I’m thrilled to announce that on September 16, 2025, Long Island University Pharmacy School will launch its Howard Murad Inclusive Wellness Program, an initiative that reflects my holistic approach to wellness—encompassing nutrition, exercise, skincare, and emotional well-being. Under the leadership of Director Tracey Hodurski, RPh, the program is more than a curriculum; it’s a multi-pronged effort to make Inclusive Wellness part of the lifestyle of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community of LIU.

“My goal is not just to teach Dr. Murad’s philosophy of wellness,” Hodurski told me, “but to help all of us in the LIU community to integrate these principles into our daily lives.

“After all, pharmacy school, faculty life, and post-graduation careers all share a few things in common—long hours, high expectations, and the occasional 3 a.m. question of ‘Did I actually take my vitamin D today?’

“I want to spread the message that when you take care of your mind, body, and spirit in harmony, you unlock something powerful—synergy. Wellness is not something to save for a spa day or a special occasion. It’s a practice that benefits you every day of your life.”

To implement her approach to sharing Inclusive Wellness, Hodurski has developed a multimodal program. She has placed oversized posters of my Insights in common areas throughout the campus, encouraging students and faculty to “Eat your water,” “Move your body,” “Make your heart happy and your skin will glow,” and so on. She’s designed coloring sheets, so that students can reflect on wellness advice while they’re expressing themselves creatively through color.

“I had a few students who came to me stressed, and I had them pick out their favorite Insight to color,” Hodurski told me. “They were so thankful and said that it helped them de-stress and focus on the bright side of day.”

She’s also establishing “Wellness Officers” within each of the 38 clubs at the College of Pharmacy. These student leaders will plan and promote wellness activities and events, such as mindfulness workshops, fitness activities, nutrition sessions, or stress-relief events. The Wellness Officers also are charged with:

• Sharing wellness tips, opportunities, and events at every club meeting
• Distributing and encouraging the use of wellness resources, such as the coloring sheets, wellness cards, and inspirational quotes
• Serving as the point of contact for members seeking additional wellness resources
• Partnering with other clubs to create cross-organization wellness events

Activities already planned include:

• A Murad Insight coloring sheet contest (with results hung in common areas for ongoing inspiration)
• Chef-led cooking demonstrations
• Zumba workout sessions
• Yoga classes
• Wellness Bingo
• A lip gloss-making workshop
• A walk of gratitude
• A PowerPoint presentation by yours truly on why “Beauty ISN’T Only Skin Deep”
• “Sharing is Caring” discussion where students share their favorite wellness tips
• “Wellness Wednesdays,” offering herbal tea, infused waters, fruits, and healthy snacks on the first Wednesday of each month starting in October
• A 66-Day Wellness Challenge, in which participants pick one category (nutrition, exercise, skincare, stress management) and one small habit to integrate—because it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become ingrained.

“Through the program, we will address not only the fundamentals of nutrition, exercise, and skincare, but also the often-overlooked elements that shape our health: stress management, friendships, and self-care,” Hodurski said. “These aspects are just as vital as any diet or fitness routine, and they’re particularly essential in today’s world, where so many of us feel stretched thin, disconnected, or overwhelmed by Cultural Stress.”

Hodurski and the students of the LIU Cosmetic Science Club, one of the many groups participating in the program, have already inspired me with their passion and enthusiasm for what has been my life’s work: encouraging people to lead lives of purpose, connection, and joy by believing in themselves, managing their stress, and staying hydrated!

In addition to spreading Inclusive Wellness for the personal benefit of LIU students, faculty, and staff, the program aims to help future pharmacists have a greater impact in the community by educating them as ambassadors of a healthy lifestyle, empowering them to do more than “simply” fill prescriptions, but to serve their patients as a trusted health and wellness advisor.

I’ve always believed that wellness is about so much more than the absence of illness. True wellness is about living a life filled with purpose, joy, connection, and resilience. It’s about caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while acknowledging the unique challenges and strengths each of us brings to the table.

My vision is that this program ultimately grows beyond the campus of Long Island University and becomes a movement. Together, we can build a culture of wellness that inspires healthier, happier, more connected lives.

That’s #ModernWellness!

P.S. ‘80% of health resides in the brain.” This is the Insight the Inclusive Wellness Program is featuring at its kick-off (see photo). “I chose this one,” Hodurski said, “because it reminds us that our thoughts are one thing we all have control over. If we want to be healthy, we can choose healthy habits of self-care.” Science confirms the importance of attitude over even genetic predisposition. A positive attitude strengthens the immune system, confers greater resistance to illness, lowers rates of anxiety and depression, reduces the risk of heart and respiratory diseases and cancer, and can add years to your life. Genetics Don’t Determine Your Fate…or Your Appearance! – Dr. Howard Murad