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

Dr. Robert Ernst

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

There are many great parts about living in Michigan and our beautiful summers top that list for many. In order to fully experience the season, please remember these important health and safety tips:

When temps rise, drink extra water, protect your skin and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Monitor the air quality index where you live and take extra precautions if you are sensitive to air pollution.
Tick season in Michigan typically occurs from May through August. Make sure you perform tick checks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas and take action if you find a tick on you or your pet.

I hope you enjoy much of what our state has to offer this season and can find time to rest and recuperate before another busy and exciting fall.

Become an MHealthy Champion

Are you interested in health and well-being? Do you like to connect and encourage others?

If so, become an MHealthy Champion for your department, unit or area. You'll help to tailor health and wellness activities that fit your coworkers’ needs and support a culture of well-being within your area. Champions have access to expert guidance, exclusive trainings and a supportive network of Champions from across the university. Apply by July 31.

A variety of produce falling out of a canvas bag

Eat More Fruits and Veggies in Just Six Weeks!

Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that support your health and help to reduce your risk of some chronic diseases. Join MHealthy's six-week Fruit and Veggie Challenge and take small steps toward eating well. There's no calorie counting or weighing – simply eat your produce and log your servings.

Open to active benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouse/other qualified adult. Register by July 14 on the MHealthy Portal.

— CREATING A HEALTHIER U —

Put Your Summer Alcohol I.Q. to the Test

Backyard BBQs, beach days and long summer nights sometimes come with a drink in hand – but how much do you really know about how alcohol affects your body, mind and mood? Take the updated, five-question quiz and find out. It only takes a few minutes and you might be surprised at what you learn.

MHealthy's Alcohol Management Program has compiled these resources to help you practice mindful drinking.

a sign in the woods that says Scavenger Hunt Starts Here

Coming Aug. 14! 9th Annual Dearborn Campus Scavenger Hunt

Join us on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. for the Dearborn Campus Scavenger Hunt. This fun, 45-minute hunt includes trophies for the 1st place team, most spirited (costumes encouraged!) and – our highly coveted – last place "better luck next year" trophy!

Look for more information soon! If you have questions, email Craig Kotajarvi at crkotaja@umich.edu.

— DID YOU KNOW? —

Monthly Virtual Support for Your Mind and Mood

If you're short on time but interested in supporting your emotional well-being, try Mental Wellness Mondays (MWM), a quick 15-minute webinar scheduled for the first Monday of the month. Each session offers practical tips and strategies to enhance your mental health.

3 sets of circles with a child, elderly woman and a man with a broken arm in the center

Newly Expanded Backup Child, Adult and In-home Care Resources

Life's unpredictable moments just got a little bit easier. The university has teamed up with Bright Horizons to provide options and resources that help you juggle your personal and family responsibilities. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can access 15 days of university-subsidized support each year.

— SIGN UP NOW —

woman with back to camera and arms out wide outside in nature

Thinking About Quitting Tobacco Virtual Workshop, Aug. 20

If you're thinking about quitting but aren't sure how to start, join this 30-minute virtual workshop from the Tobacco Consultation Service on Aug. 20, from 12-12:30 p.m. You'll meet a tobacco treatment specialist and learn about tools and resources available when you are ready to take the first step.

Join Thinking About Quitting

collage of people exercising and cooking

Nourish Your Whole Self

A growing body of research supports shifting the focus away from dieting and weight loss towards a more thoughtful approach. Nourish Your Whole Self is a free 12-week program based on the concept of intuitive eating. MHealthy coaches offer guidance on eating mindfully, being kind to yourself and being thankful for your body.

Learn more about Nourish

Free Virtual Cooking Class, July 30

Attend July's virtual cooking class, "Berry Delicious Blueberries," and learn to make delicious dishes featuring one of our favorite superfoods. Antioxidant-rich blueberries may boost brain, gut and heart health. You'll also get tips for saving time and cutting costs. Register by July 24.

U-M MODEL OF WELL-BEING SPOTLIGHT:

Physical Well-being: Supporting vitality, strength and energy through health-promoting behaviors.

Model of Well-being with the physical petal highlighted Prioritizing physical well-being can lower your risk of chronic illness, strengthen immunity, lift your mood, and improve sleep. You'll feel more energized, handle stress better and boost your daily productivity.

Move your way to well-being with physical activity programs through MHealthy and the Dearborn Wellness Center. These nutrition-based offerings help you make informed food choices. Quality sleep is also crucial and the MHealthy website offers helpful tips and programs to guide you to better rest. Support is also available for managing alcohol and addressing tobacco use. Find more resources to support your physical well-being.

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.

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