur Join our Facebook page and our Self-Help Book Club on Facebook Find us on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube Buy 18 Steps to Own Your Life: Simple Powers for a Healthier Happier You on Amazon Episode 42 Show Notes [00:00] Welcome and Intro [4:01] Featured interview with Shaun Francis Shaun Francis is author of Eat Move Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger, Happier You. He is the CEO of Medcan, a Toronto-based company that provides holistic health services. In this conversation, Keith and Shaun discuss: Is a healthy life really as simple as Eat Move Think? [9:54] What's the best diet? [11:35] Biggest Losers aren't long-term winners [13:45] Can what I eat affect my mental health? [20:23] How many glasses of wine are okay on a Friday night? [22:07] What's the fastest way to get in shape? [24:35] Is it okay to sit all day if I still work out? [27:58] How do I exercise the willpower muscle? [31:00] Can I learn to be more optimistic? [35:00] [39:00] Shaun's Instruction Manual 1. What are the habits you maintain every day to stay happy and healthy? [39:20] Prioritize a workout each day Try to get seven hours of sleep Don't snack much; eat plenty of plant-based, non-processed food  2. What personal development book do you recommend? [42:59] Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 3. Favorite personal mantra / inspirational quote [46:44] "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." --- Theodore Roosevelt 4. What's your one guilty pleasure? [47:59] Chocolate Chip Cookies 5. When your time comes, how do you want to be remembered? [48:10] As a positive influence to those closest to him.  [49:30] Where to find Shaun Website: ShaunFrancis.com  Instagram: shauncfrancis Email: shaunfrancis@medcan.com [50:34] Mindfulness contributor Joelle Anderson helps Keith with his meditation struggles. Joelle Anderson is a therapist specializing in mindfulness meditation and creator and host of the Kernel of Wisdom YouTube channel. In this conversation, Keith and Joelle discuss: Keith is doing better with finding mindfulness in the moment, but having a harder time with meditation [51:19] Joelle explains that it's not uncommon to struggle with meditation after a great start. [52:30] Joelle offers tips to break through the meditation wall [54:00] Kernelofwisdom.com YouTube.com/KernelofWisdom1 [56:05] Closing words

Howie has more thoughts on the college hoops, recruiting, Rick Pitino, and what Chris Mack will do going forward at Louisville, Plus, Lou City players Paulo DelPiccolo and Shaun Francis.

Discussions about the team's performances in the U.S. Open Cup, new head coach Chris Leitch, trading Shaun Francis, and midseason poll results! Music - "Mama Said Knock You Out" - LL Cool J "Everything is Awesome!" -Tegan and Sara

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins dive into the second round of Gold Cup action. From the sleep inducing Mexico vs. Jamaica game, to the Alphonso Davies inspired Canada squad against Costa Rica. Not to mention, the controversy surrounding Florent Malouda too. The guys also discuss the performance of the USMNT against Martinique, which resulted in a 3-2 win. Is it more important that they got the three points? Or does how they played matter more? We discuss that, plus assess who may have impressed. Erik also goes through the U.S. Open Cup action. With the Semi-Finals now almost set, who could win up taking the trophy? Finally, the Transfer Window is open and some MLS teams are making moves. Shaun Francis goes to Montreal. Minnesota signs a Scot and an All-White. While the Galaxy found their Pele. Plus, some fun predictions for the UEFA Women's EUROS 2017 that begin on Sunday.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins dive into the second round of Gold Cup action. From the sleep inducing Mexico vs. Jamaica game, to the Alphonso Davies inspired Canada squad against Costa Rica. Not to mention, the controversy surrounding Florent Malouda too. The guys also discuss the performance of the USMNT against Martinique, which resulted in a 3-2 win. Is it more important that they got the three points? Or does how they played matter more? We discuss that, plus assess who may have impressed. Erik also goes through the U.S. Open Cup action. With the Semi-Finals now almost set, who could win up taking the trophy? Finally, the Transfer Window is open and some MLS teams are making moves. Shaun Francis goes to Montreal. Minnesota signs a Scot and an All-White. While the Galaxy found their Pele. Plus, some fun predictions for the UEFA Women's EUROS 2017 that begin on Sunday.

Shaun Francis talks about his NYS Senate race against Kathy Marchione

Shaun Francis, candidate for the NYS Senate talks about the PFOA hearings in Hoosick Falls

Shaun Francis talks about his NYS Senate race against Kathy Marchione