From guesswork to precision and a health plan built on biomarker data
How one client turned unexpected findings into measurable improvements – from cholesterol management to migraine prevention
For many, health can feel fairly predictable until the age of 40, when small changes start to raise bigger questions. It’s also a time when simply wondering about your health – what’s really going on inside your body – is often no longer enough.
This was the case for one Medcan client, Sarah. At 43, she felt like she was doing everything right on the health front. She stayed active, kept up with her kids and had recently committed to working out more regularly. But like many people entering their 40s, she also noticed a subtle shift. She was experiencing new aches, questions about nutrition and a growing sense that it might be time to take a closer look at her health. And with a family history of heart rhythm issues, she wanted clarity on some heart flutters she’d been experiencing.
Sarah decided to book Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment – not because something was wrong, but because she wanted clarity and to be proactive. She wanted insights that would eliminate the unknowns that were starting to lurk in her mind.
However, what she gained from the experience was far more than she expected. “This assessment was incredibly thorough. I learned things about my health I didn’t know and walked away with manageable tangible next steps for how to improve, what to monitor, and how to follow up. “
She had never done a comprehensive preventive assessment before but said it was the perfect time, “Entering the early to mid-40s, suddenly health is even more on my radar than it used to be.”
This assessment was incredibly thorough. I learned things about my health I didn’t know and walked away with manageable tangible next steps for how to improve, what to monitor, and how to follow up.- Sarah, Medcan client
Inside a first Annual Health Assessment
From the moment she arrived at Medcan’s Oakville location, Sarah noticed the environment felt elevated and intentional from the curated artwork on the walls to the calm, thoughtfully designed lounges. Even during short waits between testing stations, she felt comfortable and taken care of.
“The facilities were beautiful and each staff member was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.”
The Annual Health Assessment provides a comprehensive, whole-body picture of health – rooted in Medcan’s Vital Five that covers everything from cardiovascular health to metabolic health and nutrition, fitness level, hearing, vision. With same-day results and tailored recommendations, clients move through 12–15 diagnostic tests over approximately five or more hours, depending on age, sex, and health status.
At the end of the day, a one-on-one consultation with a Medcan physician brings everything together. This is where clients can discuss their results with a physician in depth, review their Medcan Health Score, identify areas for improvement and build a clinically guided plan that includes next steps.
Sarah was particularly impressed by how seamless the experience felt. “Someone was always walking me to the lounge or to the next room, so I never had to figure it out on my own.”
She also mentioned how high-quality food options in the lounges and attentive staff meant that even brief waits felt comfortable. “I felt very taken care of. It was seamless and efficient, even though it was a long day.”
But, as the day unfolded, the real value became clear. She was uncovering insights about her health she never would have expected.
Going from guesswork to biomarker data and a solid health plan
Like many people, Sarah had previously relied on general health advice, personal research and occasional check-ins with her family doctor. She describes herself as an A-type personality, is a busy executive with a demanding career in marketing, and had already committed to improving her fitness as a New Year’s resolution, which gave her confidence going into the assessment.
She considered herself healthy – active and a healthy weight – and assumed certain risks, like high cholesterol, didn’t apply to her. She also managed weekly migraines with medication, even though it often meant waiting through hours of discomfort.
Her assessment opened her eyes and challenged her assumptions. Some of the most important insights were the ones she didn’t expect. She learned her cholesterol levels were high enough that she was borderline for medication. “I never thought cholesterol would be an issue. But I think it’s incredible to know this now rather than later because I can be proactive now to major issues later.”
I never thought cholesterol would be an issue. But I think it’s incredible to know this now rather than later because I can be proactive now to major issues later.”- Sarah, Medcan client
Her fitness tests also provided a reality check. While she scored average or above average in flexibility and strength, it wasn’t as high as she had assumed, which reinforced the importance of maintaining and progressing her activity level.
Another unexpected was her lung capacity, which was lower than anticipated and prompted follow-up testing.
These insights were immediately translated into action. She updated her grocery list, adjusted her family’s diet and invested in heavier weights to support strength training. She also went through a mindset shift, shifting from relying on generalized advice to the importance of having a personalized, data-driven guidance.
