Healthy Living Initiative Programs
Exercise is proven to be one of the most effective and safe ways to prevent and treat many chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and more. It's universally recognized by scientists, organizations, and governments around the world as critical to our overall health. The HealthY Living Initiative (HLI) is a community health program that is designed to be flexible, adaptable and evidence-based. With a focus on individualized physical activity and education in a fun and social setting, this initiative will help clients:
- Bridge the gap between healthcare and community by supporting individuals in preventing disease/disease exacerbation;
- Manage chronic health issues;
- Transition to and from clinical care.
The HLI model is overseen by a CSEP accredited clinical exercise physiologist and is guided by six principles: client-centred, effective, inclusive, holistic, trusted, and sustainable. Our HLI programs will run 3 times per year: winter, spring /summer, and the fall.
Our Vision
To serve the community by responding to unique and pressing health needs in our region by improving health outcomes for all individuals at all stages of life.
The YMCA of Southwestern NB’s Healthy Living Initiative (HLI) is now offering a NEW Metabolic Fitness Program (MFP) along with our current HealthY Mobility Program (HMP).
HealthY Mobility Program
Metabolic Fitness Program
The HealthY Mobility Program (HMP) is a 12-week lower body strength program designed for anyone with limited mobility due to chronic disease (e.g., arthritis) or debilitating injury.
- The HMP classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at the YMCA Southwestern NB’s regional centre at 191 Churchill Blvd., Saint John, NB. See the schedule for specific times.
- HMP classes typically have 10-15 participants.
- There is no age limit, but participants must be able to move independently.
- Participants can self-refer, or be referred by their healthcare provider, by using this form. Alternatively, participants can contact us through the Healthy Living Initiative’s email, HLI@saintjohny.ca.
The Metabolic Fitness Program (MFP) is a 12-week group exercise program designed for anyone living with metabolic syndrome as defined by Metabolic Syndrome Canada as having at least 3 of these 5 conditions:
- Elevated fasting blood glucose (≥ 5.6 mmol/L or receiving medication)
- Elevated blood pressure (≥ 130/85 mmHg or receiving medication)
- Elevated blood triglycerides (≥ 1.7 mmol/L or receiving medication)
- Low HDL-c (< 1.0 mmol/L in men or < 1.3 mmol/L in women)
- Waist circumference* (≥ 102 cm in men, 88 cm in women)
*Some ethnicities may have different waist circumference thresholds.
- The MFP classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at the YMCA Southwestern NB’s regional centre at 191 Churchill Blvd., Saint John, NB. See the schedule for specific times.
- MFP classes typically have 8-12 participants.
- There is no age limit, but participants must be able to move independently.
- Participants can self-refer, or be referred by their healthcare provider, by using this form. Alternatively, participants can contact us through the Healthy Living Initiative’s email, HLI@saintjohny.ca.
HealthY Mobility Program
The HealthY Mobility Program (HMP) is a 12-week lower body strength program designed for anyone with limited mobility due to chronic disease (e.g., arthritis) or debilitating injury.
- The HMP classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at the YMCA Southwestern NB’s regional centre at 191 Churchill Blvd., Saint John, NB. See the schedule for specific times.
- HMP classes typically have 10-15 participants per class.
- There is no age limit, but participants must be able to move independently.
- Participants can self-refer, or be referred by their healthcare provider, by using this form. Alternatively, participants can contact us through the Healthy Living Initiative’s email, HLI@saintjohny.ca.
Metabolic Fitness Program
The Metabolic Fitness Program (MFP) is a group exercise program designed for anyone living with metabolic syndrome as defined by Metabolic Syndrome Canada as having at least 3 of these 5 conditions:
- Elevated fasting blood glucose (≥ 5.6 mmol/L or receiving medication)
- Elevated blood pressure (≥ 130/85 mmHg or receiving medication)
- Elevated blood triglycerides (≥ 1.7 mmol/L or receiving medication)
- Low HDL-c (< 1.0 mmol/L in men or < 1.3 mmol/L in women)
- Waist circumference* (≥ 102 cm in men, 88 cm in women)
*Some ethnicities may have different waist circumference thresholds.
- The MFP classes will take place Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays - see the schedule for specific times (link to the schedule maybe?).
- MFP classes typically have 8-12 participants.
- There is no age limit, but participants must be able to move independently.
- Participants can self-refer, or be referred by their healthcare provider, by using this form. Alternatively, participants can contact us through the Healthy Living Initiative’s email, HLI@saintjohny.ca.
The Healthy Living Initiative (HLI) model includes four components:
Expertise
The Healthy Mobility Program is overseen by a CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist and staffed with other qualifed exercise professionals. The program design has been informed by an Advisory Committee, consisting of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare providers (physicians, physiotherapists, etc.).
Cost
All HLI programs are available through our normal YMCA Membership. The YMCA of Southwestern NB also has access to the Strong Communities Fund for those who require financial assistance with the membership cost. See link below.
Contact Us
For more information, connect with us at HLI@saintjohny.ca.