Truro Buzz

Events in Truro and Colchester County, NS

Health & Wellness

How To Stay Fit and Healthy During Covid -19

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Blog by : Stephanie Hayward of mylifeboost.com

For more great articles that showcase how we live, work, and play in Colchester County, visit Truro Buzz!

Photo via Rawpixel

How to Continue to Stay Healthy and Active During COVID-19

If you’re an active individual, you may be having a difficult time adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19. Restrictions are in place at our gyms, yoga classes, and community rec centers. Despite these changes, it’s incredibly important to eat well and stay active during a time like this. Taking care of your body will help you stave off illness and boost your mental health, so you can make it through this difficult time. Check out the following resources home workout ideas and other wellness tips!

Find a Full-Body Workout Plan

Crafting your own full-body workout program will help you make the most of your at-home workout sessions. Just make sure you have the right equipment!

Full Body vs. Split Training: What the Science Says

How to Build Your Home Gym on a Shoestring

Five Tips for Working Out at Home

Design a Home Yoga Studio

Practicing yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and range of motion to prevent injury during your workouts. Yoga also has several mental health benefits! 

How Doing Yoga and Stretching Benefit Your Overall Wellbeing and Mental Health

Create Your Own Home Yoga Studio & Practice

13 Best Yoga Stretches to Do Every Day to Ease Stiffness and Pain

Bring More Mindfulness Onto the Mat

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a variety of healthy foods will support your immune system and help you stay energized during those long days stuck inside.

Work With a Wellness Professional for a Customized Nutrition Plan

What to Eat Before and After Your Workout

Best Online Grocery Delivery Services

30 Best Foods That Give You All-Day Energy

8 Easy Tips to Make Your Weekly Meal Prep a Breeze

Get Enough Sleep

Good quality sleep is important for muscle repair and growth following a strenuous workout.

This Is What Getting 8 Hours Sleep Does for Muscle Growth

Stress About COVID-19 Keeping You Awake? 6 Tips for Better Sleep

How to Make a Bedroom Environment Sleep-Friendly

The coronavirus outbreak has caused some serious disruptions to our lives. While you may not be able to attend your favorite fitness classes or hit the gym, you can still stay active and healthy in the comfort of your own home. Design a home workout plan, set up a yoga studio in your guest room, get in the habit of prepping healthy meals, and find ways to improve your sleep. With a little hard work, you’ll come out of quarantine healthier than ever!

Tell Me What’s a-Happening

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Sam Madore

The goals of the Third Place Transition House are simple, not easy. They aim to break down the stigma of abuse within families, continue to partner with local organizations to best support survivors, and improve the overall wellbeing of families by breaking the cycle of violence. During Family Violence Prevention Week and beyond, it is essential to shine a light on the violence that takes place within families, and to let those experiencing violence at home know that, not only are they not alone, there are safe places and people closeby they can lean on.

“Violence against women is a pervasive and complex social problem,” says Emily Stewart, executive director of Third Place Transition House. “We understand that choosing to leave an abusive situation is never easy, but we are here to support through it. Our services are non-judgemental and… we work to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin.”

Serving the Truro, Colchester and East Hants regions in Nova Scotia for nearly forty years, Third Place provides shelter and support services all year, around the clock. Services are free and available to any woman over sixteen who is fleeing abuse of any kind – family, domestic, or intimate partner violence, or abuse from a roommate or landlord. Children often accompany their mothers and have access to a large outdoor playground and an indoor playroom full of toys. 

Confidentiality and safety are key. If you are someone looking for shelter, a stay typically lasts six weeks and includes food, toiletries, and other basic necessities. If you are looking for someone to talk to, to answer questions, or to access resources without looking for shelter, there is not even a need to leave your name. Here are some of the many different ways the Third Place Transition House provides safe, essential community support:

  • A 24-hour crisis support line (902-893-3232) that you can call at any time to talk to someone about your situation or to make a plan to change. 
  • If you are looking for shelter, a staff member will do a phone assessment with you and create a safety plan for leaving. 
  • If you are not looking for shelter, Third Place also provides public education through outreach or family support services. 
  • Staff are available to meet one on one to provide counselling, court accompaniment, assistance with paperwork, applying for emergency protection orders, providing referrals to income assistance, subsidized housing, legal aid and parenting supports, and other essential services.
  • As a service provider working to protect the wellbeing of children, staff at Third Place have a duty to report any abuse. If you have stayed at the shelter and then choose to return to an abusive situation, staff will encourage you to contact child welfare, or will do so on your behalf. 

“We believe that families thrive and grow within a healthy environment,” says Stewart. “And healthy relationships build healthy families, which create healthy communities. We look forward to being part of more advancements in keeping women and children safe in their homes for years to come.”

To find out more information about the Third Place Transition House, its services and staff, visit www.thirdplaceth.ca.

Tell Me What’s a-Happenin’

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Get Active + Boost Your Mental Health (Long John’s Optional;)

Sam Madore

I think everyone will agree that events are currently not what they used to be. And, until we can get back to some sort of normalcy, that trend is likely going to continue. When it came to deciding on this year’s Truro’s Winter Long John Festival, the Town of Truro staff were determined to keep this long standing event alive through the pandemic in new and creative ways.

“It is important that we move forward with this event because we still want people to get out, be active and enjoy their community to boost their mental health,” says Megan Burgess, special events and culture coordinator for the Town of Truro. “Even though we can’t have our traditional events, we feel that individuals will still benefit from getting outside and enjoying all that winter has to offer.”

Megan Burgess, Truro Parks & Rec

This year, people are being encouraged to create their own individual activities that mirror the traditional group activities that have become a staple of the Long John Festival since it began in 2007. This year, people are being encouraged to track their own participation in activities like snowshoeing, sledding, skating, hiking, building a snowman, and more through a winter passport. Prizes are up for grabs as an added incentive to participate and, even wearing your long johns to work can get you one step closer to potentially winning a prize.

Photo by Saffron Morriz Photography

One addition to this year’s festival is the creation of a story trail, which combines literacy and physical activity by displaying the pages of a book in sequence along a community walking trail. The idea of incorporating a story trail into this year’s Long John Festival came up as a collaboration between Town staff and two Truro and Area Community Health Board members, Mandy Moore and Joel Taylor. Following this initial partnership conversation, the decision was made to showcase the book Hank’s Ball, a children’s book about grief, written by local authors Sam Madore (yours truly;) and Joey Schurman, and illustrated by local artist Amanda Bent. 

“Given the hardships that many of our residents have faced this past year, we thought it was important to focus on mental health,” says Burgess. “The story trail allows us to do this in a non-traditional way by using a relatable story to encourage healthy outdoor activity. We chose this particular book as it normalizes grief and its effect on mental health and it explains emotions in a way that is easily understood.”

Now more than ever, we need to keep our mental health a top priority in our day to day lives. Having these friendly reminders sprinkled throughout the Town – nudging us to get outside, get active, be safe, and take care of ourselves – is getting us one step closer to making it through these tough days of winter. 

Hank’s Ball will be displayed on the trail along Kiwanis Pond in Truro starting on Friday, February 12. You can find the most up-to-date information on this year’s modified Truro Winter Long John Festival, including details on the winter passport and prizes, on the Truro Parks Recreation Culture Facebook page.

Photo by Steve Currie

Physical Wellness at home!

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Jess Browne, Physiotherapist offers up some helpful hints for our ‘new’ daily routines!

Many of us have found ourselves working from home or not working at all, and this can seriously impact our bodies. Or maybe its just the lack of our massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists that has us feeling less than our best. Here are some resources to help you out!

6 Tips for setting up your work station – Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

How to stay physically active during self-quarantine

Here are some YouTube Channels you can check out to help get you moving:
Yoga with Adriane
The Fitness Marshall
Jessica Smith TV

If you’re keen on Pinterest boards, try using these keywords:
At home Cardio
Body weight exercises
HIIT Circut
Walking program
Running Program

Studio Fit Family Fun Workout!

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Jennifer McNutt, owner/operator of Studio Fit in Truro has come up with this super fun family workout to get you moving and keep you entertained! Just remember to stay within your neighbourhood!