A connection that was never made: heart flutters and migraines, a signal of perimenopause
Sarah entered the assessment with specific concerns about her heart. Her father has atrial fibrillation – an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can reduce how efficiently the heart pumps blood – and she had been experiencing heart flutters herself.
While the assessment showed no structural heart issues and indicated that her organs were overall healthy, it was the physician’s holistic view that proved most valuable. Looking across multiple biomarkers, her doctor identified a connection Sarah hadn’t considered. Many of her symptoms, including heart flutters and increased migraines, were likely linked to perimenopause.
“Perimenopause and the connection to migraines was not on my radar. And it could make a really big impact to my well-being and general happiness on a daily basis.”
She was referred to a neurologist and introduced to the possibility of preventive treatment that could address both migraines and perimenopause symptoms, improving sleep and quality of life.
This ability to connect seemingly unrelated symptoms into a clearer picture was one of the most impactful takeaways from the assessment.
Respect and trust were earned
One of the most meaningful moments for Sarah happened even before her assessment day, during a virtual call with a genetics specialist about an optional cancer screening add-on.
She had been prepared to pay for a genetic test that would look at her predisposition to certain cancers. While she had the option to proceed with the testing immediately, the specialist suggested that her aunt, who had experienced cancer three times, pursue genetic testing through the public system first. Based on those results, Sarah could then decide whether pursuing proactive testing made sense for her.
“Frankly, this advice made me really respect Medcan.”
She also appreciated how integrated Medcan is with publicly funded care. When the physician recommended that a mole be checked, Sarah asked whether it would mean additional private costs. Instead, she learned that this follow-up would be covered, and that some of her next steps, like potential genetic testing for her aunt, could also be accessed that way, even if it took longer.
“I think trust in medical care is important. And Medcan earned mine in that moment.”
The small lessons that lead to meaningful change
Alongside larger findings, Sarah gained practical, everyday insights that immediately impacted her and her family. For example, she learned that regular yogurt is primarily a carbohydrate, while Greek yogurt is a more meaningful source of protein. A small but important shift, especially as a parent trying to support her children’s nutrition.
She also valued that recommendations felt realistic and manageable. “It’s not like you have to change your life in a massive way. You’re given tips you can incrementally build into your routine.”
One of the most powerful moments came during her physician consultation: “My most profound takeaway might have been when the doctor said; ‘You should be eating like an athlete. You're constantly running around after your kids and working out several times a week.’ That comment flipped a switch in my brain.”
Like many moms, she had fallen into the habit of feeding everyone else first and herself last. She never really considered that her body might need to be fueled differently because of how much she asks of it every day.
“Thinking of myself as someone who should eat like an athlete is a completely new concept for me, but it has been a surprisingly powerful shift in perspective.”
Results she’s experienced already, and a plan she can follow
Sarah now has clarity, and a personalized plan grounded in real data. She’s adjusted her nutrition, prioritized strength training and is following up on key areas such as cardiovascular, neurological and skin health.
Most importantly, she no longer has to guess what’s happening with her body. “You can assume things are fine where they might not be – or worry about something that’s actually okay.”
Her experience has impacted more than just her own habits. It’s shaping how she supports her family’s health as well.
For those who might feel hesitant about a comprehensive assessment, her perspective is simple: “Knowledge is power. It’s always better to know and move forward.”
“To really understand what you’re dealing with – and make changes that aren’t just based on what everyone else is doing – is incredibly valuable.”
To really understand what you’re dealing with – and make changes that aren’t just based on what everyone else is doing – is incredibly valuable.”- Sarah, Medcan client
Take action
The Annual Health Assessment is designed to help you optimize your health and longevity. This comprehensive full-body assessment is rooted in Medcan’s Vital Five – Heart, Cancer, Mind, Metabolic, and Movement – which are five pillars of health associated with some of the most prevalent yet preventable diseases affecting Canadians today.
The evidence-based, physician-led Annual Health Assessment includes up to 15 screening stations and tests for over 100 biomarkers. The assessment offers same-day results, insights, and personalized recommendations and includes your Medcan Health Score, an engaging tool to help you gauge your overall health and track your progress over time. Learn more.
