FAQs

  • Some people live with undiagnosed COPD or MetS. Those with breathing issues and other health concerns like high blood pressure or high blood sugar could be a good fit for the study. We invite potential participants to fill out the study sign-up form, and our study coordinator will reach out to confirm if they are eligible. We also encourage potential participants to speak with their family doctor about this study.

  • For some, the early stages of COPD and MetS don’t come with a lot of noticeable impact on daily life. But early intervention is key! Those who make changes to their diet and exercise earlier have higher chances of staying healthy longer.

  • Those with COPD also often have metabolic syndrome (MetS), which can lead to common health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. While managing MetS will not cure COPD, changes to diet and exercise can improve overall health and slow the progress of COPD.

  • Participants are not required to stop smoking during this study. Throughout the process, participants will set goals that are meaningful and relevant to them. That said, stopping smoking may be discussed in some of the sessions.

  • The entire study takes place over six months, with weekly and monthly sessions for the first three months, followed by bi-weekly and monthly sessions in months 4-5, and then just monthly sessions in month 6. That said, to make real change, the program asks participants to invest in fitness and nutritional activities outside of the professionally-led sessions. Check out the “What’s Involved” section above for a detailed timeline of the study.

  • Almost all of the study will take place in interactive online sessions from the comfort of your home, work or wherever else participants may be. Only three visits to the University of Alberta (outset of study, after month three, and at the end of study) and three visits to a family doctor are required in person. Participants will be reimbursed for parking at the university.

    If participants feel they won’t be able to attend any in-person assessments but are still interested in the study, we invite them to fill out the study sign-up form. The study coordinator will then reach out to discuss alternate options.

  • No, the majority of the study will take place in interactive online sessions from the comfort of home. That said, it’s best if participants live within a reasonable driving distance of the University of Alberta so the few in-person assessments are not difficult to access. Participants will be reimbursed for parking at the university.

    If participants feel they won’t be able to attend any in-person assessments at the university but are still interested in the study, we invite them to fill out the study sign-up form. The study coordinator will then reach out to discuss alternate options.

  • This study is specifically designed to support participants make sustainable change. First and foremost, participants get to set their own realistic goals. Then, the professional-led weekly and monthly group meetings offer structure and peer support to achieve those goals. The digital platform My Viva Plan® will also support staying on track, as it is designed to support the mind alongside nutrition and fitness.

  • This study includes the family doctor throughout the entire program, beginning with a check-in at the start of the process. The family doctor and study researchers will share relevant information with one another to support participants' health.

  • We encourage those interested to fill out the study sign-up form even if they do not currently have a family doctor. The study coordinators will review on a case-by-case basis and follow up with individuals to discuss options.

  • If those interested have a partner, extended family, or friends with similar health challenges, invite them to check out this site and fill out the sign-up form to find out if they are eligible.

  • In this study, participants set their own goals! The coordinated health-care team works with each participant to ensure they are working at a level that is safe and sustainable for them.

  • No, the study is entirely non-drug-based. Participants will continue taking any medications prescribed by their doctor or those newly prescribed during the course of the study.

  • Participants only need a computer or tablet. Anyone who has made a video call to a friend or family member can do this study! All online group sessions will take place on Zoom, a no-cost video calling application. Participants will receive clear, easy instructions to get set up. Participants will also use the digital, user-friendly platform My Viva Plan®, which can also be accessed through a computer or tablet.

    Have questions that are not answered above? Please reach out to changeab@ualberta.ca to connect with the study coordinators.