How your UBC Benefits can enhance your nutrition

It's nutrition month at UBC and if you are seeking information to optimize your relationship with food and support health goals through nutrition, UBC Extended Health Benefits can help.

Eligible faculty and staff are covered for 80% of the costs for registered dieticians after you pay the deductible and up to a combined maximum of $600 (for CUPE 2950 members, the maximum is $500). For complete details about your Extended Health Plan, please refer to the Sun Life Benefits booklet for your employee group.

Rely on registered health professionals

If you access a dietician, ensure that they have the acceptable qualifications and are licensed and registered with a regulatory body.

A registered dietician is a regulated health professional that translates the science behind food and helps facilitate the connection between food and health in practical ways that enhance the enjoyment of food. Dieticians use evidence-informed practices to help you make healthy lifestyle and food choices. People may seek a dietician when they are experiencing different phases of life like pregnancy, aging, chronic health conditions, or adopting a plant-based diet.

And remember, you can use your extended health plan to help other members of the household. For example, you may be interested in exploring this service for a listed dependent, like your child, who needs dietary support to eat healthier or take on athletic pursuits.

Feed your body and your mind

If you are just looking to increase your own health literacy and learn more about food and nutrition, there are some great resources available to UBC faculty and staff.

• The UBC Okanagan Foodie and UBC Vancouver Foodie Blogs are great sources for nutritional, cooking, and budgeting inspiration!
• Our Employee Family Assistance Program, provided by LifeWorks, has many helpful resources: the toolkit for Wellness Support and Solutions has articles and videos like Building Conscious Eating Habits and Healthy Nutrition is a great place to start.
  • Not sure how to access your EFAP? Details for accessing LifeWorks can be found on the HR website.