N.S. campaign encourages people to get moving for mental health

Olympian Karen Furneaux knows first hand how powerful movement can be for mental wellbeing.

A campaign aimed at getting Nova Scotians moving through the dark days of winter is back for a second year.

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has launched its month-long campaign "Get Your Body Movin’ for Mental Health“, which encourages people to take part in daily physical activity throughout the month of February while raising money for mental-health programs.

“It’s perfectly times, because it’s an opportunity for folks to move their bodies during a time of year when otherwise we might feel like hibernating,” said Sam Madore, the foundation’s communications manager. “It can be as basic as you want it to be, while also raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation.”

Last year, 111 registered participants raised more than $80,000 for the foundation, along with 185 individual donations. Organizers hope to reach $100,000 this year.

Olympic paddler Karen Furneaux is serving as an ambassador for the campaign. Furneaux said movement was essential to her recovery after she was hospitalized and later diagnosed with late-onset bipolar disorder.

“The only thing I could do day to day was walk,” she said. “It got me outside, got me out of my thoughts and I’m kind of on a comeback now.”

People can register for the “Body Movin’” campaign as individuals or teams and are encouraged to move in whatever way works for them.

The foundation said funds raised from the campaign will help support programs offered in hospitals and community mental-health services across the province.

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