April 27, 2017
SOUTH ZONE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) invites you to boost your intake of ‘Vitamin N’ (N is for Nature) and get outdoors during Mental Health Awareness Week, May 1-7.
Research shows there are many mental health benefits from outdoor activities such as gardening, playing sports, walking and running, or just sitting and enjoying the scenery.
Positive effects include improved mood and energy; less negativity and worry; lower blood pressure; faster recovery from stressful events; an increase in creativity; improved cognitive development in children; and an overall calming effect.
Packets of sunflower seeds for planting will be available through area Addiction and Mental Health offices, and each packet is imprinted with a mental health promotion message.
Postcards will be distributed at various locations in AHS South Zone, offering ideas for activities to do outdoors.
Many South Zone schools will host student challenges with a focus on outdoor activities and will share positive mental health messages with students.
South Zone events include:
Medicine Hat
Lethbridge
Albertans are encouraged to share, through their Facebook and Twitter pages, how they enjoy the outdoors. Hashtag posts with #AHSMentalHealthWeek and tag us @AHS_SouthZone and we will re-tweet.
You’ll find us online here:
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, contact:
Sherri Gallant
AHS Communications
403-388-6002
sherri.gallant@ahs.ca