Talk about health

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Consultation has concluded

From October 2015 to April 2016, we asked Nova Scotians what we need to do to create a healthier future. Talk about health included 42 face-to-face conversations with almost 1,000 people in communities across the province, asking big questions about how we can change our health status. Our Community Health Boards and many other community partners and stakeholders collaborated to make these events a huge success.

The feedback we’ve received from community participants has painted a picture of where Nova Scotians see the challenges for achieving good health and also the opportunities we have to make change. There was a lot of hope expressed and the people who attended these conversations were very engaged.

What we heard

It’s time to report back on what we heard. We have in these five key themes:

·Live well

·Cooperate, coordinate, collaborate

·Encourage a healthy population

·Build supportive systems

·Build a healthy society

Read about each of the themes in the Talk about health Phase I report here. Please take some time to read over each of the themes while you think about these questions:

1. Can we afford to stand back and see what happens if we do nothing and let the conversation end here?

2. How can we better support our own health, our community and our province?

3. How can we move forward from here to create a better culture of health in Nova Scotia?

For a quick snapshot of Phase 1, take a look at the infographic.

What’s next?

Phase II of Talk about health is still in the planning stages. We will be posting regular updates here as we continue to consult and plan with our partners.

In the meantime, please let us know what you think of anything you read in the Talk about health report or elsewhere by participating on the site or by email. For other opportunities to engage with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, please visit us online.


From October 2015 to April 2016, we asked Nova Scotians what we need to do to create a healthier future. Talk about health included 42 face-to-face conversations with almost 1,000 people in communities across the province, asking big questions about how we can change our health status. Our Community Health Boards and many other community partners and stakeholders collaborated to make these events a huge success.

The feedback we’ve received from community participants has painted a picture of where Nova Scotians see the challenges for achieving good health and also the opportunities we have to make change. There was a lot of hope expressed and the people who attended these conversations were very engaged.

What we heard

It’s time to report back on what we heard. We have in these five key themes:

·Live well

·Cooperate, coordinate, collaborate

·Encourage a healthy population

·Build supportive systems

·Build a healthy society

Read about each of the themes in the Talk about health Phase I report here. Please take some time to read over each of the themes while you think about these questions:

1. Can we afford to stand back and see what happens if we do nothing and let the conversation end here?

2. How can we better support our own health, our community and our province?

3. How can we move forward from here to create a better culture of health in Nova Scotia?

For a quick snapshot of Phase 1, take a look at the infographic.

What’s next?

Phase II of Talk about health is still in the planning stages. We will be posting regular updates here as we continue to consult and plan with our partners.

In the meantime, please let us know what you think of anything you read in the Talk about health report or elsewhere by participating on the site or by email. For other opportunities to engage with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, please visit us online.


Discussions: All (6) Open (0)
  • Let's Talk

    by Kelly, over 8 years ago
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    We are spending more and more money on health care, but we aren't getting any healthier. 

    Six out of ten Nova Scotians say their health is very good or excellent. Seven out of ten of us report very good or excellent mental health.

    The data tells a different story when we compare disease, injury, lifestyle issues and life expectancy numbers between Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada. Though we are not the unhealthiest province in Canada, our situation is not good -- and it's getting worse over time.

    What do you think about this? How did we get here?


  • We all have a role to play

    over 8 years ago
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    Most Nova Scotians know that health starts long before illness creates the need for medical care.

    In order to think about the future of health, we need to think beyond fixing illness through hospitals and health services. Thinking about health as something that starts with our families, in our schools and workplaces, in our playgrounds and parks, and in the air we breathe and the water we drink, provides us with opportunities to improve it. Consider the question below with this way of thinking about health in mind.

    What are the responsibilities of citizens, community organizations, government and the health system to achieve a healthier future for Nova Scotia?



  • What else do you need to join the conversation?

    about 8 years ago
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    We believe in supporting Nova Scotians to have well-informed conversations about health - this includes the health of individuals, organizations, and communities. Some information has been provided for you to learn about the factors that affect the health of Nova Scotians.  

    What other information do you need to be able to join and participate in this conversation?

  • The influences on your health

    by Peter, about 8 years ago
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    We believe people want to be healthier. We know that many things influence our health – jobs, education, where we live and more. What do you think has the biggest impact on your health?


  • The role of citizens and community organizations

    by Peter, about 8 years ago
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    The health system alone can’t fix our health problems. What is the role of citizens and community organizations to create a healthier future for Nova Scotia?


  • The role of businesses, government and the health system

    by Peter, about 8 years ago
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    Nova Scotia is spending more and more money on health care, but we aren’t getting any healthier. What is the role of businesses, government and the health system to create a healthier Nova Scotia?