The HEAL (Healthy Eating and Active Life) program launched in July 2022 and ever since has been transforming how members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the National Capital Region of Ottawa and Gatineau are approaching their health. The program offers a unique approach in Ottawa by leveraging a multidisciplinary team to support and enhance the well-being of CAF members, many of whom hold leadership positions.
What sets the Ottawa region apart is its expansive coverage, serving members spread across the two provinces of Ontario and Quebec, in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. This presents logistical challenges that other bases do not face, but it also offers an opportunity to implement a tailored and collaborative program designed to meet the diverse needs of the members. The HEAL program was brought to life after a medical officer, who had seen success with a similar initiative at the Greenwood base, suggested implementing a version of it in Ottawa. This collaboration between the PSP Health Promotion team, the PSP Reconditioning team and CF Health Services Centre (Ottawa) created a unique and holistic approach to fitness and well-being.
“It's a health and fitness program that's designed to build capacity by equipping our CAF members with the knowledge and the skills and, most importantly, the motivation to improve and maintain their health,” says Vicki Gill, Health Promotion Manager. “Through participation in weekly workshops, group and individual physical training sessions, participants improve their knowledge and are able to practice those skills that enable them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”
A crucial aspect of the workshops is the hands-on skill-building activities, such as learning to make smoothies and power bowls, taking grocery store tours to identify healthier food choices and even activities aimed at understanding food labels.
This 12-week program is delivered at the National Defence Headquarters (Carling). To make it more accessible, members receive free parking and have the option of joining virtual sessions on Fridays. The HEAL program stands out because it’s referral-based, meaning only members referred by Health Services can join. Many participants have underlying health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, and some are at risk of being released on a medical category.
One of the key features of the program is the involvement of supervisors and commanding officers, who are asked to endorse the time away from work needed to attend the sessions. This support provides members with accountability and ensures that health promotion is a priority. As many members are tied to desk jobs, having official permission to take time for health-related activities is invaluable.
So far, nearly 70% of participants have experienced at least one clinically meaningful improvement in four areas of wellness through participation in the program. The success of the program can be attributed to two main factors: the dedication and expertise of the PSP staff and Health Services partners, and the referral-based structure. Members feel supported, motivated, and empowered to take control of their health. Retention rates are impressive, with 15-20 members regularly completing the 12-week program despite challenges such as work commitments and family responsibilities.
“After completing the program, members can continue their journey by joining the regular stream of PSP Health Promotion and Fitness programs, reinforcing the lessons learned during the HEAL program,” says Gill. “The greatest takeaways are confidence in their ability to improve their health and a transformed perspective on what it means to be healthy and fit, both physically and mentally.”
