Alberta Healthy Living Program - Calgary Zone   at
Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
Connect Care Specialty: Chronic Disease
Connect Care Department: CGY SMCC AB HEALTHY LIVING
Estimated time to routine appointment: Within 1 month
Alberta Health Services - Calgary Zone
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
The Alberta Healthy Living Program offers health education classes, self-management workshops, nutrition counselling for adults living in the community or living with a chronic health condition.The Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHLP) offers health education classes, self-management workshops, nutrition counselling and supervised exercise for adults living with chronic (long-term) conditions. All services are offered by Zoom, by phone, and / or in person.
Health Education:
Adults 18 years of age and older can learn how to manage chronic condition(s) or disease(s) with our health education classes. Some class topics include:
  • diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, obesity, chronic pain, COPD, celiac disease, osteoporosis, fatty liver disease, Parkinson disease, stroke, and more
  • weight management, healthy sleep habits, meal planning, stress, grief, better breathing, and more
  • grocery store tours and cooking demonstrations
  • how to manage long-COVID symptoms
Search our Find Workshops and Classes table for a full list of classes available provincially. View our Education Guide for classes hosted by Calgary Zone.

Self-Management Workshops:
The Better Choices, Better Health® - Chronic Pain and Better Choices, Better Health® - Chronic Disease workshops are for adults living with a chronic condition and / or chronic pain and their support people. These 6-week workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn about the following:
  • working with healthcare professionals
  • healthy eating and weight management
  • exercise and physical activity
  • dealing with difficult emotions
  • managing pain and fatigue
  • better breathing
  • problem solving
  • communication skills
  • getting a good night's sleep
  • action planning and goal setting
Visit website for more information.

Supervised Exercise Program:
Do you have questions about how exercise can help you manage your chronic health condition? The Supervised Exercise Program will help you better understand the positive impact of exercise on managing your condition(s) and how to begin or modify an exercise program based on your symptoms and abilities. A healthcare professional will guide you through the program and help you develop strategies to overcome barriers to being physically active. You will be provided with opportunities to attend educational sessions, exercise in a supervised group setting, participate in health-coaching, and work on an action plan to continue exercising at home or in the community. Learn more about how our program can help you by watching this short video.
In addition to our online offerings, some of our group exercise classes are offered in-person out of several locations around the City of Calgary. All participants must have at least one chronic condition and live in Calgary Zone to be eligible for these services. Visit our supervised exercise website if you do not live in Calgary Zone to learn about supervised exercise services available in your area.

Nutrition Counselling:

Adults living with a nutrition-related health condition are eligible for nutrition counselling with a registered dietitian. Participants will be asked to attend a relevant health education class, if available, before booking a nutrition counselling appointment. Nutrition counselling appointments can be conducted either over the phone or in person.
The Alberta Healthy Living Program offers health education classes, self-management workshops, nutrition counselling for adults living in the community or living with a chronic health condition.The Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHLP) offers health education classes, self-management workshops, nutrition counselling and supervised exercise for adults living with chronic (long-term) conditions. All services are offered by Zoom, by phone, and / or in person.
Health Education:
Adults 18 years of age and older can learn how to manage chronic condition(s) or disease(s) with our health education classes. Some class topics include:
  • diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, obesity, chronic pain, COPD, celiac disease, osteoporosis, fatty liver disease, Parkinson disease, stroke, and more
  • weight management, healthy sleep habits, meal planning, stress, grief, better breathing, and more
  • grocery store tours and cooking demonstrations
  • how to manage long-COVID symptoms
Search our Find Workshops and Classes table for a full list of classes available provincially. View our Education Guide for classes hosted by Calgary Zone.

Self-Management Workshops:
The Better Choices, Better Health® - Chronic Pain and Better Choices, Better Health® - Chronic Disease workshops are for adults living with a chronic condition and / or chronic pain and their support people. These 6-week workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn about the following:
  • working with healthcare professionals
  • healthy eating and weight management
  • exercise and physical activity
  • dealing with difficult emotions
  • managing pain and fatigue
  • better breathing
  • problem solving
  • communication skills
  • getting a good night's sleep
  • action planning and goal setting
Visit website for more information.

