If you spend most of your day sitting and want to make a change, ask your family doctor or PCN staff member for your Prescription To Get Active.

How the Program Works

This province-wide PCN program uses activity “prescriptions” to encourage patients to get moving… at home, in the community and at local facilities. Prescriptions are based on the recommended activity levels from Health Canada (150 mins/week for Adults and 60 mins/day for Children).

FACILITY TRIALS: Once you receive your Prescription, you can redeem it at any one of over 40 Edmonton-area recreation and fitness centres for a free trial access and support.

You also receive:

RESOURCES: Free Getting Started 6-week program and other helpful resources to plan and build routines

ONLINE CONTENT: Access to free and low cost on-demand, instructor-led programs

TRAILS: Free access to All Trails Map. Discover walking, running and riding trails of all levels

SUPPORT: Unlimited FREE behavioural support through Healthy Habits Start Here®

SPECIAL OFFERS: Information about subsidized, free assisted and additional free programs

Active Lifestyles Seniors Walking

Why Be Active?

Did you know that from a single session of activity (like a short 10-minute walk) you can:

improve your mood, concentration, strength, endurance and posture, and help manage your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure?

Look at all these benefits:

  • Improved and/or maintained overall health (mental and physical)
  • Stronger muscles and bones
  • Better sleep
  • Improved posture and balance
  • Weight control
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Feeling more energetic
  • Relief of symptoms from chronic health conditions
  • Stress reduction and relaxation
  • Resist illness better
  • Reduced risk of falls
  • Continued independent living in later life and a longer life

Being regularly active helps you:

  • Manage and treat symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Reduce your risk of:
    • high blood pressure by 30-60%
    • diabetes by 25 – 58%
    • heart disease by 33-50%
    • stroke by 31-45%
    • colon cancer by 30-60%
    • early death by 31-50%