Steve Nash
Why should Canadians prioritize physical activity in their daily life?
Besides movement, our healthspan is also determined by our quality of sleep, diet, mental health, and social interactions. Science tells us that moving our body daily in a meaningful way can drastically improve these factors. I start every day with quality movement through the Block training app which helps me have a better mood, which improves my relationships. I am more likely to eat better, exercise smarter, and make other healthy choices, which results in better sleep.
As a retired athlete how do you stay in shape and healthy?
I LOVE to play sports, but I had to retire from basketball because of a bad back. In my retirement, I've made it a point to stay active and play tennis or soccer 3-4 times a week. The only way to keep playing has been to keep up a healthy habit of daily mobility and stability work using Block. Doing 10 minutes of low-impact work after my morning coffee has kept my back mobile, prevented other injuries, and guarantees I'm able to stay competitive. I also mix up my workouts with resistance training and different types of cardio. Physical activity helps us enjoy life more. For me, I get joy from staying young, playing as long as I can, and keeping up with younger athletes. For others, joy might come from taking walks with friends or helping loved ones around the house. These are precious moments, moments that make life worth living, that can only be bolstered with physical activity.
Why do you believe it is important to prioritize mental health?
Mental health is at the root of everything. Like you always hear, “healthy mind in a healthy body”. Emotional and social well being influences how you think, feel, and act. When I’m on top of my mental game, I can handle stress, better relate to others and more easily make difficult choices then when I’m struggling.
What inspired you to create the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation?
In the summer of 2013, just a year after starting in track, I was named to the national team representing Canada at the 2013 Pan American Junior Track & Field Championships in Columbia. But I was responsible for most of the costs of the trip and my mom simply didn’t have the required finances to cover it. Tony Sharpe, the coach who’d taken me under his wing, turned to a generous family connected with his track club and they sponsored the cost of my trip. I came back with a silver and bronze medal. Their support made all the difference in the world and I really don’t know where I’d be today if it hadn’t been for that family. After coming home from the Rio Olympics with three medals, a little wealth of my own and a growing platform, I knew that I was going to figure out a way to pay it forward and that’s exactly what my mom and I have done with the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation.
Tell us about what it was like to battle cancer while being a professional athlete?
It was definitely a big shock because I’ve been a professional athlete since I was 18, and in my entire career I’ve never missed one single event, not for injuries or for anything. I’ve always been present, even if I was feeling sick or had a problem in my leg or my arm. I was still doing all the competitions because I’m a really hard worker in life — but then I had to miss the whole season. This was a big shock for me because as a professional athlete, snowboarding was more than just my career — it was my life. In individual sports a lot of people say we’re self-centred in a way, that all we can think about is our sport and how to be better. For the past few years, all I could think about was snowboarding and then I had to miss the whole season and not travel at all. It was hard for me to digest that, and what’s weird is that it was almost a bigger shock for me not to be able to snowboard for a full winter than the actual cancer diagnosis, because snowboarding was all I knew, and I was being taken away from it
It’s Never Too Late for Men to Be Proactive About Their Health
When eating well isn’t enough, taking nutritional supplements can help fill the gap by offering benefits, like supporting prostate function.
Michele Sponaglle
Good news! The average life expectancy for men in Canada is creeping upward. It’s now 79.5 years, compared to 83.9 years for women, according to Statistics Canada. Generally, men become ill at an earlier age and develop more chronic illnesses than women. It’s clear that men’s health is lagging. The reasons are complex. Research indicates that men are less likely to be proactive about their health. An Ipsos poll found that almost two-thirds of Canadian men said they were overdue for their routine health check-up with their doctor. A knowledge gap for what men should do to support their health is another issue.
Tackling the nutrition knowledge gap
Nutritional supplements can be part of a proactive health strategy, but data shows that women use them more than men. “Compliance is another common issue people have,” explains Ashten Buck, a nutritionist with a specialization in nutrition and dietetics from Western University and a teacher at the International College of Holistic Health. She also has a degree in naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. “If the recommendation is taking one pill three times per day, it’s less likely that the therapeutic dose will be met. What we need are simple, foundational supplements that make the most impact for the body and situation.”
Taking supplements doesn’t have to be complicated. A high-quality, complete multi-vitamin is a good place to start.