Supervised Exercise Program:
Do you have questions about how exercise can help you manage your chronic health condition? The Supervised Exercise Program will help you better understand the positive impact of exercise on managing your condition(s) and how to begin or modify an exercise program based on your symptoms and abilities. A healthcare professional will guide you through the program and help you develop strategies to overcome barriers to being physically active. You will be provided with opportunities to attend educational sessions, exercise in a supervised group setting, participate in health-coaching, and work on an action plan to continue exercising at home or in the community. Learn more about how our program can help you by watching this short video.
In addition to our online offerings, some of our group exercise classes are offered in-person out of several locations around the City of Calgary. All participants must have at least one chronic condition and live in Calgary Zone to be eligible for these services. Visit our supervised exercise website if you do not live in Calgary Zone to learn about supervised exercise services available in your area.

Nutrition Counselling:

Adults living with a nutrition-related health condition are eligible for nutrition counselling with a registered dietitian. Participants will be asked to attend a relevant health education class, if available, before booking a nutrition counselling appointment. Nutrition counselling appointments can be conducted either over the phone or in person.
ROUTINE REFERRAL PROCESS
Health Care Providers:
For Nutrition Counseling Services or Group Exercise Classes, Physician or health care provider and self-referral accepted.

Please note that a referral for our Self-Management Workshops and Group Health Education Classes is not required. Patients can self-register online for health education and self-management workshops here: Course registration website.
All patients referred to nutrition counseling will be registered into a group education class, if we offer one appropriate for their needs.  If you prefer to have your patient booked directly into a one on one nutrition counseling appointment, please indicate the reason on your referral form (eg. anxiety, language, cognition, etc.). 
We accept self-referrals for all of our programs, including Supervised Exercise Classes and Nutrition Counseling, however, patients must be attached to a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner. Individuals can register by calling our contact centre at 1-844-527-1160 or visiting our website and booking online.

Referral for COPD patients:
Please note that the Alberta Healthy Living Program services patients with a wide range of chronic conditions, not just respiratory conditions.  If your referral is for a patient with COPD and you are unsure which community-based program is most appropriate for your patient, this decision algorithm may be helpful. Link to AHLP Algorithm here

Please fax referral form to (403) 955-6868.

*Please note that we still offer Group Health Education classes and Self Management workshops. As they don't require a professional referral, they have not been included in the ARD. Please call us at 1-844-527-1160 for more information or to register.
Health Care Providers:
For Nutrition Counseling Services or Group Exercise Classes, Physician or health care provider and self-referral accepted.

Please note that a referral for our Self-Management Workshops and Group Health Education Classes is not required. Patients can self-register online for health education and self-management workshops here: Course registration website.
All patients referred to nutrition counseling will be registered into a group education class, if we offer one appropriate for their needs.  If you prefer to have your patient booked directly into a one on one nutrition counseling appointment, please indicate the reason on your referral form (eg. anxiety, language, cognition, etc.). 
We accept self-referrals for all of our programs, including Supervised Exercise Classes and Nutrition Counseling, however, patients must be attached to a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner. Individuals can register by calling our contact centre at 1-844-527-1160 or visiting our website and booking online.

Referral for COPD patients:
Please note that the Alberta Healthy Living Program services patients with a wide range of chronic conditions, not just respiratory conditions.  If your referral is for a patient with COPD and you are unsure which community-based program is most appropriate for your patient, this decision algorithm may be helpful. Link to AHLP Algorithm here

Please fax referral form to (403) 955-6868.

*Please note that we still offer Group Health Education classes and Self Management workshops. As they don't require a professional referral, they have not been included in the ARD. Please call us at 1-844-527-1160 for more information or to register.
URGENT REFERRAL PROCESS
Referrals to Alberta Health Living programs are not considered to be urgent.
Referrals to Alberta Health Living programs are not considered to be urgent.
EMERGENCY REFERRAL PROCESS
Please direct patients to the nearest Emergency Department or Urgent Care Facility.
Please direct patients to the nearest Emergency Department or Urgent Care Facility.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Physician or health care provider and self-referral accepted to access this service.

