Health and Wellness Topics A to Z

This information was adapted from Addressing Emotional Needs While You're Sick: Guidance for Individuals (PDF) from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 04/30/2020​.

Campus-wide media campaigns and print materials alert students to the potential dangers of alcohol and other drug use, address illegal and disrespectful behavior, and promote sobriety.

Materials for these popular and well-recognized campaigns can be picked up on the ground floor of UHS, Wolverine Wellness (room 0245). Some materials are available here as PDFs.

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in our society and on campus, with cannabis ranking as a distant second.

From UHS:

The University of Michigan seeks to provide an environment free of the adverse effects of alcohol and other drug abuse.

U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff:  Members of the university community can be held accountable for violations of this policy as well as federal, state and local laws and ordinances. The University Policy outlines prevention, education and intervention efforts, and consequences for policy violations.

The University of Michigan recognizes that the use of alcohol and other drugs can significantly interfere with fulfilling the mission of the University and pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of the members of this community.

Mission:

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention work at Wolverine Wellness is student-centered and uses evidence-based strategic interventions, collaboration, innovation and the incorporation of the wellness dimensions to reduce harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug use.

On this page:

• Online assessments and screenings
• Screening, counseling and treatment
• Drug testing
• Helping a friend
• U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program
• Sexual assault survivor assistance
• Al-Anon and Support for Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)
• Support for recovery
• Local detoxification option

Alcohol or other drug overdoses can result in bizarre behavior, unconciousness and even death. Know the signs of an alcohol emergency and know what to do.

What you need to do:

Don't assume a person will sleep it off! People may pass out before all the alcohol or other drugs reach the brain. The heart and lungs can slow to the point of stopping. Do not use cold water or caffeine to attempt to wake the person up. Do not force food or try to make them exercise.

What is alcohol or other drug-facilitated sexual assault?

Alcohol or other drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) can occur when alcohol or other drugs are used to compromise or incapacitate an individual. This may result in lowered inhibitions, reduced ability to resist, and inability to remember details of an assault.

Working together to promote well-being by reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs.

Let's work together to address harmful alcohol and other drug use in our community and build a caring network of resources and support. 

Attend a meeting to learn more and help spread the word. Remember to share information with us about your events and activities too!

Mission

To promote health and wellness and reduce harm from substance use among youth and adults.

These apps can help you weather the ups and downs of feelings and thoughts, and help you stress less. 

You can learn about these apps by following the links below, and you can download them at:

• Apple’s App Store for IOS devices
• Google Play for Android devices

U-M sponsored:

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

For the University of Michigan, Wolverine Wellness at UHS oversees the review and coordinates the multi-stakeholder committee, comprised of at least 20 units across campus.  

The next review is anticipated in Summer 2022.  

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

The 2010 Biennial Review Committee was comprised of faculty, staff and students who met from June-August 2010 to conduct the federally required biennial review.

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

The 2012 Biennial Review Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students met from June-August 2012 to conduct the federally required biennial review. Two subcommittees also met through October to discuss the Consistency of Enforcement guidelines as well as the new Medical Amnesty Law.

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

The 2014 Biennial Review Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students met from June-August 2014 to conduct the federally required biennial review. One subcommittee also met in July to discuss the Consistency of Enforcement guidelines.

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

The 2016 Biennial Review Committee was comprised of faculty, staff and students and met May-August 2016 to conduct the federally required biennial review. Several subcommittees also met during these months, discussing student organization accountability, consistency of enforcement, and alcohol storage on campus.

All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

The 2018 Biennial Review Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students met from May to August 2018 to conduct the federally required biennial review of the U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff. Several subcommittees also met during these months, discussing student organization accountability, consistency of enforcement, and alcohol storage on campus.

The 2020 Biennial Review Committee composed of faculty, staff, and students met virtually in May and June 2020 to conduct the federally required alcohol and other drug (AOD) policy biennial review. A subcommittee also met to discuss consistency of policy and sanction enforcement as well as how to best document AOD data collection.

The Collegiate Recovery Program helps students in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction to succeed at U-M. Here are articles that mention CRP:

Communication is a key aspect of all relationships. Some people communicate very directly, while others are more subtle. Learning about the communication styles of you and your partner(s) can help you navigate conversations about relationships and sex. To learn more about communication styles, visit http://serenityonlinetherapy.com/assertiveness.htm.

Everybody Matters

Some ways of communicating are less conducive to equality in a relationship. 

It’s no secret that socializing looks much different now than it did before mid-March of 2020. With COVID-19 precautions, many of us are experiencing isolation, whether physically, emotionally, or both.

Studies have shown that people between ages 16-24 report feeling lonely the most. You may feel lonely despite living with roommates or seeing others on Zoom.

Though the pandemic does present challenges when it comes to staying connected, it's still possible.

