Public Can Help Make It Easier to Grow Up Healthy

Nova Scotians can help children move more, eat well and make the province the easiest place in Canada to grow up healthy.

An online survey launched today, Aug. 11, is seeking suggestions to help achieve these goals. The project is part of the province's plan to make life better for families by preventing childhood obesity and better managing chronic diseases.

One in three Nova Scotians, age two to 17, are overweight or obese. Poor diet and inactivity are putting many more young people at risk for a lifetime of chronic disease and other health issues.

"Nova Scotia is working with many partners on ways to help our children live healthier lives," said Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health and Wellness. "One way is to develop a plan to prevent obesity in young people. We want to hear ideas from the public on how to do that."

The Nova Scotia strategy will build on existing programs such as the Healthy Eating Nova Scotia strategy, Active Kids, Healthy Kids physical activity strategy for children and youth, and active transportation initiatives.

The province has a highly regarded school food nutrition policy, and this spring set regulations and standards that help child-care centres serve healthy food.

"The childhood obesity epidemic is a visible reminder that, as a society, we are not creating the conditions for children to be as healthy as they can be," said Dr. Rob Strang, the department's chief public health officer. "We need to do more to support breast feeding, to reduce marketing of unhealthy foods and provide healthy foods and beverages where children gather.

"We also need to encourage more physical activity, by making communities easier for walking or biking and by providing more activity for children during and after school."

The Growing Up Healthy website at www.gov.ns.ca/growinguphealthy features a discussion framework, resource links and a survey, available until Oct. 15.

The province will make recommendations on preventing childhood obesity in 2012, after receiving public input and guidance from partners and a scientific advisory panel.