Healthy Planet Canada’s AOR Ortho Core ticks a lot of boxes for men’s health with essential vitamins and minerals, including lycopene for prostate health, selenium for fertility and reproduct-
ive health, CoQ10 for heart health and increased exercise capacity, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Though Canadians may look to food for nutrients, chances are their diets are lacking, underscoring the need for supplements. “Humans are creatures of habit, and as much as we advocate to ‘eat the rainbow,’ it doesn’t always turn out that way,” Buck notes. “People know what they like to eat and usually don’t stray too far from that on a day-to-day basis, so there’s a chance we’re missing some essential nutrients from our diet.”
What we need are simple, foundational supplements that make the most impact for the body and situation.
Seek supplements that deliver on quality
Complicating the issue is that soil quality is decreasing, so the crops we consume are less nutrient-dense than they were a century ago, Buck points out. Quality supplements can support men’s health.
Look for those with third-party testing, quality assurance logos on the package, trademarked ingredients, therapeutic doses, and professional-grade products. Also, buy from a reputable company, like Healthy Planet Canada. It has been helping Canadian men live healthier for over 30 years and offers a wide variety of products through its retail outlets and online.
Prostate health should be a priority. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and is the third leading cause of death. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) results in an enlarged prostate, which can affect urinary health, especially among men over age 40.
Prostate health a cornerstone for wellness
For better prostate health, experts suggest regular exercise, adequate hydration, maintaining a healthy weight, eating less red meat, and reducing stress. “Supporting sexual health and libido often involves supporting testos terone and circulation,” explains Buck. She recommends products like ashwagandha, which indirectly increases testosterone levels by decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone), ginkgo biloba, and ginseng. Citrulline malate sup ports blood flow, libido, and overall sexual health. Plant sterols can help decrease prostate inflammation and reduce the urinary frequency sensation. Research shows saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds can support prostate health. To help relieve the urologic symptoms associated with mild-to-moderate BPH, consider a supplement, such as Nature's Way Saw Palmetto Berry.
Andy De Santis, a Toronto-based registered dietitian in private practice, points to lycopene (found in tomatoes, for example) and vitamin D as having some effect on reducing an enlarged prostate. “Vitamin D is elusive, especially in Canada,” he says. “Lower levels in men have been associated with a large prostate. It’s possible that ensuring a lifetime of adequate levels might reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate.”
Eating well is a good strategy, too. De Santis notes that elevated levels of cholesterol and blood sugar are risk factors for many health conditions, including enlarged prostate. Psyllium fibre is one option to help lower them, he says.
Fortunately, men can take proactive steps to safeguard their health at any age. As Buck says, “It’s never too late to start.”
Ashten Buck Nutritionist & Teacher, International College of Holistic Health
Andy De Santis Registered Dietitian, Private Practice in Toronto, Ont.
Testosterone, an essential male sex hormone, regulates numerous functions in the body, such as heart health, memory, bone density, muscle health, mood, and sex drive. Ensuring optimal testosterone levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. However, hormone-related conditions often go undiagnosed and undertreated.
Knowing what to look for
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline. Approximately 40 per cent of men aged 40 and above experience low testosterone.
When testosterone levels are low, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle loss, and mood changes. These symptoms can significantly impact work
How One Organization Is Making It Easier to Find Mental Health Support
For men struggling with their mental health, finding support can feel near impossible, but this Ontario-based organization is working to change that.
Sonya Friesen
BAre You a Man Over 35? Here's What You Need to Know About Testosterone
Low testosterone is increasingly common, and can have a significant impact on men’s quality of life. That’s where TRT comes into play.
back to optimal health. Thankfully, you have ways to achieve the optimal hormone levels needed to live your best life, without the wait time.
Help is here
TRT isn't suitable for everyone. Men with a history of prostate issues or those with high red blood cell counts may not be eligible for TRT.
range, alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
If you suspect that you have low levels of testosterone, start by consulting your doctor. They may request a blood test to determine your testosterone levels and assess which form of TRT may suit you best.
Science&Humans is spearheading a health care revolution, providing men with the means to regain their vitality through affordable and impactful TRT.
