Boards Showcase Health Promoting Ideas for Schools

Nature walks guided by native elders, climbing walls built on the side of a school building and measures to encourage more girls to play sports are among the activities school boards are using to improve student health in Nova Scotia.

The province's first Health Promoting Schools Showcase, underway in Dartmouth today, May 23, is highlighting the work being done across Nova Scotia to help schools incorporate healthy, active living into everyday school life.

"There is no doubt the work of health promoting school teams is having a positive and measurable impact on the well-being of students," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "Students who are healthy and active will be better, and more engaged learners at school, and healthier Nova Scotians in adulthood."

The Health Promoting Schools Program draws together boards, district health authorities, community members, and other health and education partners to ensure key school health programs are available to students.

"This showcase marks an important celebration of what the Health Promoting Schools Program has achieved so far. With the hard work and collaboration of so many different stakeholders we are moving forward," said Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet.

Health Promoting Schools Program address healthy eating, physical activity, youth sexual health, tobacco reduction, addiction and injury prevention, as well as a range of other health issues within the school setting.

The program, established three years ago as part of Learning For Life II, also contributes to the implementation of the province's Healthy Eating Nova Scotia and Active Kids Healthy Kids strategies.