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

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

With spring approaching, there are many moments to look forward to, from longer days and more sunshine to March Madness and – before we know it – commencements and other end-of-term celebrations. This is a season of anticipation for many.

It can also be an excellent time for moments of mindfulness. That could mean a few extra minutes outside in the warmer weather, a quick appreciation for the changing spring landscape or reaching out to a friend or family member you have not seen recently. You may be surprised at how uplifting that might be for both of you.

Consider using this “Nature Invitation” to make an intentional effort to get outdoors. Give it to a friend, use it to invite your entire group or fill it out for yourself as a reminder to step outside to discover the real-life benefits of spending time in nature.

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, explore intuitive eating offerings 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!

Daylight Saving Time's Impact on Your Sleep

Daylight Saving Time started on Sunday, Mar. 8. Even this small shift can affect your sleep cycle, disrupting your rest for several days or weeks. 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.

MHealthy Resource Coach Program

Life can bring unexpected challenges, and the Resource Coach Program is here to support you in navigating them. Meet one-on-one, confidentially, with a Resource Coach who can help you explore options, connect with resources at U-M and in the community and build strategies that support your overall well-being – whether related to food, housing, finances or other essentials.

MHealthy Champion Awards

Do you know an MHealthy Champion, wellness committee or supervisor that has gone above and beyond to support a positive culture of well-being? If so, nominate them for the Dr. Robert A. Winfield MHealthy Champion Award, LaVaughn Palma-Davis Wellness Committee Award or the NEW MHealthy Supportive Leader in Well-being Award (U-M uniqname and password required for access). Submit by Apr. 17.

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 Mar. 24-25 at the Rackham Graduate School at UM-Ann Arbor. Check out the agenda and register for the conference.

Coming Mar. 23 – 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. 23 on the MHealthy Portal. Your journey starts Apr. 6. Available to active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouse/OQA.

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. 25 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's a safe, convenient, responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Locate a collection site near you.

If you can't make it on Apr. 25, the U-M College of Pharmacy is hosting medication take-back events at Pinckney Town Square Park on Mar. 28 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) and at Ingalls Mall on Apr. 7 (8.a.m.–2 p.m.). Pharmacy students will be on site to assist.

Backup Child, Adult and In-home Care Resources

Life's unpredictable moments just got a little bit easier. The university partners with Bright Horizons to provide backup 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.

Free Virtual Cooking Classes

Registration is now open for the Mar. 25 and Apr. 8 virtual cooking classes. Boost your immune system with vibrant, nourishing recipes celebrating the flavors of spring. You'll also get tips for saving time and cutting costs. Register by Mar. 20.

Nourished Mindset Intuitive Eating Webinar, Mar. 31

Attend "Moving Away from Dieting and Restrictive Eating" to learn about the pervasive influence of diet culture, uncover motivations behind dieting and pseudo-dieting and discover strategies for releasing the diet mentality.

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

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.

"A Breath of Fresh Air," Apr. 15

Take a guided nature break to refresh your energy, reduce stress by being outside and practice mindful attention. You'll also use Nature Rx in the Michigan App to find nearby spots for taking breaks, restoring and for mental and physical health. The Apr. 15 event takes place from 4-4:45 p.m., at Ingalls Mall-South.

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.