Welcome to MHealthy Living!
Supporting U-M faculty and staff's health and well-being

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

As the fall semester begins and we welcome students back to campus, we also are quickly approaching flu season. Make sure you get your annual flu vaccination: this is one of the most important ways to enhance your protection against influenza.

Drop-in flu vaccine clinics are available starting this month. Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccinations. If you do not have this coverage, the out-of-pocket cost is $44. You can also get your flu shot from your primary care physician or your local pharmacy.

An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be approved by the CDC in the next several weeks. Once available, it will be offered as soon as possible at many of the campus flu vaccine clinics mentioned above. In the meantime, keep a supply of rapid antigen tests and masks, stay home if you are sick, and follow other CDC preventive action recommendations.

Our preparations now will help ensure a healthy, safe and strong semester ahead.

Hunger Action Month

Having access to nutritious food is critical to practicing healthy behaviors and thriving at work and home. It's Hunger Action Month, a time to act against hunger and food insecurity.

In support, look for Maize and Blue Cupboard donation bins in departments across campus. Resources are also available if you need support or want to help. You can also take this short quiz to raise your awareness and enter to win a produce basket from Argus Farm Stop.

It's Time for Active U Autumn!

Have fun and get moving with the entire U-M community! Register for Active U Autumn, MHealthy's eight-week physical activity challenge. Choose to join a team or go it on your own. Then on Sept. 18, start logging your minutes online or by syncing your device.

You'll get weekly emails for extra motivation and can enter Swag Squad drawings for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Every fitness and ability level is encouraged to join. Sign up by Oct. 2.

Go Blue, Beat the Flu!

Drop-in flu shot clinics are being offered on select days at several campus locations, including the Michigan Union, Duderstadt, Pierpont Commons and the Michigan League.

Faculty and staff (as well as spouses/OQAs, dependents and retirees) can also get a flu vaccination at their doctor's office, local clinic or network immunizing pharmacy. Learn more about coverage through U-M's health plans.

Freedom From Smoking®

Quitting tobacco isn't easy—but it's easier with the right help. Tobacco Consultation Service has partnered with the American Lung Association to offer the Freedom From Smoking program. You'll get options, resources and support to quit tobacco for good.

A free, eight-week virtual session starts on Wednesday, September 13 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Learn more and register. To get the full experience, you must register before the first session.

Connecting the Dots Registration Opens Soon!

The Connecting the Dots conference is a series of free virtual presentations with useful tips and strategies to help you live your best life both at work and at home. Learn about staying grounded in a hectic world. Focus on your physical flexibility with a program called CIRCL Mobility. Hear stories about parenting on the frontlines. Learn about caring for an aging loved one and more!

How Are You Feeling? Try a Simple Daily Check-in

As you navigate life's ups and downs, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, your energy level, and your overall mood each day. Just starting your day by asking yourself, "How am I doing today?" gives you a moment to pause and reflect on how you might care for yourself or others. If you'd like to dig a little deeper, try an online mental and emotional health screening.

"Be Well" Activities, Sept. 18-21

Join in MHealthy's virtual "Be Well" sessions, Sept. 18-20! These special well-being webinars will focus on nutrition, financial wellness and mental health. "Be Well in the Big House" on-field classes are full on Sept. 21, but there’s plenty to do on the concourse, including cardio drumming, guided meditation, and much more!

Nourish Your Whole Self

Based on the concept of intuitive eating, this free 12-week program helps you tune into yourself to make choices that support you feeling nourished. MHealthy coaches offer guidance on eating mindfully, being kind to yourself and being thankful for your body. Register now for September sessions. Space is limited.

In-person Physical Activity Classes

Get moving and relieve stress! In-person physical activity classes return to five campus locations: UH South Wellness Center, NCRC, KMS, Ann Arbor Ice Cube and Wolverine Tower. Sign up for yoga, boot camp, Zumba, strength training, cardio drumming and more! Classes start Sept. 11. Most classes cost $60.

Weekly Produce Box Subscription

Sign up for a produce box subscription! MHealthy has partnered with Argus Farm Stop to offer you a convenient way to try the latest seasonal produce from Michigan. Each week's box includes a collection of six to nine fresh fruits and vegetables hand-picked by Argus. The cost is $30 per week. Choose from five pick-up locations on or near campus.

To help you be your best at work and at home, MHealthy supports U-M's philosophy that many factors impact your personal well-being.