Throughout their lives, women face unique health challenges shaped by their own circumstances. Achieving a fulfilling and healthy life for women comes down to meeting their physical and mental wellness needs at different stages of life. Although women make up half of Canada’s population, their health concerns have historically been underrepresented in medical research and healthcare investment.
According to Teladoc, 3 in 10 women reported challenges accessing the healthcare services they needed. They also found that 50% of women said they felt that a physician had diminished or overlooked their symptoms. These experiences in the past have left many women feeling unheard or underserved when it comes to their health. Whether it’s yourself, your spouse or a daughter, there is a range of resources that can help you on your health journey as a member of the IBEW Local 353.
Once resource IBEW Local 353 Benefit Plan (the Plan) members have is Teladoc. Teladoc allows members and their eligible dependents to access healthcare information at their fingertips, quickly and without hassle. Teladoc provides modern healthcare experience for women is one in which all aspects of their health and wellbeing are considered through a whole-person approach. They believe women deserve to feel prioritized, respected, and heard when it comes to their health.
Teladoc’s Personal Health Navigator connects you to the right resources for your unique situation. Call Teladoc at 1-877-419-2378 or visit their website at Teladoc.ca/canadalife to learn more. You can also check out Teladoc’s YouTube channel @TeladocHealth which has videos on women’s health, exercising, eating healthy and much more. Read more about women’s health in the virtual health guide provided by Teladoc here.
If you are concerned about your mental health, Teladoc’s Mental Health Navigator can support you in finding the right path forward. Or you can use your Member Assistance Program (MAP) Telus Health to find a mental wellness practitioner or have a few counselling sessions directly through your MAP to determine what your needs are. Your MAP is available 24/7/365. Call the Care Access Centre toll-free at 1-866-289-6749 and indicate that you are a member of the IBEW Local 353. Or visit one.telushealth.com | Username: canadalife | Password: telus1
Women can face unique health challenges at different life stages, one of challenges being menopause. By 2025 over 1 billion women globally will be experiencing menopause and yet this life stage remains shockingly misrepresented and misunderstood according to Teladoc. The average Canadian woman will spend half her life in a menopausal state. Hormone Replacement Therapy is a treatment that helps women with symptoms of menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy is also covered under the Plan.
Many women will experience pelvic floor health issues in their life. The Plan provides coverage for pelvic floor physiotherapy (when provided by a registered physiotherapist), which can help improve the function of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis. It helps address dysfunction causing incontinence and pelvic pain among other conditions.
During childbearing years, fertility challenges can arise for women. If conditions arise that affect your fertility, the Plan covers fertility treatment to a lifetime maximum of $5,000 per covered individual (a pre-determination is required). If you need assistance completing the pre-determination, call Canada Life’s IBEW Local 353 direct line at 1-844-232-4239. The Plan also covers fertility prescription drugs to $5,000 lifetime maximum.
TEIBAS TIP: Remember to use the robust Mental Wellness and Paramedical benefits available to you and your eligible family members, as a member of the IBEW Local 353. Watch your Benefit Plan video playlist on our YouTube channel @myteibas.com, and don’t forget to subscribe! To learn more read your Benefit Plan booklet here.
And finally, you might be surprised to learn that in Canada heart disease is the second leading cause of death for women, following cancer. Regular exercise and a healthy diet play a vital role in maintaining heart health. To help you eat right, try the nutrition app powered by RxFood and provided by Canada Life. Just by snapping photos of what you eat, you’ll learn what you can do to improve your diet. Developed by doctors and dietitians, RxFood offers an AI-powered personalized nutrition solution to make healthy eating simpler, more personal and accessible. RxFood fits your life. Whatever your goals, RxFood shows how your food choices can fuel better health and gives you the tools to make changes that truly matter.
Using a continuous glucose monitor? RxFood shows how your food choices impact your glucose in real time by integrating with select glucose monitors. Scan the QR Code below or sign up below and download the app:
You can read more about women’s health on the Canadian Medical Association’s website here and on the Government of Canada’s website here.
Take care of your overall health and make it a priority in your life. Seek medical help when you need it, but it also look into preventative care to stay healthy. Make it a priority to find time for scheduling checkups, examinations and living an active lifestyle.
Questions? We’re here to help! You can email us at members@teibas.com or call us at 416-637-6789 (toll-free 1-800-267-0602) for assistance during our regular office hours (Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) during our regular office hours (Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)