2010 Nova Scotia HeartLand Tour by Bicycle

What is the HeartLand Tour?

The HeartLand Tour is a public awareness initiative aimed at educating Nova Scotians about Cardiovascular Disease, the toll it takes on those afflicted, their families, and society - and how easy it is to prevent.

It began in 2007 when a group of 20+ cyclists (mostly health professionals) rode 1000 km from Yarmouth to Sydney in 8 days; delivering their message along the way: "Heart Disease is devastating and costly - but most can be easily prevented. How? Eat a healthy diet, be active, and reuduce risk factors like smoking and stress. The answer is Change:

Change Lifestyles for better health
Change HealthCare for more emphasis on prevention
Change Education to help kids make healthy choices
Change Public Policy to fund programs that promote and facilitate a Heart-Healthy way of life

HeartLand Torch Bearers

Heartland Tour founder, Dr. Nick Giacomantonio and Core-Team member Dr. Gordon Young were among 20 physicians chosen by the CMA (Canadian Medical Associan) to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch relay. Nick and Gordon were selected from over 600 CMA nominees for their efforts in promoting a healthier population, including their roles in the HeartLand tour.

Promo-Video Available

If you want to know more about the HeartLand Tour concept, watch our 2010 promo-video. It's less than 10 minutes long and available in HD.
Click here and watch the video on-line.

HLT2010 Dates:
(click to visit community mini-sites)

July 10 - Halifax

July 11 - Pictou/New Glasgow

July 12 - Bridgewater

July 13 - Truro

July 14 - Sydney

July 15 - Antigonish

July 16 - The Valley

July 17 - Yarmouth

Year 'Round HLT...

Yarmouth 2010 Heartland Tour Spinning Class
HeartLand Tour cyclists in Yarmouth beat the winter chill in a February spinning class at the Beacon Church. Way to go!

Know Your Risk Factors

Very often, Heart Disease can been predicted and steps can be taken to prevent catastrophe. Knowing your Risk Factors is the first step in predicting and preventing a "cardiac event" from ever occurring. For information on how you can lower your risk of developing heart disease, click here.

Other HLT2010 News...

Dr. Gordon Young in Dr's Nova Scotia Magazine

"Physical activity enthusiast Dr. Gordon Young was chosen to carry the 2010 Olympic torch in recognition of the healthy lifestyle example he sets and for providing opportunities for others to do the same"... more...

HLT09 Photos:

We have collected a number of photos from the 2009 Nova Scotia HeartLand Tour. Click on the communities below...

• Yarmouth • Bridgewater and Wolfville • Truro • Sydney • Antigonish • Pictou • Halifax

Active Transportation Movement Gaining Momentum

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) recommends that all sectors (government, business and the public) work together, as a matter of priority, to create a culture in their communities that supports and encourages active transportation. Read the full report ...