Healthy Help for Parents

Nova Scotian parents are getting a hand with improving the health and safety of their children.

Today, March 2, Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet was joined by young families and children at Memory Lane Family Place to launch the campaign.

"Nova Scotia is a great place to live, work and raise a family -- and we want to make it even better," said Mr. Barnet. "Families are the key to the strength of our communities. Parents are the greatest teachers for their children and the early years are an especially important time for learning healthy habits."

The campaign is aimed at parents of children from newborn to 12 years of age. It focuses on physical activity, healthy eating, smoke-free living, and proper use of car and booster seats.

In addition to public advertising to raise awareness, Nova Scotia parents will have access to a new resource at www.momsanddads.ca.

The website includes advice and information on healthy eating, physical activity, smoke-free homes and car safety. Specific areas include an interactive corner with tips and comments from parents, healthy recipes, advice on breastfeeding, community activities from around the province, articles on simple games to play with your kids and links to a variety of other resources. Parents can sign up to receive a regular newsletter with tips and news about the subjects they are most interested in.

"Families these days are stretched to the limit," said Joyce Beaudry, executive director of Memory Lane Family Place. "In between caring for the children, working, and running a household, parents are strapped for time -- and often don't know where to turn for help. This campaign recognizes this reality, and gives easy, accessible solutions and support for parents."

Inactivity among children and youth is becoming epidemic in Canada. According to Nova Scotia research, by the time students reach Grade 11, only one in 10 is getting the activity they need to achieve health benefits. Recent reports also show that Nova Scotians are the second most obese people in the country, and childhood obesity is a growing problem.

"We want to turn those numbers around," said Mr. Barnet. "By supporting the moms and dads in Nova Scotia we can create a province with healthy, active families -- for the long-term good of our province."