On this page:

• How does alcohol influence campus life?
• What are the definitions of binge and risky drinking? How do these terms relate to alcoholism?
• Does U-M have a drinking problem?
• Does the University have policies and laws that govern alcohol use on campus?

Every student needs to play. How about taking advantage of all that Ann Arbor has to offer?

Like Knit Wits (knitting for fun and charity), rock climbing, ice skating, eating yummy organic food, attending concerts (you can even usher and get in for free!), canoeing, seeing the stars, visiting museums, playing sports, salsa or ballroom dancing, movies, laser tag, bowling, swimming, cuddling up next to a fire, etc.

Check it out!

Are you attending a music festival for the first time this summer? Have you attended before but not since pre-COVID? Watch this webinar presented by Wolverine Wellness! We will be discussing how to have the best music festival experience including general safety, alcohol and other drug safety, and information about Naloxone. 

Webinar outline

Are you concerned about a friend?

You may have noticed a friend’s behavior that makes you concerned for their well-being, whether it is your friend’s depression or academic issues, a roommate’s drinking, or something else. It can be difficult to know when and how to help in these situations.

This page offers tips for starting a conversation with your friend about their concerning behavior. It is important to recognize that helping a friend doesn’t mean:

Liability for hosts:

It's illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Hosts can be held responsible for injuries that an intoxicated person causes or incurs at or after leaving a party.

The State of Michigan holds servers of alcohol liable for injuries caused by intoxicated individuals who consumed alcoholic beverages in a home, office or other establishment.

Having fun (while staying safe):

Make sure there are nonalcoholic beverages and non-salty food available. Let the main attraction of the party be something other than alcohol.

Michigan students report using the following strategies to Stay in the Blue: 

• Download and use the Stay in Blue app from iTunes or Google play
• Count your drinks
• Set a drink limit using standard drinks
• Eat immediately before and while drinking, especially foods high in protein and/or fat
• Measure your own drinks, e.g.

A night of heavy partying follows you into the next day. 

Contrary to popular belief, only time will sober you up.

The rate that alcohol leaves the body is constant, regardless of gender, body type or size. It leaves at a rate of .015% per hour (.25-.30 ounce of ethanol, which comes out to about 1/2 drink per hour). 

If a person went to bed at 2 AM with a BAC of .20, the next 15 hours might look like this:

At some point, many students make choices about whether to date or hang out with someone, or whether or not to have sex. When you decide based on your values, and when you've considered what you do and don't want, you're more likely to feel good about your decision. And remember, it's always OK to change your mind.

Key info for U-M students to know

It's illegal to:

What is medical amnesty?

Medical Amnesty as a result of alcohol intoxication: To better ensure that minors at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication will receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, the State of Michigan provides for medical amnesty to remove perceived barriers to calling for or seeking help.

Do you ever feel like your thoughts are racing a hundred miles a minute? Or that there’s just too much going on and you can’t find time to breathe? Feeling anxious and overwhelmed may even be affecting your schoolwork and grades. If this sounds familiar, mindfulness-based practices may be for you.

For other years and versions of U-M results, see National College Health Assessment.

Slide 1: Results of the National College Health Assessment
Ann Arbor Campus
February 2018

Slide 2: What is NCHA?

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is sometimes used for pain management in cancer treatment. It is now being found in drugs including heroin, cocaine, counterfeit Xanax, and ecstasy. Even a small amount of Fentanyl could cause an overdose. 

Pedestrian safety is all of our responsibility. It’s important as a pedestrian to be seen, be aware, and be careful. Below are some tips to help you stay safe when crossing the street:

This text version of the Plan-Shop-Cook-Eat booklet (PDF) is provided for accessibility.

Page 1 - Front cover

Title: plan - shop - cook - eat: becoming confident in your own kitchen

Any one of these consequences is reason enough to evaluate your relationship with alcohol:

We've selected the following websites because they offer reliable information and useful features. They are sponsored by reputable organizations and are for the most part non-commercial.

As you explore health topics via the internet, please keep in mind that many websites are not reliable, and that no website is a substitute for the advice of licensed medical professionals.

Resources Listed on the UHS Website by Topic:

Here are at least 101 ways to nurture yourself and reduce stress:

• Laugh out loud
• Listen to music
• Fly a kite
• Stretch
• Be thankful
• Read for fun
• Daydream
• Take a nap
• Go rock climbing
• Eat organic food
• Canoe
• Remember all the good things about yourself  
• Create a collage representing "The Real Me"
• Write a poem
• Reward yourself
• Reflect on your successes
• Practice relaxation exercises
• Learn yoga
• Sing, draw, dance, sculpt - expres

We do research for quality improvement and to improve our understanding of U-M students.

Here are links to research findings related to Student Life:

On this page:

• U-M resources:
  • Student services
  • Academic / career support
  • Employee assistance
  • Michigan Medicine hospitals and clinics
  • Student groups
• Recommended apps
• Local resources
• National resources

Student services:

• U-M Counseling &a

You are not alone:

If you are managing a chronic health condition or disability otherwise, you are not alone.

