In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Dr. Dan Vitale, who is a chiropractic clinician and longevity expert. Dan was the co-author of my book which is now available electronically. This episode we summarized the main concepts we discussed in the book. We chatted about the Five Pillar Methodology for optimizing mobility and joint function for the long-term. We discussed the key principles of cardiovascular training to maintain a healthy heart as you age. Dan and I detailed the core concepts of building long-term functional strength and muscle mass reserve. We talked about how to develop a nutrition strategy that will allow you to live for as long as possible. We also outlined the key habits for improving mood and preventing cognitive decline. Lastly, we discussed the concept and practical methods of biohacking that help support healthspan extension. 

Dr. Dan Vitale graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He has also studied various soft-tissue techniques including Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (ART). He completed his Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) under the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He has also completed his Certificate from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) and completed his Webster Certification during the Perinatal Care course with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr Dan is also a trained Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) provider.

Dr. Dan is passionate about seeking out accurate, current information and educating his patients. His focus on exercise and nutrition allows him to develop long-term health plans that address pain management and healthy lifestyles.

Find out more about Dr. Dan’s work on his website at www.guelphnaturalhealth.ca.

You can also check out our book “Optimized: The Roadmap to Living Younger as You Age” here.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Lori Bouchard, who is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in cancer treatment and prevention. We discussed the key metabolic and nutrition-based factors that contribute to tumor development and metastasis. Dr. Lori outlined the role of the gut-brain axis on controlling the onset of cancer. She also chatted about some of the most promising treatment options that are available beyond traditional chemotherapy, including intravenous vitamin C injection, magnetism, and ozone therapy. We talked about some of the key carcinogenic agents and how to minimize your risk of being impacted by them as well as best practices for stimulating cell autophagy and killing cancer cells.  

Dr. Lori Bouchard has dedicated more than a decade to working with patients with cancer. She helps them build a life that enables them to thrive and co-exist with cancer.  A significant portion of her work encompasses changing patients’ perspectives on what it means to have cancer, live in a meaningful way, and add health despite simultaneously managing a disease.

As a Naturopathic Doctor with a particular focus on cancer health, Dr. Lori is on a mission to help patients understand the real root of cancer and how gut health, genetics, and environmental factors impact tumor growth. She completed her Degree in Health Science at Western University prior to completing her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Lori is the founder of Inside Health Clinic, Ontario’s most innovative naturopathic healing centre which aims to help people reverse complicated and often misunderstood conditions such as Lyme, chronic fatigue, Hashimoto’s, and infertility while offering a comprehensive range of naturopathic support, welcoming all those who wish to live in optimal health. She is also the author of Amazon’s Bestselling Book “Live Longer and Stronger with Breast Cancer”, endorsed by US Presidential candidate and 4 times NY Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson which is a step-by-step guide to help women fight their cancer more effectively.

Find out more about Dr. Bouchard on her website at www.drlori.ca and on Instagram at @drloribouchard. You can also get a free copy of her book here.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Emily Splichal, who is podiatrist and foot function specialist. We talked about matching footwear to anatomic specificity, activity, and terrain. Dr. Emily discussed causes and solutions for a range of foot pathologies, including: fallen arches, turf toe, and inflammation. We also chatted about the importance of optimizing hip function as it relates to the foot and a practical method for improving the foot-to-hip chain. 

Dr. Emily Splichal is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, a Human Movement Specialist, and a Global Leader in Barefoot Science and Rehabilitation. She is the mind behind the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist®, BarefootRx®, and BARE® Workout Certifications, founder of Naboso Barefoot Technology, and author of Barefoot Strong. 

With over 16 years of expertise, Dr. Splichal has dedicated her medical career to studying postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot-to-core integration, and from the ground up training. She is actively involved in barefoot training research and education as it relates to athletic performance, injury prevention, and movement longevity. Sharing her unique approach, she taught 20,000 professionals both nationally and internationally, with her Barefoot Training Specialist® Program in over 35 countries worldwide which led her quickly to become a global leader in barefoot training and rehabilitation.

Due to her unique background, she also serves as a consultant and expert for some of the top fitness, footwear, and orthotic companies, including Aetrex Worldwide, Bunion Bootie, Crunch Fitness, Lissom Footwear, NIKE Innovations, PowerPlate USA, RAD Roller, and Trigger Point Performance Therapy. 

