Health program aimed at men

Named for the three goals represented in the program — physical activity, healthy eating and teamwork — UBC’s Hat Trick is back again for men who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Associate Professor Cristina Caperchione, who teaches at UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, has teamed up with the Kelowna Rockets, to offer the free, 12-week program.

Hat Trick is an innovative program to help local men increase physical activity, improve nutritional habits and enhance their social connectedness.

The researchers are joined by professionals with the Kelowna Rockets, including team trainers and nutritionists, as well as other community-based professionals who can coach participants to adopt new healthy habits.

“This particular program is unique in the sense that it allows us to use the facilities and resources available to our staff, coaches, trainers and our hockey players to relay a message of positive living and a healthy lifestyle,” said Anne-Marie Hamilton, with the Rockets.

“That’s all very much part of what our players, and the Rockets organization, are all about.”

The next session begins in September and new recruits are needed.

While it takes place at Prospera Place, participants do not need to know how to skate or play hockey. Hat Trick is for men who live in the Okanagan, are 35 or older, do less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week, have a pant size greater than 38 inches and a body mass index over 25 kg/m2.

The weekly 90-minute sessions will be led by healthy lifestyle experts, Rockets staff and other health professionals. The group will meet Tuesday evenings until the end of November.

To learn more or to sign up, contact Kayla Fitzpatrick at kayla.fitzpatrick@ubc.ca or 250807-8488 or visit hattrick.ok.ubc.ca.

The program is funded by the Canadian Cancer Society and is made up of a collaborative research team from UBC Okanagan, UBC Vancouver, Athabasca University and the University of Glasgow.