Adults 18 years and older. Our Group Health Education, Self-Management Workshops and Nutrition Counseling appointments are open to anyone. Patients must be able to participate in a group environment.  Family members and/or caregivers are welcome to attend our Group Education, Self-Management Workshops and Nutritional Counseling appointments.
AHLP Exercise Inclusion Criteria for Exercise Appointments:
  • Adults (18+) who have at least one chronic health condition;
  • Must be attached to a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner;
  • Residing in the Calgary Zone;
  • Must be able to comprehend and apply the information learned in individual appointments and health coaching sessions.
AHLP Exercise Exclusion Criteria for Group Exercise Classes:

Exercise clinicians who assess participants may exclude an individual from group exercise enrollment based on the following criteria:
  • Medically unstable
    • Uncontrolled or unstable chronic disease state;
    • Imminent or recent surgery; 
    • Acute musculoskeletal injury;
  • Significant mobility challenges
    • Not able to transfer independently (i.e. from sitting to standing);
    • Not able to walk safely with or without a walking aid (e.g. cane, walker);
    • Needs 1:1 supervision for balance activities/high fall risk;
  • Cognitively unable to participate in class (not able to carry over concept between classes)
    • Diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia;
    • Requires a support worker/caregiver to attend (this may be waived for virtual classes dependent on having the caregiver be available to attend all classes for support);
    • Not able to manage their health condition independently (e.g. someone else administers medications, needs someone to attend doctor’s appointments with them because patient will not retain info or follow instructions, etc.);
    • Developmental disabilities, memory deficiencies, cognitive deficiencies or mental health issues that may put the person at risk for injury or that prevent self-management;
    • Needs only a ‘movement program’ not education; 
    • Attending for purpose of socialization only; same as above
  • Unable to exercise safely and independently in a group setting;
    • Disruptive in a group setting;
  • Language or Communication Barrier
    • Lacks basic comprehension of or unable to communicate in English and is unable to communicate health concerns, symptoms to health team;
    • Needs 1:1 support for communication in all appointments and classes (this may be waived for virtual classes dependent on having their own interpreter commit to attending all classes for support);
    • Hearing Impaired individuals who require sign language interpreter may be screened for eligibility, based on availability of interpretation services;
  • Lack of availability
    • Inability to attend a majority of sessions or complete the program;
  • Environmental or Equipment concerns
    • Modifications cannot be made to allow for safe access or participation in exercise (i.e. barrier free access to building or washrooms, bariatric equipment not available on site, etc.)

*Please note that we still offer Group Health Education classes and Self Management workshops. As they don't require a professional referral, they have not been included in the ARD. Please call us at 1-844-527-1160 for more information or to register.
Physician or health care provider and self-referral accepted to access this service.

Adults 18 years and older. Our Group Health Education, Self-Management Workshops and Nutrition Counseling appointments are open to anyone. Patients must be able to participate in a group environment.  Family members and/or caregivers are welcome to attend our Group Education, Self-Management Workshops and Nutritional Counseling appointments.
AHLP Exercise Inclusion Criteria for Exercise Appointments:
  • Adults (18+) who have at least one chronic health condition;
  • Must be attached to a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner;
  • Residing in the Calgary Zone;
  • Must be able to comprehend and apply the information learned in individual appointments and health coaching sessions.
AHLP Exercise Exclusion Criteria for Group Exercise Classes:

Exercise clinicians who assess participants may exclude an individual from group exercise enrollment based on the following criteria:
  • Medically unstable
    • Uncontrolled or unstable chronic disease state;
    • Imminent or recent surgery; 
    • Acute musculoskeletal injury;
  • Significant mobility challenges
    • Not able to transfer independently (i.e. from sitting to standing);
    • Not able to walk safely with or without a walking aid (e.g. cane, walker);
    • Needs 1:1 supervision for balance activities/high fall risk;
  • Cognitively unable to participate in class (not able to carry over concept between classes)
    • Diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia;
    • Requires a support worker/caregiver to attend (this may be waived for virtual classes dependent on having the caregiver be available to attend all classes for support);
    • Not able to manage their health condition independently (e.g. someone else administers medications, needs someone to attend doctor’s appointments with them because patient will not retain info or follow instructions, etc.);
    • Developmental disabilities, memory deficiencies, cognitive deficiencies or mental health issues that may put the person at risk for injury or that prevent self-management;
    • Needs only a ‘movement program’ not education; 
    • Attending for purpose of socialization only; same as above
  • Unable to exercise safely and independently in a group setting;
    • Disruptive in a group setting;
  • Language or Communication Barrier
    • Lacks basic comprehension of or unable to communicate in English and is unable to communicate health concerns, symptoms to health team;
    • Needs 1:1 support for communication in all appointments and classes (this may be waived for virtual classes dependent on having their own interpreter commit to attending all classes for support);
    • Hearing Impaired individuals who require sign language interpreter may be screened for eligibility, based on availability of interpretation services;
  • Lack of availability
    • Inability to attend a majority of sessions or complete the program;
  • Environmental or Equipment concerns
    • Modifications cannot be made to allow for safe access or participation in exercise (i.e. barrier free access to building or washrooms, bariatric equipment not available on site, etc.)

