Healthy Living celebrates anniversary

By Vicki Winger

The Whitecourt Healthy Living Program celebrated its 10th anniversary last Tuesday with a public barbecue at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre. The number of guests was better than anticipated with a final count of around 100. Burgers and wieners were donated by Secure Energy.

The program started in 2008 in partnership with Alberta Health Services and the Allan & Jean Millar Centre with BP Canada funding it. Later in 2012, the Primary Care Network became another partner in the program.

Jessica Hein, physiotherapist with Alberta Health Services said, “We recognized there was a gap in our community for those with chronic diseases and those at risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and obesity. Exercise is key to managing these conditions.” The eight-week educational and exercise program held at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre was developed for those too shy to exercise in a public gym and were given exercises for their specific health concerns. A pre-assessment determines the individual’s exercise program. Hein added, “We hold different education classes each time with a variety of health care professionals.” Laureen Holloway, AHS Physiotherapist; Jamie Tersago, Physiotherapist Assistant with AHS; and Tannon Callioux, Kinesiologist for the Whitecourt Primary Care Network were among the staff who attended.

Sessions are twice a week and, upon completion of the eight weeks, participants receive a six-month free membership pass to continue with their exercise program. It is a continuous intake running from September to June in the daytime. For those wishing to register or have questions, contact the Physiotherapy Department at the Whitecourt Hospital at 780-778-5540 ext 241.