Health & Wellness

Tyler Kung MSc., Emilie Miller MSc., and Etienne Chassé, MSc; CFMWS Human Performance Research and Development Team  CFMWS Human Performance Research & Development specialists adapted fitness expertise developed through work with Canadian astronauts for submarine operations. A compact flywheel training device provides strength-training options without the weight, noise, and space demands of traditional gym equipment. Submariners report that the system is easy to use and can improve access to exercise, morale, and overall fitness while deployed. - Over the past several years, the Human Performance Research & Development (HPR&D) team within the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (URL) has collaborated with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) through a formal partnership focused on astronaut fitness and occupational performance. This work includes developing fitness assessments and providing specialized exercise support to astronauts. Most recently, the team contributed to the fitness programming of Colonel Jeremy Hansen as he prepared for the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed mission to travel around the Moon in more than 50 years.  While supporting Canada’s human space program, the HPR&D team was also asked to help address another unique operational challenge much closer to home: supporting Royal Canadian Navy submarines.  Spaceflight and submarine operations share similar constraints: space is limited; equipment must be compact and reliable; and maintaining physical fitness is critical to performance and well-being.  To help address these challenges, Canadian submariners recently began using a flywheel training device. Unlike traditional gym equipment that relies on heavy weights, the flywheel uses spinning discs to create resistance. The harder a person accelerates the flywheel, the greater the force required to slow it down. This allows users to achieve a wide range of exercise intensities using only a few lightweight discs.  [caption id="attachment_359352" align="alignright" width="277"] An RCN sailor uses the flywheel training device. Photo supplied.[/caption] For a submarine, this compact design...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper.   The DCSRC (formerly SMSRC) provides confidential, trauma-informed support for sexual misconduct and racism cases. It has expanded to 275+ staff supporting CAF members, veterans, public servants, cadets, families, and more. The centre operates outside the chain of command to prioritize trust, accessibility, and safe reporting options. - Over the past decade, conversations around workplace culture, accountability, and support within the Canadian Defence community have evolved significantly.   This constantly progressing space is where the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) positions itself.   “At its core, the DCSRC is here to provide confidential and trauma-informed support to those affected by sexual misconduct and/or racism,” shared Martin Gravel, Chief Operating Officer of the DCSRC. “We offer a safe space where individuals can access support, information, and guidance without stigma.”  Originally established in 2015 as the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) in response to recommendations from the Deschamps Report and growing recognition of the need for independent, survivor-centred support services for the Defence community, the organization’s new name reflects an expanded mandate that now includes supporting individuals affected by racism. The DCSRC also operates independently from the military chain of command, which for some individuals is a separation that makes the difference between remaining silent and seeking help.  Over the past decade, both the DCSRC’s mandate and reach have expanded significantly. What began as a team of roughly 30 staff members has since grown into an organization of more than 275, including specialists in trauma-informed support, mental health, restorative services, anti-racism, outreach, and case coordination. Today, the DCSRC supports a wide cross-section of the Defence community, including: current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members; veterans; Department of National Defence public servants; cadets; Junior Canadian Rangers; Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel; and their caregivers and family members, 16 and older.  “The wider Defence community extends far beyond CAF members,” said Gravel. “Both sexual misconduct and racism...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Defence Team members at CFB Esquimalt gathered at Work Point’s Nixon Gym on Jan 21 for a free guided yoga practice in recognition of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the session encouraged DND staff to 'take a moment for mental health'. PSP instructor Allison Jones shared how yoga supports resilience, stress management, and community, while mental health resources were available on site to reinforce ongoing support. - On Jan 21, Defence Team members at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt were invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect during a free guided yoga practice held in recognition of Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the midday session took place at Work Point’s Nixon Gym and welcomed both civilian and uniformed Department of National Defence (DND) staff to ‘take a moment for mental health,’ the theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Participants stepped away from their workday and into a calm, supportive space focused on movement and mindfulness. With yoga equipment provided on site, attendees enjoyed a welcoming guided practice led by Personnel Support Program’s (PSP) Allison Jones. The practice emphasized gentle stretches, mind-body-muscle connection, and breathwork designed to help support overall wellbeing. “Mindfulness and yoga can support the mental health and wellness of Defence team members by helping them stay present and focused, even in busy or demanding environments. Through movement and breath, yoga encourages mindfulness — paying attention to purpose in the moment,” said Jones. “It also helps build a sense of community and gives people tools to reset, manage stress, and feel more grounded, both individually and as a team.” Bell Let’s Talk Day is dedicated to opening conversations about mental health and reducing stigma across Canada. This...

Kelley Stark, MARPAC Public Affairs MARPAC hosted its first Menopause Symposium on Nov 21, creating an open space to discuss women’s health and workplace impacts. Four expert speakers addressed physical, emotional, and hormonal health, dismantling stigma while offering evidence-based guidance on treatment, advocacy, and exercise. Defence leadership emphasized that supporting menopause awareness strengthens both member well-being and overall CAF operational effectiveness. - Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) first Menopause Symposium took place on Nov 21 in a step towards fostering awareness and support for women’s health in the workplace. Menopause impacts not only individual well-being in life, but also team dynamics, productivity, and retention — yet it remains one of the least discussed phases of life. By creating space for education and dialogue at the workplace, MARPAC is leading the way in breaking stigma and promoting inclusivity. The event was filled with attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting that menopause continues to be a topic that resonates beyond the demographic of middle-aged women. Captain(Navy) Mike Stefanson, Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO), opened the event, reminding audiences that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all key to operational success. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me and the Admiral,” he said, encouraging people to lean on the DWAO team when needed. The first speaker, Susannah Stewart, a pelvic health physiotherapist in Victoria, gave a talk titled Menopause 101. She explained that menopause can happen for many reasons, including surgery or medical treatment, and that it also affects gender-diverse people. There are over 130 symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, brain fog, and anxiety. She also shared that hot flashes could signal risks for heart disease or dementia. Stewart stressed the value of pelvic physiotherapy and addressed hormone therapy. Next, Shirley Weir, women’s health advocate...

Twenty-five years after starting his Man in Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen is once again on the road. This time on a tour aptly called Many in Motion.

“Awareness of change and one’s reaction to it builds resilience and empowerment,” says Marie Drapeau, strategist for Transformational Change at Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources – Civilian).

You must carefully consider your option choice. At its simplest, if you do not need the cash and have enough contribution room, then rolling it into an RRSP makes sense.