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

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

I believe one of the best parts of living in Michigan is witnessing the transition from one season to the next. Now that we are solidly in summertime, here are some important reminders to stay healthy.

• Drink extra water, protect your skin, and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Even short stints in the sun may have a big impact.
• Monitor the air quality index, especially as we approach the hottest time of the year.
• Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, has been on the rise in Michigan. You should perform tick checks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas and take action if you find a tick on you or your pet. Learn more about ticks from EHS.

I also want to call attention to the information below about MHealthy Champions. If you have never volunteered before but have an interest in health and wellness (for example, you are a regular reader of this newsletter!), I encourage you to apply. I have witnessed firsthand the impact MHealthy Champions have on their units big and small. With the upcoming theme year of Human Health & Well-being, this will be an exciting time to contribute to your community.

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.

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 13 on the MHealthy Portal.

Podcast: The Power of Mattering

What creates a culture where people can truly thrive? In the Well-Being at Michigan Medicine podcast, Michigan Medicine Chief Well-Being Officer Dr. Elizabeth Harry sits down with U-M's Chief Health Officer Dr. Robert Ernst to discuss building well-being into systems, policies and everyday experiences. They explore purpose-driven leadership, belonging, and why helping people feel they matter can strengthen entire communities. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Put Your Summer Alcohol I.Q. to the Test

New data suggests that views on alcohol, health risks and the rise of alcohol-free options may be changing. Take the updated, Summer Alcohol I.Q. quiz and test your knowledge – you might be surprised at what you learn! It's only five questions and, once completed, U-M faculty and staff can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of five $25 gift cards. Enter by July 31.

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

Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Training

U-M employees help maintain a community free from discrimination, harassment and misconduct. Faculty and staff must report sexual and gender-based misconduct, protected-class discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office within 48 hours.

To support you, U-M requires completing the SPG 201.89-1 online training, which explains reporting obligations, procedures and how to respond, by Dec. 31.

Free and Low-cost Summer Camps and Food Programs

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy, supported and well-fed without stretching the budget this summer? This article from the MHealthy Resource Coach Program includes several local and regional programs that offer free or low-cost meals, camps and enrichment opportunities designed to help keep your kids engaged and thriving throughout the summer months.

Reset Your Mindset with this Recorded Webinar

Evidence-informed coping strategies can help you navigate change, stress and uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence. Check out "Strategies for Mindset Reset in Uncertain Times," a recorded Zoom webinar to get practical tips from the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.

Caring for Kids: Brain Power at Home

The foundation for most of the "big" skills kids need for school can be learned right in your living room or kitchen. Check out this article from the UHR News for some practical tips for turning daily routines into brain-building moments. "Caring for Kids" is a monthly article series by early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children's Centers.

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 Tuesdays, July 14 - Aug. 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m. You'll get options, resources and support to quit for good.

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.

Nourished Mindset Intuitive Eating Webinar, Aug. 6

Mark your calendar for the Aug. 6 webinar "Raising an Intuitive Eater." You'll learn how to nurture children's innate ability to eat intuitively, focusing on building a healthy relationship with food instead of fearing it. Register by August 3.

Free Virtual Cooking Classes, July 15 and 22

Attend MHealthy's July virtual cooking classes to learn how to make fresh, flavor-packed summer dishes perfect for backyard grilling and outdoor gatherings. Recipes include herbed shrimp skewers, jerk chicken thighs, Greek salad lettuce cups and more.

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.