Newsroom

In our busy day-to-day lives, movement can easily become just another task to check off the list. Mindful movement invites us to slow down and reconnect by being fully present as we move—tuning into our bodies, breathing with intention, and letting go of distractions rather than focusing on performance or outcomes. Practiced this way, physical activity supports not only strength, but also mental health, emotional wellbeing, reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of balance throughout the day. 

What does mindful movement look like? 

Mindful movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can include: 

• A gentle stretch break between meetings 

• A short walk outdoors while noticing your surroundings 

• Yoga, tai chi, or Pilates at your own pace 

• Slow, intentional movements paired with deep breathing 

• Light strength or mobility exercises done with awareness and control 

Easy ways to integrate it into your routine 

• Start small: Even five minutes of intentional movement can make a difference. 

• Check in with your body: Notice areas of tension and adjust your movements accordingly. 

• Focus on your breath: Let your breath guide your pace and rhythm. 

• Be kind to yourself: There’s no “right” way—what matters is how it feels for you. 

Mindful Movement Challenge 

Choose one moment each workday to practice mindful movement for five minutes, then pay attention to how your body feels before and after: 

1. Pause what you’re doing and take a few slow, deep breaths 

1. Move gently—stretch, walk, or shift positions with intention 

At the end of the week, reflect: 

• Did you notice a change in your energy or stress levels? 

• Did taking a pause help you feel more grounded or focused? 

Small, mindful moments add up. Just remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, so keep moving in ways that feel good to you. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the Care Navigation experience, plan members will now see Medical Second Opinion listed under Telemedicine on GreenShield+. This enhancement, introduced on January 1, directs members to a cobranded landing page where they can easily submit a request online. Members who prefer phone support can continue to reach Novus Health directly at 1‑855‑908‑1275 to speak with a Health Information Specialist. 

What this means for plan members 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• Teladoc Medical Experts will no longer accept new requests. They will, however, continue supporting any cases opened before January 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted care for members and their dependents. 

• All new medical second opinion requests will be handled by Novus Health, offering a more integrated experience within GreenShield+. 

Get answers to your questions 

Novus Health’s Medical Second Opinion Program can help you get answers to your questions, such as: 

• Do I have the right diagnosis? 

• Are there other treatment options I should consider? 

• Are there any clinical trials currently available for my condition? 

This transition strengthens the long‑term vision for Care Navigation and ensures members continue receiving trusted, high‑quality guidance when navigating important health decisions. 

Women’s health evolves in meaningful ways from youth through later adulthood. Each life stage brings its own set of changes - physical, emotional, and hormonal - so in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting the importance of awareness, proactive care and early support for women at every stage of life. 

During their lifetime, women may experience shifts in menstrual health, reproductive needs, fertility, mental wellbeing, and later in life, the transition through perimenopause and menopause. Understanding these changes helps women make informed decisions and seek support that reflects their unique needs at each stage. 

This month, we’re focusing on awareness around women’s health, with an emphasis on: 

• recognizing how health needs shift over time - what you can get away with in your 20s may not be the same as in your 40s! 

• encouraging regular preventive care (HPV and mammograms) 

• supporting emotional and mental wellbeing 

• promoting open conversations and reducing stigma 

• encouraging use of available benefits and resources, like EFAP 

Every woman’s journey is different—but access to information, care, and supportive environments can make a significant difference in long-term health and quality of life. 

By increasing awareness, we can create space for understanding, empowerment, and healthier outcomes for women at every age. 

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account. 

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch 

Password: eap

Pension Awareness Day on February 19 is a reminder of how important it is to understand and make the most of your pension. Even if retirement feels far away, learning about your United Church pension plan and the benefits it provides can help you and your loved ones build a stronger financial future. The earlier you start planning and saving, the more prepared and comfortable you’ll be when life after work finally arrives!

The Power of Financial Literacy: What you need to know

Financial literacy is more than understanding money — it’s about feeling confident in the decisions that shape your future. Learning the basics now makes it much easier to build long-term financial security.

Know your retirement goals

Think about the lifestyle you want — compare what you spend today with what you might spend once you stop working.

