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

From the Chief Health Officer's Desk

With a new school year underway, now is an excellent time to plan for and enjoy the cooler days. This may mean finding extra time in nature (remember even a brief visit outdoors can immediately improve well-being) or preparing recipes that take advantage of the incredible variety of Michigan produce available in autumn.

Also consider signing up for Calm Health. This is an expanded and free version of the popular Calm app, and is for employees and dependents age 13+ who participate in a U-M health benefit plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield/Blue Care Network. (If you already have a Calm account, you can use the same login when you access Calm Health.) Review the FAQs to learn more.

Hunger Action Month

Having access to nutritious food is critical to practicing healthy behaviors and thriving at work and home. September is Hunger Action Month, a time to shine a light on food and nutrition insecurity.

In support, look for Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) donation bins in departments and common areas across campus. MBC provides U-M faculty, staff and students facing food and nutrition insecurity with food items, kitchen and household supplies and other resources. Resources are also available if you need support or want to help.

Be Well in the Big House,
Sept. 17

Join hundreds of your colleagues and friends at Michigan Stadium for Be Well in the Big House, Sept. 17 from 3-6:15 p.m. Celebrate the year of "Human Health & Well-being" with yoga, Zumba and Football Skills and Thrills sessions on the field, and well-being experts, a farmers market, cardio drumming, Wheelchair Ultimate, a community art project and more off the field!

Register for on-field sessions before they fill up (limited to one session per person). No registration needed for concourse activities. Open to U-M faculty and staff only.

NEW! M-56: Your Road to Well-being

On M-56, each day is an opportunity to make your health and well-being a little better! Join in as we hit the road for a 56-day virtual journey through U-M's historic campuses and Michigan Medicine.

Along the way, you'll complete one daily activity inspired by U-M's Model of Well-being: test your knowledge, learn something new, reflect or take a small action to support your well-being. It’s simple, flexible and a fun way to build healthy habits one day at a time!

Registration for M-56: Your Road to Well-being opens Sept. 17. Begin your journey starting on Sept. 28!

Drop-in Vaccination Clinics on Campus

Don't miss your shot! Drop-in vaccination clinics are now available across the Ann Arbor campus. No appointment needed. All clinics offer the influenza vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine will be added as soon as it is available. Please bring your insurance cards, including your prescription insurance card (digital copies are accepted).

Faculty and staff as well as spouses or otherwise qualifying adults, dependents and retirees can also get vaccinations from their primary care provider or most pharmacies. Learn more about insurance coverage for vaccinations through U-M's health plans.

Grants Available to Solve Ergonomic Issues in the Workplace

Is manually lifting equipment causing awkward movement? Is repeating the same motions for long periods of time causing discomfort? Is work equipment causing discomfort or physical stress? There may be a more ergonomic way to work.

Departments and units that want to address ergonomic challenges in the workplace can apply for a grant through the MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Program. Any university employee can apply on behalf of their area. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to assist with purchasing equipment or redesigning work processes. Apply by Dec. 31.

Coming Soon! Connecting the Dots Webinar Series

Attend the 21st annual U-M Connecting the Dots conference, Oct. 27–29, 2026! This free, virtual event offers six engaging webinars tailored for faculty, staff and students. Explore essential topics including artificial intelligence, caring for aging relatives, menopause advocacy and education, character strengths and Social Security. Also as part of the series, Jennifer B. Wallace will join Dr. Ernst for an Oct. 28 fireside chat about her work on mattering. Look for more information soon!

Check in on Your Emotional Health

As the fall season gets underway, prioritizing your mental health is just as important as preparing for the months ahead. U-M faculty and staff can access a confidential online screening tool and the free Calm Health app. Use them to manage stress, build healthy routines and check in on your well-being at your own pace. Learn more in this UHR News article.

In-person Physical Activity Classes

Sign up for MHealthy in-person physical activity classes, including strength training, Zumba, yoga and more. MHealthy's fall classes cost $50-$100 for 10 to 14 weekly sessions and are available at four campus locations. Classes are also available through Michigan Recreation and Kinesiology Community Programs.

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, Sept. 15

Registration is now open for the Sept. 15. webinar "Eating and Emotions." Explore the connection between emotions and eating and discover what your body truly needs in moments of emotional eating. You’ll also learn strategies to care for your feelings without judgment. Register by Sept. 14.

Free Virtual Cooking Classes, Sept. 16 and 30

Attend MHealthy's September virtual cooking classes and kick off the fall with vibrant, healthy recipes inspired by late-summer produce and the Mediterranean diet. You'll also get tips for saving time and cutting costs. You can also sign up to get notified when registration opens for future classes.

Democracy Week at U-M, Sept. 14-18

Led by the Center for Democracy and Civic Empowerment, U-M's inaugural Democracy Week brings together students, faculty, staff and community partners for a week of events celebrating civic participation, democratic engagement and informed dialogue. Democracy Week coincides with National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 15) and Constitution Day (Sept. 17).

Climate Week, Sept. 26-Oct. 3

U-M's Climate Week 2026 brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to advance innovative solutions and meaningful climate action. It’s an opportunity to discuss solutions to halt climate change, accelerate climate resilience and create pathways to a sustainable future. A number of in-person and virtual activities and events are planned throughout Climate Week.

Medication and Sharps Take Back Event, Sept. 17

U-M College of Pharmacy is holding a Safe Medication Disposal Event on Sept. 17 during Be Well in the Big House. It's an environmentally safe and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications and used sharps (needles, syringes and lancets). Proper disposal helps protect the environment, reduces accidental poisoning and prevents misuse of prescription drugs. Stop by Michigan Stadium outside Gate 1 anytime between 3-6 p.m.

Legacy Planning Virtual Workshop, Oct. 20

Everyone needs a will – not just the rich and famous. On Oct. 20, attend "Getting Your Affairs in Order: Legacy Planning," a virtual workshop led by Sam Nuxoll, a trusts and estates professor at the U-M Law School. This is an opportunity to get practical advice for organizing your affairs and planning your legacy. You'll also learn how to prepare, how (and whether) to find an attorney and what to expect from each step of the process.

America at 250: How Public Health Shaped Our Nation's History

The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness begins with good health for all. On Sept. 15 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m., the U-M School of Public Health will host an expert panel that explores public health innovations in the United States - including the history of the uniformed Public Health Service Commissioned Corps - and the school's own part leading transformative change. Join in person at the Michigan League Ballroom or via Livestream.

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.