70% of Canadian Men’s Chronic Health Conditions are Caused by Lifestyle, not Genetics

Earlier detection of diabetes and cardiovascular issues with preventive action can reverse and prevent disease. UBC spin-off, Molecular You, offers a solution


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Men’s Health Week, supported by the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF), runs from June 11 to 17 this year. In support of Men’s Health, Molecular You, the Vancouver-based personalized health company is giving back a share of health assessment sales during June to CMHF.

Each year, Men’s Health Week provides a reality check on the state of Canadian Men’s Health.

We think of ourselves as a healthy nation, but the statistics say otherwise. It’s not about genetics. For most chronic diseases afflicting Canadian men, genetics plays a relatively small part. 70% is down to lifestyle. Early detection of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues, combined with changes to diet and lifestyle can reverse and prevent disease.

Canadian men run a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 1 in 3 Canadians already has type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. If caught early enough, over half can actually be reversed. However, the early warning signs are so subtle that most people do not notice. Testing is key. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, affecting 1 in 12 Canadians. Again, the risks are silent, but the majority of heart disease can be prevented.

“As a foundation we are focused on inspiring men to be healthier,” explained Wayne Hartrick, President of the CMHF. “Relatively small changes to nutrition, activity, sleep and smoking and drinking habits can make a huge impact.”

“Lifestyle changes and earlier detection could radically change men’s health,” commented Hartrick. “We welcome the support of companies like Molecular You that enable early detection of hidden health risks and practical suggestions for lifestyle changes.”

“For some people, these tests may pick up early signs of pre-diabetes or cardiovascular issues, years before any symptoms may occur and before it might show up on their annual health assessments,” commented Lawrence Cheng MD, Co-Founder & Clinic Director, Connect Health Care Centre. “For these people, it’s a big yellow warning light, with the chance to take preventive action.”

“The health market is being flooded with genetics testing companies,” commented Robert Fraser, CEO of Molecular You. “But genetics is only part of the picture. Genetics tells you the risks and potential you inherit, and nothing about what is happening now. To understand how healthy you are today and how to stay healthy, you need to look at the vast range of dynamic biomarkers involved in diet, lifestyle and environment.”

“We support the work of CMHF and want to make a tangible impact on men’s health,” explained Fraser. “To mark the launch of our personalized lifestyle Action Plans, Molecular You will be giving back five percent of sales made during June to CMHF, in support of men’s health. We’re hoping men will take action now, and help us in supporting the CMHF in their drive towards men living healthier and longer lives for the sake of themselves, their families and friends.”

About Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) is a national, not for profit organization with a mission to inspire Canadian men and their families to live healthier lives. The statistics around men’s health in Canada are alarming; 70% of men’s health problems can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. Learn more at MensHealthFoundation.ca, YouCheck.ca and DontChangeMuch.ca.

About Canadian Men’s Health Week
Canadian Men’s Health Week is a nationally recognized week dedicated to improving the health of men in our country. The week will be from Monday June 11th – Sunday June 17th, (Father’s Day). The week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of men’s health issues and provide tips and tools for men and their families to live healthier lives.

About Molecular You
Molecular You is a personalized health company with a mission to help people take control of their health through personal health assessments and preventive action plans. The company analyzes the broadest range of biomarkers in North America, from a single blood sample, to give a dynamic view of an individual’s health. MY Health IntelligenceTM is the company’s AI-driven digital health platform that brings together biomarkers, expert analysis and the latest global research in a visually intuitive dashboard. Founded by world leading scientists and clinicians, the company was originally part of the University of British Columbia (UBC) personalized medicine initiative.

Find us at www.molecularyou.com, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact Information:
Julie Jang
Director, Communications
julie.jang@molecularyou.com