Find more information about Dr. Splichal and her practice in integrative podiatry medicine, you can visit her website at www.dremilysplichal.com and on Instagram at @dremilydpm.   

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Sebastien Lomas, who is a biological dentist. We discussed some of the key factors in developing the optimal routine for oral health. Dr. Lomas outlined the function of the oral microbiome and the principles of maintaining equilibrium. We chatted about general best practices for oral hygiene, including toothpaste selection, brush selection, oil pulling vs mouthwash, and the best foods for optimizing tooth and gum health. 

Dr. Sebastien Lomas, aka “Dr. Seb” is a UK-based qualified dentist that utilizes a whole-body approach to oral care with interest in integrating holistic health with modern dentistry. Having been so anti ‘natural solutions’ for his whole life, ironically, natural solutions were the only thing to get him out of his health crisis. As his life journey evolved, he found himself studying Biochemistry at Loughborough University completing it in 2013. His passion for dentistry was eventually actualized when he graduated in 2020 from the University of Central Lancashire. 

As a Biological Dentist, Dr. Seb promotes minimally invasive dentistry, educating patients, and always using safe, biocompatible dental materials based on tailored biocompatible blood and genetic testing. He has received advanced mercury removal training following the IAOMT SMART guidelines. With an individualized approach to care instead of the traditional “one size fits all” dental model, he recognizes that every patient is unique and should be treated according to their specific needs.

Driven by a strong desire to share his knowledge with others, his goal is to empower people to take back control of their gum health, teeth health, and their health as a whole. He is grounded firmly in helping remove oral interferences and imbalances.

Together with his wife Alexandra, Dr. Seb co-founded Wonder of Wellness in 2018 which helps clients manage daily stresses utilizing CPTG Essential Oils and natural goods preserved with Essential Oils resulting in an enhanced immune system and experience increased cellular energy. Currently, he also works as a Biological Dentist in Portman Dental Care.

Find out more about Dr. Seb on his website at www.wonderofwellness.co.uk and on Instagram at @biological_dentist.   

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Kirsten Perley, who is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) practitioner. Dr. Perley chatted about some of the underlying research and clinical cases that have demonstrated a wide range of benefits of FSM therapy, including chronic inflammation, pain management, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. We also discussed the utility and efficacy of FSM for self care and biohacking, specifically its use for improved cognitive function. Kirsten also outlined some of the exclusion criteria and limitations of the therapy.

Dr. Kirsten Perley started her academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMasters University. She went on to complete a doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine developing a special interest in the impact of trauma and establishing parasympathetic dominance in her patients early on in her career.  It became very clear to her that when one could facilitate change in the nervous system early on in treatment, a massive change could occur. 

Kirsten co-taught the Maternal Newborn Care Course at the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine from 2008 to 2014 given her previous background of being a Labour and Delivery Registered Nurse for fourteen years.

Taking a multifaceted approach to Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Perley utilizes the full range of treatment options available to Naturopathic Doctors including botanical medicine, nutritional medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling. In 2018, Dr. Perley started using Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) in her practice as a modality for treating and managing acute and complex chronic pain and to aid in nervous system regulation.

Find out more about Dr. Perley on her website at www.drkirstenperleynd.com.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Lynne Knapman, who is a 12-time CrossFit Games Masters competitor. We chatted about how Lynne managed to becoming one of the fittest in the world in her age group with a very limited athletic background prior to discovering CrossFit. Lynne outlined her training regimen, her nutrition strategy, and her keys to staying injury free throughout her athletic career. 

Lynne Knapman started her CrossFit journey in her 50s after deciding to support a friend in running a 14km road run. Prior to this, she used to run on the treadmill for three kilometers at nine kilometers an hour. After telling her husband she wanted to run the 14 kilometers, he put her in touch with his trainer, Chad McKay, a former CrossFit Games athlete, who has now been her coach for the past 13 years.

Lynne is only athlete to have qualified for every CrossFit Games masters competition since it was introduced and has been the Australian National Champion in her age group several times. She is now a 12-time CrossFit Games athlete, which is the most appearances in the history of the CrossFit Games. She took the 8th place finish in her first year, a career-best finish of second place in 2015 in the Masters 55-59 Division, following it with another podium finish in 2016, when she took third. In 2020, she took first place in the Open Masters 60-64 Division.

