The festive season can sometimes feel more like a full-time job than an actual holiday. Between family commitments and time spent shopping, cooking or baking, the relaxing downtime we should be enjoying can get lost in the shuffle.
So take advantage at this time of the year because its also a time of reflection and gratitude. I encourage you to say thanks to those wonderful people who carry us through life. Though it shouldn't take a national holiday to remind us to be thankful, it does provide the perfect opportunity to openly express ourselves. Do it!!
For me, I am grateful for so much - loving family and friends, food, a beautiful home to rest in and also I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you through UBCM.
Wishing you and your family a most memorable Christmas Season and all the best for a spectacular New Year!
If you have any comments or concerns, do not hesitate to
email
me.
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
December 2018
The Pacific Blue Cross Health Challenge is back
The Pacific Blue Cross Health Challenge is the perfect way to kick-off your healthy new year. Simply choose your resolution: Eat Healthy, Exercise or Quit Smoking, and share your goal with family, friends and co-workers to gain online votes of support from January 1st to February 28th. The participant with the most votes in each resolution category will win $2,019 in Health Cash. Health Cash can be used toward anything that helps keep you healthy - a gym membership, kayaking lessons, a new stack of healthy cookbooks - the choice is yours. Visit
pacificbluecross.ca on December 26th to learn more and sign up.
The Holiday Travel Season is Here!
Wherever your journey takes you, make sure to bring along Canada's most trusted brand of travel insurance from Pacific Blue Cross. Whether you're looking for emergency medical coverage, or a comprehensive package that includes baggage, trip interruption and trip cancellation - we have a solution for you. Plus, Pacific Blue Cross Members save 10% on all of our travel plans! Learn more about Pacific Blue Cross travel plans.
The Benefits of Biosimilars
Even if you've never heard of biologics, chances are someone you know has experienced the benefits they can offer. A biologic is a complex drug made of proteins derived from living organisms and are used to treat a variety of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, anemia, cancer and skin conditions. Biologics are the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical market, and one of the most expensive. However, similar to traditional brand name and generic drugs, when the patent on the originator biologic expires, companies can release a biosimilar version of the drug. A number of biosimilars have already been approved by Health Canada and are being used to treat a variety of conditions. Biosimilars are considered to be equally as safe and effective as their originator biologic, but at a more affordable cost.
Learn more about the benefits of biosimilars.
Physical Literacy for Communities BC Initiative
We encourage you to apply and take advantage of an important health initiative!
Funded through the Active People, Active Places, BC Physical Activity Strategy, the Sport for Life Society will be delivering the Physical Literacy for Communities BC Initiative (PL4C-BC) in selected communities across the province. The purpose of the PL4C-BC Initiative is to improve the development of physical literacy through a multi-sector community approach, leading to increased physical activity, which positively impacts the health and well-being of British Columbians.
Each region/community that is selected will receive up to $50,000 in services, leadership and funding support towards developing physical literacy and improving physical activity. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2019. Follow this
link for more information.
Smoking Cessation Product Limits
PharmaCare covers smoking cessation products for eligible B.C. residents who want to stop smoking or using tobacco products. Coverage is limited to a single continuous course of treatment lasting up to 12 weeks using one eligible smoking cessation product.
Human Rights - New Legislative Amendments
The Province has introduced legislative amendments to the
Human Rights Code that will re-establish a human rights commissioner for B.C. to promote and protect human rights for all British Columbians.
Let's Get Physical
The busy holiday season is upon us, and when juggling a full schedule at work and at home, physical activity is often the first thing to go.
But, there's a fundamental flaw to this logic: Daily movement can be the single best thing you can do for yourself and your employees this December. It has the power to simultaneously alleviate stress, improve mental and physical health and increase team cohesion.
Read on for the top 4 ways that being physically active will make December a little merrier.
Plus, download and share the 12 Days of UPnGO physical activity tracker
Anna-Maria Wijesinghe
Nathan Roeters
Manager, Member & Association Services
Account Executive
Union of BC Municipalities
Pacific Blue Cross
Phone: 604.270.8226 (ext. 111) Phone: 604.419.2412
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