Getting started

When you register, we’ll create an account for you and you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire to determine your eligibility.

Here’s an overview:

YOU MUST:

• Be currently living in Canada
• Be 18 years or older
• Be able to communicate (speak, read and write) in French or English
• Have consistent access to the internet

RISK PROFILE

You must have at least one of the following risk factors:

• Exercise less than 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week
• Eat less than 5 servings of fruits or vegetables per day
• Used any form of tobacco in the last 7 days
• Experience high levels of stress on a regular basis

EXCLUSIONS

You will not be eliglble to participate if :

1. You have been diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years
2. You have been diagnosed with a heart condition, have suffered a heart attack or stroke, or have had a heart procedure within the last year
3. You have been clinically diagnosed with a chronic lung disease at any point (individuals with asthma are not excluded from this program).
4. You struggle with alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder
5. You are currently participating in another research study

Your participation helps us advance science!

Our goal is to improve how we deliver our program to better meet the health needs of Canadian communities and reduce risk of chronic disease.

You will help ACCELERATION grow and reach more Canadians.

ACCELERATION was originally an in-person program that proved successful in improving the health of participants. We are now taking the program online to reach even more people and hope to demonstrate the same level of success.

By joining, you will be part of a funded research study that aims to improve the ACCELERATION program and its online platform. This study is made possible with the generous support of the Medavie Health Foundation. Together, we want to help you live healthier.

ACCELERATION Online was designed by healthcare providers including physicians, dietitians, exercise professionals, and psychologists as well as clinical researchers.

During the 12-week program, you will have direct contact with an e-Facilitator, who is a registered exercise professional or a dietitian. Your e-Facilitator will provide feedback based on your health goals, arrange for linkages in your community and advise on how to effectively – and safely – adopt and maintain healthier behaviours.

Your program will be tailored to you based on responses provided in your health questionnaires, goals, and preferences. Should you have questions or concerns while participating in the program, your e-Facilitator will be there to address your concerns.

We take your privacy and the safety of your personal information very seriously.

Read more about our Privacy Policy and practices.

The ACCELERATION platform is available from all the same devices you use to go online. You can access the platform using a desktop or laptop computer (and even a smart phone or tablet), or you can download the ACCELERATION app for your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Still not sure how to access the platform? Don’t worry, we can help you get connected.

*Please note: Educational content will be tailored to your goals and as such, you will only be provided with materials relevant to you.

BEING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

• Creating your exercise prescription
• Exercising safely
• Physical Activity Barriers
• How Much Physical Activity?
• Resistance Training

EATING HEALTHY

• Making Sense of Food Labels
• Fat & Fibre; Sugar & Sodium
• Navigating Social Media and Food Messages
• Meal Planning and Eating Out

BECOMING TOBACCO-FREE*

• Being Motivated to Quit
• Preparation for Quit Day
• Stress and Quitting Smoking
• Coping with Social Triggers
• Staying Quit

MANAGING YOUR STRESS*

• Defining and Recognizing Stress
• Problem-Solving and Emotions
• Time and Priority Management
• Assertiveness
• Pleasure and Wellbeing