Nova Scotia

Physical activity profile

• As many as 58% of Nova Scotia residents are insufficiently active for optimal health benefits. (Canadian Community health Survey, 2000/01)
  
  
• Physical inactivity declined significantly since the early 1990s, going from 68% in 1994 to 58% in 2000/01. (CCHS, 2000/01)

What about youth?

In Nova Scotia, 56% of youth aged 12-19 are not active enough for optimal growth and development. For the purpose of these analyses, the term physically inactive is equivalent to an energy expenditure of less than three kilocalories per kilogram of body weight per day (KKD). This level of physical activity can be achieved by playing team sports for an hour or a half and hour running, combined with an accumulated hour of walking throughout the day (2000/01 CCHS).

Awareness of Canada's physical activity guidelines

• 46% of adults reported having heard of the Guide in the previous 12 months.

Beliefs about the benefits of lifestyle behaviours

• 66% strongly agreed that a healthy lifestyle contributes to long-term health benefits.

Self-reported health

• According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, aged 15 and older rate their health as very good (39%) or excellent (20%).

Healthy lifestyles

• 67% eat the recommended minimum of 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
• 26% smoke daily.

Body mass

• 35% aged 20-64 are classified as overweight, having a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9, or as obese (22%), having a body mass index of 30.0 or higher.

High blood pressure

• 31% aged 45+ were diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Diabetes

• 6% aged 20+ are diagnosed with diabetes.

Perceived control over choice to be active

• 34% of adults stated that they have complete control over their decision to be active, 25% said they had a lot of control and another 33% reported moderate control.

Barriers to physical activity

• 76% cite lack of time, 68% lack of energy, 34% lack of skill and 57% lack of interest or motivation.
• 41% report feeling ill at ease/uncomfortable, 53% illness and disability, 30% fear or injury and 40% due to cost.

Support for government investment

• 47% think that government should increase tax spending to provide opportunities for physical activity and 22% say that much more should be spent in this area.

Safe places to walk and bicycle

• 53% report that there are many safe places to walk in their community, including sidewalks, paths and walking trails.
• 17% report many safe places to bicycle, such as bicycle paths or lanes, and 37% report that there are none.

Trails and physical activity facilities

• Over 30% of adults report that there are many public facilities for physical activity in their communities and 20% report having many public multi-purpose trails.
  

The Institute gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Health Canada and the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council toward the Benchmarks Program. Our Nova Scotia partner is the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission.