Take The Roof Off Winter and Get Active

There are lots of ways to be active this winter and the Nova Scotia Office of Health Promotion is showcasing a few.

"Just 60 minutes of physical activity a day will strengthen the heart, alleviate stress and can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Winter gives us a unique opportunity to get that 60 minutes while enjoying outdoor activities that we're fortunate to have access to here in Nova Scotia."

The Office of Health Promotion has partnered with Global Television to promote winter activity. Television ads will air across the province during February and March, telling Nova Scotians how and why they should be active this winter. Ads will also appear in newspapers across the province.

A website -- www.taketheroofoffwinter.ca -- gives information on how and where to be active outside this winter, including tips on how to build a rink, where trails can be found in Nova Scotia, how to snowshoe, winter safety, and lots of activity ideas for adults and youth.

"It's important that we, as communities and families, take the roof off winter and get out there, get active, and have fun outdoors," said the minister. "We want people to know how fun and easy it is to be active in winter, and every season."

More than half of Nova Scotians report getting less than 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Ninety per cent of children in Grade 3 get the required amount of physical activity but by the time they reach Grade 11, the amount of activity falls dramatically to just 12 per cent for boys and seven per cent for girls. Health Canada recommends that adults get a cumulative 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and that children get 90 minutes.

"Play outside with your kids, go for a walk on a trail tonight or rent snowshoes with your family this weekend," said Mr. MacDonald.