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

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

As spring draws closer each day, I hope you are able to enjoy the extra daylight. Whether you look forward to this change or not, Daylight Saving Time is right around the corner. For many, that can mean additional stress around an already challenging topic: sleep. Data from the 2024 annual health questionnaire administered by MHealthy shows that 50% of U-M employees are at high risk for sleep problems. If you are one of them, know you are not alone.

I encourage you to sign up for MHealthy's Sleep Well, Be Well e-newsletter to smooth over your adjustment to the time change and examine your sleep practices long term. And as I have said in my last few newsletters, going outside can have major impacts on your health. This holds true for your sleep as well. Sunlight exposure, especially in the early morning, can better regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

It's Nutrition Month!

In March (and year-round), access programs and resources to help you make informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits. Sign up for virtual cooking classes, browse through hundreds of online recipes, watch a cooking video and much more.

At U-M vending machines and eateries, use this colorful citrus icon to identify healthier options – the more slices filled, the more nutrient dense the food!

Get Ready for Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, Mar. 9. Even this small shift can affect your sleep cycle, disrupting your rest for several days. To help you adjust to the time change, sign up for this special four-week email series to get tips and resources to help you get better rest.

MHealthy's website also includes tips, programs and resources focused on improving your sleep hygiene.

Mental Health on College Campuses Conference

The Mental Health on College Campuses Conference brings together practitioners, student affairs professionals and students from around the country and offers opportunities for sharing college mental health best practices, exploring research findings and networking. The two-day conference takes place Apr. 1 – 2 at the Rackham Graduate School at UM-Ann Arbor.

Check out the agenda to learn more and register for the conference.

Coming Mar. 24 – NEW! Money Matters Gameboard Journey

Small actions around your finances can make a big impact. That’s where Money Matters can help! Over 28 days, you'll journey along a virtual gameboard completing quick, daily tasks: test your knowledge, learn something new or reflect on your current money matters.

Registration opens Mar. 24 on the MHealthy Portal. Your journey starts Apr. 7. Available to active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouse/OQA. Learn more about Money Matters.

Sign up for a Guided Nature Walk

Spending time outdoors can improve your social and emotional well-being. Join "A Breath of Fresh Air," an energizing nature break that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. This walk also incorporates mindful exercises to help you reduce stress and invigorate your energy levels.

The next event is Mar. 19, 12 – 12:45 p.m., on Central Campus at the Arriving Home sculpture near the Central Campus Transit Center.

Raise Your Awareness About Alcohol

One serving of alcohol is considered 5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer, or 1.5 oz. of liquor.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and MHealthy's Alcohol Management Program has compiled resources and tips to help faculty and staff manage their alcohol use (whether it's reducing or abstaining).

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. Apr. 26 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It's a safe, convenient, responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications.

Visit the DEA website to locate a collection site near you. If you can't make it on Apr. 26, the DEA website also includes year-round drug disposal locations.

Get Your MHealthy Rewards

Complete the confidential health questionnaire and set a goal on the MHealthy Portal to earn a $75 reward! You’ll learn about your current health, get a personalized list of programs and resources and be on your way to creating a healthy habit. MHealthy Rewards is open to active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff.

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. Registration for March sessions open Mar. 10 – sign up to be notified.

Free Virtual Cooking Classes, Mar. 19 and 26

Attend March's virtual cooking classes and discover how glorious green herbs like parsley and cilantro, and vegetables like spinach can create dazzling dressings, sauces and winter salads. You'll also get tips for saving time and cutting costs. Register for one or both classes.

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, Mar. 26 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. You'll get options, resources and support to quit tobacco for good.

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.