Expect some costs to change — fewer work expenses, different priorities like travel or hobbies, and possible health-related costs.

Use simple planning tools — the Government of Canada’s Retirement Income Calculator can help you estimate future income and expenses.

Attend our Pension Information Seminar - learn about how the plan works, what it costs, what it provides, and how to apply for your pension when you're ready. The next session is February 19 starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Understand what shapes your retirement

• When you want to retire and what kind of lifestyle you hope to maintain.
• Whether you’ll work part-time or relocate.
• Any debts you may still carry and whether you’ll have other financial support, such as a spouse’s pension or personal savings.
• Where you plan to live — downsizing or staying put can affect your long-term costs.
• Try tools like checklists or quizzes to help clarify your goals and identify gaps.

Start saving now

• Saving early gives your money more time to grow through compound interest.
• Inflation matters — programs like the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) adjust for inflation.
  • Please note - there is no automatic indexing in the United Church pension plan.
• Check how our plan works by visiting the Pension Plan page.
• Use calculators or talk to a financial professional to estimate how much you’ll need.

The Bottom Line

Building financial literacy today sets you up for a more secure and fulfilling retirement tomorrow. Understanding your lifestyle, planning ahead, and using available tools can make a meaningful difference in your future comfort and confidence!

February often brings attention to heart health, but it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on the powerful connection between your emotional wellbeing and your physical health. These two parts of your life don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other every day.

When stress, worry, or emotional strain builds up, your body often feels it too. Fatigue, tension, changes in sleep, and shifts in energy can all be signs that your emotional wellbeing needs attention. And the reverse is just as true - when your body feels strong and supported, your mind is better equipped to stay balanced, focused, and resilient.

Healthy Heart & Mind Tips

• Move in ways you enjoy
  • Gentle stretching, walking meetings, dancing in your kitchen — anything that gets your body moving can lift your mood and support overall wellbeing.
• Take mindful pauses during the day
  • A few slow breaths or a quiet moment away from your screen can help reset your nervous system and reduce tension.
• Stay connected with people who energize you
  • Positive social interactions can boost emotional resilience and help you feel supported.
• Choose foods that make you feel steady and nourished
  • Balanced meals and snacks can help maintain consistent energy and support both physical and emotional stability.
• Prioritize sleep routines that help you unwind
  • A calming wind‑down ritual — dim lights, light reading, or gentle music — can make a big difference in how rested you feel.
• Spend a few minutes outdoors
  • Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can boost clarity and calmness.

Your emotional and physical wellbeing are deeply connected. February is a great time to reflect on that relationship and explore what helps you feel more grounded, energized, and well.

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account.

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch

Password: eap

The Customer Contact Centre is currently experiencing elevated wait times due to a seasonal increase in call volume. To help reduce the impact of these high‑volume periods, several initiatives are underway:

• Capacity enhancements: Additional bilingual agents are being hired across multiple locations.
• Training initiatives: Cross‑training efforts are expanding in‑house capability and improving scheduling flexibility.
• Efficiency improvements: Ongoing process enhancements are aimed at reducing average handle times while maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction.

Additional mitigation strategies—including overtime, cross‑functional support, and student staffing—continue to be used to help manage peak‑period demand. These combined efforts are intended to stabilize service levels as call volumes return to normal.

An apology is extended for any inconvenience these delays may cause for members.

Members are encouraged to use their GS+ accounts for self‑service options. You can also find answers to any FAQs through the GS+ Help Centre.

January is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about what you’d like to accomplish going forward. You can use this fresh start to evaluate your mental health and set emotional goals that truly works for you and your life. 

Why it matters:

Your mental well-being influences every part of your life—from relationships and work to physical health. Setting intentional goals can help you feel more balanced and resilient throughout the year. 

Ask yourself: 

• Which habits help you feel calm and centered? 

• What boundaries can you set to protect your mental health? 

• What are the ways you can build self-care into your daily routine? 

Even modest, consistent efforts can spark positive change! 

