Health and Wellness Happenings — September 2025

Featuring monthly updates from Christine Flory and the Office of Health and Wellness.

Above: MBU’s VWIL cadets got right to work on their Health and Wellness upon returning to campus, with some early-morning PT.

Wellness Happenings – September

Observations:

September Health Observances

Suicide Prevention Month

From the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), learn about the risk factors of suicide
From the Health Advocate blog, find out how to address the issue of suicide in a caring, nonjudgmental way

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15

From the Health Advocate blog, learn about ways to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

Fruits & Veggies More Matters Month

From the Health Advocate blog, learn why you should really eat fruits and vegetables, ways you can enjoy produce this fall, tips to include more fruits and veggies in your diet, and the benefits of eating the rainbow of fruits and veggies

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), get tips to support your children and teens with healthy routines and find out how much physical activity your kids need to stay healthy
From the Health Advocate blog, learn how to help your kids get fit with these family-centric physical activity ideas

National Recovery Month

From Health.gov, learn more about substance use and misuse
From the Health Advocate blog, here’s how to reduce stigma during National Recovery Month and how to take back control if you’re addicted to alcohol

National Cholesterol Education Month

From the CDC, learn more about cholesterol here
From the National Institutes of Health, a comprehensive guide to lowering your cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes
From the Health Advocate blog, find out if you’re due for a cholesterol screening

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

From the CDC, click here to learn more about prostate cancer and get a tip sheet that includes questions for you to ask your doctor.
From the Health Advocate blog, find out if a prostate cancer screening is right for you

For organizations: From ZERO: The End of Prostate Cancer, check out their resource library that includes educational webinars, videos, and more.

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

From HIV.gov, learn more about health issues and aging with HIV

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

From Health.gov, learn about getting tested for HIV and get questions to ask your doctor about HIV testing

September 29 is World Heart Day

From the World Heart Federation, get quick tips to help you protect your heart
From the Health Advocate blog, learn about seven steps to a healthier heart

Upcoming Health Advocate Webinars:

September 18, 2025
Suicide Prevention – What to Know and How to Help
10:00 am (ET) 4:00 pm (ET)

October 16, 2025
Domestic Violence Awareness
10:00 am (ET) 4:00 pm (ET)

On campus events MBU Wellness Events:

September:

9/5/25 3-5:30 pm Tysons Hall ( PEG dorms)

Nourish to Flourish

Join Mary Baldwin alumni Sonali (Bagri) Birla, class of 1995. She is a Project Management professional in Pharma and has been trained as a Health Coach at Duke Integrative Medicine. She will guide you through:

Grounding in the Present Moment: Mind-Body Connection
Pranayama & Face Yoga: Movement & Breath
Mindful Eating by Season: Nourish with Nature’s Rhythms
Cooking Demo: Savory Gluten-Free Crepes
Wrap-Up & Takeaways: Integrating Wellness Daily

Registration required:

Here

9/11 Affirmation Station- Partnering with CJ and Social Work Hunt 12- 1pm

9/17/25 MDCHS onsite 10 am – 12 pm Wellness Blend Smoothies and Stress Relief

9/24/25 3:30-4:30 pm Pearce Pop up -Wellness Blend Smoothies and Stress Relief

Menopause Matters Program: Free program for faculty and staff

Members from MBU Wellness, OT, PA, Nursing, and PT have come together to create a comprehensive program that will inform, support, guide, and empower you as you navigate the menopause transition.

We’ve created two short surveys to help us tailor the Menopause Matters program to best meet your needs. Survey 1 focuses on your preferences for scheduling and location. At the end of that survey, you’ll find a link to Survey 2, which is anonymous and designed to gather insight into your unique experiences and understanding of the menopause transition. Your responses will be used solely to guide the development of the program’s structure and content. We deeply value your input and are committed to creating a supportive, relevant, and inclusive initiative.

Survey 1 Link

Thank you for helping us shape a wellness program that truly matters!

Your Menopause Matters Health Partners

Christine Flory, Director of Wellness Initiatives

Liz Richardson, OT

Sarah McCadden, OT

Chesney Carroll, PA

Shelia Talbott, Nursing

Cassy Turner, PT

Timely Care Faculty Support:

Faculty/ Staff Wellness Portal Health Advocate:

Health Advocate replaced Web MD wellness portal in Jan 2024.

Quarter 3 deadline to earn and log incentives September, 30,2025

To earn the incentive you need to earn and log cumulative of 300 points in the wellness portal during Q1 ( Jan 1 – March 31, 2025) and Q2 (April – June 30,2025) and Q3 (July 1- September 30, 2025)

Question about the new portal can be emailed to Director of Wellness Initiatives Christine Flory at cmflory@marybaldwin.edu

Here’s how to create your account:

Fac/Staff please take a few minutes to watch this video as it provides a comprehensive overview of the new well being portal and how to log incentives through Health Advocate.

Health Advocate: Navigating the Portal

Anthem EAP Webinars:

To view a seminar on demand, go to anthemeap.com and enter your company code: MBU You’ll find a link to these and other seminars on the homepage.

View the seminars on demand — anytime, anywhere. Submit a question and receive a response via email. Questions are logged in a FAQ section, so you can browse and learn from the questions of others.

9/16/2025 12:30-1:30 pm Intro to Neurodiversity

Join link:

https://bli-meetings.webex.com/bli-meetings/j.php?MTID=mdb42886a527533c22beaff500f833ab0

Webinar number:

2632 267 6687

Webinar password:

JJmUDsnj357 (55683765 when dialing from a video system)

This class provides an open and authentic discussion about the diverse ways our brains function. Participants will define neurodiversity, distinguish it from neurotypicality, and explore the various types of neurodivergent minds. Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for everyone, and together we’ll delve into how we can come together to celebrate the unique contributions that neurodiversity brings to our workplaces, homes, communities, and lives. Join us to foster a deeper appreciation for the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences!