Each year, a growing number of Canadians are diagnosed with heart disease and diabetes. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 2.4 million Canadians over 20 years of age have been diagnosed with heart disease, and an estimated 3.7 million Canadians are expected to be living with diabetes by 2018/2019.

Evidence shows that lifestyle changes in diet, physical activity and wellness can significantly lower the risk for chronic disease.

Healthy Living Program

The Vancouver Coastal Health’s Healthy Living Program offers First Steps to Prevention, a free program for individuals who want to learn how to make healthy lifestyle changes. It is available for adults who have or are at risk for developing chronic conditions such as, high blood pressure, heart disease and pre-diabetes.

This interactive group program consists of three free 2-hour sessions for adults aged 35-64 years, who are living with health disparities. The program is led by a registered nurse and registered dietitian and is based on the principles of self-management, working to help clients build skills, motivation and confidence to make effective lifestyle change. First Steps to Prevention is also available in Cantonese.

If you know someone or have a client who would benefit from the First Steps to Prevention program, please contact the healthylivingprogram@vch.ca or call 604-267-4430. Both self-referral and physician/healthcare professional referral options are available.

More information

Interested in other Healthy Living Program offerings? For a detailed description of our entire list of programs for patients, the public and even VCH staff, including how to refer, visit our website.