Human Resources

Health awareness campaigns

Monthly Spotlight

Women's Health

silhouette of women arm and arm in front of clouds

This Month, We Celebrate Connection + Care

Strengthening Wellness in Every Season of Life

Women’s Health Month is a reminder that good health is built through small, consistent actions—regular checkups, open conversations, supportive relationships, and moments of self‑reflection. 

Across Canada, women make up nearly half the workforce. Women’s Health Month is a chance to celebrate women’s wellbeing and emphasize the value of proactive care long before menopause. Early and mid‑adult years are key for building habits, connections, and confidence that support lifelong health—during working years and beyond.

Let’s celebrate women by encouraging:

  • Care for the body through preventive health
  • Care for the mind through rest, reflection, and support
  • Care for each other through connection and community

When women are supported—by workplaces, families, friends, and networks—they thrive. And when women thrive, communities thrive.


Investing in Health Before Menopause

Proactive care isn’t just preventive—it’s empowering. If you are looking for support in navigating your symptoms, reach out to Teladoc Health's - Menopause Care Program.

The years leading up to menopause—often called the premenopausal or reproductive years—are foundational to long-term wellbeing. Learn more from Menopause and U.

During this time, focusing on key health areas can make a meaningful difference later in life:

Reproductive
&
hormonal health:

Tracking menstrual changes, understanding fertility options, and addressing concerns like endometriosis, PCOS, or painful periods early can improve long‑term outcomes. 
Heart Health: Heart disease remains a leading health concern for women. Building heart‑healthy habits—nutrition, movement, stress reduction—before midlife offers lasting protection.
Bone Health: Maintaining strong bones begins well before menopause. Weight‑bearing activity, calcium and vitamin D intake, and regular checkups matter.
Mental Health:  Anxiety, depression, and burnout impact many women. Recognizing and supporting emotional wellbeing early helps prevent long‑term strain.

 


Social Wellness: The Invisible Anchor of Women’s Health

Women often carry multiple roles at once: caregiver, employee, partner, parent, friend. Meaningful social connection helps lighten the load and enriches overall wellbeing. Social wellness—the strength of our relationships and sense of community—is a powerful predictor of overall health. Supportive connections can:

Boost emotional resilience

Learn ways to shape your resilience

 Improve motivation for healthy habits

Consider joining UFV's Strive to Thrive

Provide a sense of belonging during life transitions

Upcoming workshop:
The Emotional Effects on Retirement

Reduce stress and burnout

Zen out at lunch at Hatha Yoga

Message about Stronger Everyday

Stronger Every Day

HR's Health & Wellness team launched a new blog series this year called Stronger Every Day. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing resources, stories, photos, recipes, and other content focused on health and wellness. We’d love this to be a collaborative space, so we warmly invite your participation.

Please share your ideas, questions, comments, and personal stories—we can’t wait to hear from you.

Submit content to: nancy.scarrow@ufv.ca

Upcoming UFV Community Events

Film premiere, Emergence: Women in the Storm

A documentary celebrating women’s roles in mitigating climate change, Q&A with filmmakers and special guests. This event is free and open to all members of the UFV community, along with their friends/family. Find more information here

Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM -12:50 PM
Location: Abbotsford, B101

Stronger Every Day – Vision Board Workshop

A creative one‑hour session for your social wellness, to reflect, set goals, and design a vision board for yourself. Snacks and all materials provided—come get inspired and connect with colleagues!

Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Abbotsford - C1429

RSVP »

Featured workshops and e-learning

Office Ergonomics

A practical, interactive training session designed to teach employees how to optimize their workstations to reduce discomfort, prevent musculoskeletal injuries (like carpal tunnel or back pain), and boost productivity

Date: Wed April 8th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Location: Online, Teams
Facilitator: Jason Dallavalle, Manager, Environmental Health & Safety

RSVP »

HR Workshop: Managing Your Money

Creating a plan to manage money is a sound way to achieve goals like owning a home, travelling, getting an education, or retiring. The quote “Failing to plan is planning to fail” does apply to personal finances. This webinar will help participants plan for the future by providing tips on how to create a budget, decrease debt, and increase savings.

Date: Tue April 87th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Homewood Health

RSVP »

Resources and education materials

Homewood Health logo

Offering free, confidential counselling (24/7) through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Homewood Health - EFAP Newsletters


Life Lines:

March 2026 - Neurodiversity in Focus The Energy Drain of Masking

Play Video | Audio File

Vitality (Manager and Supervisor - supporting employees): 

Q1 2026 | Quiet Quitting or Quiet Cracking

Play Video | Audio File


Archived articles: Employee health promotion newsletter

 

Health & well-being awareness campaigns

January Mental Health July Respect in the workplace & harassment prevention
February Healthy Heart August Trauma informed care
March Women's Health September Work-life balance
April Financial Wellness October Breast cancer awareness
May Cancer Prevention November Men's health
June EDI Awareness December Self-care

 

Please contact health.disability.wellness@ufv.ca if you have any ideas to share or questions.

Need Help Now?

If you are dealing or know someone who is dealing with a health crisis:

Require immediate support? please consider accessing our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) through Homewood Health. They offer confidential resources and support for mental health, wellness, and other personal needs. You can reach them at:

Additional emergency & after-hours support

  • 988 (Text or call) Suicide Crisis Help Line 24/7
  • 1-877-820-7444 - Fraser Health Crisis Line
  • Here2Talk (text or call) 1-877-857-3397

How to get started: If you would like info about other community resources, please call 211 or visit BC 2-1-1

Upcoming HR events

Contact Us