According to the 2018 U-M National College Health Assessment, 22% of U-M students manage some form of disability, including 5% of U-M students who have a chronic health condition. 

Not all students have sex. For those who do, having sex with other people has always carried a mix of possible risks and benefits. COVID-19 presents a new health risk during in-person sexual activities with others, especially those who live outside our household. Some people may feel frustration or loss about these new risks. Or, they may feel relieved or glad about changing norms for how we meet people and what we do sexually.

The resources below can help you consider your options and make choices that support both personal and community well-being.

What was your best sexual experience? 

When we talk about a sexual experience, it could be defined any way you like, whether a kiss or intercourse or other activities. For most people, sexual experiences are best when bodies are free from drugs, including alcohol.  For U-M students who choose to drink alcohol, most say they had their best sexual experiences when they were sober, had one drink or at the most two standard drinks. 

Are you sleepy?

Here are signs that you may need more sleep:

Stay in the Blue Mobile Application

Privacy Policy, June 2018

PRIVACY POLICY FRAMEWORK

This privacy policy governs your use of the Stay in the Blue software application (“Application”) on a mobile device that was created by The University of Michigan. The Application includes, for example, a blood alcohol content estimator, links to local cabs, links to local laws and alcohol harm-reduction messages.

What information does the Application obtain and how is it used?

Staying in the Blue can help you get what you want while avoiding the stuff you don't want, by keeping your blood alcohol content (BAC) at .06 or below. 

We can all learn new ways to handle stress for better mental health.

Please explore these webpages for ideas and resources.

On this page:

• Recognizing Stress Overload
• What is the Difference Between Anxiety and Stress
• Common Effects of Stress
• Stress Busters
• Getting Help
• For more information

Recognizing stress overload:

College life is full of new experiences and discoveries, deadlines and demands.

These one-minute stress strategies are simple, and they can make a real difference in how you handle stress. We encourage you to try them!

Try these tips to keep your balance, or re-balance yourself.*

1. Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

2. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

What is test anxiety?

Exams are among the greatest sources of stress in college. Some level of nervousness before tests can motivate you; however, too much stress can interfere with your ability to prepare for and perform on tests.

Test anxiety has two components, physical reactions and worry.

Physical reactions (heart pounding, sweaty palms, etc.), when kept in check, do not usually impair performance and may enhance your ability to focus on the immediate task.

Combining medications (prescribed or not prescribed) with alcohol can have unpredictable and unwanted consequences. We can help ourselves, our friends and our community by understanding the dangers and taking steps to prevent harm.

As a student, you lead a busy life with no time to be out. And if you are out, your ability to do well in school may be compromised depending on the length and severity of the illness or injury. Here are recommendations to stay on top of your studies and recover. 

These are the top ten health-related impediments to U-M students' academic success, according to the 2018 U-M National College Health Assessment:

This document outlines an evidence-based public health model that uses a typology of programs and policies for preventing and treating campus-based alcohol-related concerns. 

It is used to categorize current and/or anticipated efforts and to inform strategic planning of multilevel interventions.

This model suggests that in order to sustain prevention efforts, it is necessary to act across multiple levels of the model at the same time (community, institution, individual, group, public policy).

Health alerts

• Vaping, cannabis use, and cigarette smoking can compromise the respiratory system and impair immune function, which increases risk for COVID-19. 
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should not use e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC (the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis) due to risk of serious lung injury.

New! Wellness Coaching for Nicotine Cessation 

Nicotine cessation coaching for vaping, smoking, or using smokeless tobacco products is now available for U-M students at Wolverine Wellness. Click here to learn more and make an appointment with a coach who specializes in nicotine cessation. 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available at no cost for students who participate in coaching. 

Laws, Policies and Ordinances involving Alcohol and Other Drugs

The University of Michigan seeks to provide an environment free of the adverse effects of alcohol and other drug use. Alcohol is a major national public health issue on college campuses because related behaviors can lead to life-altering consequences such as regretted decisions, lost academic potential, discipline, arrest and serious harm to self and others.

Chase the chills

You can cuddle up next to fireplace. Call ahead to see if they're fired up at Trotter Multicultural Center (734-763-3070) or Chrysler Center on North Campus (734-615-843).

Or take a sauna -- we can thank the Finns for inventing something so thoroughly warming. The RecSports buildings on Central Campus (CCRB) and North Campus (NCRB) both have saunas, and U-M students get in free.

Handwashing made easy!

Why wash:

Do you know that 80% of germs that cause illness are transmitted by hands?

And in just 20 seconds, you can reduce your risk of getting sick, as well as help protect others? 

That's what washing your hands can do, because it breaks the chain of transmission. That's why Wolverines Wash! 

It's most important to wash: