Living as a woman who has experienced a cardiac event can be tough. EMPOWER is here to help.
Our clinically-proven 12-week program will teach you how to harness the power of your mind, energize your body, and improve your quality of life.
Minimal tech skills are required. This is part of a research study.
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading experts in cardiovascular disease.
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading chronic conditions experts
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading chronic conditions experts
Take a Step Towards Wellness.
Join the 12-Week Program and Learn:
Take a Step Towards Wellness. Join the 12-Week Program and Learn:
- Tips from leading clinical experts
- Why behaviour change is so hard
- How to identify your values
- The importance of goal setting
- Techniques for self-compassion
- The value of sleep
- Strategies for managing thoughts and feelings
Clinically Proven to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.
In development since 2018, our program has shown positive results with more than 188 people living with chronic conditions.[1].
It’s no secret that living with cardiovascular disease can be challenging, and there are often not enough supports to help individuals cope.
This program has been evaluated in people living with inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune liver disease, and we saw improvements in their quality of life and ability to manage their condition.
Now we are ready to offer this program to a wider audience, and we hope you’ll join us. There are minimal tech skills required, and it takes just 2 minutes to sign up. We’ll be ready to help you every step of the way.
Dr. Puneeta Tandon on behalf of a large team of allied healthcare professionals.
Funders
Is there a cost to this program?
No, because this program is being tested as part of a research study from the University of Alberta, there is no cost to be in the program.
How do I sign up?
If you’re interested in joining the program, you can Click Here. You’ll be taken to a form where you’ll be asked to fill out your name and email address. Then, you’ll be redirected to an informed consent and a few surveys.
What is the commitment?
- The time commitment varies depending on which arm of the program you are randomly assigned to. Because this is part of a research study, you will be randomly assigned to start the program right away, or in 12 weeks time.
- The EMPOWER program is 12 weeks long. You’ll be asked to complete the program at least 3 times per week- about 90 minutes each week. In addition to the program activities, you’ll also be asked to complete some surveys which will take about 45 minutes at the beginning and end of the program.
What will I be asked to do?
As part of the EMPOWER program, you’ll be asked to participate in an evidence-based mind-body wellness intervention for at least 90 minutes per week. This program has resulted in significant improvements in anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue in individuals with chronic conditions. A mind-body wellness intervention includes the use of breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement (e.g., yoga poses). You will also be asked to complete some surveys about your health and your experience in the program at the beginning and end of the program.
How do I access the program?
The EMPOWER program is available online via our website. After you sign up for the program and have been assigned a program group, you will be assigned a start date. This will be the day you signed up, or in 12 weeks time. Before the first day of your program, you will receive a link to login to the program website . You can access the program from any internet-connected device like a desktop computer, laptop, phone or tablet.
What is included in the program?
The EMPOWER program has several components including breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement. You’ll also receive weekly tips from a physician or healthcare professional that specializes in cardiovascular disease. You may also receive 1-1 check-ins lasting about 15 minutes each week and/or group sessions each month.
Who can sign up?
At this time, we’re testing this program in adult women (18+) who have experienced a cardiac event.
Who is the research team behind this program?
- The research team behind the EMPOWER program is lead by Dr. Puneeta Tandon, who is a medical doctor and researcher specializing in liver disease and mind-body wellness interventions at the University of Alberta.
- Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Nova Scotia. She has created content for the Coping Skills Program which contains weekly psychology tips, activities, and games.
- A large team of professionals in tai chi, yoga, meditation, and breathwork have created the weekly guided mindful movement routines.
- You will also hear from a range of medical experts in cardiovascular disease from across North America.
- This research study has been funded by CIHR and approved by the University of Alberta Human Research Ethics Board. REB #Pro00122568