Over the past few decades, Prince George has become a hub for Northern medical treatment, education, studies, innovation, awareness campaigns and fundraising events. And as the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North nears completion, the city's high profile in the field of medicine will only increase.
The Citizen has been there every step of the way, supporting local health initiatives - most recently through the annual A Healthier You Expo - while delivering important wellness news in articles.
The 2011 Healthier You Expo takes place this year on Oct. 23 at the Civic Centre. The event, in partnership with Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society executive director Baljit Sethi will feature special guest speaker Dr. Art Hister.
Also useful for locals seeking wellness information are publications such as the Medical Directory, which readers will find in today's issue of the newspaper.
Created by former Citizen employee Kevin Dergez, the booklet is a comprehensive listing of health care resources and services in Prince George.
"It's a quick reference for people versus having to go through the Yellow Pages or info pages," said The Citizen's director of advertising Lu Verticchio.
And starting in November, The Citizen will expand that support and pipeline for news to the entire Northern Health region.
The Citizen and Northern Health have teamed up to deliver the new magazine, A Healthier You, in conjunction with The Citizen's popular annual expo of the same name.
"We're always looking for ways to help people improve their health," said Citizen Managing Editor Sylvie Paillard. "We look forward to providing this appealing, interesting and educational magazine for everyone in the North."
Watch newsstands in late November for the launch of the quarterly magazine, which will offer interesting features, columns from your own healthcare providers, wellness tips, and news from Northern Health's vast management area.
The magazine will consist of regional news about new equipment, personnel, initiatives and facilities as well as wellness information designed to reach young and old.
"There's really a need to focus on health," said Verticchio.
He added that the paper takes its obligation to provide health-related information to the community very seriously.
"Because a healthier community benefits us all."
This new publication ties into Northern Health's focus on population health, said the organization's director of communications Steve Raper.
With an expensive field like health care, Northern Health does not have the advertising budget required to reach the population to inform them of the various methods and tools they have at their disposal to live healthier lives. This requires them to be creative, Raper said.
"The paper reaches a broad segment of our community," he said.
By partnering with The Citizen and putting out the forthcoming magazine, Northern Health has the opportunity to create something with a long shelf life.
"This is something that's going to be there. It's a good read and will be available in places like on our connection buses and at doctors' offices," said Raper. "We're excited. It's another tool in the toolbox to connect with our community members."