The treatment aims to restore testosterone levels to a normal range, alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
Accessing doctors and specialists within the health care system takes time. Your GP may not have the specialized knowledge to offer the treatment you need, oftentimes leading to a referral to an endocrinologist. Unfortunately, referral processes can be time-consuming, leading to delays in accessing treatment and getting
“Our groundbreaking virtual platform distinguishes us from the rest, enabling expert medical guidance to seamlessly reach patients in the comfort of their own homes, alleviating the burdens of travel and in-person appointments,” says Dr. Adeel Khan, Chief Scientific Officer at Science&Humans. “We believe every man deserves to experience their fullest potential in life. By offering personalized treatment plans designed specifically for men's unique needs, we ensure that life-changing solutions are readily accessible and achievable.”
e a man.” “Rub some dirt in it.” As the conversation around mental health has become more widely accepted, society’s notorious “man up” stereotype has been one of the most difficult to erase, seemingly embedded in the very fabric of our society. For many Canadians, and particularly men, it’s the hidden, often internalized mental health struggles that remain one of the most dangerous threats.
By nature, humans are social beings, yet how that socialization manifests can look very different for men compared with women. From coffee chats to book clubs, female socialization can often be defined as a forum for animated discussion — open and vulnerable conversation is often encouraged, even having earned its own typecast as “girl talk.”
For men, however, conversation — even in a friendly social gathering — can frequently remain surface level. The deeply rooted “man up” mentality prevents many men from feeling comfortable sharing their
personal struggles openly, even with close friends.
Suffering in silence
Social connection is critical to mental health resilience. If we don’t discuss our struggles, how are we to know just how many are going through similar experiences? Despite this, isolation remains particularly common in men, and plays a critical role in not only exacerbating these feelings but leading to suicidal ideation. In Canada, men are three times more likely than women to take their own life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in men aged of 15 and 39, and 75 per cent of suicides across the country are by men.
The reality is that mental health struggles can impact anyone. From those going through a significant life change — fatherhood, job loss, retirement — to those who may be biologically predisposed, one in three Canadians will struggle with their mental health at some point in their lifetime. In those dark moments, getting through the day can feel daunting enough, let alone
the thought of seeking help.
Accessing local support systems
ConnexOntario has made its mission to help connect Ontarians with mental health support and services. Hosting Ontario’s most comprehensive addictions and mental health services database, ConnexOntario exists to bridge the gap between services that are available and the people who need them. The organization’s system navigation services are available to Ontarians 24/7, via email, phone, text, or online chat. Free and confidential, ConnexOntario uses non-identifying information (like a city) to identify treatment or support services within a local area. From crisis lines and self-help groups to distress centres, ConnexOntario system navigation experts are trained to listen, provide support, and offer strategies to help get the process started — no matter the reason for connecting. In fact, 50 per cent of calls made are by family member or concerned friends.
Whether you or a man in your
is struggling, finding support should be the easy part.
Dr. Adeel Khan Chief Scientific Officer, Science & Humans
Unleashing the Power of Genomics — What Men Need to Know
Understanding one’s unique genetic makeup can highlight the risks of developing various health conditions, empowering patients to be proactive in prevention.
Dr. Anmol Kapoor
In recent years, the field of genomics has revolutionized health care by providing personalized insights into our genetic makeup. For men, understanding the genetic factors influencing their health is of paramount
The power of genomics in men's health
Genomics offers a unique window into the underlying genetic factors contributing to various health conditions. By analyzing an individual's genetic material, genomics can unveil potential risks and provide actionable information for better preventive care and targeted treatments. Let’s delve into some key areas where genomics is transforming men's health.
Prostate cancer: Unveiling genetic predispositions
Prostate cancer is a prevalent concern among men. Genomic testing at BioAro allows for the identification of specific genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. By understanding an individual's genetic predisposition, BioAro provides personalized risk assessments, enabling early detection, tailored screening plans, and precise treatment strategies. This approach improves patient outcomes and ultimately saves lives.
Cardiovascular health: Unlocking genetic risk factors
Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality in men. Genomics plays a crucial role in understanding genetic markers related to cholesterol metabolism, blood clotting, and inflammation. BioAro's testing panels ana-
importance. Let's explore the profound impact of genomics on men's health and the invaluable role of BioAro, a pioneering genomic testing company in Canada, in empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being.
lyze these markers to provide personalized risk assessments. This empowers individuals to implement preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications and targeted screening, while assisting health care providers in developing tailored treatment plans to mitigate cardiovascular risks effectively.
Testicular cancer: Early detection and intervention
Testicular cancer affects young men globally. Genomic testing at BioAro enables the identification of genetic variants associated with an increased susceptibility to this disease. By monitoring these genetic markers, individuals and health care professionals can detect testicular cancer at an early stage, leading to timely interventions and personalized treatment plans. BioAro's testing plays a crucial role in improving survival rates and overall patient outcomes.
