Heart & Stroke to expand successful program, helping thousands in GTA tackle blood pressure risk
Activate aims to prevent high blood pressure, the #1 risk for stroke and leading risk for heart disease.
TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2019 /CNW/ - After a successful start to Activate, a free six-month wellness program to help at-risk people from developing hypertension (high blood pressure), Heart & Stroke began enrolling 4,100 people in the GTA this week for Phase 2. Currently, 7.5 million Canadians have high blood pressure, the #1 risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. More than 66,000 people die every year from heart disease and stroke in Canada.
"The results for Phase 1 of Activate are very exciting," says Erin Kim, Heart & Stroke's senior manager in charge of the program. Without intervention, half of pre-hypertensive people in Canada over age 60 will go on to develop high blood pressure within four years. (Pre-hypertensive means high-normal blood pressure, measuring between 121 and 139 mmHg systolic and 80 to 89 mmHG diastolic.)
Phase 1 of the Activate program saw over 90% of 500 people complete the program. Blood pressure readings for 112 of these participants showed an average 5 mmHg drop in the systolic rate. The target for success was set by cardiologists at no increase in blood pressure readings, but an overall decrease is even more desirable.
"Lifestyle changes are difficult to accomplish and sustain, and we're very encouraged about the results of the first phase of Activate," said Dr. David Jones, who was Canada's first Chief Public Health Officer and is currently the chief advisor on Activate for Heart & Stroke. "As a stroke survivor myself, I am keenly aware that one in five Canadians is on the cusp of developing high blood pressure a major risk for stroke and heart disease. This program is showing that we can turn around this trajectory by supporting individuals to maintain a healthier lifestyle which will ultimately save lives and prevent disability from heart disease and stroke."
Activate is designed to encourage people to eat better, move more, and manage stress. The program provides incentives including a free two-month YMCA membership, PC Optimum points for healthy behaviour, a personal online health coach, and online support to help participants meet their goals. Heart & Stroke is proud to be working with Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart), NexJ Health, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and the YMCA to deliver the program.
"Up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented," said Doug Roth, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer and Head of Social Enterprise, Canada, Heart & Stroke. "We're truly excited to not only meet, but also exceed our program's expectations. Our objective is to sign up 7,000 people over three years in Ontario and BC, and support them in making small changes to help prevent the onset of high blood pressure. Long-term, we hope to expand this program to other provinces by working with provincial governments, and other partners across Canada."
To be eligible for the program, participants must be over 40 years old, be pre-hypertensive, and not take any blood pressure medication. The second phase is expanding to 33 Shoppers Drug Mart locations and 10 YMCA locations across the GTA, Oakville, and Oshawa. Heart & Stroke is also collaborating with employers and associations across the GTA who are interested in bringing this free wellness program to their organizations.
"A healthier workforce is a happier workforce, with fewer days off and increased productivity," adds Kim.
Funding for Activate comes from a pay-for-success (PFS) model or social impact bond (SIB). Working closely with the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, Heart & Stroke has attracted philanthropically minded private investors to provide upfront capital. The federal government, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, repays the investors based on successful outcomes. This is only the second time in Canada that this funding model has been used, and the first time for a large-scale chronic disease prevention initiative.
For more information on the program and collaboration opportunities, go to heartandstroke.ca/activate.
About Heart & Stroke
Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart & Stroke leads the fight against heart disease and stroke. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don't miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy.
SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation
Media Contact: Teresa Roncon, Sr. Manager, Communications, Heart & Stroke, T647-943-3060 C416-937-5307 [email protected]
Share this article