The Yukon Healthy Living Program (YHLP) supports Yukoners living with chronic health conditions to build skills, stay active and manage their health day to day.
The program offers a range of supports, including:
- one-on-one guidance;
- group education; and
- supervised exercise programs.
These services are designed to:
- help you better understand your condition;
- build confidence; and
- make practical changes that support your health and wellbeing.
All programs and services are free and available to Yukoners aged 18 and older. Some supports may be available from home if you’re unable to attend sessions in Whitehorse. Contact us to learn what options may be available to you.
Referrals
You can:
- be referred by your healthcare provider; or
- refer yourself.
If you self-refer, we’ll notify your primary care provider so they:
- are aware of your participation; and
- can continue to receive relevant updates throughout your time with YHLP.
Location
Unit 300, 4201 4th Avenue
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5A1
Nurse educator support
Work with a Chronic Conditions Nurse Educator to better understand:
- your chronic condition; or
- your risk of developing one.
They can help you learn how to manage your health and support you in making informed decisions about your care. A nurse educator will work with you and your care provider to develop a care plan that:
- aligns with current guideline care;
- supports your goals; and
- helps you live well.
This service may include:
- screening to help identify your risk of developing a chronic condition;
- educating you and your support person(s) to better understand your health;
- supporting you with lifestyle changes and creating a care plan that works for you;
- reviewing medication to help you use your medications safely and effectively;
- checking your vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, height and weight;
- reviewing and ordering blood work related to your condition;
- completing foot checks; and
- referring to additional services, if needed.
Exercise services
Work with a Clinical Exercise Specialist to develop a safe, personalized exercise plan tailored to your:
- health conditions;
- goals;
- abilities; and
- lifestyle.
After an initial assessment, the YHLP exercise team will work with you to:
- recommend the exercise services available within our program that best meet your needs; and
- identify strategies to help improve your fitness, health and overall wellbeing.
This service may include:
- risk screening and activity plan development;
- supervised group exercise classes (available at the Canada Games Centre and the Yukon Healthy Living Program gym);
- virtual exercise classes; and
- personalized exercise planning, along with education and recommendations to help you stay safe while being active and exercising.
Dietitian services
Work with a Clinical Dietitian to receive nutrition and healthy eating support tailored to your medical history, health condition and lifestyle. Clinical dietitians provide:
- nutrition education;
- dietary guidance; and
- individualized recommendations through:
- group workshops on nutrition-related topics; and
- one-on-one appointments designed to support your individual needs.
This service may include:
- reviewing your 3-day food journal;
- screening to identify dietary changes that may support your health goals;
- providing education to help you and your support person(s) understand nutrition, healthy eating, and the role of food in managing your health condition;
- supporting you with lifestyle changes and goal setting; and
- recommending dietary interventions tailored to your needs.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you build the skills and confidence to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions, such as:
- bronchitis;
- emphysema;
- asthma; and
- pulmonary fibrosis.
This program includes:
- a one-on-one assessment with a Chronic Conditions Nurse Educator and Clinical Exercise Specialist;
- support of a Certified Respiratory Educator;
- group education sessions to help you better understand, monitor and manage your condition;
- a supervised group exercise program to help you build and maintain physical fitness, support your lung health and promote long-term independence; and
- information on local supports and resources.
We offer workshops relating to self-management strategies specific to chronic disease management and other lifestyle topics.
Workshop availability may change.
Diabetes workshops
Getting Started: What Is Pre-Diabetes?
Have you recently been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or been told you're at risk of developing diabetes? This workshop will help you better understand pre-diabetes and diabetes, including risk factors, diagnosis and practical strategies to support your health.
Diabetes Wellness
Learn from a team of diabetes specialists, which may include dietitians, nurses, pharmacists and exercise specialists. This workshop provides practical information on healthy eating, medication management and physical activity, while offering an opportunity to connect with others living with diabetes.
Diabetes Burnout
This group is for people with any type of diabetes who feel worn out or discouraged. With peers and experts, we’ll explore the emotional side of diabetes and share tools to reduce distress and find balance.
Exercise workshops
Movement Matters
Learn about the benefits of physical activity when living with 1 or more chronic conditions. Led by a Clinical Exercise Specialist, this workshop explores different types of exercise, strategies for working toward your goals and available supports to help you stay active.
Pacing: Understanding Energy Management
Learn how to balance activity and rest to reduce fatigue, prevent burnout and manage flare-ups. This workshop introduces practical pacing strategies to help you manage your energy, stay active and maintain consistency in your daily life, without overdoing it.
Moving for Better Mental Health
Discover how physical movement can boost mood, reduce stress and support overall mental well-being. This session explores simple, accessible ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine, no matter your fitness level.
Living Well with Osteoarthritis
Based on the GLA:D program (Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark) this workshop provides tools and knowledge to help you better manage osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life. Topics include joint care, pain management strategies, physical activity and lifestyle changes that support long-term joint health.
Healthy living workshops
Sleep Solutions: Improving Sleep Hygiene
Struggling with sleep? This workshop covers the habits and environmental factors that impact your rest. Learn evidence-based strategies to improve sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Introduction to Chronic Pain Management
Build a foundation for understanding and managing chronic pain. This workshop introduces a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive strategies to help you take control and improve daily functioning.
Nutrition workshops
Heart Healthy Nutrition
Learn how nutrition can support heart health by improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure and promoting overall wellbeing. This workshop provides practical strategies to help you make heart-healthy food choices that fit your lifestyle.
Healthy Eating Habits
Explore your relationship with food and how it shapes your eating habits. This workshop focuses on building sustainable, balanced habits without strict dieting. You’ll learn practical strategies to support your health, manage your weight and make changes that feel realistic and long-lasting.
Anti-inflammatory Diet
Learn how the foods you eat can affect inflammation in your body and overall health. This workshop covers simple, practical ways to include more anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, into your daily meals. You’ll also receive tips, meal ideas and guidance to help support long-term, sustainable changes.
Food and Feelings
Explore the connection between food, emotions and eating habits. This workshop focuses on building a healthier relationship with food and developing supportive eating patterns over time. It may be especially helpful for people who have concerns about their eating habits or notice that emotions influence their relationship with food.
Guest workshops
We offer a variety of rotating workshops in partnership with other organizations. Download YHLP’s calendar to see current offerings.
Looking to connect a patient to local chronic disease supports? The Yukon Healthy Living Program offers education, exercise, nutrition and self-management services that can help patients better manage their health.
Refer a patient by:
- using the referral form; or
- contact us to discuss whether YHLP is the right fit for your patient.
To learn more, discuss referral options, share ideas or be added to our healthcare provider distribution list, email [email protected].
Services and resources for patients
Connect your patients with services and supports that can help them manage their health, including the following.
- Home Care
- Long-term care services in the Yukon
- Help to quit smoking
- TrueNorth Respiratory
- Clinical Nutrition Services
- Financial supports for people living with chronic diseases or disabilities
Clinical resources for health care providers
- Canadian Thoracic Society Guidelines
- Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Diabetes medication booklet, 3rd edition
- Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines
- Obesity Canada Guidelines
Related referral forms and downloads
For more information, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-8733.
Yukon Healthy Living Program:
Unit 300, 4201 4th Avenue
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5A1
Fax: 867-633-8431