UBC’s Health, Wellbeing and Benefits team has a great line up of free activities and events coming your way this winter. Sign up today for topics including Healthy UBC Career Navigation, Online Mindfulness Challenge Orientation, and plenty more!
30 Day Online Mindfulness Challenge – Orientation & Registration
Dates & Locations:
Dec. 8, 2015 | 11:30am – 12:30pm (Point Grey)
Jan. 12, 2016 | 1:15pm – 2:15pm (VGH/DHCC)
Jan. 13, 2016 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm (Point Grey)
This free orientation session is an opportunity to learn more about the art and science of mindfulness and the 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge, as well as an opportunity to register for the programs beginning in February 2016. There will be time for questions and answers at the orientation session.
For more information and to register for the orientation sessions, click here.
Stay Tuned for January 2016 Offerings!
Intro to CUPE 2950 Health Spending Account & Other Benefit Changes – Jan. 12, 2016 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
This session will be an opportunity for CUPE 2950 members to learn about their new benefit changes and to ask questions about the changes and other available benefits. For more information and to register, click here.
Financial Success Workshop: Saving Strategies – Jan. 21, 2016 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
This workshop will provide you with an analysis of wealth accumulation and savings mechanisms, as well as a review of best practices. For all levels of wealth management, there is information relevant to all situations no matter your knowledge base or income bracket. For more information and to register, click here.
Visit the Health Workshop Catalog for all upcoming workshops.
Sneak Peek of our 2016 Offerings…
UBC’s Health, Wellbeing and Benefits team has a great line up of free activities and events coming your way this fall. Sign up today for topics including Ergo Your Office, Digestive Health, Career Navigation, Thrive Workshops, and plenty more!
Bacteria & Bowels-Digestive Health Series, Part 2: Oct. 29, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Part 2 of Healthy UBC’s Fall Digestive Health Series with Dr. Thara Vayali. In this session, attendees will learn the real deal behind bacterial balance, what probiotics can do (and can’t do) and whether probiotics are appropriate for you. Leave with four easy food ideas that promote bacterial health to incorporate into your diet over the next four weeks. Click here for more information.
Course is currently full. Email Melissa.lafrance@ubc.ca to be added to the waitlist.
Thrive 2015: Seasonal Stress – Nov. 2, 2015 @ 1:15-2:15pm (Location: Robson Square)
This workshop is being offered as part of Thrive at Robson Square. This workshop will explore ways to stay energized and mentally healthy during stressful times. Participants will learn about seasonal changes on physiology and the human response and how to practice gentle stress-relieving mental and physical exercises to improve their energy and outlook. Click here for more information and to register.
Thrive 2015: Lighten Up Your Day – Nov. 3, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
This workshop is being offered as part of Thrive. This lunch and learn will highlight the benefits of adding humour into your life and discuss appropriate ways of incorporating it into the workplace. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: understand their sense of humour, recognize the physical and psychological benefits of humour, and develop techniques to professionally communicate using humour. Click here for more information and to register.
Thrive 2015: Healthy UBC Career Navigation Series: Part 2 & 3– Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Diamond Health Care Centre)
Join UBC’s Career Navigation & Transition Consultant Pooja Khandelwal in the second and third sessions of this three-part series to help UBC employees navigate possible career opportunities and create a personalized career development plan. Register for Session 2 and Register for Session 3.
Are you Heart Healthy? Say Yes with CAMMPUS and Sign Up for A Free Assessment or Attend an Information Session
Information Sessions: Nov. 12, 2015 @ 12:15-1pm (Location: DHCC/VGH) & Dec. 1, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
UBC Health, Wellbeing and Benefits in the Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, invite UBC faculty and staff extended health plan members to participate in a unique project called CAMMPUS (Cardiovascular Assessment and Medication Management by Pharmacists at the UBC Site). CAMMPUS features confidential, expertly guided services provided by the UBC Pharmacists Clinic to help you find out your current level of heart health and take steps to keep this risk as low as possible.
To learn more about CAMMPUS, please join us for this short presentation and discussion. Click here for more information and to register to the information sessions.
Feelings & Fibre-Digestive Health Series, Part 3: Nov. 19, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Part 3 of Healthy UBC’s Fall Digestive Health Series with Dr. Thara Vayali. Learn the reasons behind how mood, food and digestion can affect each other, and how different types of fibre can assist with full-body health, with four simple diet and lifestyle ideas to achieve a blissful belly. Click here for more information. Course is currently full. Email Melissa.lafrance@ubc.ca to be added to the waitlist.
Mental Health First Aid Training – Nov. 25-26 2015 @ 9am – 4:30pm (Location: Point Grey)
The goal of Mental Health First Aid training is to improve mental health literacy. This workshop, in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association, provides participants with the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Gain the skills to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health problems, provide initial support and be prepared to guide a person towards appropriate assistance.
