PDF file, 4 pages Published: Dec 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disorder most often caused by smoking. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective way to treat COPD, but currently in Canada there are enough PR programs to serve only 1.2% of the COPD population. Also, patients in rural areas have the least access to PR. This WellSpring looks at a pilot PR program delivered to rural areas in Alberta via Telehealth videoconference technology. The following topics are covered:
Background on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
SPHERU, working with First Nation communities, has developed a framework and a tool kit for health organizations to track the effects of health and human service programs. This can be a great resource for those working with First Nation and northern communities.
To learn more about the project, you can also read this Research Update
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights a study that assesses physical activity, fitness, body mass index and insulin sensitivity in youth aged 9 to 15 years. The Healthy Hearts research project is a school-based study conducted in seven rural communities in central Alberta.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Sep 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights the Saskatchewan Rural Youth Healthy Lifestyles and Risk Behaviours Project.
Little information is available about health issues facing rural youth in Western Canada. A team of researchers assessed the health needs of youth in rural Saskatchewan to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce risky behaviours in this population.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Apr 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights an upcoming SPHERU study in which researchers will focus on the bone health of populations in rural and urban areas.
The aim: to improve the diagnosis, management and prevention of osteoporosis, which is both preventable and treatable.
pdf file, 8 pages Published: Jan 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This is the summary report from a series of focus groups held in Alberta, looking at the barriers and facilitators to physical activity. This project focused on five vulnerable community groups:
The Rural Route to Active Aging website is a key source of information about physical activity for adults (55-75) in rural communities. It offers resources for practitioners, decision-makers, community leaders, and older adults to promote and build capacity for physical activity.
The website includes:
Facts you can use to build a business case for a physical activity initiative in your community.
Ideas for reaching older adults in your community and creating a positive environment for lifelong physical activity.
