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HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF NOVA SCOTIA TO CHANGE WALKING IN N.S.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HALIFAX, October 16, 2007 – The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia (HSFNS) took a giant step forward today in launching a first-of-its-kind initiative to create a walking culture in the province. Heart&Stroke Walkabout was launched with events in Sydney, Bridgewater and Halifax, and through the unveiling of a new interactive website www.walkaboutns.ca.
The long-term goal of the initiative 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. The launch focused on celebrating current walkers and those who are already contributing to a walking culture in the province. Organizers also asked Nova Scotians to think differently about the role walking plays in their lives and communities.
“Walking is a commonplace activity in our lives but it is one that is often overlooked. However, if Nova Scotians walked more frequently; or at a faster pace or even for a little longer period of time; or thought about walking for different reasons; that is how a culture of walking can happen,” says Jane Farquharson, CEO of the Foundation. “Most Nova Scotians are not active enough to reap the health benefits of physical activity. This is about helping to create a healthier Nova Scotia and further preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases in Nova Scotia.”
“The initiative is supported by Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection and the Ecology Action Centre. Raising awareness and getting people to move more is certainly key,” says Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, “but we also need environments that will motivate and influence physical activity like walking. We need to work together to help ensure that infrastructure improvements go hand-in-hand with public awareness and participation.”
In Halifax, the launch event included participation from walking groups and a special address from Mark Fenton, host of America’s Walking and author of the best selling book, “The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss and Fitness.” In Bridgewater and Sydney, similar events also took place and included 15-minute walking parades through the local areas.
“We want all Nova Scotians to understand that walking really is something you can do anywhere at anytime,” says Janet Barlow, Active & Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre. “Walking is not only good for your health; it’s also good for the environment. This initiative is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and we are excited to provide Nova Scotians with the resources and tools to support this culture shift.”
The launch and website build on the great work that’s already being done in the province to encourage activity and to build environments and policy that support walking, says Barlow. The website launch is just the first step; a social marketing campaign that builds on the launch and the leadership of walking champions is planned for 2008.
The Heart&Stroke Walkabout launch is also supported by Nova Scotia Egg Producers. Through the interactive website, Nova Scotians will be able to create or walking groups, log-in to the site to track their progress and share their stories and experiences with others. Users will also be able to upload their favourite walking routes and find tools to help build a walking culture in their community. For more information please visit www.walkaboutns.ca .
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ns.ca), a volunteer-based health charity, leads 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.
Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection (http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp) aims to increase physical activity to improve overall health and prevent chronic disease of Nova Scotians through leadership, support, education, advocacy, research and policy.
Ecology Action Centre
The Ecology Action Centre (www.ecologyaction.ca) has worked for over 35 years to build a healthier, more sustainable Nova Scotia. Through environmental education and action, it addresses a range of issues including sustainable transportation.
Contact:
Jolene Titus
Communications Manager
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
Tel: 902 423-7682 ext. 315
jtitus@heartandstroke.ns.ca
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