Nov 2024 🍂🍄 Student Health & Wellness

UHS Monthly Student Newsletter

November 2024

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UHS November 2024 Calendar 🗓️

11/1: National Gratitude Month - Learn more

11/1: Annual Flu and COVID Vaccine Requirements due - Learn more

11/1: Drop-in Flu Vaccine Clinic at UHS (Ongoing) - Learn more

11/3: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

11/4: Drop-in COVID Vaccine Clinic starts - Learn more

11/5: Election Day - Election info & Election stress

11/6: Stress Awareness Day - Learn more

11/6: Pet Hugs from 12-1 pm outside of Moffitt Library - Learn more

11/7: Drop-In Nutrition Counseling - Learn more

11/8: Drop-In Nutrition Counseling - Learn more

11/11: UHS Closed: Academic & Admin Holiday (Veterans Day) - View After-Hours Care

11/13-19: Transgender Awareness Week - View resources

11/14: Drop-In Nutrition Counseling - Learn more

11/15: Drop-In Nutrition Counseling - Learn more

11/22: Free Rapid HIV Testing from 12-3 pm - Learn more

11/27: Non-Instructional Day - Learn more

11/28-12/1: UHS Closed: Academic and Administrative Holiday - View After-Hours Care

View UHS Calendar

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Nov 3: Don't Forget to Fall Back! ⏰

Daylight saving time — which began on Sunday, March 10 — ends on Sunday, November 3.

It's recommended to set your clocks an hour back Saturday night before you go to bed. Cell phones update automatically. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on November 3 than the day before. During this time of year, days are also shorter so there will be more light during the mornings and it will get darker earlier in the evenings.

Need sleep tips? Visit our sleep webpage.

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Light Therapy Lamps at UHS 💡

Need help adjusting to the end of daylight savings time and the shorter days?

Stop by the 2nd floor of UHS to use the light therapy lamps! During light therapy, users sit for 15-30 minutes and the lamp gives off a bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Free for all students, no appointment is needed. For more info, please visit uhs.berkeley.edu/lighttherapy.

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Transgender and Gender Diverse Care at UHS 🏳️‍⚧️

The Transgender Care Team was created in 2012 at University Health Services to better serve trans and gender-diverse Berkeley students. The team's goal is to ensure trans and gender-diverse students receive the highest quality care in a supportive, respectful space. Services include medical services, mental health counseling, insurance benefits, coordination of care across UHS, and outside referrals.

To learn more about UHS services for Trans & Gender Diverse students, please visit: uhs.berkeley.edu/transcare.

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Get Protected with the HPV Vaccine 💉

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of sexually transmitted cancers later in life. You can protect yourself from ever getting these cancers by getting the HPV vaccine before age 26.

Vaccinations are available at UHS. Students with SHIP can make an appointment with the Immunization clinic through the eTang Portal to get the HPV vaccine. Students without SHIP can pay for fees out of pocket, and get a receipt for possible reimbursement from their insurance, or they can contact their primary care physician and ask about options for getting the HPV vaccine.

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Over-the-Counter Products Are Available at the UHS Pharmacy! 💊

The UHS Pharmacy carries a variety of over-the-counter products available to UC Berkeley students at discounted prices! No prescription is required. As a reminder, all UC Berkeley students can use the UHS Pharmacy regardless of insurance.

For a list of all products, visit uhs.berkeley.edu/overthecounter.

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November is National Gratitude Month 🌼

Practicing gratitude — regularly focusing on the positive parts of your life — can be a powerful health habit.

Research shows that practicing gratitude — 15 minutes a day, five days a week — for at least six weeks can enhance mental wellness and possibly promote a lasting change in perspective. Gratitude and its mental health benefits can also positively affect your physical health.

Examples of gratitude practices include keeping a gratitude journal, saying gratitude affirmations, creating a gratitude jar, etc. Learn more on our Be Well Game Plan webpage.

Learn more

Quick Ways to Destress 🧘🏽

Feeling overwhelmed? Stop what you are doing and try one of the following for a few minutes. During that time, try to let go of what's bothering you. You may be surprised by how a small break can make a big difference. When you are feeling more relaxed, you will have an easier time continuing your work or finding solutions to the problem at hand.

Breathe: Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Use a guided video to start.
Move: Try 5 minutes of stretching, yoga, dancing to your favorite song, or a quick walk around the block.
Reconnect with your body: Try a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercise, or body scan meditation.
Write it out: What are the things that are currently stressing you out? Write them out and see if writing them out can get them out of your head.
Talk to someone: Reach out to someone you trust. Let them know how you are feeling. Be clear with what you would like from them: 1) Listen, 2) Brainstorm Solutions, or/and 3) Advice. Healthy vulnerability can deepen friendships.
Make a same-day counseling appointment: Make a same-day appointment with UHS Student Mental Health. No problem is too big or too small! Free for ALL UC Berkeley students regardless of insurance. Schedule an appointment on eTang or phone at (510) 642-9494.

Stressed about the elections? Check out our Election Stress webpage.

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Micromobility Safety 🚲

Micromobility refers to small, manually or electrically powered vehicles used to travel short distances. Examples include bicycles, e-bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, one-wheels, and skateboards. Rising micromobility transportation usage on the UC Berkeley campus means new safety challenges for everyone. To avoid injury and to practice safe riding, check out the UHS micromobility webpage for tips and resources.

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Urgent Care Options (When UHS is Closed) 🚑

Do you need urgent care but UHS is closed? Many local urgent care and emergency care options are Wellfleet/SHIP in-network. You can check out a list on our website.

Night Safety Resources 🌕

UC Berkeley offers SafeWalk, Night Safety Shuttle, and Door-to-Door Service. Also consider carrying a small flashlight, wearing reflective clothing, not using headphones, and paying attention to your surroundings.