Resources and education materials
Offering free, confidential counselling (24/7) through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Human Resources
Human Resources
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:
When women are supported—by workplaces, families, friends, and networks—they thrive. And when women thrive, communities thrive.
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 |
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. |
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: |
Reduce stress and burnout Zen out at lunch at Hatha Yoga |
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
| International Women’s Day 2026 Redefining Leadership: Lessons from the film Prime Minister |
Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the University of the Fraser for a thought-provoking panel discussion. Date: Friday, March 6 |
|
Whether you're exploring a new hobby or rekindling an old passion, this class is your gateway to the world of woodworking. Date: Saturday, March 7 & 14, 2026 ( 2 sessions) |
|
|
Badminton Tournament - UFV Recreation |
Join in for a fun, friendly, and fast-paced badminton tournament featuring both Singles and Doubles play. Date: Thursday, March 11, 2026 Match Schedule: Fees: |
| HR Strive to Thrive – Vision Boarding Date/Time - TBD |
A creative one‑hour session for your social wellness, to reflect, set goals, and design a vision board for yourself. All materials provided—come get inspired and connect with colleagues! |
Featured workshops and e-learning
|
Menopause 101: Providing Education & Reducing the Stigma Around Menopause |
Learn about the differences between perimenopause, menopause & post-menopause. Date: Thursday, March 5 |
|
IWD – Wild(erness) Women |
In celebration of International Women's Day, we're exploring women and wilderness with guests from BC AdventureSmart, local Search and Rescue, and Women in the Wild. Date: Monday, March 9 |
|
The Emotional Effects of Retirement |
This session will introduce participants to the emotional effects of retirement. Participants will get an opportunity to reflect on what their ideal retirement looks like and what they can do to make it happen. Date: Wednesday, March 11 |
|
Simple Meals and Shared Connections: A Community Cooking Class |
Learn how to cook a simple meal with community in this cooking class that fosters inclusion, well-being, and belonging. Date: Monday, March 16 Registration required |
Offering free, confidential counselling (24/7) through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
March 2026 - Neurodiversity in Focus The Energy Drain of Masking
Q1 2026 | Quiet Quitting or Quiet Cracking
Archived articles: Employee health promotion newsletter
| 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
How to get started: If you would like info about other community resources, please call 211 or visit BC 2-1-1