 Faculty of Kinesiology’s Centre for Health and Wellness Construction has begun on Phase 1 of an innovative Centre for Health and Wellness that will provide Calgary and Alberta with much-needed research, education and clinical programs in health, wellness and human performance. The first of its kinds in Canada, the Centre will help people live active and healthy lifestyles, and take necessary responsibility for their own health. The Centre will include a significant expansion of both clinical and research facilities (Phase 1), as well as development of a new facility for population health and wellness (Phase 2). The Centre will be a focal point for collaboration among basic and clinical researchers, health care providers, and students dedicated to the:
Over the past 100 years, technological advances in medicine have resulted in a near doubling of life expectancy. But Canadians relying on modern technologies are also leading more stressful and sedentary lifestyles with a higher incidence of inactivity-related illness. The rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity and diabetes are rising faster than the age-predicted rate of decline in physical capacity. For example, the burden to the Alberta health care system alone of cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the province—is more than $700 million a year. The need is urgent for strong public education, research, and clinical programming to prevent and improve chronic medical conditions. The Centre for Health and Wellness builds on the Faculty of Kinesiology’s history of expertise in education, research, prevention, and clinical programming related to health and wellness. The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), devoted to the study of movement, mobility and longevity, is ranked as one of the best research institutes of its kind in the world. The HPL and Sport Medicine Centre attract approximately $4 million in research funding annually, treat 1,000 patients a week and provide hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and medical fellows. The Centre for Health and Wellness will be a dynamic partner with many of Calgary’s existing or proposed health-care and research programs, such as the Faculty of Medicine Health Research Innovation Centre, the Bone and Joint Health Institute, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, and the new Alberta Children’s Hospital. PHASE 1 – NUTRITION, GENETICS AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE The first phase of construction will see two floors added to the existing Human Performance Laboratory and one floor and renovations to the Sport Medicine Centre. The primary function of Phase 1 of the Centre for Health and Wellness will be to spearhead transdisciplinary research. This CFI-funded expansion will focus on the identification of genetic risk factors in common diseases (e.g., arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes/obesity) that may have nutrient-genetic interactions, and where pre-symptomatic nutrient or exercise intervention may prevent or reduce disease impact. Through the early identification of common genetic risks and the development of intervention through directed nutrition and exercise, we have the potential to reduce the impact of genetic risk on disease and reduce the burden of common disease during adulthood. The potential commercial impact of this research includes the exploitation of novel gene discovery and the development of human performance assessment technologies and equipment. With the full population spectrum—from Olympic world-class athletes to the generally healthy population to the disease-symptomatic population—the University of Calgary has a truly unique opportunity to make important research discoveries and develop a unique clinical service in this innovative new field. Phase 1 of the Centre for Health and Wellness has been funded exclusively by Canada Foundation for Innovation, Alberta Science and Research Investments Program, and private donations. No University funds have been used. PHASE 2 In the second phase of the Centre, we will integrate laboratory- and population-based research to enhance health across the lifespan from elite athletes to the general population, to at-risk individuals, disease-symptomatic individuals, and those regaining their health. Prevention, detection, and rehabilitation targets for coordinated research include key chronic diseases (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer) and conditions (obesity and injury). WHAT WILL THE CENTRE DO? The new Centre will extensively expand our Faculty’s research programming, clinical services, and public education to support community health goals: 1. Exercise- and nutrition-based health promotion. 2. Exercise stress testing and health profiling. 3. Nutrition, genetics, and human performance research and clinical service. 4. Bone and joint health (outpatient services, research, and rehabilitation). 5. Sport medicine including musculoskeletal disease and injury. 6. Support of high-performance sport. 7. Complementary approaches. 8. Physiotherapy, athletic therapy, chiropractic medicine, and massage therapy. 9. Basic research. BENEFITS The new Centre for Health and Wellness will have a significant impact on Canadians by:
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