March is the perfect time to take charge of your health! The “Do It for Life” initiative by DILWalk is offering free Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) to all Calgarians with an Alberta Health Card. This simple, 24-hour test gives you a complete picture of your cardiovascular health, helping you make proactive decisions for your well-being.
We sat down with Raman Kapoor, President and Founder of DIL Walk, to learn more about how this initiative is empowering Albertans to take control of their health and why it's so important to get involved. Keep reading to find out how you can participate and make heart health a priority this March!
Hi Raman, thank you for connecting with us today. Can you tell us what the “Do It for Life” initiative is all about?
Raman: The “Do It for Life” initiative is all about empowering people to take control of their heart health. We’re offering free Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) testing throughout March across the province. ABPM is the most accurate way to track your blood pressure over 24 hours, giving you a complete picture of your cardiovascular health. Our goal is to have 100,000 people participate and get informed about their health!
Why is monitoring your blood pressure important?
Raman: Hypertension can affect anyone, even people as young as 25, and it’s often undetected until later. By participating in this program, you’re giving yourself the chance to understand your heart health in a deeper way. The ABPM test provides a much more robust picture than the typical one-time reading at the doctor’s office or pharmacy. It’s all about taking proactive steps to stay healthy and thrive.
What does DIL Walk stand for and how does it connect with the YMCA?
Raman: DIL stands for “Do It for Longevity” and WALK is an acronym for wellness, access, linkages and knowledge. Our mission is to build community capacity by providing tools for people to take control of their health. Just like the YMCA, we’re focused on helping people be their happiest and healthiest selves. Together, we’re creating spaces where people can come together, learn, and support each other in their health and wellness journeys.
How is this initiative different from others?
Raman: What sets this apart is our focus on involvement. We believe in the power of community and making sure everyone has a voice in their health. This program is all about offering accessible, reliable information so people can take action in a way that works for them.
Who should participate?
Raman: This program is for anyone with an Alberta Health Card! Whether you’re already thinking about your heart health or just starting to learn more, you can participate. It’s especially important for those who may not know they’re at risk. We’re also focusing on vulnerable communities and breaking down any barriers that might stand in the way of access to important health information.
How can people join the program?
Raman: It’s super easy! Just visit Saddletowne YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. in March to pick up your ABPM device. Don’t forget your Alberta Health Care card and driver’s license and if you have it, your YMCA membership, which are needed to sign up. Plus, everyone who gets tested will be entered to win a $1,000 gift card with great prizes to help you on your health journey! While the machines are only able to be picked up on those two days, you can drop off your machine at the YMCA front desk on any day of the week.
What’s next for DIL Walk?
Raman: We’re piloting this program at Saddletowne YMCA and we hope to expand it to other YMCAs across Alberta soon, but we are also partnering with the Genesis Centre and the Brenda Strafford Foundation. We want to build a community of people who are committed to taking charge of their health, supporting one another, and living their best lives!
Any final thoughts you’d like to share as we launch this important program?
Raman: This is about taking your health into your own hands. You have the power to understand your heart health and make informed choices for a longer, healthier life. Let’s Do It for Life, together!
Pre-registration for an ABPM device is now open through BPARo.com, or stop by Saddletowne YMCA on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 4-6 p.m. throughout the month of March to pick up your device.
Want to learn more about DIL Walk and this program? Click the links below:
https://dilwalk.ca/do-it-for-life-campaign/