Physical wellness

Big group of UDM alumni, students and friends getting ready for Detroit bike tour

Physical wellness can mean optimal nutrition, reducing unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and other substance misuse, and incorporating activities that enable vitality in one’s life.

Nutrition

To optimize our performance, nutrition is key. Our food choices impact energy levels and our future health. Luckily, there are resources to help us meet our nutritional goals.

Have you heard of diets specific to your cultural heritage? You may have heard of the Mediterranean diet, but have heard of the African Heritage, Latin American Heritage or Asian Heritage diets? Check out the Oldways site for recipes, video tutorials, programs and menu planning.

Eating should be fun and enjoyable!

Students and employees on both the McNichols and Law Campuses love The Big Salad. Also, on the McNichols Campus you'll find many healthy options at Tommy’s Café.

Hydration

Most people will stay well-hydrated just by drinking when thirsty. For others, a goal for water intake can be helpful.

As a general guideline, it is suggested an individual should drink, on average, three liters of water a day. However, this may vary from person to person, so please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized instructions.

Meeting your goal: Detroit Mercy offers convenient water refilling stations at each campus, so bring your reusable water bottle and start a hydration schedule today!

Movement

Physical activity should be done every day to help maintain our physical and mental health, improve our mood and performance. Consistent movement decreases your chances of chronic illness, such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.

Current physical activity guidelines for Americans, set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommend twice weekly muscle strengthening activities and 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week for adults.

For individuals requiring accessibility, the CDC offers an exceptional website with physical activity for all or check out the free fitness videos from the National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability (CHAD) for adapted yoga, resistance band training and more.

Get started today by thinking of an activity that brings you joy and take action:

  • Why not get a “prescription” for your fitness? Sign up for the free ParkRx program to find local parks and trails.
  • Students and employees can enjoy the Student Fitness Center on the McNichols campus. University Recreation (URec) offers programs and classes, fitness equipment, intramural sports and its own Adventure Series. 
  • Check out the Michigan Move More program.
  • Each February, you can help Detroit Mercy out-move other Jesuit Universities during the Go Move Challenge.

Reducing unhealthy behaviors

By prioritizing the well-being of our university community and providing support to reduce unhealthy behaviors, we create an environment that embraces the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, irrespective of their background or identity.

Many people think of unhealthy behaviors as alcohol and other drugs, but what about addiction to caffeine or shopping, addiction to TV or eating? Many behaviors can diminish an optimal life when not performed in moderation.

First, please recognize that having unhealthy behavior says nothing about a person’s character. Viewing your unhealthy behavior as an area to improve and not a personal reflection can reduce shame or guilt that may impede improvement.

Second, let go of the all or nothing approach. Even a small step of progress is improvement. You don’t need to solve the problem entirely to be proud of your improvement.

Third, establish a non-judgmental baseline and a SMART goal of where you would like to be. Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; Time-bound. You can learn more about creating and using SMART goals to improve your progress.

Fourth, check-in regularly to evaluate and acknowledge your progress. Do you need to ask for assistance, reach out to peers, change an aspect of the goal? If you need additional help in reducing an unhealthy behavior, a great place to start is by visiting findhelp.org. This site can direct you to resources in your area related to housing, transportation, addiction, finances, child and parental care, food, and of course, areas of health where you may be struggling.

For those needing help with addiction, recovery, or misuse, check out the extensive substance misuse assistance programs.

Keep reaching for improvement and you will get there.

You can follow the Detroit Mercy Wellness Center on Instagram or schedule an appointment for a personalized health plan.

Wayne County Community COVID-19 Level is Low. Masks are recommended in classroom and work settings and libraries.

Health Advisories / Announcements

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  • September 22: University to hold COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic, Oct. 19

    Friday September 22, 2023

    What’s new with COVID-19:

    • As of Sept. 25, free COVID-19 test kits are once again available for mail order.
    • The University COVID-19 and Flu vaccine clinic will be held in the Student Union Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus Thursday, Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Bridge Access Program for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
    More information: Testing:
    • As of September 25, free COVID-19 test kits are once again available for mail order at https://www.covid.gov/tests;
    • You can test right away if you are ill. If you have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual, you can test after five days if you remained symptom-free;
    • It is best to test twice, with at least 24 hours between the first and second test
    Vaccination:
    • The University COVID-19 and Flu vaccine clinic will be held in the Student Union Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus, Thursday, Oct. 19 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. The sign-up will be done through RiteAid Pharmacy’s online portal beginning October 3. The updated vaccine will be available and you are able to receive both the COVID and Flu vaccine at the same time.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Bridge Access Program for uninsured or underinsured individuals. This program provides free COVID-19 vaccination. If you are searching for a COVID vaccine and are unable to attend the Oct. 19 clinic, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find the manufacturer you are looking for (Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax), and if using the Bridge Access program, be sure to check the box indicating such.
    • Learn more about the updated COVID vaccine and who should get it by watching the American Medical Association AMA update on COVID vaccination.
    What to do if you have COVID-19:
    • Isolate right away;
    • Tell your close contacts (those individuals within six feet of you for a cumulative 15 minutes over the course of 24 hours, in the two days prior to your illness). A service for advising close contacts, https://tellyourcontacts.org/ provides a text or email to the exposed individual. This may be a preferred option for a business setting or in the event you do not know the individual well;
    • Use tele-health appointments if needed to check-in with your medical provider;
    • Improve ventilation to reduce indoor exposure to viruses; and
    • Review the University Health Advisories website for absence protocols and illness-related resources to help determine an estimated time of absence, pending symptom improvement and a full five days of isolation.

    What you can do NOW: Be sure to have test kits on-hand, as well as a high-quality mask, such as N95. Take measures to stay physically healthy through good nutrition, increasing movement and when possible, enjoy the outdoors.

    You can also find information on the pillars of health and those factors that allow us to flourish in all areas of our life, on the University Wellness & Well-Being page.

  • June 28: Air Quality Alert

    Wednesday June 28, 2023

    Dear Detroit Mercy Community,

    This week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for the entire state due to wildfires in Canada. The current Air Quality Index rating for Detroit represents very unhealthy air and, in some areas, hazardous levels of particulates.

    It is important to remain indoors when possible. Additionally,

    • Keep windows and doors closed and utilize air purifiers if available;
    • Consider masking up when exiting buildings or going outside; and
    • Contact a medical provider if you experience signs of sickness or health concerns.

    Air quality fluctuates and can change hour to hour. To find the air quality for your area, visit AirNow.gov or reference the local map of unhealthy fire-related particulates.

    To learn more about how fine particulates and unhealthy air can affect your health, visit the Health and Environment site of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    Please reach out if you have questions.
    Joelyn Beaver
    Student Affairs
    beaverjm2@udmercy.edu
    313-418-8525

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