HealthyNS

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

HealthyNS Online Health and 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 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:

Self-Management: Virtual Programs

Health Goal Coaching

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 one-on one with a Health Goal Coach, and together, you can work on turning your ideas into a plan that you can follow.

Select the Register Online button below, then select a time for your health goal coach to call you back.

Register Online


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.

  • Wednesday, December 11, 2024     12:00 - 1:30pm
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm
  • Wednesday, February 12, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am
  • Wednesday, March 12, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am

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.

  • Thursday, February 13, 2025     6:30 - 7:45pm
  • Wednesday, March 19, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online

Don't have time to attend a live session? Select 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.

  • Thursday, March 20, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

Register Online

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!

Self-Directed Module


Making Health Care Decisions for Someone Else

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

  • Monday, March 3, 2025     6:00 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Making the Most of Your Daily Energy

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.

  • Wednesday, February 19, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Time Management & Well-being

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.

  • Wednesday, March 5, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

Register Online

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

Self-Directed Module


Understanding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

In this session we will review Canada's MAiD processes and eligibility requirements and consider some of the current and future areas of ethical debate or uncertainty.

  • Monday, February 24, 2025     12:00 - 1:15pm

Register Online


Reducing Your Health Risks: Virtual Programs

Aging Well: Let's Talk About Frailty

Discover the secrets of aging well in this online program! Learn practical tips and advice to stay strong and healthy as you grow older.

  • Friday, February 7, 2025     10:00 - 11:15am

Register Online


Building Better Sleep

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.

  • Thursday, February 6, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am

Register Online


COPD and You

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.

  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025     12:00 - 1:15pm
  • Tuesday, March 25, 2025     4:00 - 5:15pm

Register Online


COPD and Living Smoke Free - 4 Week Program NEW

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.

  • Fridays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2025     12:00 - 1:00pm

Register Online


Falls Prevention

Did you know that most falls are preventable? In this program we will talk about how to prevent slips, trips, and falls so you can keep enjoying the fun things in life. We are going to discuss how to move your body, improve your health and remove hazards in your home.

  • Friday, January 17, 2025     10:00 - 11:15am

Register Online


Oral Health and Swallowing Wellness: The Key to Eating Well as You Age

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.

  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

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. Discover the power of lifestyle choices, empowering you to take control of your future and make positive changes for a healthier life.

  • Thursdays, January 23, 30, and February 6, 2025     6:30 - 7:45pm
  • Wednesdays, February 26, March 5, and 12, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Quit Curious?

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.

  • Wednesday, January 15, 2025     12:00 - 1:00pm

Register Online


Understanding Pain - 3 Week Program

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.

  • Tuesdays, January 7, 14, and 21, 2025     6:30 - 7:45pm

Register Online


Your Heart Matters - 4 Week Program

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.

  • Thursdays, February 13, 20, 27, and March 6, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Healthy Eating: Virtual Programs

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, February 12, 2025     6:00 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Craving Change® (6 Week Program)

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.

  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to Tuesday February 18, 2025     1:30 - 3:30pm

Register Online


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.

  • Thursday, January 9 and 16, 2025     6:00 - 7:15pm
  • Tuesdays, March 18 and 25, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am

Register Online


Healthy Eating 101

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.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register Online


Introduction to Beyond Weight - 1 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 session we will explore the many factors that influence weight, expectations for weight loss, and strategies to support your health and wellness into the future.

  • Wednesday, February 5, 2025     12:00 - 1:30pm

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 dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

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.

  • Tuesday, February 25, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Meal Planning and Recipe Inspiration

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.

  • Monday, February 3, 2025     6:00 - 7:15pm

Register Online


Understanding Food Labels

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

  • Tuesday, March 4, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Physical Activity: Virtual Programs

Physical Activity Counselling

Meet one-on-one with a Physical Activity Counsellor over Zoom to create a personalized plan that helps you improve and maintain your physical activity levels for the long term.

Select the Register Online button below, then choose an appointment time.

Register Online


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.

  • Monday, February 24, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

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.

  • Wednesday, January 8, 2025     12:00 - 1:30pm

Register Online


Mindful Movement

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.

  • Thursday, March 27, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

Register Online


Move More for Better Health

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, February 5, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am

Register Online


Move with Confidence

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.

  • Monday, March 3, 2025     2:00 - 3:30pm

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.

  • Mondays, March 17 and 24, 2024     6:00 - 7:30pm

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

Self-Compassion - 4 Week In-Person Program (in Membertou, NS)

Being self-compassionate can help provide us comfort, improved health, and increase our sense of satisfaction in our roles. Join us in person to dive deeper and practice 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 program is required. Send an email to HealthyNS@nshealth.ca if you have any questions about the program.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register for an IN-PERSON session


Discover Your Strengths

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.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register Online


Exploring Emotions - 4 Week Program

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.

  • Monday, January 20, 2025 to Monday February 10, 2025     1:30 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Free Time and You

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!

  • Friday, March 21, 2025     10:00 - 11:30am

Register Online


Grief 101 - 2 Week Program

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.

  • Tuesdays, January 28 and February 4, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

Register Online


Growth Mindset - 4 Week Program

Unlock your potential by embracing challenges and learning from setbacks. This program helps you cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to achieve personal growth.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register Online


How to Speak Assertively

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.

  • Tuesdays, February 18, 25, and March 4, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

Register Online


Mental Health First Aid - Adults Interacting With Youth - 2 Week Program

Learn how to support youth ages 12-24 years experiencing a decline in their mental health. This program is intended for parents, guardians and volunteers. Other adults supporting youth in unpaid roles are welcome. If the program is full, you may call 902-460-4560 to check and see if there are spots left on the wait list.

  • Fridays, January 24 and 31, 2025     9:00am - 1:00pm

Register Online


Self-Compassion - 1 Week Program

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.

  • Wednesday, March 26, 2025     6:00 - 7:30pm

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.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register Online


Take Charge of Your Stress - 1 Week Program

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

  • Tuesday, February 11, 2025     6:00 - 7:15pm

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.

  • Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2025     1:30 - 3:30pm

Register Online


Parenting: Virtual Programs

First Bites: Raising a Happy Eater - 4 Week Program

This workshop focuses on providing guidance to parents on how to introduce solids to their infants using a baby led weening approach.

  • Wednesdays, January 15, 22, 29, and February 5, 2024     2:00 - 3:30pm
  • Fridays, February 14, 21, 28, and March 7, 2024     10:00 - 11:30am

Register Online


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

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

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.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

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.

  • Mondays, January 6 and 13, 2025     10:00am - 12:00pm

Register Online


Parenting Your Teen - 1 Week Program

This single session will help you better understand your teen and how their brain works. Learn strategies to improve communication and help your family run more smoothly.

  • All dates for this program have already taken place. Please check back as more programs will be available in our next schedule.

Register Online


Screen Time and Your Family

We live in a world where screens are everywhere. Learn about the risks and benefits of screen time and ways to help your family. For parents of children 0-12 years.

  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025     12:00 - 1:30pm

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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