three people snowshoeing in a forest during winter

Improving Cardiovascular Health

The Libin Institute is committed to reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease. Explore some free resources to help you meet your healthy lifestyle goals.

Four people walking outdoors

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of premature death in Canada, with heart disease, stroke and related conditions taking a life every five minutes. An estimated 1.6 million more Canadians are living with the devastating impacts of these diseases.

Fortunately, 80 per cent of these premature deaths are preventable with healthy lifestyle choices, such as getting 150 minutes of moderate to strenuous physical activity each week and eating a healthy diet filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein. 

Get started today with our 30 Day Heart Health Challenge. You’ll find a number of small steps that you can do to help you live more healthfully. 

man checking his blood pressure

Do You Know Your Numbers?

Watching your blood pressure is important to your overall health as it's one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, like strokes and heart attacks.

Learn more about blood pressure here

Illustrated image of a doctor and a woman talking about cholesterol

Let's Talk Cholesterol

Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Improving these levels reduces your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. 

Learn more about cholesterol here

Local Resources


Getting Started

If you are new to being active, you need to start slow based on your level of fitness. See the following links for information on how to safely incorporate a new fitness regime into your daily life.

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Prescription to Get Active: Getting Started 6 Week Guide

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Participaction - Benefits and Guidelines for Adults 18-64 

Building Healthy Habits

An important step in changing your cardiovascular health is building healthy habits into your daily life. See the following resources you can use to help you get started on your journey:

Canada's Food Guide

Heart Healthy Eating

Eating for Better Heart Health

MyHealth Alberta

Sweet Spot Nutrition

Becoming Tobacco Free

Keeping it Fresh

Calgary and the surrounding areas have endless ways for you to get and stay active! See below for some suggestions on how you can get active and keep it exciting:

City of Calgary - Fitness Videos

City of Calgary - Weekly Workout Ideas

City Cycling and Walking Maps

City Parks with Fitness Equipment 

Alberta Parks

Get Walking

Walking offers many physical and mental benefits and is a great way to achieve your 150 minute activity goal each week. See below for some resources to help you get walking:

Health Benefits of Walking

City of Calgary Community Walks

Put Your Best Foot Forward

25 Urban Walking Trails in Calgary


Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is beneficial for your overall health and well-being. While exercise is a great way to boost your mental health, it is important to take some time to focus on making sure you mental health is not negatively affecting your physical health. Please don't be afraid to ask for help. Below are some resources to check out:

The Canada Suicide Prevention Service

CMHA Calgary

Community Connect YYC

How To Create Emergency Self-Care Kit (For Mental Health)

Support Groups in Calgary

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Sleep and Stress Management

Sleep difficulties are often related to stress, so making sure you are managing your stress properly and practicing proper sleep hygiene are ways you can boost your overall health. See below for some informative resources:

MyHealth Alberta - Stress Management

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep Foundation

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Stress Management

Stress Management Tools 

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Active Seniors

It is important that adults of all ages are getting in their 150 minutes of activity each week.  Here are some resources to inspire seniors to be active any time of the year:

Canada's Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults

Alberta's Regular Physical Activity Benefits for Older Adults

Participaction - Benefits and Guidelines for Adults 65+

Want to Improve Blood Flow to Your Brain? Start Exercising