Healthy Living, Wellness and Chronic Disease Management

Comprehensive information about staying well, prevention and living a healthy life with chronic conditions

HealthyNS Online Wellness Programs

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 Doctor or Nurse Practitioner referral to join a program, anyone can sign up!

To register for a class, you will need to provide your Nova Scotia health card number. The classes are held online using "Zoom for Healthcare". Learn more about these classes in this video.

To register below, click the blue "Register Online" button, 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 clicking on the blue “Self-Directed Module” button.

Health and wellness program resources for Fall and Winter 2023-2024:

Self-Management: Virtual Programs

Health Goal Coaching NEW

Do you want to be healthier, but find it hard to make changes? You're not alone! It's not always enough to know what to do to be healthier. Making a plan and setting realistic goals can help you be more successful. If you want to learn how to do this, meet with a Health Goal Coach, and together, you can work on turning your ideas into a plan that you can follow.

This program builds on the skills learned in the Ideas into Action program and provides you with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a healthcare provider (your health goal coach) to get extra support in setting and achieving your goals. You can sign up for a 'live' version of Ideas into Action or view the Self-Directed Module, both linked below.

Register online or call 1-855-444-5557 and your health goal coach will contact you to book an appointment.

Register Online


Ideas into Action. Small Steps, Big Success!

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.

  • Monday November 6:   noon - 1:15pm
  • Thursday March 7:   6pm - 7:15pm

Register Online

Don't have time to attend a live session? Click on the button below to view an interactive recording of this session.

Self-Directed Module


Keeping it Going with your Health Goals

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.

  • Monday December 4:   noon - 1:15pm

Register Online

Don't have time for a live session? Click on 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!

Self-Directed Module


Advance Care Planning and Personal Directives

Are you interested in preparing yourself and your loved ones for the future? Do you have life insurance? A will or power of attorney? There is another kind of insurance you can have, that costs nothing and helps ensure that your medical and personal care wishes are respected.

The goal of this session is to explore what advance care planning is and what to include when creating a personal directive.

  • September 12, 2023  1-3pm
  • November 7, 2023  1-3pm
  • December 12, 2023 1-3pm
  • February 13, 2024  1-3pm
  • March 19, 2024  1-3pm

Register Online


You're in Charge - workshop for youth with a chronic condition (2 week program)

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 the adult health care system.

Through small group discussions and activities, youth will build on their self-management knowledge and 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 practise a new health care skill. Workshops are offered via Zoom for Healthcare.

The next sessions are:

  • Tuesdays, September 26 and October 10:   6 - 7:30 pm
  • Mondays, November 20 and November 27:   6 - 7:30 pm

For more information please send an email to the 'You're In Charge' Project Coordinator, Lindsay MacKinnon, at You'reInCharge@iwk.nshealth.ca.

Register Online


Time Management & Well-being NEW

Learning how to better manage your time can help you accomplish your goals. This self-directed module introduces time management skills that you can use in your life.

Click on the button below to view an interactive recording of this session.

Self-Directed Module

Reducing Your Health Risks: Virtual Programs

Aging Well: Let's Talk About Frailty NEW

Are you or someone you know at risk for frailty? Join this session to learn about what frailty is, how it impacts your health, and practical tips to stay strong and healthy as you grow older.

  • Tuesday October 17:   10 - 11:15am
  • Monday November 20:   noon - 1:15pm
  • Thursday January 25:   2 - 3:15pm
  • Wednesday February 28:   6 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Prediabetes - 3 Week Program

Join our online Prediabetes program to understand what it means when your blood sugars are above the normal range and you have a potential risk of developing diabetes. Discover the power of lifestyle choices, empowering you to take control of your future and make positive changes for a healthier life.

  • Mondays, October 16, 23, and 30:   noon - 1:15pm
  • Thursdays, February 15, 22, and 29:   6 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Understanding Pain - 3 Week Program

This 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.

  • Tuesdays, October 31, November 7 and 14:   10 - 11:15am

Register Online

Healthy Eating: Virtual Programs

Explore the Mediterranean Diet - 2 Week Program

Interested in lowering your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and diabetes? Learn how you can improve your health by following the Mediterranean way of eating. Attendance the first week of the series is required.

  • Fridays, October 13 and 20:   noon - 1:15pm
  • Wednesdays, February 7 and 14:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online


Making the Most of Your Food Dollar

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.

