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

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

As we approach the middle of summer, I hope you have been able to enjoy some beautiful sunny days. However, we have at times experienced extreme temperatures. While you have likely read about safe behaviors during heat waves, the advice bears repeating, especially as we reach the hottest time of year.

Tips to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Stay indoors and in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Protect your skin, even if you are outside for only a short time.
• Know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
• Air quality is often negatively affected by heat waves. Monitor the air quality index where you live and take extra precautions if you are sensitive to air pollution.

Additional resources:

• Hot weather safety tips from Washtenaw County Health Department
• Heat illness prevention information from OSHA
• Extreme Heat and Your Health from the CDC
• U-M's Department of Environment, Health & Safety is also available for consultation if you need more information on implementing a heat stress program

Become an MHealthy Champion

Are you interested in health and well-being? Do you like to support others? Would you like to help tailor activities to fit your coworkers' needs?

If so, apply to become an MHealthy Champion for your department, unit or area! You can help to tailor health and wellness activities that fit your area's needs, create a culture of well-being and foster connection within your unit or department. Apply by July 31.

Embrace Nature for Mental Restoration

If you want to lower your stress, elevate your mood and quiet negative self-talk, try immersing yourself in nature. Whether you like to garden, explore a forest, or simply sit in a park, spending time outside is an easy way to feel better.

This article highlights the benefits of spending time outdoors and includes resources like Nature Rx, which helps you find spots around Ann Arbor.

UHS Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop

The UHS Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop, located on Central Campus, has three highly trained optometrists who can help you with routine vision exams or urgent vision problems. You can also order contact lenses or try on and order frames through the optical shop, which offers a faculty/staff discount and is an in-network provider for U-M's Vision Plan.

The clinic has greater appointment flexibility in the summer so make an appointment now.

Visit MHealthy’s Summer Market at NCRC on July 31

On July 31, stop by the first of three MHealthy Summer Markets at NCRC! The markets celebrate local foods and products and will include more than a dozen vendors. Shop for hand-crafted goods, fresh produce and locally-made foods like pastas, spreads, baked goods, spices and more.

Summer Market at NCRC:
Dates: July 31, Aug. 14 and Sept. 12
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: NCRC, Building 18, Dining Hall

Test Your Summer Alcohol I.Q., Enter to Win $25

Myth or fact: Alcohol helps people manage social situations more easily. Get the answer to this and more by taking the updated Summer Alcohol I.Q. Challenge. It's only five questions and U-M faculty and staff can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of five $25 Amazon gift cards. Enter by July 31.

Supporting Kids Coping with Grief and Loss

When a child faces the heavy weight of grief, the world can seem a bleak place. It's a profound challenge for both kids and the adults who love them. Christine Snyder, Director of Child and Family Care, shares five tips for providing support in this article.

MHealthy Portal Now Displays Preferred Names

Benefits-eligible faculty and staff who have set a preferred name through Wolverine Access will now see it displayed on the MHealthy Portal. This update impacts those who prefer to use a name that is different from their legal name.

Refer to the U-M Preferred Names Policy for more information and to learn how to enter, update, and/or delete your preferred name.

Freedom From Smoking®

Quitting tobacco isn't easy—but it's easier with the right help. Join Freedom From Smoking, a free, seven-week virtual group program from the American Lung Association and Tobacco Consultation Service. A new session starts on Wednesday, July 24 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. You'll get options, resources and support to quit tobacco for good.

Nourish Your Whole Self

Create healthier relationships with food and your body with Nourish Your Whole Self, a free 12-week program that 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. Space is limited. Register by July 25.

Weekly Produce Box Subscription

Sign up for a produce box subscription! MHealthy has partnered with Argus Farm Stop to offer a convenient way to try the latest seasonal produce from local farms. Each week's box includes a collection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The cost is $30 per week. Choose from six pick-up locations on or near campus, including NCRC, BSRB and more.

Fruit and Veggie Challenge

Fruits and vegetables have nutrients that support your health and help to reduce your risk of some chronic diseases. Join the six-week Fruit and Veggie Challenge and have fun filling up on nature's best. Open to active benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouse/OQA. Register by July 15.

Save the Date! Be Well in the Big House is Sept. 19

Join hundreds of your U-M colleagues and friends at Michigan Stadium for fitness and fun! On Sept. 19 from 3 - 6:30 p.m., Be Well in the Big House returns with on-field sessions of yoga, Zumba and Football Skills and Thrills. Off the field, talk with health experts and try out cardio drumming, ultimate wheelchair and more. Look for more information soon!

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.