1. High Knees Up & Down The Driveway (1X) 

2. Bear Crawl Up Any Hill (run back down) you pick the size of hill 😉 

3. 25x Jumping Jacks Buy a silver, Blk or red vehicle 

4. Hold Plank 30secs from knees or toes on the sidewalk out front of your home or apartment 

5. Find a fire hydrant and do fire hydrants 10x per leg next to it (dog peeing on a fire hydrant is your help) now smile and laugh we all need it 🙂 

6. Burpees 10x by an animal 

7. Must walk or run up 50 stairs (you can keep running up and down your house stairs until you reach 50x 

8. 25x squats while you sing a song 

9. 25x standing pushups off a tree 

10. 20x crunches on your front lawn 

11. 15x squat jumps next to a family member that is at least 2m away. 

12. Lastly do any yoga pose and hold it for 30secs. 

Make sure and take pictures and tag us so we can see you have done it and to spread some smiles 🙂 @studiofit

Happy FUN!!!

Adult Rec. Video Series

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There are so many recreation programs offered in the Truro and surrounding areas.

Here are the ones that we came across and some, we even tried!

Langille’s Tae Kwon Do– looking to learn traditional martial arts, self-defense or just want to get a great work out in, Tae Kwon Do could be for you. With monthly or per term membership options, you can contact the school at 902-956-1559 or by emailing wayne@langillestaekwondo.com

Scotia Pool – This is perfect for someone who loves the water but doesn’t like cold water. The Scotia Pool is registered with the Arthritis Society and has many different class options such as AquaFit, Aqua Yoga, Lane Swimming, Aqua Zumba, Aqua Therapy, Red Cross Swimming Lessons and more. Their membership options are; monthly, punch pass and drop-in (cash or cheque).

Contact them at (902) 893-6364, online at biblehill.ca and on the media platforms.

RECC – The Rath Eastlink Community Centre has something for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking to swim, skate, climb the 35 ft rock wall, use gym equipment, structured fitness classes or use the walking track, the options are endless! Membership options are by day pass, drop-in, monthly and annually as well as special rates for students, seniors, and family memberships. Contact information is (902) 893-2224 or online at www.ratheastlinkcommunitycentre.ca

Joyful Yoga Studio – With over 15 classes to choose from, plus private and off-site classes in Bible Hill and Brookfield, you’ll be able to find the class to suit your time and fitness level. Membership options are; punch pass of 5, 10, 15 or 20 class passes. Classes available for all fitness levels. Contact info is (902) 956-2166 or joyfulyoga@hotmail.com and online at joyfulyoga.ca

Bluenose CrossFit – New to CrossFit or Olympic level training, there’s support for you at every fitness level. Offering Teen Fit, Open Gym, Bootcamps and Yoga, this studio has personal training and much more! Membership options are; 10 punch pass, monthly unlimited, annually unlimited and a fundamentals option for NEW TO CROSSFIT people, to properly introduce them into CrossFit. Contact info: (902) 895-7507 or by emailing admin@bluenosefitness.com

Marmac – This studio offers recreational kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and professional coaching as well as amateur and professional sparring. It’s open to all levels, beginner to advanced. Membership options are by drop-in, 10 punch pass, and monthly unlimited. Contact info is (902) 986-5092.

Kickboxing

Jui-Jitsu

Bowlacade – Whether you want to join a league or recreationally bowl, there are options available to anyone. There are 24 lanes to bowl on and you’ll have lots of fun in the process! Membership options are drop-in or by contacting the Bowlacade for league information by calling (902) 893-1522.

Cobequid Dance Academy – offering high-quality dance training for students of all ages, you can enjoy Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap, Barre fitness and more! Cobequid Dance Academy has a drop-in, 10 punch pass, as well as annual membership options and you can contact them by calling (902) 843-3773.

Colchester County – Cobequid Trails that outdoor enthusiasts will love and so many trails and stunning scenery to wow you. See their complete trails map at www.colchester.ca/trails.

Colchester County also offers other programs such as Babes on Blades which is a Learn-To hockey program offered to women with little to no hockey experience as well as other programs. You can also rent sporting equipment from the County Office by contacting them at (902) 897-3185.