Mental health: Unlocking genetic predispositions
Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Genomic testing can shed light on the genetic factors contributing to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. BioAro's testing panels help uncover these genetic predispositions, empowering health care providers to tailor mental health interventions and therapies
Understanding one's genetic predispositions empowers individuals to implement targeted preventive strategies. With BioAro's genomic insights, individuals can make informed choices about lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes, exercise routines, and personalized screening plans. Taking a proactive approach based on one's genetic profile can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain conditions, ultimately promoting overall well-being.
BioAro has emerged as a frontrunner in the field of genomics, offering comprehensive and
to suit individual needs. This personalized approach enhances treatment effectiveness, improves patient outcomes, and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health.
Inherited genetic disorders: Empowering family planning
Genomics is a powerful tool for identifying inherited genetic disorders that may affect men and their families. BioAro's comprehensive testing can unveil genetic variants associated with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia. By understanding these genetic risks, individuals can make informed decisions regarding family planning and reproductive options, ensuring the well-being of future generations.
Precision medicine: Tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles
Genomics enables precision medicine by unravelling the intricate genetic factors that influence treatment outcomes. BioAro's testing identifies genetic variants impacting drug metabolism and response, allowing health care providers to personalize treatment plans. This ensures optimal medication selection and dosage adjustments and the minimization of adverse reactions. Precision medicine based on genomics has the potential to significantly enhance treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction.
reliable genetic testing services specifically designed to address men's health concerns.
Genomics has the potential to transform health care by facilitating precision treatment approaches. BioAro's testing enables health care providers to tailor treatment plans based on an individual's unique genetic profile. By identifying genetic variants that impact drug metabolism and response, BioAro assists in optimizing medication selection and dosage, reducing adverse reactions, and improving treatment outcomes.
Dr. Anmol Kapoor CEO & Founder, BioAro Inc.
Open Conversations about ED are Crucial to Erasing Stigma
Dialogue and accessible solutions can help men overcome the challenges of living with erectile dysfunction.
Sonya Friesen
Erectile dysfunction. It’s a term most men are familiar with yet very few talk about.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an uncomfortable topic for many men (and women), but it impacts nearly 50 per cent of Canadian men between 40 and 88. While often thought of as a condition that affects older men, multinational studies have shown the presence of ED in younger men is as high as 30 per cent.
These numbers prove just how common ED is. But many of us avoid the topic when it comes up. That can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for something we should all be talking about.
“One of the biggest issues when it comes to ED is stigma,” says Dr. Kelly Anderson, Medical Director for Felix Health. “Some people don’t want to have the conversation with their partner, friends or even their healthcare practitioner.”
You’re not alone
Erectile dysfunction can be an incredibly isolating experience. Many men even feel it reflects their masculinity — but the two have nothing to do with each other. For some men, ED can be the physical embodiment of a much deeper psychological issue, while for others, a symptom of their broader physical health. Sometimes, ED can simply be a result of certain habits or stress. While medical treatments for erectile dysfunction can be effective in managing symptoms, they can come with stigma too. “There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to ED treatment. It’s crucial to promote open conversations about ED, awareness of treatment options and
highlight accessible treatment,” says Dr. Anderson. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can be another effective way to reduce symptoms of ED and, unsurprisingly, stress often tops the list of culprits. By initiating fight or flight mode, stress causes the body to deprioritize sexual performance, leading to difficulty maintaining an erection. Small changes to your routine — incorporating meditation, exercising and even talking to friends — can be instrumental in alleviating stress.
It’s crucial to promote open conversations about ED, awareness of treatment options and highlight accessible treatment.
While stress may be a leading offender, the impact from other lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive drinking can’t be ignored. In fact, 72 per cent of men with alcohol dependence also experience sexual dysfunction, while nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, leading to the inability to experience an erection.
Physical v. psychological
Although erectile dysfunction is surprisingly common, it can be difficult to identify a root cause. In many cases, it can be a combination of several things. Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or even treatment for prostate cancer can all lead to symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, the mental health and psychological causes can be difficult to understand, let alone overcome. Like stress, mental health can play a significant role in ED, and for those struggling, it can be a particu-
larly unwelcome symptom. Mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, can play a critical role in limiting the body’s ability to experience arousal.