Please note: This training is 12 hours in length to be completed in two sessions over a two-day period. If you are not able to attend both sessions, you will not be eligible for the course completion certificate.
Click here for more information and to register.
Ergo Your Office: Nov. 25, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Optimize your computer work environment to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury. This one-hour tutorial combines a presentation and a practical session, giving you hands-on experience adjusting typical office equipment.
By the end of the tutorial you will know how to set up your chair, keyboard/mouse and monitor to promote neutral working postures. Click here for more information and to register.
Stay tuned for 2016 offerings…
UBC’s Health, Wellbeing and Benefits team has a great line up of free activities and events coming your way this fall. Sign up today for topics including Learn to Meditate Orientation at the Diamond Health Care Centre, Own Your Own Fitness series, Guided tour of Nitobe Gardens, Are You Heart Healthy, Belly Basics, Career Navigation; and plenty more!
Learn to Meditate: Orientation & Registration – Sept 17, 2015@ 12-1pm (Location: Diamond Health Care Centre)
This orientation session is a free opportunity to learn more about the Learn to Meditate Four-Week program offered to UBC employees, and have an opportunity to register for the sessions beginning in late 2015. Come to hear the benefits, differences and similarities of meditation and mindfulness, and how it can help you build your resiliency and reduces stress. The facilitator will share her story in developing her own meditation practice, and in bringing this meditation facilitation to others. Click here for more information and to register.
Guided Walk in UBC’s Nitobe Gardens-Sept 22, 2015 @12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Make the most of your lunch break and join us for a guided tour of the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden located here at UBC. This event will take place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. The group will meet at the Garden entrance at 12pm and the tour will begin at 12:05pm. Nitobe Garden is considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America. Click here for more information and to register.
Healthy UBC Career Navigation Series: Part 1– Sept 23, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Diamond Health Care Centre)
Join UBC’s Career Navigation & Transition Consultant Pooja Khandelwal in the first session of this three-part series to help UBC employees navigate possible career opportunities and create a personalized career development plan. This lunch-n-learn workshop will talk about the Career Navigation at UBC approach to enhancing your professional success. We will discuss an approach to help you discover your career strengths and enhance your career wellbeing and professional success. Click here for more information and to register.
Belly Basics: Digestive Health Series, Part 1 – Sept. 24, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Part 1 of Healthy UBC’s Fall Digestive Health Series with Dr. Thara Vayali. In this session, attendees will learn to define proper digestion, understand why digestion has so much to do with your whole body health, and learn about the anatomy of the digestive system and how to discern your body’s weakest link. Attendees will also be able to take home four physical movements and lifestyle ideas to practice, that will assist the digestive system’s natural functions. Course is currently full. Click here to be added to the waitlist.
Determining the Best mode of Exercise for You: Own Your Own Fitness Series, Part 1 – Sept. 29, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Considering a cycling, hiking, walking or running program? Getting started on the right exercise program that suits your schedule and needs is important. Learn about various types of exercises that are available to build aerobic health, and discover how some have greater benefits than others. Join qualified fitness and health professionals in two classroom-based workshops and one Fitness Centre orientation and introduction to help you demystify fitness and help you get started on the right exercise program that suits you. Click here for more information and to register.
Maximizing Calories Burned with Interval Training: Own Your Own Fitness, Part 2 – Oct. 6, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Discover safe and effective ways to maximize your shortened workout with Interval Training. Join qualified fitness and health professionals in two classroom-based workshops and one Fitness Centre Orientation and Introduction to help you demystify fitness and help you get started on the right exercise program that suits your schedule and your needs. Click here for more information and to register.
Are You Heart Healthy? Say Yes with CAMMPUS! –Sept. 30, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
UBC Health, Wellbeing and Benefits in the Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, invite UBC faculty and staff from UBC’s Point Grey campus, Robson Square and Hospital locations to participate in a unique project called CAMMPUS (Cardiovascular Assessment and Medication Management by Pharmacists at the UBC Site). CAMMPUS features confidential, expertly guided services provided by the UBC Pharmacists Clinic (located at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver campus) to help you find out your current level of heart health (and cardiovascular disease risk) and take steps to keep this risk as low as possible. Click here for more information.
Fitness Centre Orientation and Introduction: Own Your Own Fitness, Part 3-Oct. 13, 2015 @ 5:15-6:15pm (Location: Body Work Fitness Centre, Point Grey)
Attended Part 1 and 2 of Own your Own Fitness 2015? Convinced of the benefits, but you don’t know where to begin? Then join qualified fitness and health professionals in a BodyWorks Fitness Centre Orientation and introduction and learn the basics of strength training to get you started on a general exercise program anywhere that is convenient for you. Instruction on utilizing proper exercise technique for common exercises will also be covered. Click here for more information and to register.