  • Thursday November 9:   10 - 11:15am
  • Wednesday January 31:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online

Introduction to Beyond Weight - 2 Week Program

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. In this series we will explore the many factors that influence weight, expectations for weight loss, and strategies to support your health and wellness into the future.

Attendance the first week of the series is required

  • Tuesdays, November 7 and 14:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online


Beyond Weight. Shifting Focus to Health - 11 Week Program

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. All participants will receive an intake call prior to the start of the program to ensure this is the right program for you.

Please note: Introduction to Beyond Weight is NOT a prerequisite to attend this program.

  • Tuesdays, January 9 to March 12, 2024:   6:30 - 8pm

Register Online


Healthy Eating 101 NEW

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.

  • Thursday January 18:   noon - 1:15pm

Register Online


Food and Mood - 2 Week program

Have you ever thought about the connection between what you eat and how you feel? Food choices and eating habits can affect your mood, but how you feel can also influence what you eat. What’s good for your body is good for your mood! Join us to learn more.

  • Thursdays, September 28 and October 5:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online


Beginners Guide to Plant-Based Eating

Are you interested in making plant-based meals but you are unsure where to start? In this session we define plant-based eating as a pattern that emphasizes mostly plant foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. In this session, we will explore the benefits of plant-based eating and how to incorporate plant foods in your diet in a simple and cost-effective way.

  • Wednesday December 6:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online


Physical Activity: Virtual Programs

Ready, Set, Move - Introduction to Cardio

Learn the Canadian Guidelines for how much exercise you need to realise health benefits. We will discuss simple techniques on how to safely increase your intensity with no equipment.

  • Friday November 17:   2 - 3:15pm
  • Friday January 19:   10 - 11:15am 

Register Online


Ready, Set, Move - Strengthening

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.

  • Monday January 8:   10 - 11:15am

Register Online


Move More for Better Health NEW

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.

  • Wednesday October 11:   10 - 11:15am
  • Tuesday February 20:   2 - 3:15pm

Register Online


The Truth about Weight and Exercise - 2 Week Program

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.

Attendance in the first week of the series is required.

  • Monday February 5 and February 12:   noon - 1:15pm

Register Online

Pregnancy and Exercise

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.

Video


Mental Wellness: Virtual Programs

How to Speak Assertively - 4 Week Program

Expressing our needs can be difficult. In this program you will learn about communication and practise assertiveness skills (such as, active listening, saying no, and making requests). Attendance the first week is required.

  • Tuesdays, September 19, 26, October 3, 10:   1:30 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Self-Compassion - 4 Week Program

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. Attendance the first week of the series is required.

  • Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22, and 29:   1:30 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Introduction to Take Charge of Your Stress

In this program you will learn about stress, explore how you experience stress, and practise skills you can use to reduce stress symptoms.

  • Friday January 26:   noon - 1:15pm

Register Online


Take Charge of Your Stress - 4 Week Program

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.

  • Wednesdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 20:   2 - 4pm

Register Online


Free Time and You

Leisure and recreation can have a big impact on our health and well being. There are ways you can connect with things that interest you and that you enjoy. Join us to explore strategies and resources to make the most of your free time!.

  • Wednesday November 15:   6 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Parenting: Virtual Programs (IWK)

Incredible Years - Preschool - 14 Week Program

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.

  • Mondays, September 12 through to December 12:   6 - 8pm

Register Online


Incredible Years - School Age - 12 Week Program

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.

  • Tuesdays, January 4 through to March 28:   6 - 8pm

Register Online


Parenting Your Teen: Walking the Middle Path (6 Week Program)

Learn to better understand your teen, improve communication and help your family run more smoothly.

  • Mondays, January 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 12, and 26:   5 - 6:30pm

Register Online


My Child is Anxious. Should I Worry? - 2 Week Program

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.

  • Tuesdays, September 19 and 26:   10 - 11:30am

Register Online


Self-Compassion for Parents

Parenting is a difficult job. Being self-compassionate can help provide us comfort, improved health and increase our sense of satisfaction in our roles as parents. Join us to practise ways to promote self-compassion when we experience difficulties in our everyday lives.

  • Thursday February 9:   noon - 1pm

Register Online


Pregnancy and Exercise

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.

Pregnancy and Exercise

Nova Scotia Health, 2022.


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Learning Objectives - Online Wellness Programs