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This Month in Wellness: The Final Stretch of Summer

Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to enjoy everything the season has to offer. Whether you're taking classes, working on campus, traveling, or squeezing in a few more beach days, August is a great opportunity to recharge, build healthy habits, and prepare for the semester ahead.

In this edition of The Checkup, we're sharing ways to stay active, protect your health, connect with campus resources, and make the most of these final weeks of summer. University Health Services is here to support you all year long, and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to campus soon.

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Highlighted Events

Community Garden

Program

Tuesdays | 9-12 PM

Outside University Hall

Grow something good this summer! Join the Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability each week to learn about sustainable gardening, meet fellow Beacons, and help grow fresh produce for U-ACCESS. No experience (or green thumb!) required.

Learn More

Summer Fitness Classes with Recreation

Beacon Fitness Center & Quad Lawn

Keep moving all summer long! Whether you're looking to build strength, stretch, or unwind, UMass Boston Recreation offers free group fitness classes for every experience level — including Pilates, yoga, strength training, and more.

Upcoming Classes

Protect Your Skin: Why UV Safety Matters This Summer

Summer means more time outside — and more exposure to UV rays. Protecting your skin doesn't have to be complicated! A few small habits can help reduce risk and support long-term skin health.

What You Can Do Every Day

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
Reapply every 2 hours if you're outside
Wear sunglasses and a hat when possible
Try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10am - 4pm)

Know What To Look For

Check your skin occasionally for any spots that are:

New or changing
Growing or irregular in shape
Changing color
Itchy, bleeding, or not healing

If something doesn't feel right, it's always smart to get it checked.

Support On Campus

UHS offers skin health support and preventive care, including screenings and general medical visits. Learn more about our services and schedule a visit here .

Remember: Summer is meant to be enjoyed. A little sunscreen, some shade, and a few healthy habits can help you enjoy everything this season has to offer — today and for years to come!

Meet Chloe Belt, Health Educator

If you've attended a wellness event, follow @UMBWellness, placed a sExpress order, or are reading The Checkup right now, chances are you've already experienced a little of Chloe's work.

As UHS's Health Educator, Chloe enjoys creating programs, events, and resources that make wellness approachable, practical, and engaging for the Beacon community. Her favorite part of the job is helping people discover that wellness doesn't have to be overwhelming — it can start with one small step, one conversation, or one resource.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys exploring new coffee shops and farmers markets, going to the movie theatre, spending time by the ocean and exploring New England.

Chloe Belt, MBA

Health Education Specialist

(she/her)

Activity of the Month

Visit a Local Farmers Market

Did you know Massachusetts is home to more than 275 farmers markets, many of which accept SNAP/EBT and Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits?

Summer's best flavors are often the freshest ones. Whether you're picking up ingredients for a meal or simply browsing what's in season, visiting a farmers market is an easy way to nourish your body, support local farmers, and enjoy a little extra sunshine.

Find a Local Farmers Market

Watch of the Month

"Signs of an Overdose and How to Respond"
Health Resources in Action

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day , a global campaign to remember those lost to overdose, reduce stigma, and raise awareness about prevention and lifesaving resources.

This month, we're highlighting a short video that explains how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and respond using naloxone (Narcan). Knowing what to do in an emergency can help save a life.

UHS offers free Narcan kits. Each kit includes naloxone nasal spray and simple instructions for recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose. Stop by the General Medicine Front Desk to pick up a free kit.