From mental health tips to nutritious recipes and active living options to advice for immigrants, the more than 50 exhibitor's at the Healthier You Expo left visitors with a healthy dose of information on better ways to live.
And visit they did.
By midday Sunday, more than 2,000 people had passed through Prince George Civic Centre's doors and organizers estimated by the end of day the number would reach the 3,000 mark, well up from last year's tally of 2,000.
The day also coincided with the first public influenza clinic offered by Northern Interior Health Unit, with a line out the door well before the 10 a.m. clinic opened.
That's what brought retiree Faye Grantham out, one of the many seniors that made up the majority of patients.
Grantham said she was impressed with the wealth of information, adding the more people know about lifestyle options, the better.
"It takes the weight of the health system eventually once we have everyone educated. It makes you more aware when you see what's out there that can help," said the 67-year-old, who took in presenters and toured the blue-skirted booths while waiting for her flu shot time slot.
"I think this is really valuable and they've touched every age group," Grantham said.
The family focus was new for the annual event, said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, adding healthy living can start at any age.
"The real thinking behind the forum is prevention," said Bond, who helped launch the expo eight years ago. "It's about helping people make those small decisions that can change their health care outcomes. Things like a bit more exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, making that decision to lead a healthier lifestyle.
"We wanted to provide a one-stop shop where people could come and learn," Bond said.
She's watched the expo grow in that time, and bring in partners like the Prince George Citizen and the the Immigrant & Multicultural Services Society of Prince George.
"When you are an immigrant to our community navigating our health care system can be very challenging. It's hard enough if you're born and raised here," Bond said.
Baljit Sethi, the society's executive director, said it's so important for immigrants and refugees to know their options.
"Sometimes they are not aware of all the other support services that are available in the health field. They just go to the doctor," Sethi said. "Health issues is everybody's issue."
Presenters took to the stage throughout the day, featuring a lineup that included Canadian Janet Podleski of the popular Looneyspoons books and host of Food Network Canada's Eat, Shrink and Be Merry, local chef Ryan Cyre of White Goose Bistro and live demonstrations like belly dancing to spice up the afternoon.
That variety and a focus on creating a "positive community footprint" makes the event an ever-growing draw for the community, said Norm Coyne, who heads the events division at the Prince George Citizen.
"I think it's because we're offering so much. It's reached a point where it's a firm community event for families," he said.
