Offering a Welcome Study Break and More
First and second-year medical students studying for exams received an afternoon email from Jessica Lucas, director of student activities, on Thursday, September 23. It was simple and straight to the point: “We know you're working hard studying for your upcoming exams! Why not take a quick break? Walk on over to our office in Belfer 115 and grab a cupcake and a WellMed coloring book while supplies last!”
![Medical students enjoy a welcome study break with cupcakes provided by student activities and WellMed.]()
Medical students enjoy a welcome study break with cupcakes provided by student activities and WellMed.
Food services provided the cupcakes, which were large, luscious, and offered flavors for all tastes, from strawberry to chocolate, to lemon or peanut butter. There also were pocket-sized coloring books filled with fun images and patterns designed to give one’s brain a welcome break that came with a box of six colored pencils.
“Preparing for exams is stressful and time-consuming,” said Jessica. “It’s important to strike a good balance and to build in some rewards amid that hard work. Enjoying a snack or giving your brain a different focus each offer ways to rest and re-set.”
She and her team joined forces with WellMed, an Einstein program whose aim is provide students opportunities toward adopting habits and attitudes that help establish balance and well-being. The program offers information and inspiration addressing general health, emotional support, physical fitness, good nutrition, social ties, spiritual needs, intellectual endeavors, and financial concerns.
“We’ve already held some events to offer some fun distractions, such as Fun Day and a Paint Night. And we’ve got more fun in store during October, including apple picking, a bowling night, and our Spirit Week Color Run,” said Jessica. “Students should watch for announcements of future events that they won’t want to miss”
Though not scheduled in conjunction with the Hindu festival of Holi that is inspiration for the event, the run will incorporate aspects of the celebration, including throwing colored powder and water balloons at participants as they cross the finish line. “We recommend wearing a white t-shirt,” noted Jess. “It will be much more colorful by the time you cross the finish line!” Those who may wish to outfit themselves in Einstein gear can visit student activities’ virtual store.
![Students also could take a special coloring book created just for them, which came with six colored pencils, perfect for a brief brain break.]()
Students also could take a special coloring book created just for them, which came with six colored pencils, perfect for a brief brain break.
The walk-run-race, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., will raise funds for and awareness of Einstein’s Community Health Outreach (ECHO) clinic, which students have been running on Saturdays at the Institute for Family Health, with oversight and guidance from attending physicians, since 1999. This particular event is open to all members of the Einstein community.
It’s just $15 to register, with children under age 12 entered for free. Registration ends Tuesday, October 19 and all funds raised will support ECHO’s efforts to serve those who are uninsured and in need of medical care. Please Note: Non-students can complete registration by checking in as a guest.
The 5K course will start and finish in the housing courtyard outside of 1925/1935 Eastchester Road. The event is cosponsored by student activities, WellMed, the Einstein chapter of APAMSA (Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association), ECHO, the student governing board, and the Cardiology Interest Group.
Jessica added, “Walkers and runners of all levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a number and can learn their finish time on the timer that we’ll have in place.”
Posted on: Friday, October 01, 2021