Launched in 2001, Nova Scotia Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (Alliance) has supported the exchange of knowledge across areas of professional practice to advance healthy eating and physical activity in N.S. The Alliance has supported research to champion evidence-based practice and advocated for and informed provincial strategies.
The Alliance has put its effort into three key areas:
1. Influencing policy
By supporting the development of the Healthy Eating Nova Scotia Strategy (HENS) and by helping to make the case for a Comprehensive Physical Activity Strategy the Alliance has supported policy development aimed at helping Nova Scotians lead healthier lives.
2. Contributing to research
The Alliance sponsored research into the physical activity counseling practices of a broad range of healthcare providers across the province. This work informed the “Make a Move” initiative, which was created to increase the quantity and quality of physical activity counseling by health professionals in Nova Scotia through training and support.
3. Leading education campaigns
During the 2012, Nova Scotia Municipal and School Board election the Alliance launched its Add it Up Campaign, directed at school board candidates. The campaign engaged candidates in a survey to determine their support for healthy eating and physical activity, developed fact sheets and conducted a webinar.