Exercise is Medicine® Canada is a national leader in promoting healthy lifestyles among Canadians; its’ expert multidisciplinary clinical work is based on the ample evidence that exercise and physical activity play an important role in preventing and managing chronic disease.

Motivated by this same evidence, his personal experience with his patients, and evidence supporting healthy living interventions, Dr. Rob Petrella, a family physician and professor at Western University, developed the HealtheSteps™ Program, an evidence-based lifestyle prescription (Rx) program. The program improves the health of Canadians and reduces their risk for chronic disease by tackling three major risk factors that are shared across a number of chronic diseases: physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, and poor diet. Each HealtheSteps™ participant receives an individualized healthy living Rx for exercise, physical activity (step count) and healthy eating, supported by coaching and technology tools to help them move more, sit less, and eat healthier!

With the strong support of several research studies demonstrating the HealthestepsTM Program has a positive impact on participant exercise, physical activity, and healthy eating behaviours, as well as other important health outcomes including reduced weight and blood pressure, we are making HealthestepsTM accessible Canada wide through launch of a brand new website, mobile phone app, and online coaching program. Individuals across the country can participate in the program, or can choose to become a certified HealthestepsTM Coach and improve the health of those around them!

Want to participate in the HealthestepsTM Program?

The FREE HealthestepsTM App for iOS and Android devices are now available. This innovative smartphone app allows anyone to benefit from the HealthestepsTM Program, regardless of where they live. Users can measure their fitness level and heart rate, set goals, track their exercise time and step count, and can also link the app to the eaTracker app developed by the Dietitians of Canada to track their eating behaviours. Users also choose one of six fun and personable virtual coaches to help them keep motivated!

Want to become trained in the HealthestepsTM Coaching Method?

The proprietary HealtheStepsTM coaching method is grounded in Motivational Interviewing, and provides an excellent framework for motivating your patients, clients, friends, or family to improve their lifestyles. In the past, HealtheStepsTM coaches have included physicians, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and office employees. Each HealtheStepsTM coach is certified after undergoing a comprehensive and rigorous training program that can be found on our brand new website. We have created a vibrant online community of practice that includes a biweekly blog, a biweekly podcast, and forums for coaches to interact in.