Truro Curling Club – Hurry HARRRD to the curling club to knock some rocks on one of their 5 sheets of ice. With many ice times available, you’ll be sure to slide this into your schedule. Membership options are; Full Unlimited, One Night, Men’s Daytime, Ladies Daytime, Stick League for those with mobility issues, Adult Learn to Curl, Social, New Curler and Student. Contact info is (902) 895-1639.

Truro Parks & Recreation – has SO MANY programs and services offered to the public for FREE as well as low cost. You can also rent sporting equipment. The Douglas Street Recreation Centre is one of the best-used facilities the Parks & Recreation has to offer. With programs such as Pickleball as well as Basketball, Badminton, Ball Hockey, Belly Dancing and so much more, you’ll be able to find a program suitable for your skills and ability. Contact information is (902) 893-6078.

Truro Run Tribe – This is a group dedicated to teaching and building running skills. Meeting three times a week, you’ll have accountability as well as group support while pushing yourself to the next level. There is a public Facebook page as well as information on the www.runnovascotia.ca website.

On a side note, one of the best things about this group is that, if you can’t make the run meets, you can reach out to others on the Facebook group and see who’s available to run with you! Such a great community.

We also took the time to create some funny Highlight Videos of our time shooting these videos. Check them out here…

Some other locations to consider are….

  • Cougar Dome – Tennis, Golf, Track, Turf, and Soccer
  • Dal AC – Basketball, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash and Gym membership.
  • Brookfield Curling Club
  • Debert Rink has men’s hockey leagues, learn to skate programs as well as open public skates.
  • NSCC Wellness Centre– Volleyball, Basketball Court, Facility Rentals, Full Gym facility, Fitness Testing,
  • Cycling – information found at www.bicyclenovascotia.ca
  • Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi, Prince Street
  • Truro KungFu Kajukenpo, Pleasant Street
  • Aikido of Colchester, Prince Street
  • Lawn Bowling, Douglas Street Rec Centre
  • Goodlife Fitness, Queen Street Truro
  • New Beginnings Health & Fitness, Bible Hill
  • StudioFit located on Inglis Place.
  • CrossFit Hubtown in Lr. Truro
  • Darts at the Bible Hill Bowlacade
  • The pool at Dooly’s on Juniper Street
  • Yoga East (formally Body Solace Studio) on Prince Street

Branching Out… to Community

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Written by Guest Contributor, Sam Madore

CMHA Colchester East Hants celebrates its new home and the donors who helped make it happen.

There is nothing like seeing a community of people coming together for a good cause. There is a collective feeling of goodness and an overall understanding that what they are supporting is the right thing to do.

When the folks at the Colchester East Hants Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) began fundraising for their new building in downtown Truro, they knew that they couldn’t do it alone. They knew they would need the support of like-minded people in the community to help spread the word. People who got it. People who understood the impact and importance of having space in the center of town, where anyone could walk through the doors and feel comfortable and welcome to work toward improving their mental wellness. People who could help to tell their story. 

And that’s where branching out came from as a tagline for their building campaign. The need to branch out to those folks in the area who could help to spread the word. And then the need to reach further out in the community to find businesses and organizations that could help to financially support the vision of bringing the building to life. Branching out to the community to turn the CMHA vision into a reality.

In most places, there tends to be a lot of asks that come into businesses and organizations. Truro and Colchester over the last couple of years have been no exception. There have been a lot of asks. Lots of worthy fundraisers, capital campaigns, events…

And it is quite remarkable to watch what often happens in these situations… the love simply gets spread around. The people within these businesses do what they can to help out as much as they can with all of the organizations that will help their community thrive. They connect to the stories, they see the value and vision that each initiative will bring to their community. They get it.

When CMHA unveiled their donor wall and showed gratitude to all of their donors from the community – people who helped to support their branching out campaign to date – the room was full of people who got it. They connected to the story of CMHA. They saw the value that this new building will bring to their employees, their families, their neighbors, themselves. They showed their love in a big way.

The donor wall itself is something that belongs in an art exhibit. On theme with the concept of branching out, the wall is a tree of intricate bark and branches, designed in wood by local artist Rob MacCormack. Each leaf on the tree represents a generous organization that has, in some way, connected to CMHA’s story… That everyone has a connection to mental health.

And there is still room to add more leaves. More opportunity to support this cause that connects us all. 

Knowing our community as I do, I know there is more love to give.