With hundreds of online wellness programs and apps available that support your physical and mental wellbeing, it’s hard to know which one is right. It can feel tricky just searching for them, let alone sticking to one. As your partner in wellness, Alberta Blue Cross® wants to be someone you can rely on. About 5 years ago, we invested in Balance®, an online program backed by science and behavioral change models. These models are proven to sustain healthy behaviours over time. We believe in trusted sources and principles of wellbeing, backed by evidence rather than questionable products and wellness programs marketed as a “magic pill.”
We introduced Balance® to give our employees and customers access to a digital wellness program that’s trustworthy, engaging and meets people where they are on their wellness journey. With this new wellness platform, you have access to the following features:
- Programs to encourage physical activity
- Mental health supports, tools and trackers
- Weight management and nutritional resources
- Healthy and delicious recipes
- Personalized goal setting and reminders
- 30-day challenges
- Incentives with chances to win prizes
- Interactive health risk assessment tools
- Customized wellness plans, and more
Getting started with Balance® is easy and confidential
Firstly, Balance® can be accessed here, or through the member app. Simply sign in as you normally would. Next, click “Your benefits” and select “Balance®” from the menu. Any information you provide within the site is anonymized, meaning that individually-identifying information can’t be seen by anyone else.
The program begins with a health assessment to gauge your current health status and identify focus areas. You can find your baseline and take repeat assessments to track your progress. The online wellness program helps you to prioritize and monitor the wellness activities most important to you. We regularly add updates to Balance®, including enhanced mobile access, refined goal-setting features and new resources to support your wellness journey.
What our members say about the benefits of Balance®.
“The program’s online wellness trackers have been a useful way of increasing my awareness of the trends that I am living… It is interesting to review weeks at a time to see trends that I was not aware of. The program also helps me reflect on my goals as I am more aware of where I am at.” – Peter Fielding
“I had been having pain in my hands. After reviewing the Learn and Earn section, I began to suspect that I might have osteoarthritis. I eventually went to my doctor. He sent me to get some x-rays. The x rays confirmed the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis. The Learn and Earn section has been very useful in dealing with and understanding the long-term effects of this disease. I also learned hints on how to cope with and minimize the pains associated with osteoarthritis.” – Bill B.
“I have regularly been monitoring my health-related activities whether it is food consumption, taking medicines regularly, and other physical exercise and could notice substantial improvement on my day to day activities.” – Avinash Saini
“The ability to go on daily to track progress and reflect is amazing. Thank you”- Paul W.
“I’ve found the quizzes really informative and fun. I’ve been fortunate to win several nice gift cards and rewards, which my wife enjoys a lot! It’s interesting to learn about the various aspects of health, diet, lifestyle management through the quizzes.” – Elmer Doell
Why Balance® stands out from other online wellness programs
Balance® isn’t just another health app. It’s a comprehensive, evidence-based online wellness program designed specifically for Albertans with features that set it apart:
- Personalized approach: Balance® adapts to your unique wellness needs and goals
- Science-backed: Built on proven behavioral change models that promote lasting habits
- Comprehensive coverage: Addresses physical, mental and nutritional aspects of health
- Privacy-focused: Your personal health information remains confidential
- Regularly updated: New content and features added based on user feedback
The online program integrates seamlessly with your Alberta Blue Cross® benefits, making it a convenient, trusted resource for your wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to increase physical activity, manage stress, improve nutrition or simply develop healthier habits, Balance® provides the tools and support you need to succeed.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Log in to the Alberta Blue Cross® member site today and start exploring all that Balance® has to offer.
Balance® is a registered mark of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross® Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross® plans.
how do i join the program
Always looking at ways to improve physically and mentally.
Thanks for your comment! We appreciate you taking the time to read our blog 🙂
I would to attend an exercise class to help me physical a mentally, but I don’t know where to go. Thx