HealthyNS provides free online health and wellness classes for residents of Nova Scotia! Topic areas include Self-Management, Reducing Your Health Risks, Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Mental Wellness and Parenting. Most programs are for adults who are 18 years and older, but there are specific programs for youth. Classes are developed and facilitated by experienced health care professionals from either Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health. And the best part? You don’t need a referral from a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to join a program. Anyone can sign up!
To register for a class, you will need to provide your Nova Scotia health card number. Classes are held online using "Zoom for Healthcare". Learn more about these classes in this video.
To register below, select the blue "Register Online" button, for the class you want to attend, then pick a class date and time. If you can’t find a time that works for you, you have the option to complete some classes at your own convenience by selecting the blue “Self-Directed Module” button, where available.
Health and wellness program resources:
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
Do you want to make positive changes to your health? Are you having trouble sticking to your goals or are unsure about where to begin? You're not alone. Meet one-on-one with a health goal coach and together you will work on turning your goals into a plan you can follow.
Select the Register Online button below, then select a time for your health goal coach to call you back.
Are you prepared for the future? Life insurance, a will and power of attorney are important—but there’s another kind of planning that costs nothing and ensures your medical and personal care wishes are respected. In this session, you’ll learn what advance care planning is and what to include in a personal directive.
Having difficulty reaching your health goals? Join this live session to learn the process of creating realistic and achievable goals to live your healthiest life.
Don't have time to attend a live session? Select the button below to view an interactive recording of this session.
It's normal to face obstacles when trying to stay on track with your health goals. This session is designed to help you keep going and stick to your goals. Register for this session after you have attended Ideas Into Action.
Don't have time for a live session? Select the button below to view an interactive recording of this session after you have attended or viewed the session Ideas into Action. Small Steps. Big Success!
In this session we will review the basic expectations around being a substitute decision-maker, and discuss some of the things that can make it ethically challenging
Many Nova Scotians experience fatigue as a result of a health condition or other factors. This program will provide education and strategies that can be used to help you manage your fatigue in everyday life and maximize your available energy. Practicing energy management can help individuals improve their immediate and long-term health.
This session will explain what Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is and how it works in Nova Scotia. You will learn about the laws, who can access MAiD and the steps involved.
Not enough time in your day? Too much time? Learning how to manage your time is a vital skill to help you make the most of your day! Join us to discover time management skills that you can use in your life.
Don't have time for a live session? Select the button below to view an interactive recording of this session.
Want to know where to go for care in a rapidly evolving health care system? This online session covers options like VirtualCareNS, Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics and more. Note: This session helps with self-management and navigation of the health care system but does not provide medical advice, access to providers or appointment booking.
This peer-led workshop is a valuable experience for youth (13 years+) with a health condition and their caregivers, to start the conversation about transition from the pediatric to adult health care system. Through small group discussions and activities, youth will build on their self-management knowledge, skills and learn to manage their health condition(s) with more confidence. With the help of peer facilitators, youth will set a health goal, and plan to practice a new health care skill.
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
This workshop will help you learn about prideHealth and the support it provides to the community and Nova Scotia Health staff. You’ll discover ways to be an actionable ally for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This includes learning about gender-affirming care, creating safer spaces, supporting children and youth and using gender-inclusive language and pronouns. You’ll also receive resources and training to continue building your allyship skills.
Discover the secrets of aging well in this online program! Learn practical tips and advice to stay strong and healthy as you grow older.
Do you wonder how you could get a better night’s sleep? Sleep is vital to our physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Join us for a discussion about why we sleep, what impacts our sleep, and discover other tips to get a better sleep.
Let’s talk lung health! The basics of COPD treatments and supports provided by lung and wellness experts who share a roadmap of what you should know and how to get the help you need. You can self-refer for individualized education and support follow up after taking this workshop.
This nonjudgemental support group is for individuals living with COPD. The group offers education and strategies to work towards reducing or eliminating your nicotine use. Living with COPD can present unique challenges so let's come up with solutions to these challenges together.
