University of Maryland Health Center

03/31/2026

With the rise of the clean eating movement, many people have become wary of processed foods because of how “unhealthy” they are. However, many of the foods that we deem to be “healthy,” such as yogurt, whole wheat bread, and frozen fruit, are technically processed foods. 🍓🥪🥛

A food’s processing level does not directly correlate with its nutrient profile or “healthfulness.” While its benefits are not often discussed, processing can help increase longevity, make foods more accessible, and add nutrients through fortification (ex. Iron-fortified cereals). 🥣

Processed foods are not inherently “bad,” and can be part of a healthful balanced diet. ⚖️ Want to learn how? Schedule a FREE peer nutrition coaching session at UHC! 📆

Email nutritioncoach@umd.edu or call 301-314-5664. For more information, visit health.umd.edu/nutrition.

Thanks to our Peer Nutrition Coach for this reel! 🩷

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Alt Text:
Video starts with text that reads “I could NEVER eat processed foods. They’re SO bad for you.” This is followed by reaction pictures with confused faces and pictures of processed foods that are considered “healthy” by many people. The next slides read “Time out. Processed foods are not inherently bad and can be part of a healthful balanced diet. Want to learn more? Schedule a free Peer Nutrition Coaching Session at UHC today! Email nutritioncoach@umd.edu or call 301-314-5664. For more information, visit health.umd.edu/nutrition.

03/27/2026

Here are some tips for a purrrfect night’s sleep, courtesy of one of our Peer Nutrition Coaches! 🐱💤

Transcript:
6 Tips for Better Sleep (from a UHC Peer Nutrition Coach)
😴Create a consistent bedtime routine. Developing regular evening habits will signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
😴Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day. This strengthens your body’s circadian rhythm and encourages the steady release of sleep hormones.
😴Have a cup of herbal tea before bed. The ritual of brewing tea can induce relaxation, and many teas contain natural sedatives that increase drowsiness.
😴Take some deep breaths. This triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, putting your body in a relaxed state. Listening to music or meditating can have the same effect.
😴Avoid caffeine or alcohol within 4 hours of bedtime. Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and decrease restorative REM sleep.
😴Don’t go to bed hungry. Going to bed on an empty stomach can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night from hunger.

03/24/2026

Learn more about the differences between the vegetarian and vegan diets, their benefits, common plant based protein options, and more!

For nutritional guidance and information on how to navigate a vegan or vegetarian diet, email NutritionCoach@umd.edu to schedule a free appointment with a Peer Nutrition Coach.

🥦🍓🌽🫜🍒

Transcript:
Are you considering going vegan or vegetarian? Learn more today!
What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian diets?
Vegan diets exclude all animal products like meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and honey.
Vegetarian diets exclude meat and fish, but still include dairy and eggs.
What are some benefits of a vegan diet?
Plant based diets can…
-Improve cardiovascular health
-Be more environmentally friendly
-Be higher in fiber and lower in saturated fats
-Be affordable and accessible
Can I get enough protein?
There are many plant based foods that are high in protein!
Some examples include: lentils, beans, edamame, tempeh, and tofu.
Tip: pair an incomplete protein source like beans or lentils with a grain or nut to ensure you are getting all 9 essential amino acids. A great way to do this is by eating all give food groups throughout the day.
Do I need to take a supplement on a plant-based diet?
If you are consuming a variety of food groups and eating consistently, supplementation
may not be necessary.
Foods such as nondairy milks, breads, and cereals are supplemented with vitamin B12
and other vitamins that may be lacking in a vegan diet.
A multivitamin will cover most vitamin B12 needs.
Always speak with your doctor before adding any supplements!

01/28/2026

Weds. Jan. 28 - The UHC will open from 11 am -3 pm for acute/urgent care and pharmacy services only. PASS telehealth services will continue as scheduled. For emergencies call 911 or 301-405-3333 (UMPD). Please continue to check our website for updates this week and keep yourselves warm!

01/28/2026

Due to weather conditions and the campus closure, the free STI testing event scheduled for today at the Health Center has been canceled. Please join us at our next event on February 25th from 1pm-3pm. Stay safe, Terps!

01/27/2026

The Health Center will be closed today. Limited telemed appointments will continue as scheduled. Inclement weather updates for this week will be posted on our website. Please visit https://health.umd.edu

12/08/2025

10/22/2025

Are you a first generation college student who wants to build community, make connections, and feel supported on campus? We’d love to connect with you!

If you are interested in meeting with us to share your experiences and work with the Coordinator of First-Generation Student Initiatives to address your needs, please take a moment to complete this form. We will follow up with more information, and to schedule an introductory meeting.

go.umd.edu/fg

10/21/2025

Tomorrows faculty and staff flu shot clinic will be in the Stamp Grand Ballroom from 10am to 2pm. Find us at the Annual Benefits fair and get your vaccine!

10/07/2025

The Health Center is now offering flu shots by appointment. Visit health.umd.edu/flushots for scheduling information and learn more about our upcoming flu shot clinic on October 30th!

09/24/2025

Calling all UMD Faculty and Staff! Flu shot clinics are now being held every Wednesday until October 29th in our Occupational Health Department. Plenty of openings available!
visit health.umd.edu/umd-employees for more information

04/25/2025

Our next free HIV testing event will be on Wednesday, April 30th from 1pm - 3pm on the ground floor of the Health Center. Rapid HIV test involves a quick finger prick with results available in just a few minutes. For questions or accommodations, email jbeckwit@umd.edu