Oct 2024 🎃 Student Health & Wellness

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UHS Monthly Student Newsletter

October 2024

UHS October 2024 Calendar 🗓️

10/1-4: Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) 2024 - Learn more
10/1: Drop-in flu shot clinics from 9:00-11:30 am and 1-4:30 pm - Learn more
10/1: SHAW Sex Trivia from 3:30-4:40 at the Tang Center - Learn more
10/2: Pet Hugs from 12-1 pm outside of Moffitt Library - Learn more
10/3: Gender Support Group begins - Learn more
10/3: Healing From Trauma (EMDR) begins - Learn more
10/3: Behavioral Health Support Space begins - Learn more
10/4: COVID-19 vaccine clinic (appointment required) - Learn more
10/4: Managing Emotions (10 Weeks) begins - Learn more
10/7: Building Healthy Relationships begins - Learn more
10/9: Survivor Support Group begins - Learn more
10/10: World Mental Health Day - View mental health resources
10/15: My Parents Never Went to College: First Gen BIPOC Student Support Group begins - Learn more
10/17: COVID-19 vaccine clinic (appointment required) - Learn more
10/18-20: Homecoming Weekend at UC Berkeley - Learn more
10/23: Empowerment through Expressions Workshop - Learn more
10/24: Career Planning: Surviving and Thriving at Cal - Learn more
10/28: Latinx Student Mental Health Symposium - RSVP
10/31: Happy Halloween! View Party Safe Toolkit
11/1: Annual Flu and COVID Vaccine Requirements due - Learn more

View UHS Calendar

Practicing Self-Compassion 💛

We are so used to pushing ourselves that the idea of kindness just doesn’t come naturally. Dr. Kristin Neff's research has demonstrated that self-compassion reduces stress and anxiety, increases resiliency, and improves overall mental health. Don’t believe us? Try this 5-minute Self-Compassion Affirmations Meditation (YouTube video).

Find more self-compassion resources on our website: uhs.berkeley.edu/bewell

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Stretching While Studying ✏️

Did you know that taking frequent, short rest breaks throughout the day can help you reduce tension and discomfort, restore energy, and even boost productivity? Need some help getting started? Try one of these guided videos: 1) 5 Min. Mobility At Your Desk, 2) Stretches at Your Desk, 3) 5 Min Seated Stretch.

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Annual Flu and COVID Vaccine Requirements 🏥

To comply with the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Policy by November 1, 2024, all students need to either get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine and log those records into the eTang Medical Clearance section OR submit a declination for the vaccine on eTang. Submit one for each vaccine you are opting out of.

Flu Shot Clinics at UHS: Drop-in flu shot clinics will be open to students Monday-Friday, 9:00-11:30 am and 1-4:30 pm at University Health Services. Flu shots are covered for students with SHIP, and $40 for those without SHIP.

Covid Vaccines: UHS is offering the updated COVID-19 Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine to students. Appointments are available on eTang. COVID-19 vaccines are covered for students with SHIP, and $176 for those without SHIP. COVID Vaccine Clinics: UHS will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Oct. 4 & 17, appointments can be booked on eTang. Benefits for students to book on these days include more appointment availability and a faster process.

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Health Opportunity Fund for Eligible UC Berkeley Students 💰

The Health Opportunity Fund (HOF) at UC Berkeley is back!

This year, HOF provides eligible students $200 to offset costs at University Health Services (UHS). HOF is available on a first-come, first-served basis through May 13, 2025, or until the pool of funds is exhausted, whichever comes first. Find out if you qualify for HOF funding and how to use funds at uhs.berkeley.edu/hof.

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Tips for Staying Healthy This Cold and Flu Season 🤒

Wear a face mask and keep distance from people showing symptoms. 😷
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth (hands transfer viruses and bacteria). 🚫
Cover your cough with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands). 🧻
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 🧼
Use a hand sanitizer when you're on the go. 🧴
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 🧽
Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, manage stress, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious foods. 💤
Get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine every year. 💉
Stay home if you feel sick to help recover and avoid getting others sick. View Self-Care for a Cold. 🏠

Learn more

Party Safe at Berkeley 🎉

Check out the Party Safe Toolkit to help keep a fun night from turning into a scary situation. Test it before you take it: Access free Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) on campus and beyond. Before you go out, save these numbers on your phone:

Emergencies: (510) 642-3333 (UCPD campus-only emergencies)
Berkeley Night Safety: Safewalk Escort (Dusk-2:30 am) & Door to Door Service (3-5:30 am): (510) 642-9255
UCPD non-emergency number: (510) 642-6760
City of Berkeley Police non-emergency number: (510) 981-5900

Learn more about Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) resources at uhs.berkeley.edu/aod.

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Self-Service Through the eTang Portal 🖥️

As a UC Berkeley student, you may need to reach out to University Health Services (UHS) from time to time and the eTang portal is the best way to get in contact with UHS departments. The portal allows you to:

Get medical advice from your clinician or the advice nurse
Schedule most medical and health education appointments
Transfer/refill prescriptions regardless of insurance plan
Order lab tests without an appointment (e.g. STI, TB, and pregnancy tests)
Order contraception such as the pill, patch, or ring without an appointment

Learn more about how to use the eTang portal on our website.

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Eating on a College Budget 😋

A college budget shouldn't get in the way of consistent and nutritious eating habits. Visit the UHS Nutrition Recipes & Resources webpage for recipes, campus resources, and more to help you craft a meal plan that feels right for you. Remember, there is no right way to eat so make sure to create eating habits that feel best for your body and suit your lifestyle.

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Pumpkin Pie Smoothie 🎃

Try this fall recipe for a pumpkin pie smoothie! Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

Apple & PB Nachos 🍏

This nutrient-packed treat only has three-ingredient and is easy to make! Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.