Changing how you think about aging can help you stay healthy! This workshop series is for adults mid-life and older who feel ready to learn how to set and reach a health goal. You’ll learn how to apply the THRIVE© Approach to Wellbeing to improve your outlook, build healthy habits and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Did you know that 1 in 5 seniors have difficulty eating and swallowing? Maintaining your ability to eat your favorite foods is important for staying healthy as you age. In this program you will learn how your oral health, physical health, and swallowing are connected, and steps you can take to maintain your swallowing ability well into the future.
Join our online Prediabetes program to understand what it means when your blood sugars are above the normal range. Discover the power of lifestyle choices, empowering you to take control of your future and make positive changes for a healthier life.
This online series will explain how the pain system works. You will learn how the body changes with chronic pain. You will also learn about the factors affecting pain and real ways to manage your pain. Attendance the first week of the series is required.
Many people have risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The good news is many of these can be managed and improved! In this series you will learn how healthy eating, physical activity, stress, sleep and substances impact your heart health. You will also learn how to create your own action plan for the changes you would like to make.
Whether you're ready to quit smoking or are just exploring your options, this judgment-free session offers resources, connects you to healthcare supports, and provides practical tips for success.
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
Si vous ne savez pas où commencer, nous vous ferons découvrir les principes de base simples du Guide alimentaire canadien, qui vous aideront à faire des choix éclairés pour une alimentation équilibrée et nourrissante.
Did you know that good health starts in your gut? Learn how your digestive system works, the role of your gut bacteria and how to feed your gut for good health.
This program is for anyone interested in eating more plant-based foods but is unsure where to start. Learn how to get the benefits of plant-based eating in a simple and cost-effective way without eliminating other foods you enjoy.
Have you ever been told what your weight should be? The truth is, your weight is a lot more complex than a number on a scale. We will explore the many factors that influence weight, expectations for weight loss and strategies to support your health and wellness.
This program supports you to shift focus away from weight as a measure of your health. In this interactive, virtual group we will explore how to make lasting change in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and mental well-being. We will discuss the complexities of weight and learn strategies to support change.
This program does not focus on “dieting” and individualized meal plans will not be provided. Each week you will set your own goals and make a plan to achieve them.
Ever wonder why you eat the way you do? Craving Change® explores how your emotions and environment affect your food choices and offers tools and tips to help you make healthier eating choices.
Apprenez à tirer le meilleur parti de votre budget alimentaire en termes de valeur monétaire et nutritionnelle. Vous recevrez des recettes et des ressources qui vous aideront à organiser, planifier et préparer chez vous des plats sains et peu coûteux.
If you're feeling confused about where to start, we've got you covered with easy-to-follow basics from Canada's Food Guide, helping you make informed choices for a balanced and nourishing diet.
Learn how to get more value and nutrition from your food dollar. You will receive recipes and resources to help you organize, plan and prepare healthy low-cost dishes at home.
Meal planning can seem intimidating, and it can be hard to know where to start. Learn about the foundations for successful meal planning and leave with a plan that is flexible and realistic for you. You will receive a worksheet to help make a meal plan and a recipe booklet to start you on your journey.
Why is everyone talking about the Mediterranean way of eating? Discover how simple, everyday habits inspired by Mediterrean style of eating can support your health and well-being. This program focuses on easy, enjoyable changes you can make to your meals.
Attendance during the first week of the series is required.
Learn how to read food labels, understand the numbers, and focus on the nutrients that matter for your health goals. Practice with real food examples and build confidence in making informed choice
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
Discover how physical activity can improve your health and manage chronic conditions! Physical activity counselling empowers you to make long-lasting improvements to your physical activity levels. Meet one-on-one with a physical activity counsellor and together you will create a personalized plan that helps meet your goals.
Select the Register Online button below, then choose an appointment time.