Back by popular demand: Managing your Money Oct. 22, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Creating a plan to manage your money is a sound way to achieve the goals you want in life, whether it be a house, travel, education or retirement. The quote, “failing to plan is planning to fail,” does apply to the process of managing personal finances. In this session, join Money Coach Melanie Buffel to learn to manage and control finances, reinforce good habits, build new ones and create a manageable budget. There will be additional information on saving to meet your financial needs and investing these savings.
Click here for more information and to register.
Bacteria & Bowels: Digestive Health Series, Part 2 – Oct. 29, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Part 2 of Healthy UBC’s Fall Digestive Health Series with Dr. Thara Vayali. In this session, attendees will learn the real deal behind bacterial balance, what probiotics can do (and can’t do) and whether probiotics are appropriate for you. Leave with four easy food ideas that promote bacterial health to incorporate into your diet over the next four weeks. Click here for more information and to register.
Healthy UBC Career Navigation Series: Part 2 & 3– Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Diamond Health Care Centre)
Join UBC’s Career Navigation & Transition Consultant Pooja Khandelwal in the second and third sessions of this three-part series to help UBC employees navigate possible career opportunities and create a personalized career development plan. Register for Session 2 and Register for Session 3.
Feelings & Fibre: Digestive Health Series, Part 3 – Nov. 19, 2015 @ 12-1pm (Location: Point Grey)
Part 3 of Healthy UBC’s Fall Digestive Health Series with Dr. Thara Vayali. Learn the reasons behind how mood, food and digestion can affect each other, and how different types of fibre can assist with full-body health, with four simple diet & lifestyle ideas to achieve a blissful belly. Click here for more information and to register.
UBC’s Health, Wellbeing and Benefits team has a great line up of FREE activities and events coming up in May. Sign up today for topics including Naturopathic Cleanse, Manage Your Money, Ergo Your Office training, and more. Look out for upcoming sessions being offered through the summer as well!
Balanced & Bright Cleanse: A Three-Week Naturopathic Plan for Healthy Living: May 14, 21 & 28 2015 @ 12-1pm ($10/ person)
Join Dr. Thara Vayali, Naturopathic Doctor, Yoga Teacher, UBC alumnus, and Healthy UBC Newsletter contributor, to kickstart your cleanse in this three-part workshop series this May. In this series, mindfulness, eating and movement goals, supported with health education, discussion and community will support you to become empowered, inspired and informed. Cost: $10 (Payable by Cash, JV to KPGK or by cheque to UBC Human Resources). Spaces are limited. Click here to register and for more information.
Office Ergo Rep Training: May 19, 2015 @ 1-4pm
UBC Ergonomics strives to have an Office Ergonomics Representative for each department. We provide the training (one three-hour session) and material required for reps to promote, educate and ensure musculoskeletal health for employees in their departments. Office Ergo Reps are trained by UBC Ergonomics Advisor Abigail Overduin in simple computer workstation set-up, how to notice signs and symptoms of injuries from poor ergonomic set-up, and to control strategies to reduce or prevent symptoms. For more information or to register click here.
Managing Your Money: May 20, 2014 @ 12-1pm
Creating a plan to manage your money is a sound way to achieve the goals you want in life, whether it be a house, travel, education or retirement. The saying “failing to plan is planning to fail” does apply to personal finances. Join money coach Melanie Buffel in this workshop to help you plan for your future by providing tips on how to create a budget, decrease debt, and increase your savings. For more information and to register click here.
Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge: May 25 – June 19, 2015
The Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge is a fun and inclusive way to encourage staff & faculty to take the stairs. Stair climbing is a great way to boost cardiovascular health, build muscle and strengthen the core – and the best part about it? It’s FREE! Click here for more information
Pension 101 @ Robson Square: May 27, 2014 @ 1:15 – 2:15pm
Pension plans are complex. This informative workshop is designed for both new and current members of the UBC Staff Pension Plan, and will answer any questions you may have regarding your pension benefits and how they work. You will also learn how the UBC Pensions Administration Office can help you with your financial and retirement planning. For more information and to register click here.
Ergo Your Workspace: May 27, 2015 @12-1pm
Join UBC Ergonomics Advisor Abigail Overduin in this one-hour tutorial combining a presentation and a practical session giving you the skills to optimize your office environment to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury. For more information, or to register, click here.
