Are you interested in outdoor recreation opportunities? Do you have questions about mental health? Do you have a disability and are looking for work? Are you concerned about somebody who has a drug or alcohol problem? Do you have a friend who is living in an abusive situation?

Most of us have very busy lives and as much as we would like to obtain information about health issues and recreation possibilities in our local area, we just do not have the time to figure out where to go and who to ask.

Digby Community Health Board in collaboration with Digby Area Recreation is sponsoring a Health and Recreation Fair at Saint Mary’s Bay Academy on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be interactive displays, informative literature and door prizes.

Best of all, there will be knowledgeable people who can help you find the answers to your questions or concerns.

The long list of participants in the Health and Recreation fair include Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety in collaboration with Ground Search and Rescue, Juniper House-Digby Outreach, the Department of Community Services, Foster Care Services, Digby General Hospital outpatient nutrition, Birthright, Employment Opportunities Partnership, MADD Canada, Tri-County Women’s Centre, Addiction Services, Prevention & Promotion, Outdoor Adventure Recreation Association, Digby-Clare Mental Health Volunteers, the Yarmouth Centre for Sexual Health, Mary Kay, Environmental Microorganisms Atlantic Canada Network, Digby Area Recreation and the Digby Area Community Health Board.

Our health status is largely dependent on how well we take care of ourselves. What we eat, how much we exercise and how aware we are of potential hazards can have a profound effect on the quality of our lives. A few simple changes can make a difference.

How we spend our leisure time is also important to well being. Our electronic age has given us many sedentary options, yet there are multiple active pursuits that could add so much to the quality of our lives. Even a daily walk helps to increase overall fitness and energy levels. There are some safety aspects that should be considered. For example, what kind of footwear is best and are there clothing considerations?

As we live in a costal community and many of us have an interest in recreational boating, you may have questions with respect to issues such as operator competency requirements, age and horsepower restrictions, safety equipment requirements, alcohol and boating, shoreline speed restrictions, marine VHF radio, and marine charts. You may also want to know what regulations apply to what type of craft.

This fair is well worth the effort if any of this applies to you. All are welcome. Admission is free and there is ample parking. Hope to see you there. For information, call Norma Wagner of the Community Health Board at 245-1951 or Cynthia O’Neill of DARC at 245-1949

kristy@ns.sympatico.ca