From reluctant to motivated: One woman’s story about taking control of her own health 

Despite working in the wellness industry for years, one Medcan client found herself delaying her own Annual Health Assessment. She knew the value of early detection and comprehensive screening - especially as she approached middle age - but emotional hesitation kept her from booking the appointment. “Logically, I knew I needed it,” she later reflected. “Emotionally, I wasn’t ready.” 

The tipping point 

At 45, her body no longer felt like it used to. A traumatic labour, a lingering concussion, the impact of COVID, and a recent family loss had taken a toll on her physical and emotional well-being. She was carrying extra weight, struggling with old injuries, and quietly worrying about what might be going on beneath the surface. “I didn’t want to be judged for not taking good enough care of my body when I was just trying to cope with life’s ups and downs.” 

With signs of perimenopause emerging and her first mammogram pending - she hadn’t yet had it since the screening age was lowered to 40 - she finally booked her assessment after putting it off repeatedly. Hearing devastating stories of late diagnosis from friends and family gave her the courage and commitment to follow through. 

She had also experienced a test from Medcan at a recent HR wellness event. "I was able to test my grip strength and learned that it was in the 'red' zone. I had no idea that meant that I was at greater risk for heart disease and other issues. It was a catalyst to get my assessment done."

A day designed for care 

She arrived at Medcan’s Oakville clinic feeling hesitant and caffeine-deprived, having fasted for bloodwork. But the environment quickly eased her nerves. “It felt more like a spa than a clinic,” she said. “Calm, welcoming, and far from the sterile settings I was used to.” 

Her day began with bloodwork, an abdominal ultrasound, and an InBody scan to inform her fitness and nutrition assessments. She was then able to enjoy the complimentary refreshments in the restful lounge - and she was ready for them!

During the afternoon, she had a nursing appointment with an electrocardiogram (ECG), vaccine review and a hearing test, as well as a mental health check-in, and an optional skin care consult.  

The body station was a highlight of the day. It was 45-minute session with an exercise physiologist who explained the results of her InBody scan that looks at how much of your body weight is fat versus muscle. She also completed comprehensive fitness testing, grip strength assessment, and a VO2 sub-max test to assess her cardiovascular health. “Even though my body fat and weight were higher than ideal, he focused on the positives, like my strength and flexibility,” she said. “I never felt judged, as I had feared. I left with practical, tailored, and achievable advice on how to make healthy lifestyle changes that could improve my health, including specific recommendations for sleep, exercise, and diet that were incredibly helpful.” 

Facing the mammogram 

The part she feared most was the mammogram, but the technician quickly put her at ease. “She was empathetic and gentle,” the client recalled. “It wasn’t as uncomfortable as I expected, and I felt proud to have done it.” 

Since it was her first mammogram, her physician also ordered a breast ultrasound which was completed just an hour later. “Normally that process would take weeks of waiting and anxiety,” the client noted. “Having it done the same day was a game-changer.” 

Normally getting a follow-up test would take weeks of waiting and anxiety. Getting it the same day was a game-changer.

The physician as guide 

Throughout the day, her physician played a central role by conducting her physical exam, of course, but also by reviewing test results and guiding her next steps.

During the exam, she took time to address the client’s lingering skin concerns and answered her questions with care. At the end of the day, her physician tied the experience together with a comprehensive review of all the test results. “She didn’t just read numbers off a chart,” the client said. “She helped me understand what each result meant and what I could do about them. Having an interactive in-person conversation was powerful. I felt heard and guided, not judged or talked down to – and never rushed.” 

The physician identified a couple of vitamin deficiencies and also noted that her cholesterol, while still normal, was approaching the levels for elevated risk. She provided guidance on specific exercise and dietary changes that could proactively address that risk.

The client found out that the extensive heart health testing did not reveal any serious concerns, and that she was not at elevated risk for heart disease based on her Lp(a) levels - a genetically determined marker of cardiovascular risk that affects nearly 1 in 5 people worldwide. These insights brought the client relief and renewed motivation to keep her risk under control. 

Within a couple of days, she also received her breast ultrasound results. While there were no serious concerns, they had found a small benign mass called a fibroadenoma that should be monitored. "They promptly scheduled my six-month follow-up ultrasound at Medcan, making it one less thing I have to think about."

A new chapter in health 

Armed with a full picture of her health, the client now feels empowered to take action. One month later, she has started personal training sessions with Medcan’s fitness team - "Katie is amazing!" - and has a walking pad on the way, which she will put in her home office for a short burst of daily cardio before work or on lunch – a direct recommendation from the assessment. She's also scheduled a therapy consult and has a renewed focus on eating healthier and consuming enough protein. “I’m focused on the simple actions that will have the most impact. I’m not aiming for perfection,” she said. “Just progress.” 

Taking that first step gave me clarity, confidence, and the feeling that I’m finally back in the driver’s seat of my own health.

She’s already looking forward to next year’s visit and seeing how these new choices will shape her health. “There will be setbacks, but I feel ready,” she said. “If you’ve been putting it off, unsure or anxious like I was, it’s worth it. Taking that first step gave me clarity, confidence, and the feeling that I’m finally back in the driver’s seat of my own health.” 

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Take action

Curious about how Medcan's Annual Health Assessment can empower you to take control of your health? Learn more here.