Set Your Emotional Goal 

1. Choose 1–2 realistic emotional goals, for example, “I’ll pause for 5 minutes each day to check in with my feelings,” or “I’ll acknowledge one thing I did well today.”
2. Take advantage of the EFAP* for support throughout your journey. 

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch

Password: eap

1. Keep your goals visible (sticky note, phone reminder) to stay motivated and committed. 

Investing in your mental well-being is a gift that lasts all year. Let this be the season to pause, reflect, and grow with intention because new beginnings deserve renewed minds! 

*Just a reminder, if you want to access services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account.

As summer winds down, August offers a natural moment to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you're working toward professional development, project goals, or personal growth, setting intentional goals can help you stay focused and energized.

But goal setting doesn’t have to live in separate silos. In fact, aligning your work goals with your personal wellness goals can lead to greater balance, resilience, and satisfaction, both on and off the job.

Here are a few ways to approach goal setting with wellness in mind:

Reconnect with Your Purpose
What motivates you in your role, and in your life? Aligning your goals with your values and strengths can make your work more meaningful and your personal growth more fulfilling.

Set Clear, Achievable Targets
Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s completing a project or committing to a daily walk, small wins build momentum.

Prioritize Well-Being
Consider how your goals support your mental health, energy levels, and work-life balance. A healthier you is a more focused and productive you.

Stay Flexible
Life and work are dynamic. Give yourself permission to adapt your goals as needed. Progress isn’t always linear.

Celebrate Wins—Big and Small
Recognizing your efforts boosts morale and reinforces positive habits. Take time to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished—professionally and personally.

When you log into your GreenShield+ account, you’ll find a variety of tools and resources on the Well-Being page designed to support your health goals. From interactive activities and mini courses (like improving posture—perfect for those of us at a desk all day!) to a personalized health score that helps you track your progress, it’s all there to help you take small, meaningful steps toward better well-being.

The Benefits Centre is pleased to share information about new services available to Indigenous staff and ministry personnel. These services will provide culturally appropriate support and guidance, ensuring that Indigenous members of the church have access to resources that reflect their own needs and experiences.

Green Shield Canada is partnering with Noojimo Health, an Indigenous-owned organization, to offer culturally safe and timely virtual mental health services. Noojimo Health is the first all-Indigenous virtual mental wellness clinic for Indigenous people. The following services are delivered by Indigenous registered social workers through virtual sessions and phone calls:

• Individual counselling
• Group and family counselling
• Mental wellness education

The program can be accessed via GreenShield+, under Care Services > Mental Health > Indigenous Mental Health:

These services are available at no cost to members. Some individuals may be eligible to receive up to 22 hours of counselling each year through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.

Whether it’s stepping away from your desk, reading a book, or setting healthy boundaries in your personal life, self-care is about showing up for yourself in meaningful ways—big and small. This July, we’re celebrating the importance of self-care and friendship, with two key dates to mark on your calendar:

• July 24: International Self-Care Day
• July 30: International Day of Friendship

Caring for your whole self is essential to living your healthiest life. This includes your mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical self-care. Here are some examples – with resources from the GreenShield+ Wellness Hub and WorkHealthLife* – on how you can prioritize you.

*Enter The United Church of Canada to gain access to the site.

Mental Self-Care

• Journaling your thoughts or gratitude
• Reading a book or listening to a podcast
• Taking a break from screens and social media
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins

Physical Self-Care

• Getting regular exercise (e.g., walking, yoga, dancing)
• Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated
• Prioritizing sleep and rest
• Attending regular health check-ups

Emotional Self-Care

• Talking to a therapist or counselor
• Expressing feelings through art, music, or writing
• Saying “no” when you need to protect your energy
• Spending time with people who uplift you
• Practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk

Spiritual Self-Care

• Spending time outdoors
• Practicing prayer or meditation
• Reflecting on your values and purpose
• Engaging in community or volunteer work
• Creating a calming ritual (e.g., lighting a candle, deep breathing)

Practical Self-Care

• Organizing your space to reduce stress
• Managing your finances or planning your week
• Taking time off when you need it
• Creating a routine that supports your well-being

This month, let’s commit to nurturing ourselves and those around us, because when we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others.