Beyond this, psychological causes can spark a vicious cycle. Per formance anxiety, feelings of guilt, and lowered self-esteem can result from ED, as well as contribute to the cause. The term “getting in one’s head” rings particularly true for people caught in this cycle.
Treatment (with a dose of discretion)
The good news is that there are solutions for many of the causes of ED treatment options like therapy, relationship counselling, and tar geted talk therapy have all shown to be effective ways of managing and working past these issues.
As with any health concern, some times medication is the most effective way forward, and ED is no exception.
The stigma that goes along with it, however, can make vulnerable con versations on the topic particularly awkward — even with your healthcare provider.
On-demand treatment provider
Felix Health has connected over 500,000 Canadians with licensed healthcare practitioners online.
“Many of our patients say they find it more comfortable to chat virtually with our healthcare practitioners, and we want to make this conversation as easy as possible,” says Dr. Anderson.
With medically-backed quizzes, discreet delivery, empathetic and understanding practitioners, and assessments done in the comfort of your own home, Felix hopes to take the awkwardness out of ED, encouraging more Canadian men to explore the ED treatment options available to them.
Dr. Kelly Anderson Medical Director, Felix Health
Why Men Need to Be Extra Vigilant Against Skin Cancer
With skin cancers more prevalent in men, guys need to be extra cautious. Regular checkups and early detection ensure positive outcomes.
Papmehl
Anne
Your skin is your largest and most visible organ. That’s why it’s crucial to protect it by monitoring for skin cancer. There are two main categories of skin cancer—melanoma (or pigmented) skin cancers and non-melanoma (non-pigmented) skin cancers which include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Melanoma is the rarest but most deadly form of skin cancer, while BCC is the most common but rarely fatal. cSCC is the second most common skin cancer and while also rarely fatal, it can become very disfiguring if untreated. “The most common risk factor for all three cancer types is excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure over time, though with melanoma there can be some genetic predispositions,” says Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, Professor, Department of Pathology, Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Most skin cancers are detected by the patients themselves or by a loved one, so we encourage people to do the skin checks every month and talk to their doctor or dermatologist if there’s something of concern. It really can save your life.
Skin cancer rates slightly higher among men Men need to be especially vigilant about sun exposure and recognizing the early warning signs. “Of the approximately 8,700 Canadians diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2021, 4,700 were males compared to 4,000 females”, says Falyn Katz, CEO, Melanoma Canada. And while melanoma is one of the rarest forms of skin cancer, it is one of the most common cancer types found in young adults aged 15 to 29 and 30 to 49.1
While the reasons for higher skin cancer rates among men are not well understood, Dr. Giocomantonio believes that lifestyle, attitude, and culture play a role. “Men are historically considered more risk takers with sun exposure and not too worried about lathering up with sunscreen and protecting themselves,” he says. “They’re also less inclined to visit the doctor to get checked.”
New treatment options available for advanced skin cancer Treatment for the non-melanoma cancers tends to be quite simple. “Both of these cancers have very low mortality rates and are usually successfully treated by surgical incision,” says Dr. Giocomantonio. “For advanced metastatic melanoma or cSCC where the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumour site, treatment includes targeted immune therapy, one of the earliest clinical success stories,” he says. “The expected success rates from immuno therapy today are over 50 per cent, which is remarkable given that the response rate prior was 10 per cent at best,” he says.
Community important to men on skin cancer journey
A sense of community support is vital to men undergoing the skin cancer journey. Melanoma Canada offers a variety of programs and services, from one-to-one cancer coaching to peer support and bi-monthly support groups. “While no two melanomas or skin cancers are alike, having these conversations with others who understand what you’re going through and realizing you’re not alone is a big part of the mental health and coping aspect,” says Katz.
The best way to help men advocate for their health is by encouraging them to stay proactive. “It seems obvious, but the best way to treat melanoma or cSCC is to catch it early and eradicate it effectively,” says Dr. Giocomantonio. “And though less than one per cent of BCC cases become aggressive or potentially metastatic, they too are most effectively dealt with if caught early,” he says.
The best way to detect skin cancers early is by regularly monitoring your skin. “Most skin cancers are detected by the patients themselves or by a loved one, so we encourage people to do the skin checks every month and talk to their doctor or dermatologist if there’s something of concern. It really can save your life,” say Katz.
Dr. Carman Giacomantonio Professor, Department of Pathology, Victoria General Hospital
Falyn Katz CEO, Melanoma Canada