USask-led research project launches Brain Healthy Centre

A USask research team from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the School of Public Health has launched a new community-based health promotion initiative at Moose Jaw's Kinsmen Sportsplex to support brain health through healthy eating, physical activity and social connection.

Supported by a Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Impact Grant, the initiative brings together researchers, community partners, municipal leaders and recreation facility staff to explore how public recreation facilities can better support healthy choices for adults aged 50 and older. The project aims to identify practical ways to make the Kinsmen Sportsplex more accessible and welcoming for older adults while promoting recreation and healthy living.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the research team and members of the Eat Healthy Play Healthy (EHPH) multisectoral Provincial Advisory Committee, including representatives from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, SaskSport and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Together, these partners are working to create environments where healthy choices are easy choices.

Principal investigator Dr. Hassan Vatanparast and research team member Stacey Wiens visited the Kinsmen Sportsplex on July 16 for the project's launch. During the visit, they met with municipal and facility partners, toured the site and discussed opportunities to strengthen existing programs and services.

Scott Osmachenko, acting director of parks and recreation services for the City of Moose Jaw, expressed strong support for the initiative. Vatanparast, Osmachenko and facility director Shelley Howe discussed future collaborations and opportunities to expand healthy active living programs across Moose Jaw's recreation facilities.

The visit helped shape the next phase of the project, which will focus on creating a Brain Healthy Centre environment for patrons, families and staff.

As part of this work, sportsplex concession operator Roda Shaw is collaborating with the research team to identify practical ways to improve food and beverage options, encourage meaningful physical activity and create more opportunities for social connection within the facility.

The initiative is already moving into its next phase. The College of Kinesiology team is developing and expanding physical activity programs with a focus on cardiometabolic health and balance training for older adults. The programs will incorporate cognitive challenges, such as multitasking and problem-solving activities, to help keep both body and mind engaged.

At the same time, under the supervision of Vatanparast and Wiens, the nutrition team in the Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab is working with the facility to enhance concession offerings by adding more brain-healthy food choices and making nutritious options more accessible.

Beyond supporting healthier daily habits, the initiative will serve as a model that could be adapted in other recreation settings in Moose Jaw and communities across Saskatchewan.