Health Promotion Clearinghouse

Inactivity among children and youth is becoming epidemic in Canada; and Nova Scotia is no exception. The Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation area of Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection partnered with government and non-government organizations to develop a physical activity strategy for Nova Scotia children, youth and families. The resulting Active Kids, Healthy Kids Strategy is a blueprint for increasing physical activity levels.

Visit Active Kids, Healthy Kids for more information and resources on this initiative.

Related Publications

• Active Kids Healthy Kids Background »
  (PDF, 1.9 MB | 24 pages)
• Active Kids Healthy Kids Strategy »
  (PDF, 1.6 MB | 28 pages)
• Healthy Eating for School-Aged Children and Youth »
  (HTML)

It is often said that children’s health is a nation’s wealth. Yet despite medical advancements, today’s children are less likely to grow up healthy than the generation before them, affecting their quality of life, the sustainability of our health care system, and the health and vitality of our future workforce and economy.

The childhood obesity epidemic has gained much attention recently. It is the most visible reminder that our children are not getting what they need to be healthy. However, weight is only part of the picture. The “twin epidemics” of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are affecting children regardless of body weight, and putting them at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer throughout their lives

This discussion framework outlines the major areas in which we need to act – collectively and comprehensively – over the next 10 years to improve our children’s health. We welcome your comments, feedback and ideas.

Related Publications and Websites

• Growing Up Healthy Discussion Framework for a childhood obesity prevention strategy (2011) »
  (PDF, 236 KB | 16 pages)
• Growing Up Healthy – Developing a Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategy »

Nova Scotia Department of Community Services

Our Kids Are Worth It contains a mix of both immediate and longer-term priorities with a focus on crime prevention. The immediate and longer-term priorities, within the context of our vision, goals, expected outcomes, and five key directions are to:

• Build a strong foundation
• Identify problems, help early
• Co-ordinate programs, services
• Improve access, close gaps
• Engage youth, promote shared accountability

Related Publications and Websites

• Our Kids Are Worth It: Our Third Year
  Strategy for Children and Youth (2011) »
  (PDF, 474 KB | 32 pages)
• Our Kids Are Worth It: Our second year (2009) »
  (PDF, 188 KB | 11 pages)
• Our Kids Are Worth It: Our first year (2008) »
  (PDF, 233 KB | 50 pages)
• Nova Scotia Department of Community Services –
  Child and Youth Strategy »