Meet Dr. Kimberly Kluthe, another one of our finalists of the 2023 Faces of Wellness program. This program recognizes Albertans who inspire wellness in their communities.
“It is my unwavering belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of parenthood, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as possible,” says Kimberly.
Kimberly is an acupuncturist and manual osteopathic therapist who lives with endometriosis and Hashimoto’s disease. She promotes positive lifestyle changes and advocates for women’s health. Her guidance, compassion and hope help others navigate chronic illness and infertility while living a fulfilling life.
Learn more about Kimberly’s story: https://ow.ly/cK5e50SyTwh
At 25 years old, our 2023 Faces of Wellness finalist Andrea was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Instead of letting stigma hold her back, she saw an opportunity to support and educate those like her. She is now a passionate advocate for mental, emotional and physical health and wellness.
In 2010, Andrea founded the Stigma-Free Society, a charity providing education around stigma and acceptance of mental wellbeing in schools and rural communities. Over the years, the program has expanded to multiple provinces, growing to include no-cost school programing.
Learn more about Andrea's story: https://ow.ly/LhiR50SyVYq
People like Wayne Scouten, another one of our fantastic 2023 Faces of Wellness finalists, are changing the way we talk about mental health.
“I believe that many of our members suffer in silence, and I hope my advocacy changes stigma within law enforcement,” Wayne says.
After 10 years as a sheriff with the Alberta Government, Wayne hit a turning point. He faced a traumatic work incident involving graphic violence against women and realized his experiences with trauma were impacting his daily life. Now he shares his journey with colleagues and sits on the wellness board he helped create to improve mental health resources for those in law enforcement.
Learn more about Wayne’s story: https://ow.ly/KtqQ50SeB0G
Our team members got to choose their own adventure at this year’s second annual Block Party.
The Block Party gives our team members the opportunity to explore and learn from a variety of health and wellness vendors, connect with other team members and enjoy delicious food and other activities to help them live their best lives.
The first time since 2006, the Edmonton Oilers are in the Stanley Cup finals! Big Blue will be cheering along Edmonton Oiler fans and all Canadians from coast to coast as they kick off the series against the Florida Panthers.
A shout-out to our friends at Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield we don’t hear @SunnyFIBlue cheering on your home team.
Lets Go Oilers! Play La Bamba Baby!
Our Built Together grant program helps Albertans build spaces for active living in their community. Whether it be a skate park, playground, outdoor gym or sports court, we want to encourage active living in our province.
Do you have the courage to create? Visit our link to apply now: https://ow.ly/psxc50SbipH
In honour of Alberta Seniors’ Week, listen to Wendy's story of courage as she takes on the challenge of staying active through aging.
Meet Sundas Shamshad, one of our 2023 Faces of Wellness finalists.
After fighting breast cancer at a young age, Sundas noticed her city was missing resources and supports for people like her. She founded the only cancer support group in Fort McMurray—Sisters in Cancer. This support group offers peer-to-peer programs, alongside financial and mental health aids, for cancer patients. Sundas is also an advisory board member for EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living well (EXCEL). Her work helps support cancer patients and survivors through mental, physical and emotional aids.
Learn more about Sundas’ story: https://www.community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/faces-of-wellness.php
Wellness Wednesdays on Global Edmonton and Global Calgary are back!
Our employee-led charity, Hearts of Blue, was featured on this week's segment. Kudos to Ashley, our Community Impact manager, for sharing how volunteer work can impact our communities.
You've heard of "Mean Tweets." But have you heard of "Compliment Texts"?
The 2024 theme for Mental Health Week is #CompassionConnects. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, compassion has the capacity to heal. Alberta Blue Cross employees embraced the challenge and sent their colleagues notes of encouragement and kindness. Even the smallest compliment can make the biggest difference in someone's day.
Pay it forward, today and every day! Join us May 6 to 12 to explore how compassion connects us all: https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week
Michelle Williscroft, one of our 2023 Faces of Wellness finalists, encourages those around her to embrace the outdoors “In addition to the physical gains seen, the mental and emotional gain from being outside in nature is one of the greatest mental health assets,” Michelle says.
Michelle noticed her rural community in Fox Creek struggled with inactive lifestyles. To combat this, she encouraged people to go outside. Michelle started Fox Creek Nordic and Trail Club, a nonprofit group that promotes and creates multi-use trails. She helped raise $1 million to build trails and a bike park.
