Welcome to December - we are in the home stretch! As we approach the end of the semester and the stress of finals sets in, it's easy to get caught up in studying and lose track of our physical well-being. But movement is not only a great way to relieve stress, it's essential for maintaining both our mental and physical health especially as the days get shorter and we don't get as much sun.

Taking breaks to move, whether it's a walk around campus, a quick workout, or even some light stretching, can boost your mood, improve focus, and help you power through those final exams. Remember, staying active is a simple yet powerful tool to finish the semester strong—let's keep moving!

Check out the newsletter archive on our website for access to past issues.

Kickstart Your Health with EIM Personal Training

Meet with the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) Personal Training Program Specialist to kickstart your health and wellness journey. During a fitness consultation, you'll assess your current fitness level, learn how to get started, and create a personalized program tailored to your unique needs.

If you currently engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week and fewer than two days of muscle-strengthening exercises, you may qualify for EIM-OC’s fee-offset personal training package, which includes three personal training sessions.

Interested? Complete this form and our Fitness Program Coordinator will contact you to get you started!

Events

Poppy's Run for Life - UC Berkeley

Run/Walk 5K

Sunday December 8th 10am-12pm

Clark Kerr Track

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or simply someone who wants to support a meaningful cause, we welcome you to join UC Berkeley’s first Poppy’s Run for Life -- a 5k run and/or walk that will raise funds and awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources, sponsored by The Pre-Medical Honor Society. Register here by Friday 12/6!

Adaptive Sports Sampler - Pickleball

Friday December 13th 12pm-2pm

RSF Field House

This is your last chance of the year to attend the Adaptive Sports Sampler at the RSF Field House! All abilities are welcome, no sign up is required, and the class is FREE!

Free Acupuncture Clinic

Monday December 2nd - Friday December 6th 1-4pm

Monday December 9th - Friday December 13th 1-4pm

Moffitt Library Room 405

Sessions last 20-30 minutes, Studying is OK during treatment! CalID is required. Contact hope.unitedforhealth@gmail.com for more information and questions.

Exercise is Medicine Table at Moffit Library

Wednesday December 11th and Thursday December 12th 1-4pm

Moffitt 4th floor entrance

The Exercise is Medicine - On Campus team will be tabling at Moffitt during finals. Take a break from your studies to have some tea and snacks and learn about our program!

EIM-OC DeCal Classes for Spring 2025

Our program is offering two DeCal courses next semester! Check out the info and posters below. Make sure to visit the DeCal course website in January for class details. For questions about either class, please email eimdecal@berkeley.edu.

Inclusive Recreation DeCal Class - 1 Unit

Open to all abilities! Experience the world of adaptive sports! Join us as we explore goalball, wheelchair basketball, adaptive pickleball, sitting volleyball, and adaptive climbing. Discover the unique challenges, strategies, and joys of inclusive athletic pursuits through hands-on learning and engaging discussions. Uncover the incredible power of adaptive sports and their impact on individuals, communities, and society. Enroll now to explore the world of adaptive sports, develop relevant game skills and strategies, and participate in inclusive recreation events. 1 unit P/NP. Located at RSF. Class Time/Date TBD. Sign up to be notified when class details become available.

Exercise is Medicine DeCal Class - 1 Unit

Learn the benefits of daily exercise, explore programs on campus to help you stay active, and discover careers in healthcare that promote physical fitness and wellbeing. Each class is unique and interactive, building upon the connections that exercise is optimal for health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions, and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care.

New 'Decline to Weigh' Policy at the Tang Center

Weight-based bias, or weight stigma, refers to the prejudicial treatment individuals face due to their body weight or size. This form of discrimination is pervasive and can have far reaching effects of physical, mental and social well-being. Research shows that students who experience weight discrimination are 2.5 times more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders than those who do not face this bias. 

Fear of discrimination in health care settings may prevent individuals from accessing on-campus medical services, leading to worse health outcomes over time. In a 2023 campus weight stigma survey, 25% of respondents reported that they feel uncomfortable getting health care at UHS because of weight stigma. 

With support from the Body Diversity and Weight Inclusion Work Group, UHS is taking steps to become weight inclusive. We are happy to announce that when students arrive for their medical appointments at Tang Center, the medical assistant will ask permission to take the student's weight, letting them know they can decline or step on the scale backwards so they don't see the number. While more work needs to be done, this initiative moves us one step closer to being a welcoming and inclusive place for students of all body shapes and sizes.

EIM-OC Health Coach, Jennifer Guerra, MA, adds: "In relation with Exercise is Medicine On-Campus, we expect this new policy will help our students to feel more comfortable coming to the Tang Center to get the care that they need. Many students find out about our program through our medical practitioners, and once they are referred to EIM-OC they may speak with a health coach and meet with a personal trainer to start their journey of incorporating healthy movement into their lives. 

EIM trainers and health coaches track progress in more ways than losing or maintaining weight. In health coaching, we talk about attainable and sustainable goals such as walking to the store or riding a bicycle to run an errand instead of taking a bus. These small steps can add up to create healthy life-long movement habits! While weight management may be a natural part of incorporating healthy movement into our lives, it is not the main focus of our EIM program. We look forward to meeting with you and working with you on your upcoming goals in 2025!"

You may make an appointment with an EIM-OC Health Coach on the eTang portal by choosing ‘Wellness coaching' from the appointment options.

Fun Activities for Winter Time!

Climbing Wall at RSF

Check out the Adventures Climbing Wall in the Field House at the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF)! All equipment is available for checkout at Guest Services. The walls are open from 4-10pm on weekdays. Complete a short safety orientation and climb on!

Ice Skating in SF/Oakland

Looking for a winter season weekend activity? Try ice skating at Union Square in San Francisco or at the Oakland Ice Center on 18th St. Both are easily accessible by BART but while Union Square is outdoor, Oakland Ice Center is indoor.

Group Fitness at RSF

Looking to blow off some steam from stressing about finals? Check out the RSF Group Fitness Classes! Classes include: Yoga, spin, pilates, barre, etc. The group class schedule is updated daily, so everybody can find a class that works with their schedule.

Don't Forget to Take Stretch Breaks!

Consider downloading our handy study break stretch guide. It might seem small, but those little pauses can make a huge difference in how your body feels. Plus, a quick break can refresh your mind and give you the energy you need to tackle that next chapter or assignment. So, don’t forget to stand up, move around, and give your body a little love—it’ll make your study sessions way more effective!

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