Posted on Oct 06, 2008
Halifax, NS – Increasing physical activity, reducing air pollution, and minimizing land use in Nova Scotia are key reasons to support the Green Mobility Strategy says the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The Ecology Action Centre report provides eight solid recommendations with accompanying action steps that – with provincial government investment – can significantly increase sustainable passenger transport throughout Nova Scotia. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia supports the strategy because implementation of its recommendations will help create a more sustainable and healthy province.
“The best way our physical space – our built environment – is designed influences the range of options Nova Scotians have to be active”, says Jane Farquharson, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. “The recommendations presented by the Ecology Action Centre for sustainable and alternate forms of transportation provide significant health and environmental benefits.”
A 2008 report released by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found short-term exposure to air pollution causes approximately 6,000 deaths in Canada every year, and research suggests that 69 percent of these deaths come in the form of heart disease and stroke.
“Given our joint focus on increasing physical activity planning, improving land-use planning and reducing air pollution, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia supports the Green Mobility Strategy and encourages the provincial government to adopt the recommendations contained with it”, explains Farquharson.
In 2004 the Heart and Stroke Foundation commissioned a study to explore the costs of physical inactivity in HRM. The report showed that physical inactivity in HRM costs the provincial economy an additional $44.7 million each year in indirect productivity losses due to premature death and disability. The Heart and Stroke Foundation was also involved in the development of HRM’s 25-Year Regional Plan and leads programs such as Heart&Stroke Walkabout which focus on building a walking culture in the province.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.
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For more information:
Allen McAvoy, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
423-7682 ext 321 / [email protected]
Categorized under green, physical activity