Benefits Q&A with Shepell – UBCs New EFAP Provider: June 11, 2015 @ 12-1pm
Take this opportunity to meet our new EFAP provider and learn about how to access the new range of services for UBC staff and their enrolled dependents. Find out about:
Shepell will be available to answer any questions you may have. For more information, or to register, click here.
Healthy UBC Summer Career Series: June 18, July 23 & Aug. 20, 2015 @12-1pm
Join UBC’s Career Navigation & Transition Consultant Pooja Khandelwal in this three-part series to help UBC employees navigate possible career opportunities and create a personalized career development plan. These sessions will provide you with access to thought-provoking questions, links to resources, tools, and web sites within UBC that may support you in your career planning process. For more information, or to register, click here
Breast Cancer Prevention & Risk Assessment Clinic: June 23, 2015@ 12-1pm
Join Breast Cancer Prevention Lifestyle Counselor, Bonnie McCoy, in this Breast Cancer Prevention & Risk Assessment session with information about how to modify and decrease breast cancer risk via lifestyle changes. For more information or to register, click here.
*Rebooked due to demand* Elder Care 101 – What You Need to Know to Care for Your Aging Parents: June 25, 2015 @ 12-1pm
Whether caring for aging parents in the home, or managing elder care plans from a distance, most of us don’t know where to go for reliable answers. Join Home-to Home, seniors advisory and assistance business based in Vancouver, in this one-hour session to learn how to develop an elder care roadmap to plan for your parents’ housing and care needs as they age, and much more. For more information or to register, click here.
Learn to Meditate Program: July 13, 20, 27, Aug 10, 2015 @ 12-1pm – ($35/person)
This four-session course is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. It will introduce participants to the basic concepts of meditation and mindfulness techniques and is specifically tuned to the working environment. Sessions will include instruction, discussion, guided meditation and visualization in a non-religious context. Participants will be provided with handouts, homework practice, and follow up emails and access to downloadable recordings. Cost: $35, payable by cash, JV to KPGK, or by cheque to UBC Human Resources. Payment must be received before registration is confirmed) Click here for more information.
UBC’s Health Wellbeing and Benefits team has a great line up of FREE activities and events coming up. Sign up today for topics including St Patrick’s Day Zumba, the Debunking Diet series, Ergo your Office training and more!
Zumba @ Student Recreation Centre (SRC) Gym– March 17 @12-1pm
Healthy UBC is hosting a free St Patrick’s Day Zumba at the SRC gym on March 17 2015 – Dont forget to wear green! Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind dance/fitness program. Achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in an exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate. For more information, or to register, click here.
Office Ergo Rep Training– March 17 @ 1-4pm
UBC Ergonomics strives to have an Office Ergonomics Representative for each department. We provide the training (one three-hour session) and material required for reps to promote, educate and ensure musculoskeletal health for employees in their departments. Office Ergo Reps are trained by the UBC Ergonomics Coordinator in simple computer workstation set-up, how to notice signs and symptoms of injuries from poor ergonomic set-up, and to control strategies to reduce or prevent symptoms. For more information, or to register click here.
Nutrition vs Nourishment with Dr. Thara Vayali – March 19 @ 12-1pm
Part 3 of our ‘Debunking the Diet Series’ with Dr. Thara Vayali – Superfoods are everywhere. Eat this, for that. How much? How long? For what end? Find out the components of nourishment, and learn the merits of 10 superfoods. Leave with three tools that help you shift from calories/nutrient counting into feeling nourished and making the most out of your food choices. For more information, or to register, click here.
Ergo your Office: Getting Smart with your Workspace – March 25 @12-1pm
Join UBC Ergonomics Advisor Abigail Overduin in this one-hour tutorial combining a presentation and a practical session giving you the skills to optimize your office environment to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury. For more information, or to register click here
With the brand new year firmly in swing, now is the perfect time to connect with the wide range of Health, Fitness and Family discounts available to UBC staff and faculty on and off campus.
On Campus
At UBC the physical grandeur is yours to take in, the intellectual stimulation yours to embrace. The art and cultural opportunities are wide open for your enjoyment, the recreational opportunities are waiting; and the events schedule is always active. Whatever your interests, chances are you’ll discover opportunities to fulfill them here. Check out the full list to see where you can save.
Off Campus
Many businesses and service providers in Metro Vancouver offer discounted rates to UBC staff and faculty. To take advantage of these discounts, you will need a valid UBC Faculty/Staff card. Check out the full list of participating merchants to see where you can save.
Click here for a printable PDF version to display in your workspace
Disclaimer:
UBC does not endorse external service providers – these listings are for informational purposes only.
To keep informed on new additions to this list and up-to-date health and wellbeing offerings, sign up for the Healthy UBC Monthly Newsletter or become a UBC Health Contact.