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Physical and Nutritional Well-Being

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Welcome to our comprehensive collection of resources dedicated to enhancing your physical and nutritional well-being. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy body, and that's why we have highlighted resources focused on those elements which play a significant role in nurturing your physical well-being, namely nutrition, exercise, sleep and body health and ergonomics.

By prioritizing these fundamentals, you can take practical steps towards achieving your optimal physical wellness.

Looking for a Family Doctor?

If you are interested in a family doctor or nurse practitioner and live in a participating Primary Care Network community, register for the Health Connect Registry and get matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your community. Find other suggestions for locating a family doctor at the BC College of Family Physicians webpage. Other options include Telus Health, Carefiniti Unlimited Care, walk-in clinics, and nurse practitioner clinics such as Nexus Primary Care Nanaimo

Register with Health Connect

Tia Health

Skip the waiting room! Book a virtual appointment instead.

Tia Health offers online appointments with a network of healthcare providers including family doctors, nurse practitioners, specialists, naturopaths, and more.

Teladoc Health

Teladoc Health is a healthcare consulting service available to VIU employees with extended health benefits and their covered family members. Whether you are seeking an expert second opinion on a medical diagnosis, questioning surgery, need help finding the right specialist or want advice about a health issue, Teladoc Medical Experts will provide you with the answers you need to confidently move forward with your care. Call 1.877.419.2378 or submit your request online.

VIU Employee Walking/Hiking Group 

Want to get some exercise and meet new people at VIU at the same time? Join the Nanaimo Campus walking/hiking group. The group will meet once a month for a lunchtime or after-work walk or hike. Email Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca to join the email list.  This group is based out of the Nanaimo campus; other campuses are invited to send their walking group information to Benefits@viu.ca

Condition-Specific Trusted Resources

When dealing with specific medical conditions or diagnoses, reliable health resources offer essential information, support, and guidance. These resources include trusted websites, medical experts, support groups, and community organizations, all aimed at helping individuals make informed decisions for better health. 

Lifestyle Health Coaching: telephonic one-to-one coaching

When it comes to your health, how are you feeling? Feel like you could use a little extra help to get you where you want to be? Manulife’s Lifestyle Health Coaching service might be what you need to convert “not so good habits” into “healthy” ones. Working with a qualified professional Lifestyle Health Coach is like having a virtual trainer, nutritionist or health supporter completely dedicated to you. This program is available to all VIU employees with extended health care coverage. Contact the service by calling 1.855.584.4004 or emailing mycoach@manulife.ca. Learn more about Lifestyle Health Coaching.

Menopause Foundation of Canada

Women enter

in the prime of their lives, while they are making outsized contributions to their families, workplaces and society at large. Ending the silence, misinformation and stigma of menopause benefits us all. Explore resources to help you on your menopause health journey or share with family and friends.

Nutrition

What we eat profoundly impacts our health, energy levels, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that fuel our bodies, support growth, and help avoid chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, good nutrition also influences mental clarity, mood, and longevity. In an era of convenience foods and dietary fads, understanding the significance of good nutrition is the key to a healthier, happier future.

Sleep

Sleep is of paramount importance for physical well-being. It enables tissue repair, muscle growth, and immune system support, while regulating metabolism and cardiovascular health. Additionally, it enhances cognitive function and emotional well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation, on the other hand, poses multiple health risks. Prioritizing sufficient, consistent sleep of 7-9 hours per night is crucial for maintaining overall health and vitality.

Exercise

Exercise is a fundamental pillar of a healthy lifestyle, offering many physical and mental benefits. From strengthening our muscles and bones to improving cardiovascular health, exercise enhances our overall well-being. Regular physical activity boosts our mood, reduces stress, and bolsters cognitive function. In an increasingly sedentary world, recognizing the vital role of exercise in promoting longevity and vitality is more crucial than ever. Explore a free gym membership or try Manulife Vitality, a wellness app for all VIU employees with extended health care coverage, where you can earn rewards.

Body Health & Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics

eOfficeErgo: Ergonomics e-learning for office workers
eOfficeErgo is an evidence-based and standard-compliant, free online training program on the proper way to set up and work at office workstations in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries. By the end of the program, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the risks associated with computer work
  • Explain the importance of varying your work posture
  • Determine the key factors in maximizing your “comfort zone”
  • Evaluate your office work environment
  • Apply ergonomics strategies to the arrangement of your work environment
  • Explain the importance of healthy computing habits, including rest breaks

MoveSafe Home Office Worker Guide. Everything you need to know about preparing and maintaining the body, including movement in the workday, preparing your work area, adapting available home furnishings to establish an ergonomic home office and learning how to sit properly, hold a mouse properly, text without neck strain, and more. 

PHZIO’s MSK360 

MSK360 is a self-serve therapeutic portal which supports musculoskeletal health for extended health plan members (and eligible dependents). MSK360 provides the tools you need to start and maintain a healthy routine. MSK360 features include body selector tool which highlights videos based on your condition; videos and programs that support work injury prevention, stretching and strengthening; and body health education and recommendations to address topics such as pain, arthritis, pre-diabetic conditions, and pre- and post-natal care. Explore MSK360 today.

PHZIO: A Physiotherapist at Your Fingertips

Phzio is a virtual physiotherapy service, at a preferred rate for plan members*, that allows members to get physio treatments from the comfort of their own homes. After the initial assessment, a registered physiotherapist creates a customized treatment plan for the member and supervises them in real-time while the exercises are performed. All appointments are online to promote safe healing at home.

* Virtual physiotherapy is an eligible expense for plan members with coverage for physiotherapy. Plan members get a discounted rate on virtual physiotherapy as offered by Phzio when compared to publicly available rates.

Employee and Family Assistance available 24/7 at 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homewood Health.

  • Our Customer Account Name: Vancouver Island University
  • Our Invitation Code: BCI714 [note: 3 capital letters followed by 3 numbers]