You can follow Lynne’s fitness journey on Instagram @lynne_knapman

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with spine biomechanics mastermind Dr. Stuart McGill. We chatted about the most effective tactics for rehabilitating and preventing back pain and improving performance. Dr. McGill discussed the data and methodology he used to develop the “big 3” as his core recommended pain resolution protocol. We talked about common misconceptions and miscues when it comes to resolving back dysfunction. Dr. McGill also discussed the key aspects of assessing back pain and prescribing the optimal solution based on how the symptoms are being expressed. 

Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo, where he taught for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues concerning the etiology of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pain patients, and how to improve injury resilience and performance. 

Dr. McGill started his academic career with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Performance at the University of Toronto then went on to attain a master’s degree in Anthropology and Biomechanics from the University of Ottawa. Later, he completed his PhD in Kinesiology and Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo.

During his scientific journey, he mentored 37 graduate students and taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners in professional development and continuing education courses around the world. Furthermore, governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups, celebrities and elite athletes and teams from across the globe frequently seek his counsel. 

He has also authored several books on low back disorders and back pain. Over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, multiple textbooks, and numerous international accolades, including the Order of Canada in 2020 for leadership in the field of back pain, have resulted from his efforts. Currently, Dr. McGill continues to serve as Backfitpro Inc.’s Chief Scientific Officer. 

Find more about his work through his website at BackFitPro.com.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I was joined by EC Synkowski, the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition LLC. We chatted about the importance of reaching a minimum critical daily dose of fruits and vegetables for optimizing health and performance. We talked about how to determine your ideal protein requirements to suit individual health and functional needs. EC explained her 10 principles of nutrition and how to apply them to improve health and longevity. EC and I also discussed some of the limitations and biases in common educational and research materials to be weary of. 

EC has extensive education in the life sciences with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Engineering, a first MS in environmental sciences (with a focus in genetics), and a second MS in Nutrition & Functional Medicine. She has also trained others since 2000 and holds the Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach (CF-L4) credential. Her professional experience includes working as a Program Manager for CrossFit Inc (2011-2017) authoring their training course materials and serving as a subject matter expert for their certifications.

Eventually, after doing her master of science degree in nutrition and functional medicine, Synkowski resigned from CrossFit to become an entrepreneur and nutrition coach, eventually starting her own company in 2018.

EC is the developer of the 800-gram challenge, a nutrition protocol that focuses on consuming 800 grams of fruits and vegetables a day. She also spent several years working for CrossFit HQ, designing their nutrition course materials. EC has accumulated more than 600 hours of public speaking teaching fitness and nutrition all over the world. With more than 20 years of experience and academic training, EC translates the evidence-based scientific data into practical solutions for everyday success.

To learn more about EC, you can check out her website at OptimizeMeNutrition.com and follow her on Instagram @optimizemenutrition.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:32 — 28.4MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Jackson Clark, who is an osteopath for professional athletes. Jackson discussed how his career as an osteopathic practitioner begin and developed. He chatted about some of the principles of osteopathic treatments and how to scale them to practical self care methods. We discussed the rehab, training, prehab continuum and how to successfully transition from injury back to training and performance optimization. 

Jackson is an osteopath and strength and conditioning coach who has worked with professional athletes. In 2012, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science from Victoria University in Australia, and in 2014, he earned a Master of Osteopathic Medicine from the same institution. In addition to his osteopathic studies, Jackson graduated from his Masters of Strength and Conditioning degree at Edith Cowan University by 2021. His education process and experience have developed his holistic movement-based approach to the human body incorporating both traditional osteopathic table-based skills and gym-based applications of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to achieve individual health and performance results. His passion for combining hands-on approaches with exercise therapy inspired him to pursue more training in Advanced Myofascial Dry Needling and Electrotherapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise prescription, and Titleist Performance Institute.

Throughout his career, he has gained invaluable international experience working at a multidisciplinary clinic in Canada, as well as on tour with professional athletes in the Association of Tennis Professionals and the LPGA. Jackson is an incredibly versatile and well-rounded practitioner at Kinematics Strength + Recovery (K2) due to his extensive experience dealing with the general population, as well as professional athletes.

Outside of Kinematics, Jackson is involved in clinical supervision within the osteopathy program at Victoria University and provides ergonomic consultations. Away from work, Jackson enjoys downhill snow skiing, supporting the bombers, and any form of social sport.

For more about Jackson, you can visit his profile at Kinematics.com.au and follow him on LinkedIn.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:53 — 19.6MB)

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