*Please note that we still offer Group Health Education classes and Self Management workshops. As they don't require a professional referral, they have not been included in the ARD. Please call us at 1-844-527-1160 for more information or to register.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE DETAILS
The Alberta Healthy Living Program serves the chronic disease management population or those at risk for developing a chronic disease.
Physician or health care provider and self-referral for all of our programs are accepted.
Please call 1-844-527-1160 to inquire about our programs or to register.  Online registrations for Group Education Classes and Self-Management Workshop available by visiting our website.

Language line support is available for individual appointments only.

Wait Period:
Our programs and services are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations. One can access our services, depending on the type of class or preferred location, within several weeks. The average wait time from referral to our exercise initial assessment is 14 days. The average wait time to see a Registered Dietitian in the community is 15 days.

Fees:
All our programs and services are free of charge.
The Alberta Healthy Living Program serves the chronic disease management population or those at risk for developing a chronic disease.
Physician or health care provider and self-referral for all of our programs are accepted.
Please call 1-844-527-1160 to inquire about our programs or to register.  Online registrations for Group Education Classes and Self-Management Workshop available by visiting our website.

Language line support is available for individual appointments only.

Wait Period:
Our programs and services are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations. One can access our services, depending on the type of class or preferred location, within several weeks. The average wait time from referral to our exercise initial assessment is 14 days. The average wait time to see a Registered Dietitian in the community is 15 days.

Fees:
All our programs and services are free of charge.
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
  • Communication of referral receipt to referral source will occur within 7 calendar days.
  • Communication of appointment details or wait list status to patient and referral source will occur within 14 calendar days.
  • Communication of initial appointment outcomes to referral source will occur within 30 calendar days.
 
PHONE
1-844-527-1160 (Registration)
FAX
403-955-6868
REFERRAL FORM
Link to Referral Form

To find a comprehensive list of our group health education classes, please click on the link: 
Find Workshops and Classes Table

To find a comprehensive list of our self-management workshops click on the link:
Better Choices, Better Health®

If you do not have a family doctor, visit this link:
Find a Family Doctor
Link to Referral Form

To find a comprehensive list of our group health education classes, please click on the link: 
Find Workshops and Classes Table

To find a comprehensive list of our self-management workshops click on the link:
Better Choices, Better Health®

If you do not have a family doctor, visit this link:
Find a Family Doctor
LINKED SPECIALISTS
CLICK + TO VIEW REFERRAL GUIDELINES
+-
Routine Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Timing
Additional Details
+-
Education
Referral to Group Health Education Classes
 
Within 1 month
We accept health care proivder and self-referrals for any of our Group Health Education Classes.
+-
Exercise program
Indicate Cardiovascular health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Indicate Mental Health health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Indicate Metabolic health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Indicate Musculoskeletal health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Indicate Neurological health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Indicate Respiratory health conditions
 
Within 1 month
Long COVID-19
 
Within 1 month
Supervised exercise classes are monitored by health professionals. Classes are offered Monday - Friday during the day.  Physician or health care provider and self-referral accepted to access our exercise program.  Providing a signature indicates clearance to the exercise program and expedites entry.
+-
Nutrition education
Indicate primary reason for referral to see a Registered Dietitian
 
Within 1 month
Registered Dietitians facilitate classes on heart healthy eating, healthy eating for diabetes, weight management and other chronic conditions. Individual appointments with RDs are available in English, Cantonese, Hindi and Punjabi. Appointments are offered Monday-Friday during the day. All referrals for Nutrition Counseling will initially be registered in the appropriate Group Education Class, if appropriate.  Clients can typically see a Registered Dietitian in 14 days.
+-
Self management
Referral to Better Choices, Better Health Self-Management Workshop
 
Within 1 month
For adults living with a chronic condition and/or chronic pain and their support persons.  Health Care Provider and Self Referral accepted.  
PATIENT APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Email
Print
 
MISSED APPOINTMENT GUIDELINES
Missed appointment guidelines are currently in development.
Missed appointment guidelines are currently in development.
 
