The second semester kicked off on January 31 with Middlesex’s annual Wellness Week, seven days that were filled with a variety of opportunities for students to learn how to optimize their own health as well as support the well-being of others. To that end, the week began with a Mass General Brigham Blood Drive on campus that netted 39 pints – potentially helping 117 people in need since each pint can be allocated to three different recipients.
Subsequent days included a range of activities promoting good nutrition, relaxation, and healthy habits. On February 2, keynote speaker and addiction counselor Jon Cohan shared his personal path to recovery from substance abuse, wishing that he had sought help as a teenager and found the kind of caring adults and supportive programs available to students at Middlesex.
The week concluded on February 6 with a Wellness Symposium that featured interactive sessions led by guest speakers who explored topics such as social media, neuroscience, nutrition, and masculinity. Listening to musical performances by the group Tunefoolery in the Danoff Recital Hall was also among the afternoon options, as was volunteering to build children’s beds for families in need, with materials provided by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. All in all, the week was a great way to begin the spring semester on a positive note, offering plenty of ways for students and adults to maximize their energy, health, and well-being.