The Healthy Living Program is currently being offered at the Weyburn Credit Union Spark Centre.

Having commenced in September of 2022, the program is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the City of Weyburn.

The formal program is specifically designed for those with chronic disease, although Trevor Tessier, Director of Primary Health Care with the SHA for the Weyburn and surrounding area, said that the equipment is there and available for anyone using the Spark Centre.

The equipment available for use includes a bike, rowing machine and a recumbent fitness machine, which Tessier says is very useful for individuals with joint issues as it's soft on joints.

"The importance of the program is that for individuals with chronic disease, we can have them take an education session and also exercises. So there's four education sessions offered over a six week period and exercise after those education sessions, so individuals can be more informed on how to deal with their chronic disease condition."

The sessions currently run on Mondays and are by referral only, with individuals being referred by a cardiologist and/or their family doctor. Tessier said that there is a bit of a waitlist, "but as we go into the New Year we are expanding it, so if you are interested, get in touch." 

Tessier mentioned that the expansion includes some online sessions as well in the New Year: "hopefully that will help through the winter as we get that program out...then individuals would be able to access that on their own time or at the same time as other participants." 

The Healthy Living Program is a way for those with chronic disease to empower themselves, and manage their health through a holistic approach.