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
   
 
ADDRESS
1213 4 Street SW
Calgary Alberta
T2R 0X7
PATIENT APPOINTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
  • Bring your Alberta health care card and a piece of government issued photo ID.
  • Check in at reception 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • You may bring a family member or significant other during your consultation.
  • Please make sure to have someone with you if you are unable to communicate in English.
  • Bring your Alberta health care card and a piece of government issued photo ID.
  • Check in at reception 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • You may bring a family member or significant other during your consultation.
  • Please make sure to have someone with you if you are unable to communicate in English.
 
DIRECTIONS
 
PHONE
1-844-527-1160 (Registration)
 
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
 
EMAIL
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
 
PARKING MAP
 
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Yes

This facility is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator on site.


The primary purpose of the All Locations list is to let the user easily access any location of a healthcare service without going back to the main search screen.

The locations listed have 3 background colors:
  • Green means the healthcare service@location has referral information attached to it.
  • Brown means the healthcare service@location never had referral information attached to it, or it has unpublished referral information.
  • Red means
    • IA changed the healthcare service@location's status to something other than Current
    • It was deleted if it is an ARD healthcare service@location.
Green  and Brown are always at the top of the list. These are the Healthcare Service@Locations with the status of Current.
The Red list at the bottom consists of non-current Healthcare Service@locations that once had Published referral information in the ARD.
If the referral information was never published in ARD the Healthcare Service@location will not show in the Red list.

The secondary purpose of the All Locations list is to allow ARD Administrators to recover (copy) referral information from the non-current Healthcare Service@Locations to ones that are current.

Common Scenario:
A Healthcare Service moves from one location to another. In this case the IA Healthcare Service@Location record will be made defunct (non-current) and a new Healthcare Service@Location record will be created with a current status. In this scenario the captured referral guidelines in ARD can become "orphaned" as they are not attached to any current IA healthcare service.

Categories of non-current or orphaned referral guidelines: INDIVIDUAL and COMMON.
The REFERRAL GUIDELINES section of the profile has the prefix INDIVIDUAL or COMMON to help you choose the method below when transferring referral guidelines from a non-current Healthcare Service@Location to a current healthcare service@location.

Individual referral process
  1. Click on a non-current (Red) Healthcare Service@Location at the bottom of the All Locations list.
  2. The non-current referral info is displayed with the link Copy this Referral Process to another Healthcare Service@Location link on the upper right hand corner. Click on the copy link.
  3. Choose a current location (Green or Brown) from the All Locations list. This will be the Healthcare Service@Location you are pasting the referral info into.
  4. The system will display the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the referral info from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location you viewed in the first step.
  5. Click Save and the referral info is transferred from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location to the current one.
  6. Repeat these steps for each Healthcare Service@Location that needs attention.

Common referral process - 2 sub cases.
Case 1: At least 1 current Healthcare Service@Location with common referral info is with current status for this healthcare service; One or more Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations where replaced by new one.
  1. Click on any current Healthcare Service@Location whether it has referral info (Green) or not (Brown).
  2. The healthcare service location opens in the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the current common referral info.
  3. Save it. 
  4. All locations will be updated with the common referral information, including all the locations that don't have referral info yet (Brown). The non-current referrals (Red) will also be updated.
Case 2:  All Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations for a healthcare service are set to a non-current status and replaced by new ones. In this case there is no current additional referral info to copy from, so the only alternative is to pick up the non-current common referral process (Red). Follow the steps described in the section Individual Referral Process above to copy/paste the non-current common referral info to the current healthcare service locations.
Generally we want to replicate current common referral info to new or replaced healthcare service locations. We only resort to copying non-current common referral info if there is no other option.

Remember: Some fields can be location specific with the common referral process:
Parking Instructions, Directions, Parking Map, Wait Time, Referral Phone or Referral Fax.
To update these items you have to edit each Healthcare Service@Location separately.

ADDITONAL NOTES:
  • The info icon after the All Locations drop down will be visible to ARD Administrators.
  • The system doesn't allow you to copy referral information from one non-current Healthcare Service@Location to another.

 

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