WillKin is adapting their services during the current global pandemic

We have adapted all our programs to deliver them remotely during the pandemic, straight into the living room of those who need them.

Kinesiologists are expert exercise professionals who can improve the lives of those with chronic conditions. They demonstrate daily the value and positive impact of exercise, movement, education and behavioural change on the day-to-day lives of their clients.

Unfortunately, social distancing has meant some cannot reach their clinic, gym or activity. Many also cannot receive in person sessions, yet these clients still need specialist exercise programs. We had to find a solution, because the need is more important than ever, both physically and mentally.

Why is it important to stay active, even during a pandemic?

44 % of Canadians over 20 years old suffer from a common chronic disease (3). The condition often arises from lifestyle related habits. There is an ever growing number of Canadians that are choosing a sedentary life over an active one.

Stats Canada states that Canadians aged 18-79 spend an average of 10 waking hours per day sedentary. It was higher in females compared to males, ages 40-59 years. Physical inactivity or sedentary time is associated with higher risk for chronic conditions (4).

The Covid-19 pandemic has compounded this problem, the long-term health outcome of which will not be realised for some time.

How are the exercise programs now delivered remotely?

Willkin has spent time carefully curating and ensuring these science-based programs include appropriate assessments, exercises and information that is easy to deliver and inspire, even remotely delivered. The team uses a teleconferencing tool, called ZOOM, to facilitate the session. Access to the tool is completely free. Our team is fully equipped and prepared to help you learn how to use it.

We understand that each person is different, and their knowledge and experience with tools, like Zoom, can differ. Our human approach remains the same, the medium to get there has changed and adapted. Health and safety is a priority and the process ensures all clients are properly guided through the process before, during and after initiating the program. 

Why did we turn to the remote approach?

Boosting physical and mental health when they need it most, is our goal. Reaching clients in rural/distant locations to access these programs without the risk of infection (1) have their challenges, but the importance of giving patients the tools to stay active has not diminished. It has been seen that people in isolation are actively searching for online support to address mental health needs (2). To achieve this, the ZOOM platform proves to be the most appropriate.

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REFERENCES:

1. Xiaoyun Zhou, Centaine L. Snoswell, Louise E. Harding, Matthew Bambling, Sisira Edirippulige, Xuejun Bai, and Anthony C. Smith.Telemedicine and e-Health.Apr 2020.377-379.

2.Liu S, Yang L, Zhang C, Xiang Y-T, Liu Z, Hu S, et al. Online mental health services in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. Lancet Psychiatry 2020. Crossref, Google Scholar

3. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/prevalence-canadian-adults-infographic-2019.htmlTremblay MS, Colley RC, Saunders TJ, Healy GN, Owen N. 2010. ‘Physiological and health implications of a sedentary lifestyle’. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, vol. 35.

4. A tale of two pandemics: How will COVID-19 and global trends in physical inactivity and sedentary behavior affect one another? Grenita Hall,a Deepika R. Laddu,a Shane A. Phillips,a Carl J. Lavie,b and Ross Arenaa,⁎