Mindful Movement blends physical activity with mindfulness, focusing on awareness and presence during gentle movement. It aims to connect mind and body, improving physical and mental well-being. You will NOT be exercising in this session
Our bodies were designed to move and that can be challenging. Learn about the impact on our health from too much sitting and share ways to move more in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. You will NOT be exercising in this session
This program empowers participants to safely and confidently enhance physical activity. It focuses on overcoming barriers related to safety, and building confidence to incorporate movement into daily life. You will NOT be exercising in this session
Do you want to improve your strength but are not sure where to start? This session will teach you safe ways to do strengthening exercises, use different types of equipment, and how to progress with these exercises on your own. You will NOT be exercising in this session.
In this two part series you will learn the facts about weight loss and exercise. We will discuss different types of exercise and their role in your health, in weight loss, and in maintaining good health. Learn tips to be active at any size. You will NOT exercise in this program.
Physical activity throughout pregnancy promotes maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. Click on the button below to watch a video from Nova Scotia Health's Community Health Teams who will guide you through a self-directed exercise routine.
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
We all have the same 24 character strengths that we express in different ways. Together, we will discuss character strengths, how to recognize them in ourselves and others, and learn the benefits of using them in life.
In this program, you will learn how to identify emotions and develop skills to respond effectively to a range of emotions. Attendance the first week of the series is required.
Leisure and recreation can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. There are ways you can connect with things that interest you and experience enjoyment. Join us to explore strategies and resources to make the most of your free time!
Grief is a completely normal response to loss, and yet it can be one of the most difficult human experiences. This session will provide the opportunity to learn more about grief, including resources and supports that are available to you.
Expressing our needs can be difficult. In this program you will learn about communication and practice assertiveness skills (e.g. active listening, saying no and making requests). Attendance the first week is required.
Do you feel stuck or that you are not thriving mentally? This one-hour interactive workshop will teach you the basics of mental wellness and how to flourish in your everyday life. You’ll learn what mental wellness is, how it affects your health and leave with a tool to to promote your own mental wellness.
Interested in self-compassion but not ready for a series? In this single session you will practice ways to promote self-compassion when we experience difficulties in our everyday lives.
Being self-compassionate can help provide us comfort, improved health, and increase our sense of satisfaction in our roles. Join us to dive deeper and practise ways to promote self-compassion when we experience difficulties in our everyday lives. This program builds in concepts and practice over time.
In this program you will learn about stress, explore how you experience stress, and practise skills you can use to reduce stress symptoms.
Stress can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Together we will learn about stress, explore how we experience stress, and practise a variety of skills you can use to reduce stress symptoms. Attendance the first week of the series is required.
Please note: the class Introduction to Take Charge of Your Stress is NOT a pre-requisite to attend this program.
Register to attend one or more of the upcoming classes.
Courses fill up quickly! Select the Register Online button for each course to check availability.
This workshop focuses on providing guidance to parents on how to introduce solids to their infants using a baby-led feeding approach.
This program focuses on improving your child's social and emotional skills and reducing behaviour problems. It is for parents of children who are 3-6 years old
This program focuses on improving your child's social and emotional skills and reducing behaviour problems. The program is for parents of children who are 6-12 years old.
Learn how to identify early signs of anxious feelings in your children, and develop skills to help them manage everyday anxiety. For parents and caregivers of children up to 12 years old.
This 6 session program is for parents ready to change how they interact with their teen. Learn to better understand your teen, improve communication and help your family dynamics.
Parenting is a difficult job. Being self-compassionate can help provide us comfort, improve health and increase our sense of satisfaction in our roles as parents. Join us to practice ways to promote self-compassion when we experience difficulties in our everyday lives.
Before you watch this self-directed exercise video, read the Pregnancy and Exercise Handout below for further information about the benefits and risks associated with exercising while pregnant. You will also learn how to set exercise goals for yourself and find links to other exercise resources.
Thank you for watching this video and reading the accompanying handout. We want to hear about your experience so we can improve. Please take a few moments to complete our survey. The information collected in this survey is anonymous (does not identify you) and confidential.