Your September Checkup: Health & Wellness at UMass Boston

As you find your rhythm on campus, take a moment to check in with yourself, too. Whether you need care, connection, or simply a place to start, University Health Services (UHS) is here for you throughout the semester.

University Health Services (UHS) is your on-campus resource for physical and mental health, with General Medicine and Counseling Center services available to students.

Here's your September Checkup: what's happening, what's worth knowing, and a few ways to take care of yourself along the way.

Recognize this pup? Meet Beacon, UMass Boston’s first Comfort K-9! You may spot him prancing around campus, spreading smiles, and supporting our community.

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Sign up here to receive The Checkup throughout the semester.

Join Us on Campus

Mindful Moments: Weekly Drop-In Meditations

Need a few minutes to slow down? Drop-in for a weekly guided meditation, with different themes and practices throughout the semester. Join in person or online — no experience needed.

Fall Vaccine Mobile Clinic

Get your fall flu and COVID-19 vaccines right here on campus. Students, staff, and faculty are welcome! Schedule your appointment!

Annual Beacon Wellness Walk Fair

The Beacon Wellness Walk is BACK! Join us on the Quad for wellness activities, campus resources, lawn games, a live DJ, giveaways, and more.

Want to help out? Volunteer and get a "Wellness Starts With You" t-shirt!
Sign up here.

More to Explore

Waterfront Recreation

Through Sunday, Sep. 27 | Fox Point Dock

Get out on the water before summer slips away! Grab a kayak, paddleboard, or rowboat. Students can use the equipment for free, and no experience is required. Gear and life jackets are provided.

Reserve Your Spot

Weekly Community Garden Program

Thursdays, 12-2pm, Community Garden

Get outside and get your hands dirty! Help grow fresh produce for U-ACCESS while spending some time outdoors. Whether you have a green thumb or have never touched a garden bed, you're welcome to join!

Learn More

Visit our UMBeInvolved Page for More Event Details

Click on a tile to explore upcoming dates and learn more.

Interested in a group? Express your interest →

Start the Year With You:

What Is Lifestyle Medicine?

Written by Chloe Belt, Health Educator

I talk with students all the time about the importance of saying yes and showing up for yourself — even when you're not sure what you need yet.

That's why I love our new Lifestyle Medicine Visits. You don't need to have a concern with your health, a specific goal, or even a plan. You just need to show up.

Lifestyle medicine looks at the everyday parts of our lives that can affect our health and well-being. The approach focuses on six key areas:

A Lifestyle Medicine visit is a free, one-on-one conversation with a Nurse Practitioner about any of these areas. Maybe you're exhausted all the time. Maybe you're struggling with stress. Maybe you want to get back into a routine, move more, sleep better, or simply feel a little better day-to-day.

You don't have to know exactly what you want to work on. Your provider can help talk through where you're at and find a place to start.

And yes — these visits are FREE!

Wellness Visits are free for students and are not billed to your insurance.

Ready to check in? Book a FREE Wellness Visit through the My Health Beacon Portal or call (617) 287-5660.

Meet Teddy, Clinical Social Worker

Hey there, Beacons! I’m Teddy LaGuerre, the newest staff member at the Counseling Center!

I earned my Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and have supported children, young adults, and adults in outpatient and hospital settings. I especially enjoy helping students navigate life transitions, stress, relationships, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach to create a welcoming space where students can better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and feel more confident managing difficult situations. I look forward to meeting new people and becoming part of the UMass Boston community!

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and working out—my favorite way to recharge and manage stress. My favorite animal is the snow leopard, and a fun fact about me is that I wrote and illustrated a children’s book!

Teddy LaGuerre, LCSW

he/him/his

Clinical Social Worker

It's Suicide Prevention Month

You don't have to be a mental health expert to check in on someone. If you're worried about a friend, ask how they're doing, listen without judgment, and help connect them with support.

Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month: Listen

"Hispanic Health is Not Homogeneous"

A podcast conversation with Dr. Luisa Borrell about the diversity of Hispanic and Latino health experiences. Take a listen here.

Take a Walk on the GRACE Trail

Have 20 minutes between classes or meetings? Take a walk along the Harborwalk and explore the GRACE Trail around campus. Fresh air included!

Learn more about the GRACE Trail here.

Samaritan's, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization offering free, confidential, and nonjudgmental support to anyone who needs it.

Each day, Samaritans answers hundreds of calls and texts through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Hey Sam, a peer mental health support text-line for young people.

For young people under 25: Feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or suicidal? Text Hey Sam at 439-726, 9am - midnight. You'll connect with another young person who is ready to listen. Hey Sam is confidential and staffed by young people.

More ways to get support: Samaritans also offers support groups for people affected by suicide and training for anyone who wants to learn how to help those in crisis.

Anyone can also call or text 988 for free, 24/7 mental health support.

To learn more, visit SamaritansHope.org.

Food & Basic Needs Support @ U-ACCESS

Looking for ways to make your grocery budget go further? SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) may help eligible students pay for food each month, and U-ACCESS can help you explore eligibility and apply.

U-ACCESS also offers a food pantry, free meals, and snacks for enrolled students.

Learn more about U-ACCESS here.