Learn more about Michelle’s story: https://www.facesofwellness.ca/2023-honourees.php
Thank you CTV Edmonton for featuring our 2023 Faces of Wellness recipient, Ufuoma Muhwen! At the young age of 2, Ufuoma was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Since then, she has dedicated her life to supporting others with the disease through her foundation, Not Just You. Hear her inspiring story and the impact she has made on our community.
Shawna Rose Goss is one of our 2023 Faces of Wellness finalists.
After facing abuse, human trafficking and confinement, Shawna turned to her community, building relationships with those nearby to help with her healing and personal wellness. In 2016, Shawna’s world was shattered again when she lost her husband in a workplace accident.
Shawna felt lost and alone. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, she found she needed more support than what her manager and co-workers were able to offer. Shawna reached out and started a peer support group at her organization. Now, she holds seminars in various departments and encourages team members to contact her whenever they are in need.
Learn more about Shawna’s story: https://www.facesofwellness.ca/2023-honourees.php
Albertans are doing amazing things. They’re finding the courage to dream, explore, fly, grow, move and more.
We want to share these inspirational stories with you. Follow along as people like Wendy, Kai, and Ava learn and grow through some of life’s meaningful moments.
While strides have been made, women's health research needs to catch up as it receives only a fraction of the attention and funding it requires. The time for change is now.
This #InternationalWomensDay, join us and the Alberta Women's Health Foundation as we work to bridge the gap between research and care. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in
women's health across Alberta and beyond.🤍 #InspireInclusion
Learn more ➡️ https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/our-impact/inspireinclusion
Winter Walk Day 2024 was a huge success. Thank you to all the Alberta Blue Cross team members who participated in the walk either from home or joined us in person. More than 140,000 people registered for Winter Walk Day across Alberta.
While there is only 1 official Winter Walk Day, we encourage you to go outside and take a walk as much as possible as walking has some surprising benefits according to Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking) Walking can help tame your sweet tooth, help to counteract weight-promoting genes and help reduce the chances of breast cancer. We hope to see you on our walk next year. 🚶♀️ 🚶♂️
The 2023 Faces of Wellness program entries knocked our socks off. Over the year, we want to continue highlighting finalists who deserve a shout out, like Evan Mudryk.
“Happiness is everywhere but sometimes just in little bits of progress,” Evan says.
In 2011, Evan James Mudryk suffered a massive brain hemorrhage that led to a stroke. After surgery and a 10-day coma, he couldn’t speak, eat or walk. Through 11 months of therapy, he regained his ability to walk. Now he educates others on the signs of a stroke and stroke recovery and shares messages of positivity about strokes through his YouTube channel, Stroke How To, and his work as a guest lecturer.
Learn more about Evan’s story: https://www.facesofwellness.ca/2023-honourees.php
We’re excited to announce our 2023 Faces of Wellness grand prize recipient, Ufuoma Muwhen!
Ufuoma lived with sickle cell disease for 18 years. Cured after a bone marrow transplant, she wanted to be an advocate and positive light for others.
Ufuoma created NotJustYou, a nonprofit sickle cell support organization. NotJustYou is a platform to connect, share experiences and access support. Thanks to her work, Ufuoma received an all-expense-paid weekend in Banff. Learn more about Ufuoma’s story using our #LinkInBio
We’re excited to announce our 2023 Faces of Wellness grand prize recipient, Ufuoma Muwhen!
Ufuoma lived with sickle cell disease for 18 years. Cured after a bone marrow transplant, she wanted to be an advocate and positive light for others.
Ufuoma created NotJustYou, a nonprofit sickle cell support organization. NotJustYou is a platform to connect, share experiences and access support. Thanks to her work, Ufuoma received an all-expense-paid weekend in Banff. Learn more about Ufuoma’s story and the Faces of Wellness program: https://www.facesofwellness.ca/
community-impact_recap_2023_facebook (Original) (1).mp4
What a year 2023 has been. Our street team and Big Blue had so much fun out in our community this year engaging with Albertans. Watch for us in 2024!
Courage to fly, smile, move, start, stop, build, re-build and grow. We’re your Alberta benefits provider, helping you explore the future of being well.
