Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTMHeart&Stroke WalkaboutTM is an initiative of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and the Ecology Action Centre. Our vision is a revitalized culture of walking in Nova Scotia. We aim to motivate Nova Scotians to discover the magic of walking and encourage them to consider both the physical and mental benefits of walking within their communities. It's about changing the way we think about walking - putting feet back on the streets and walking back in the hearts and minds of Nova Scotians. Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM was launched in October 2007. A five-year initiative, the long term goal is to increase the number of Nova Scotians who walk 30 to 60 minutes, most days of the week, for health benefits or as a mode of active transportation. Since our first year, we have focused on supporting and celebrating current walkers in Nova Scotia, while building momentum for more participation. Other components launched in 2008 - 2009 include access to pedometers, a toolkit for advocacy and policy, a social marketing campaign and a focus on supporting activity in workplaces and schools. Future priorities include more supports for Nova Scotia's communities to improve their walkability. .JPG) The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a volunteer-based health charity. It is a leader in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy. One of the priorities of the Foundation is physical activity because research shows that it greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia is a recognized leader in linking community planning to improved health and has developed and delivered physical activity programs to help Nova Scotians get active each day.  The Department of Health and Wellness aims to empower individuals, families, partners and communities to promote, improve and maintain the health of Nova Scotians through a proactive and sustainable health system.  The Ecology Action Centre is the oldest environmental organization in Nova Scotia and has been in existence since 1971. It has over 1,000 members, 150 active volunteers and seven issue committees focusing on transportation, wilderness preservation and forestry, coastal issues, urban planning, renewable energy, agriculture and food, and marine conservation. Its aim is to encourage a society in Nova Scotia that respects and protects nature and also provides environmentally and economically sustainable jobs for its citizens. | |