Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes, or would you like a free health check? Small Steps for Big Changes (SSBC), in partnership with Prince George Family Y, is hosting a free Health Assessment Day in your community, and you’re invited!
WHEN: November, 14, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Prince George Family Y (2020 Massey Drive, Prince George, BC)
COST: Free!
Join us for a fun, engaging, and supportive drop-in event designed to help you learn more about your personal risk for type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it. Trained coaches will be on site to offer free risk assessments, answer questions, and introduce you to a proven program that has already helped hundreds of Canadians take control of their health at no cost to you.
“This is not your typical health fair,” says Katie Paolucci Townsley, Health Promotion Supervisor and local coordinator for the SSBC program.“We’re offering real tools, real conversations, and a supportive path forward, right here in Prince George.”
Highlights include:
- On-the-spot diabetes risk assessments
- Free resources and health education
- Meet SSBC coaches and hear from program participants
- Info on how to enroll in the SSBC program at no cost
- Snacks, giveaways, and a welcoming atmosphere!
SSBC is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention program developed by the University of British Columbia. Participants receive one-on-one coaching, exercise support, and nutrition guidance, at no cost from their local YMCA or participating centre.
“This program changes lives,” says Katie. “The Health Assessment Day is your chance to learn more, take action, and feel supported.”
No registration needed, just drop by! For more info or to see if the program is right for you, visit: www.smallstepsforbigchanges.com.
Two-and-a-half million Canadians live with prediabetes, but a new program offered at the Prince George Family Y – Small Steps for Big Changes (SSBC) – can help reverse the condition by promoting lasting exercise and dietary change.
The SSBC program is a four-week type 2 diabetes prevention program, developed by the Diabetes Prevention Research Group at the University of British Columbia. With the support of a $3 million grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and an additional $2.5 million from the Public Health Agency of Canada the program is being delivered free of cost in select YMCAs across the country. Dr. Mary Jung, with the Faculty of Human and Social Development at the University of British Columbia, is the program’s Principal Investigator.
“Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes,” explains Dr. Jung. “Without intervention however, individuals with prediabetes are at increased risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. The program provides personalized support to help participants incorporate sustainable healthy diet and exercise habits into their daily routines and reduce their risk.”
Participants in the program will receive:
- One-on-one Coaching: six sessions with trained coaches over four weeks, focusing on personalized exercise and dietary guidance.
- Access to YMCA Facilities: 1-month complimentary access to the Prince George Family Y.
- Ongoing Support: resources and tools to maintain healthy diet and exercise choices beyond the program’s duration.
The program is open to adults aged 18 and over who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Healthcare practitioners are encouraged to refer patients who may benefit from this initiative. \
To assess your risk for type 2 diabetes and see if you’re eligible to take the program visit https://www.smallstepsforbigchanges.com or contact Katie Paolucci Townsley at the Prince George Family Y, phone: 250-552-5368 email: katie.paolucci@bc.ymca.ca.