Get Active Fundy is a community-based physical activity initiative that encourages all Fundy region (Colchester County, Cumberland County and East Hants) citizens to be more physically active.
There are several partners involved in promoting Get Active and planning physical activity happenings in the region. All nine municipal units, District Health Authorities, the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, the Cumberland YMCA and the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection have all been instrumental in helping Get Active get off the ground.
The idea behind Get Active is that it will become the face of physical activity in the Fundy Region. A website is currently being processed that will include a huge database of physical activity and recreation opportunities throughout the region, including everything from hiking, to garden clubs, to sports teams.
Currently, Get Active Fundy has a Facebook page, which is up to date with events coming to the region, including the Cumberland Winter Festival, the Truro Long John Festival and even a couple of workshops. Google ‘Get Active Fundy’ to find our page.
I’m sure you’re asking yourself how you can be a part of the Get Active revolution. It’s simple - get up and move. Try encouraging schools, workplaces, daycares and not-for-profits to make the health of their employees, students and membership a priority. Become a ‘Get Active’ organization. With your help, we can turn this inactivity epidemic around!
Always try to remember that even a small amount of physical activity throughout the day will add up. Try taking a 10-minute activity break three times a day to get your 30 minute daily dose, then work your way up to 60 minutes a day.
A brisk walk is enough to make you active, so park further away from the doors at the mall, take the stairs and while your kids are playing soccer, walk around the field.
Remember, the more you do, the better it is for you. Would you go a day without brushing your teeth? Why would you miss a day of physical activity?
Keep both eyes open for Get Active in your community. We will be making appearances in many different forms, including posters in classrooms, display booths at events, and brochures in your doctor’s office. Maybe you will see a Get Active t-shirt on your neighbour, or a magnet on your mother’s fridge.
The message and the logo are meant to help you always keep in mind the importance of physical activity in your everyday life. Remember the slogan: more people, more active, more often. That, combined with healthy eating and healthy decisions in general, is what needs to happen to ensure a healthy future for our children and grandchildren for years to come.
If you have any questions about the initiative and how you can become involved, please contact me anytime at matthew.pryde@gov.ns.ca.

Matt Pryde,
Fundy Active Communities