February is Heart Month in Canada, an annual campaign encouraging people to pay closer attention to cardiovascular health. In Nova Scotia, health officials say many of the most important factors influencing heart health happen outside hospital walls — through everyday habits such as diet, exercise, stress management, and social support.
At Nova Scotia Health, Community Health Teams are working to help residents build those habits. The teams offer free programs and services designed to prevent chronic illness and support long-term wellness.
Accessible care without a doctor’s referral
Community Health Teams include a range of professionals, such as dietitians, registered nurses, physiotherapists, recreation therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Their services are available both online and in person, with options for individual appointments and group sessions.
Programs address topics including healthy eating, physical activity, stress reduction, parenting, and youth wellness, in partnership with IWK Health.
One key feature is accessibility. Nova Scotians can sign up on their own, without needing a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner — an approach intended to remove barriers to preventive care.
Focus on prevention and independence
For Giselle Davis, a physiotherapist and wellness facilitator who has worked with the teams since 2018, prevention is central to the mission.
“I enjoy my role with Community Health Teams because our work focuses on health promotion and chronic disease prevention and management in a way that isn’t always possible in more acute care settings,” Davis said. “It’s rewarding to help clients build skills and confidence to improve their long-term health and stay independent for as long as possible.”
Registered dietitian and wellness navigator Jill Conrod, who joined the program five months ago, said education and empowerment are key.
“Community Health Teams are a wonderful resource because they focus on empowering clients, building practical skills, and reducing chronic disease risk through education and supportive care,” she said.
Programs designed to support heart health
Understanding cardiovascular risk
The Heart Healthy Living program, delivered over two weeks, helps participants better understand personal risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
“We focus on practical strategies such as heart-healthy eating, physical activity, stress management and daily habits that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke,” Conrod said.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada, according to national health data, making prevention efforts a public health priority.
Managing stress to protect the heart
Another offering, Take Charge of Your Stress, examines how chronic stress affects cardiovascular health. Long-term stress can increase blood pressure, disrupt blood sugar levels, and contribute to inflammation — all of which raise the risk of heart disease.
“Learning to manage stress isn’t just about feeling better, it’s an important step in protecting your heart,” Conrod said.
Building sustainable exercise habits
Exercise Essentials focuses on helping participants create realistic and lasting fitness routines. The program covers aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, and balance.
“Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, improves blood pressure and cholesterol, supports healthy blood sugar and reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke,” Davis said.
Participants also learn how to stay motivated and adapt exercise to their individual needs.
Prevention benefits everyone, experts say
Health team staff emphasize that the programs are not limited to people already diagnosed with heart disease.
“Everyone can benefit from the programs we offer,” Davis said.
Conrod agreed, noting prevention can be one of the most effective health strategies.
“You do not need to have heart disease to participate. In fact, prevention is one of the most powerful steps you can take,” she said.
Poor cardiovascular health is also linked to other chronic conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. However, many preventive measures — including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management — improve overall physical and mental health.
Taking the first step can feel challenging
Program leaders acknowledge some people may feel hesitant about joining.
“Feeling nervous to sign up for programs is completely normal,” Davis said. “But there’s nothing to worry about. Our environment is supportive, not competitive, and the goal is to help people build confidence as well as improve their health. Often the hardest part is just walking through the door.”
Conrod said meaningful change often begins with small steps.
“Improving your health doesn’t require perfection or drastic changes. It starts with small, realistic steps in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.
Small changes can make a lasting difference
As Heart Month highlights the importance of cardiovascular health, Nova Scotia Health officials say the message is simple: prevention matters, and support is available.
“The best time to start taking care of your heart is today,” Conrod said. “Small changes really do add up over time, and we offer free programs and information to support you in making changes that fit your life and feel sustainable.”
By focusing on practical, everyday actions, Community Health Teams aim to help more Nova Scotians live healthier lives — and reduce the long-term impact of heart disease across the province.
