Personal Empowerment Program Wraps Up with Positive Results in Pictou County

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Thursday, May 08, 2025, …. The Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) recently concluded in Pictou County, showing encouraging results for participants living with chronic conditions. The six-month pilot supported individuals in building healthier habits through lifestyle changes, mental health support, and community connection.

Developed by Nova Scotia researchers and Dalhousie University professors Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge, the program was supported locally by the Aberdeen Health Foundation. A total of 172 participants enrolled, most of them women with an average age of 58, managing concerns like weight, hypertension, and anxiety. Throughout the program, participants received daily videos focused on creating new healthy habits and monthly sessions with the PEP team.

“I saw the notice on Facebook and it piqued my interest,” said Mary Ali, a participant in the program. “It aligned with my own efforts to take a more holistic and centered approach to healing. I was already doing Google searches and reading books on how to improve my health. I felt fortunate to come across the PEP program because it is structured, dynamic, and brought together all the elements I had been looking for.”

Mary Ali, PEP Participant

PEP focused on flexibility and inclusion, offering multiple entry points for people at different stages in their health journey. “You just need to be open, be willing to try, and you will have success,” said Mary. “For example, I was already doing a whole foods plant-based diet, so that was an easy entry point for me. But the way the program is setup, even if you just increased your fruits and vegetables and reduced ultra-processed foods, that could be your starting point. The same went for exercise. For example, you could do chair yoga or yoga on the floor, depending on your physical ability or flexibility. Or maybe you enjoy walking, strength training or Qigong. There is always a way to make it work for you, no matter where you are starting from.”

Program outcomes included an average weight loss of seven pounds, improved physical function, better sleep, healthier diets, and a significant reduction in psychological distress. Participants also reported greater life satisfaction, stronger emotional connections, and less time spent sedentary.

“I really love Dr. Ilie and Dr. Rutledge’s approach,” Mary added. “They really understand the ways in which chronic health issues take a toll on the body – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  I also valued the heart-centered and community-focused aspect of the program. Instead of trying to manage everything on my own, I was surrounded by others in similar situations. It felt like we were all working toward better health together.”

“I’m really grateful that Pictou County has taken this on. It’s phenomenal, because I believe health should be a consideration in everything we do. To see a program like this come to fruition and be so well supported with a knowledgeable team of experts is fantastic.”

The Aberdeen Health Foundation’s investment in PEP reflects its broader commitment to improving chronic disease outcomes in Pictou County. Nearly half the local population lives with at least one chronic condition, and socio-economic factors such as poverty, mental illness, and other systemic barriers contribute to poorer outcomes when compared provincially. Additional barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, and generational trauma further affect health outcomes. In response, the Foundation is prioritizing collaborative, community-based programs like PEP as a first step toward building a broader population health approach – one that reduces health disparities, promotes prevention, and helps support long-term wellbeing.

To learn more about the PEP program, visit pictoucountyPEP.org

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca