A Healthier Michigan
Michigan Bucket List: Ice Climbing in the Upper Peninsula
If you are looking for an exciting outdoor activity and exercise to enjoy in the beautiful Michigan winter wonderland, you may want to look into ice climbing. Each winter, ice climbers both local to the Upper Peninsula and those that travel for the ice picking locations in the UP scale frozen surfaces that form in winter.
Cancer Ribbon Colors and Meanings
Awareness ribbons for different types of cancer are popular in America to show support and solidarity with those dealing with the issue. The cancer ribbons cover a range of colors, each connected to one of the more than 100 types of cancers.
Michigan Bucket List: Lake Michigan Frozen Lighthouses
If you’re looking for a stunning wintertime spectacle, check out some of the frozen lighthouses on Lake Michigan this winter. Frozen lighthouses typically occur from November through January.
Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?
Are there any benefits to making New Year’s resolutions, or do they set you up for disappointment and failure? Reframe your thinking around resolutions and new habits or lifestyle changes and you’ll likely see better results.
Low Impact Winter Sports to Try
Many winter sports, such as skiing and hockey, are high-impact or contact sports that may not appeal to many athletes. Here are some low-impact winter sports and exercises to include in your cold weather exercise plans.
How to Clear Distractions While Driving
Each year, thousands of traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving and as recently as 2022, distracted driving caused more than 3,000 deaths. Even so, more than 45% of drivers have admitted to texting or reading their phone while driving, and even more eat, talk on the phone or reach around their car while driving.
Creative Ways to Get Exercise in the Colder Months
Whether it’s because of colder weather, schedule changes, travel or holiday celebrations, it can be harder to stay active during the winter. Colder weather especially may leave you wanting to stay curled up and indoors rather than exercising. Here are some creative ideas to still get out and get enough physical exercise during the colder winter months.
Tips for an Alcohol-Free Holiday Season
More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.
Toy Safety 101: Kid-Friendly Checklist
Are your child's toys safe? Each year, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized due to toy-related injuries.
Getting Through the Holidays Without Family
Most people who spend the holidays alone feel more lonely than usual and may struggle to enjoy the festive time of year. Here are some tips on how to get through the holidays alone or without family around.
Vegetarians Can Enjoy the Flavors of Thanksgiving Too
Thanksgiving may be a meat-centric celebration, but the seasonal flavors of this fall holiday lend themselves well to healthy, hearty and wholesome vegetarian – and gluten-free dishes. Ditch the tofurkey and plan a menu with comfort at the core.
Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for the Picky Eater in Your Family
When you have a picky eater in your family, this can cause stress leading up to and during the holiday meal. Here are some ideas and recipes that can help your picky eater join in on the Thanksgiving dinner.
Managing Thanksgiving Stress
While Americans report finding joy and excitement around traditional holidays, almost 9 in 10 also say they also experience stress leading up to and during holiday celebrations. While you can’t avoid all sources of stress, planning ahead and setting personal or social boundaries can help to manage or minimize stress.
How to Reduce Sodium in Your Thanksgiving Dinner
The AHA and USDA both recommend a daily sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon of salt, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg a day for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. However, many Americans get more than 2,000 mg of sodium in an average Thanksgiving dinner.
Health Benefits of Using a Sauna
Saunas are small, cozy rooms that are typically heated via wood or electric to reach a high temperature. The exact temperature depends on the individual sauna, but most will hover around 185 degrees. Saunas are set to a level that has people breaking out in a sweat within a minute or two of entering the room.
What to Eat Before a Run
Proper nutrition is a must especially when running or exercising, not only to keep a healthy diet, but also to get additional nutrients needed when exercising regularly. Here are some tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid leading up to and following a run.
Risk Factors for Premature Birth
Nearly 1 in 10 women who give birth experience premature or preterm birth, defined as any birth before the 37th week of pregnancy. There are a variety of inherent health factors, environmental factors and lifestyle factors that heighten the risk of premature birth.
Meal Planning for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes
When choosing meals for kids with type 1 diabetes, aim for a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It’s also important to time meals and snacks in accordance with insulin doses.
MI Bucket List: Native American Historical Sites to Visit in Michigan
Michigan has a long history with Native American communities and traditions. There are 12 federally recognized tribes of Indigenous peoples in Michigan. Many of the state’s natural wonders and historical sites have a history within the Native American cultures predating the state of Michigan.
What is Prediabetes?
Pre-diabetes refers to elevated blood sugar levels that aren’t high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. However, pre-diabetes can lead to the development of diabetes without lifestyle changes to lower blood sugar levels.
Do Humidifiers Help with Allergies?
Dry air and dust can wreak havoc on allergies, sinuses and skin. Dry air indoors is more common during the winter. Many people use humidifiers to keep their air more humid in the winter months, but do humidifiers help or exacerbate allergies? It depends on the specific allergens and triggers involved.
6 Tips to Become a Morning Person
Maybe you feel like you’re dragging your feet or a step behind in the morning, or just wish you were more productive or active when you first get up. Becoming a morning person can be a hard adjustment but can be made much easier by setting yourself up for success by getting good sleep and changing some habits.
How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health
The mind-gut connection has been the target of increasing study in recent years. Not only has research shown the connection, but there’s been more awareness by people who battle depression and anxiety that they often have to deal with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and stomach upset.
Why Do Some People Love Getting Scared?
Even if getting scared isn’t an enjoyable experience for you, you probably know someone who is a thrill-seeker or enjoys frights and scary movies, haunted houses or rollercoasters. What is it about getting scared that is fun or enjoyable for some people?
Michigan Bucket List: Michigan Cider Mills
As summer gives way to fall, it’s time for a visit to a cider mill to enjoy apple picking, apple cider and donuts.
Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas
Making vegetarian choices throughout the week is much easier if you’ve been able to meal prep ahead of time. Here are some ideas for flavorful, healthy vegetarian meals and snacks that you can prepare, portion and store to eat later.
Benefits of Playing Youth Sports
As of 2020, more than 54% of school-aged children in the United States participated in youth sports. Youth sports are associated with higher levels of physical activity and improved physical and mental health. There are multiple benefits to participation in youth sports.
High Protein Breakfast Ideas without Meat
While meat does contain high levels of protein, it is also often high in saturated fat and cholesterol. There are many plant-based sources of protein that Americans don’t use at nearly the rate of meat consumption. Learn how to start your day off with a healthy high-protein breakfast without relying on meat.
Beautiful Michigan: Top Picturesque Locations For Fall
Grabbing photos of fall foliage here in Michigan makes for a fantastic October activity. So, where are the best places in the state to capture the perfect fall images?
8 Tools to Manage ADHD
By current estimates, more than 7 million children and more than 8 million adults in the United States have ADHD. Here are 8 tools to better manage ADHD for both adults and children.
Digital Decluttering: Tips and Benefits
Decluttering our digital spaces can become almost as necessary as cleaning and decluttering living spaces and may even need to be done more often. Here are some helpful ways to start digital decluttering and some benefits you may see as a result.
Easy Ways to Introduce Yoga to Your Kids
Yoga is known for its health benefits, including increased flexibility, increased strength, improved sleep and the ability to help with chronic pain and inflammation. Many of these benefits apply to kids as well. Learn how to introduce yoga to kids with these tips and yoga poses.
Is Running Marathons Healthy for Your Heart?
Regular running and exercise are associated with better overall heart health and other health benefits. Americans who follow the American Heart Association guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week have healthier hearts and avoid diseases at higher rates than those who don’t, and those who get 3-5 times that amount of exercise have the best health outcomes.
Which Foods Promote Gut Health?
Gut health is connected to all other areas of personal health, including physical and mental health. Maintaining a healthy gut biome is important to support your body and the way it functions. There are foods that promote gut health in the way they are broken down and absorbed in the digestive system.
What is Pebbling?
Pebbling refers to the practice of sending or leaving little day-brighteners or “pebbles” for others in your life. It has been described as a love language, an appreciation practice or a ritual form of communication for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who will present pebbles to other penguins they are bonding with, to use in nesting.
Add More Fiber to Your Diet with These High-Fiber Snack Ideas
The recommended amount of daily fiber is between 25 and 38 grams, but most Americans eat only 10-15 grams daily. A diet high in fiber can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help you to feel fuller for longer and more energized compared to refined carbohydrates.
Balance Exercises for Falls Prevention
The risk of falls and injuries from falls increases as we age due to loss of bone mass, muscle mass and balance. Balance exercises can lower the risk of falling as well as the risk of injuries. Here are some balance exercises that are helpful for balance training and preventing falls and related injuries.
How to Support a Family Member in Assisted Living
Having a family member in assisted living can be difficult for everyone involved. People who move into assisted living can struggle with a loss of independence, leaving their home or fears of fewer family visits. Family members of those in assisted living may feel guilt, helplessness and concern.
Signs and Risk Factors of Malnutrition
If there is an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs and the nutrients you are able to eat and absorb it can cause malnutrition. Undernutrition is most common condition associated with malnutrition but there can be other causes as well. Malnutrition includes undernutrition as well as overnutrition, or an imbalance of nutrients
Practicing Self-Care While Grieving
Taking care of yourself and being mindful of your mental and overall health can be especially difficult when you are grieving. Self-care is important during times of loss, even though it may be difficult. Here are some ideas and tips for taking care of yourself and being mindful of your personal mental health while you grieve.
Easy Ways to Fit In-Season Fruits and Veggies into Your Diet This Fall
You are probably aware that eating more fruits and veggies is good for your health. When it comes time to prepare a meal, it can be difficult to know the best way to include and serve the proper amount of fresh fruits and vegetables or to break long-standing habits tied to food.
5 Creative Ways to Support Someone with Cancer
It can be difficult to know how to respond when a friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Emotional support and encouragement can be helpful to cancer patients, but often, cancer patients have logistical, physical and financial needs that you can help them with. Here are five creative ways to help someone with cancer.
Surprising Health Benefits of Labor Day
You may associate Labor Day with barbecues, fun and the end of summer, but Labor Day has long been tied to public health. The origins of Labor Day include movements for better workplace health protections and improved quality of life for workers. Here are some health benefits from Labor Day that may surprise you.
Is Activated Charcoal Healthy?
Activated charcoal has been showing up all over in recent years, from toothpaste to hamburger buns to supplements. The substance has a history of medical use as an antitoxin for ingested poisons, but more recently it’s become a social phenomenon for “detoxing.”
Do Babies and Infants Need Sunglasses?
Putting sunglasses on a baby or infant is sure to be cute – but it’s also an important preventive choice to protect the child from sun damage. Learn when kids start to need sunglasses and how to pick out the right set of sunglasses for a baby or infant.
How to Help Kids Prepare for the First Year of Middle School
The first year of middle school is full of new experiences and challenges. Parents and mentors have an important role in helping kids acclimate and succeed in middle school. Learn some approaches and tips for helping kids prepare for middle school.
How to Deal with End-of-Summer Anxiety
You may feel anxiety rising as summer nears its end and autumn and winter get nearer. This end-of-summer anxiety can be tied to a few causes. Learn how to recognize and deal with “August anxiety” or the back-to-school blues.
Benefits of Reading Aloud to Kids
Reading out loud to your kids is a great way to spend time together and has multiple educational and emotional benefits for both kids and adults. Time spent together with books and stories can help kids’ reading and comprehension skills, as well as be a centering and calming practice for everyone involved, especially when reading together is part of a routine.
When and How to Watch Perseid Meteor Showers in Michigan
Every summer, the Perseid meteor showers grace the night skies above Michigan. Learn more about this celestial display and the best places and times to check them out in Michigan.
Tips to Unwind from the Workday Without Alcohol
Alcohol is involved in cultural and social norms, including after-work decompression and socialization, but there are many ways to wind down after work and “chill out” that don’t involve alcohol.
5 Things to Do this Summer in Frankfort
This picturesque lakeshore village sits at the foothills of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Everything You Should Have in Your Beach Bag
Going to the beach is not only fun, but a great way to spend time outside and connect to the natural sights and sounds of an inland lake or one of the Great Lakes. The best way to make sure your beach day is a success is to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of must-haves to include in your beach bag.
Best Hiking Trails in Northern Michigan
From Traverse City to Alpena and points in between, the northern half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is home to wonderful vacation destinations and plenty of natural beauty to explore. If you’re planning to be in the area, make a point to spend a day on foot, checking out some of the best hiking trails in Michigan.
Hiking in Mid-Michigan: Where to Go
Do you think you have to go “up north” to get an authentic Michigan hiking experience? You will be surprised by the diversity of sites to explore in mid-Michigan. Whether you are looking for a riverfront experience, big rocks or an urban adventure, there is plenty to discover in the middle of the Mitten state.
The Science Behind the Perfect Workout Playlist
If you listen to music when you work out, you've got to read this post to design the perfect playlist to pump you up.
Michigan Bucket List: Sunflower Festivals
Check out some of the Michigan farms that are hosting sunflower festivals this summer and fall.
Take a Hike in Southeast Michigan
Whether you’re looking to escape to a natural setting or enjoy a quick hike on your lunch break, southeast Michigan has plenty of great trails to discover. Here are some ideas to get you going on your next hiking adventure.
Best Disc Golf Courses in Michigan
Pack up some discs, grab some water and check out these popular disc golf courses across Michigan.
Michigan Bucket List: Nationally Designated Parks in MI
Michigan is known for its gorgeous water, woods, and natural beauty, as well as its role in the Great Lakes regional and national history. There are several National Parks and national-designated parks and trails in Michigan. We’ve listed them below with details for you to add to your summer itinerary or Michigan bucket list.
Tips to Successfully Set Screen Limits
Grabbing your phone or switching on the TV or YouTube is second nature for many people. When there is a lull in the day or a moment of silence, it can be easy to fill that space with social media, entertainment or news that are always available at our fingertips. It’s important to set screen time limits for yourself.
Accessible Beaches in Michigan
Access to beaches and waterfront spaces is improving across Michigan as state parks and city beaches become places that people of all abilities can navigate.
What Even Is UV? Your Guide to the Potentially Harmful Ray
UVA, UVB, UVC: What do these all mean? Here’s how to the know difference and protect yourself from their damage.
Michigan Bucket List: Zoos to Visit
Michigan is home to many zoos, petting zoos, refuges, and specialty animal conservancies that are an exciting, fun and educational experience for the whole family. We’ve compiled some of the best zoos and conservatories from across the state.
5 Health Benefits of Volunteering at an Animal Rescue
The joy and affection that animals bring can cheer you up, calm you down, and keep your attention focused and in-the-moment. Not everyone can have a pet at home, and even if you do, you may find volunteering at a local animal rescue to be a rewarding experience. Learn five ways volunteering at an animal shelter can benefit your health.
The One Thing You Aren’t Doing to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
While the sun can be healing, it can also be harmful. Make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen but remember skin protection from sunlight doesn’t stop there.
5 Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Your Stress
Adopting five new habits can help reduce your overall stress and have a positive impact on your life.
What is Social Wellness?
Social wellness, just like another area of personal health, requires care and attention. Your social health, just like physical or mental health, cannot be ignored until something is going wrong.
What is Self-Care & How Does it Benefit Health?
Self-care can help build and maintain mental health and resilience. Mental health is not something that can be ignored until something goes wrong. Just like any other area of your personal health, it needs to be maintained and checked up on.
11 Tips to Keep Your Skin Sun Safe
Summer is here and the sun is shining. While you are enjoying the heat and daylight, you also have to protect your skin and body.
Buzz Off! How to Keep Mosquitos Far Away
You can protect yourself against West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases by avoiding contact with mosquitos. Here are five tips to help you do just that.
Keep Your Hair Healthy this Summer with These Tips
Damaged hair can say a lot about your health – keep your hair healthy in the hot summer with these diet tips and scalp treatments.
Tips to Prevent Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common and painful overuse injury or condition usually caused by running, tennis, pickleball, dancing, or other standing exercises for extended periods of time. With some preparation, there are self-treatment tips for preventing shin splints or minimizing the pain from shin splints.
Snack Swaps: Help Kids Eat Healthy All Summer
Lack of structure in the summer can lead to mindless snacking. Try these swaps to help kids eat right this summer.
Healthy Summer Dinner - Recipe Roundup
During the summer months, Michigan supplies many local produce options including hot-weather crops such as strawberries, cherries, beans, blackberries, squash, and more. Summer fruits and veggies can be included in dishes to add nutritional quality and flavor. Try one of these summer-inspired recipes to make the most of the season.
Adults aren’t the only ones who get stressed out
It’s tempting to romanticize childhood as a time where the biggest concerns are who to sit with in the cafeteria, what your summer plans are, and what to spend your allowance on. Reality during childhood can often be a lot different than the ideal.
Did You Know: The Connection Between Vision Health and Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to conditions that affect your vision, such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to prevent these conditions by reading these tips.
How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
Ready to mark the longest day of the year? Stick with us for tips on how to celebrate the summer solstice.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds (Plus Two Tasty Variations)
Don't sleep on homemade roasted pumpkin seeds this fall! Here is a basic recipe for this crispy, crunchy and delicious snack, plus two fun variations.
The Needle-Hater’s Guide to Donating Blood
Does your fear of needles keep you from donating blood? Check out these ways to combat your fear and save lives in the process.
Understanding Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often associated with the coming of winter and loss of daylight, but it can also be brought on in warmer months and is known as summer onset seasonal affective disorder.
Do Memory Exercises Work?
There are many products and games marketed as memory aids or mind-sharpening pastimes explicitly, especially for older Americans. Do these exercises really help with memory or have a noticeable effect?
Tips to Manage a Skin Breakout
Breakouts on the skin can be frustrating and uncomfortable. When a breakout happens, there are ways to manage the discomfort and the affected areas. There are also some products, behaviors, and foods to avoid for managing breakouts.
Pride 2024 Events Throughout Michigan
Festivals, parades and family-friendly activities are all on tap as Pride events fill up the summer calendar across Michigan in 2024.
What is Summer Anxiety?
The causes for summer anxiety and depression are broad, but some common causes can be found including sleep issues, schedule changes, and even summer onset seasonal affective disorder.
Easy Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens and Improve Air Quality
Allergens can easily find their way into your home and wreak havoc on your allergies or immune system. Learn how to identify how allergens are entering your home and some easy steps to take to avoid indoor allergens and improve the quality of the air inside.
Mental Health Exercises to Help Alleviate Stress
Avoiding stress can be a tall task with the demands of life and everything going on around you. There are lifestyle changes or habits that can help to alleviate routine stressors or triggers for stress or panic.
5 Ways to Get Your Garden Ready to Plant in May
Garden lovers, this is the season of so much anticipation. Major gardening activity typically waits until the soil warms up enough to plant the most common crops, and for us in Michigan, this usually means mid to late May
Warning Signs to Look for in Children After a Concussion
When a child suffers a fall or a blow to the head, concussion is a concern. It’s important to know the signs of a concussion, warning signs that need immediate care, and what to do for a child who may be concussed.
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Learning another language will open new doors for you in your personal life, professional life, and social life. Learning a new language is a great way to focus on personal growth, stimulate your mind and your senses, and introduce you to new people and new possibilities.
Could your Laundry be Making your Allergies Worse?
Many triggers or allergies or allergens are found in the home or brought into the home from outside and continue to aggravate and trigger allergy symptoms in the supposed comfort of your own home. One of the most common culprits of allergens in the home is laundry and the laundry room.
What is Wild Swimming?
Wild swimming, or open-water swimming, refers to swimming in natural waters, open water, or generally swimming outside and in natural waters. Wild swimming and open-water swimming has become more popular in recent years, especially with Americans looking for a mental health boost, since it ties together exercise and connection with nature.
Why Is My Skin Breaking Out All of a Sudden?
Skin breaking out in acne or a rash can be scary, irritating and confusing especially if you are not sure what the cause is. Acne most commonly occurs during puberty, but up to 15% of adult women develop acne as well.
Skincare Routine Essentials for Chronic Skin Conditions
It is important to know about your skin, allergies or sensitivities, and skin type whether or not you have a chronic condition. Depending on the severity and extent of chronic skin conditions, certain products or medications may need to be added to a skincare routine.
Guide to Michigan Memorial Day Parades
Do you have plans this Memorial Day Weekend? Stop by one of the many parades and celebrations happening all over Michigan. Find a Memorial Day celebration near you.
5 Tips for Surviving Allergy Season
While it’s exciting to head outside and enjoy nature, the change in season also means allergies. Here’s how to nip symptoms in the bud.
Can You Have Pets with a Pet Allergy?
While no furry friend can truly be hypoallergenic, there are some dog breeds or types of pets are better choices for hopeful pet owners who have pet allergies. The cause of most pet allergies is not the pet itself, but the dust and dander that gets trapped in their fur, or allergens they carry inside on their fur.
Are Allergies Affecting My Skin?
When the body encounters allergens or foreign substances that trigger an immune response, it is known as an allergic reaction. The immune response that is triggered affects the skin, manifesting as irritation, redness, scaliness, hives, swelling, and more symptoms of an allergic reaction on the skin.
What are Awe Walks?
An awe walk is a hike or walk focused on enjoying and taking part in the natural world around you. To take part in awe walking, all that is needed is to focus on the world around you and awe-inspiring aspects of nature while you walk.
Ideas for a Healthy and Happy Mother’s Day
It’s time to get those Mother’s Day plans in order. Here are some food and activity-based ideas that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Michigan Spring Bucket List: Best Spots to See Holland’s Famous Tulips
This West Michigan town is known for its spring tulip displays. Here are some insider tips on scenic spots to see them in full bloom.
How to Deal with Social Anxiety
About 15 million Americans struggle with social anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Learn how to overcome social anxiety.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Simple Acts to Show Appreciation
May 6 to May 10 is Teacher Appreciation Week this year. It is common to celebrate teachers during this week with events, gifts, and an outpouring of appreciation and respect for teachers and their work. Here are some examples of acts that students and parents can use to show their appreciation for teachers.
How Do Skin Allergy Tests Work?
Skin allergy tests can help care teams determine what allergies or sensitivities a patient may or may not have, based on the reactions and results to the test. There are three main types of skin allergy tests given: skin prick tests, intradermal skin tests, and patch tests.
How Do I Get My Kids to Eat Healthier Meals?
It can feel like a constant effort to keep your kids eating healthy meals. Kids can also be notoriously picky, for a variety of reasons. Read on for some ideas for creating healthy meals for your kids and tips on getting kids to eat healthier.
Benefits of Healing Gardens
It is common sense that being around nature, fresh air, and pleasant images or aromas from plants can be soothing. But are there actual healing benefits to healing gardens?
Michigan Bucket List: Public Golf Courses
Ready to break out your clubs? You’re not alone. Here are some popular public golf courses to check out across the state.
Does Ginger Beer Have Alcohol?
Most commercially available and mass marketed ginger beers are simply ginger drinks or fermented ginger drinks without alcohol. Ginger beers that contain alcohol are labeled as alcoholic ginger beers.
How Long Does It Take the Body to Recover from Drinking
The long-term effects of alcohol use do not go away as soon as you stop drinking or alter your drinking habits. Some noticeable changes and markers of recovery may show up as soon as days or weeks after beginning abstinence from alcohol.
How to Stop a Panic Attack
When a panic attack hits, one can feel out of control or in extreme danger. Anxiety over the panic attack or attempts to avoid or prevent an oncoming panic attack can add to the feelings of urgency and panic.
What is Silent Walking?
Silent walking is the idea of a focused, silent walk without listening to music, podcasts, conversation, or other activities often used during runs or walks. The goal of silent walking is to focus your mind and body on the walk, on the world around you, and to use the walk as a meditative experience.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Walk at Lunch
National Walk at Lunch Day is the perfect excuse to get outside after lunch and rack up some steps. Do it every day and the health benefits will rack up, too.
Immunization 101: The Vaccines Your Child Needs to Stay Healthy
Vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year and protect not only those receiving the vaccine, but also everyone around them, particularly those with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Understanding Autism in Children
Autism affects the way a person communicates and interacts with others. It does not affect all people equally, rather there are varying degrees of severity.
How Gen Z Uses Karaoke as Exercise
Karaoke fits the bill when it comes to many of the preferences Gen Z has for exercise. Karaoke can be a great group workout or exercise, it is a social and communal activity, and it can easily be done at home, at work or in social settings.
Foods That Help with Stress Relief
What you eat can have a significant effect on your stress levels and risk of chronic stress. Proper nutrition is an important element to handling stress and anxiety. Learn more about foods that can help manage stress and anxiety.
Easy Ways to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics
Microplastics are a concern to the environment and for human health. Americans on average consume between 75,000 and 120,000 microplastic particles a year. Read on for some suggestions on how to reduce your microplastic exposures through some lifestyle and consumption changes.
Michigan Spring Bucket List: Cherry Blossoms in Traverse City
Michigan has an abundance of beautiful spots spread out across both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. In the springtime, try heading to a corner of Northern Michigan known as the Cherry Capital of the World.
Why Indoor Plants Are Good for Your Mental Health
Ready to lower your blood pressure and feel more relaxed? Indoor plants might be a worthy investment. Let’s look at how they can make you feel better – and why.
Is Coloring a Good Way for Adults to Relieve Stress?
Coloring has been found to be a therapeutic or meditative activity for many and can have multifold benefits, especially for adults with high levels of stress or anxiety.
What Are the Basics of Safe Sleep for Infants?
The primary dangers related to sleep for infants, and risk factors for sleep-related infant deaths, involve the positioning of the child while sleeping, the materials and environment the child sleeps in, temperature, respiratory inhibitors and choking hazards. There are a few basic standards or rules to go by when setting up a safe sleep environment for your baby.
What Are Exercise Snacks?
Exercise snacks are short periods of intense workouts, usually only two to minutes. The idea behind energy snacking is to have a few of these brief, intense workouts interspersed throughout your day.
When Should I Eat My Biggest Meal of the Day?
What you eat certainly is directly tied to your health and wellness, but so is the time of day you eat. This is true especially when it comes to timing the largest meal of your day. How food affects your body can depend on the time of day it’s digested.
Why Walking Isn’t Enough Exercise to Stay Fit While Aging
Adults 65 and older need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, such as walking, but also at least two sessions of strength training a week. Besides moderate exercise and strength training, balance training and exercises are also recommended routinely for older adults.
The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce
Certain fruits and veggies are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.
Is Biological Age Real?
Yes, biological age is real, but understanding the term and what is meant in comparison to chronological age is important. It's impossible to stop or slow time; as the years go by, you chronologically age.
5 Ways Alcohol Can Affect Your Health and Fitness Progress
The use and overuse of alcohol limits and inhibits your overall level of health and fitness. Alcohol suppresses many of your body’s main functions to different extents and can affect your ability to recover from illness and injury.
6 Michigan Cities for a Fun, Low-Cost Spring Break Trip
An exciting spring break can be found right here in Michigan. Here are six destinations to get you started.
What Color Noise is Best for Sleep
There is not one color of noise that has proven best for sleep. Rather, each color of noise has unique qualities and affects different listeners in various ways. To better understand how color noises can help you with sleep or other activities, it’s best to understand how color noises got their names.
2024 Spring Festivals in Michigan
This spring, make sure you make time to get outside and play. And there’s nothing that says springtime fun like the bevy of Michigan festivals you can put on your calendar.
Does Running Destroy Your Knees?
For a long time, there has been sentiment among runners and doctors that long-distance running, especially long-term and regular running, would predispose runners to arthritis or joint issues as they age. However, there's evidencethat challenges this long-held belief.
How to Stay Healthy During Spring Break
Make the most of the wonderful weather by getting your body up and moving. Springtime outdoor workouts can reinvigorate you after a long cold winter. Make sure you are staying healthy and moving this spring.
5 Signs of Spring in Michigan
Look out for these 5 telltale signs that spring has hit Michigan. Whether you've been waiting for the blooms, for baseball starting up, or to get some ice cream from a Michigan ice cream stand, make sure to enjoy spring while it is here.
How To Adjust Baby Sleep Hours for Daylight Savings
It will likely be easier to go through the time change with your baby if you take some steps ahead of time to prepare you both for Daylight Savings Time. These methods work to both “Spring Forward” and “Fall Back” for Daylight Savings Time if you adjust the sleep schedule in the right way each time.
5 Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is set aside for us as a society to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women, including their social, political, economic, and cultural impacts. This day developed from a long tradition over the past two centuries of protests and celebrations by women laborers and women’s rights champions.
8 Healthy Snacks for Pregnancy
These healthy pregnancy snacks incorporate many key nutrients and are also easy to prepare, transport and eat whether at home, work or on-the-go.
Everything You Need to Know About White Strawberries
White strawberries are sweeter than red ones and can even smell tropical. Here’s what you need to know about this cream-colored fruit.
What to Know About the New Mayo Clinic Diet
A new diet and healthy lifestyle program being rolled out by the well-known Mayo Clinic is creating a buzz.
How Healthy Are Hot Tubs?
A good soak in a hot tub can make you feel better, but how healthy are they?
Explore Black History Across Michigan
Visit some of these unique Michigan gems that tell the story of African-American contributions to our state’s cultural history.
PPO vs. HMO: What is the Difference?
The right healthcare plan varies from family to family and person to person. As with any big decision, knowledge is power. Whether you receive insurance through your employer or you’re self-insured, you typically have a choice between the two most common types of managed care plans – health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
Cheese You Can Eat if You’re Lactose Intolerant
If you're lactose intolerant but still crave cheese, there are several kinds that won't upset your stomach and can still satisfy your taste buds.
5 Ways to Get Moving with Meditation
Who says meditation has to be solitary, still and boring? Get active in your practice with these five moves. Meditation takes many forms, and these five can be a boon for your physical and mental health.
Melting Away Winter Health Myths
Not everything you hear about how the winter affects your health is true. As the dead of winter approaches, it's important to be as informed as possible.
Winter Workout Safety
Adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety tips in mind.
10 Places to Walk Indoors During Michigan Winters
Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.
Winterize Your Home for a Healthy Season Indoors
As you cozy up at home during the long winter months, take these simple precautions to keep the flu bug and other illnesses at bay.
Shovel Snow Safely: 12 Tips
You shouldn't dive right into snow shoveling without first taking your health into consideration, especially if you have preexisting conditions. These tips should help.
Improve Your Walking or Running Form in 3 Steps
Simple tweaks to your running or walking form can help you go farther while preserving the condition of your back, joints and other body parts.
How to Help Your Child Make Healthy Eating Choices at School
How can you help kids make healthy choices when they buy lunch? It’s important to educate children on nutrition and how to make healthy decisions on their own.
How to Have Difficult Conversations with Aging Parents
Are you caring for an aging parent? Here's how to approach difficult topics like caregiving and end of life planning.
Why Decluttering Makes Your Brain Happy and How to Start
Is your space running out of...space? Before you buy more organizational products, consider going the opposite direction and getting rid of some of the clutter. That can be easier said than done, so here are some tips.
The Stress-Free Way to Host a Huge Family Gathering
There's a lot to juggle when setting out to host a family gathering. Before you host yours, give these five tips a glance.
Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Light Displays
One of the best Michigan winter activities is visiting one of the many extravagant Christmas light displays. Here are some of our favorites.
Healthy & Affordable Gifts to Give this Holiday Season
Stressed out over holiday gift-giving? Fear not: We’ve brainstormed healthy finds that fit all budgets and personalities.
Parents: The Flu Shot Is For You, Too
The more members of your family who receive the flu shot, the greater the effect the vaccine has on your household. Here's how you protecting yourself can actually help protect others.
Are You Washing Your Hands the Right Way?
Germs are spread when you touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, so it's important to wash them the right way. Especially during flu season.
Fighting Breast Cancer With Food
Healthy eating cannot completely prevent every kind of disease and illness. However, a balanced diet featuring these five foods can help fight against breast cancer.
The Benefits of Starting Your Child’s Yoga Practice
While it’s often thought of as an adult wellness activity, kids can realize the same health benefits by discovering their inner “yogi.” Why not start them early?
The Secret to Cooking Delicious Eggs in the Microwave
Want a healthy start to your day but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these easy recipes for cooking eggs in a microwave for a protein-packed breakfast.
Peak Times for Fall Color Across Michigan
The beautiful orange, red, and yellow leaves of fall are almost here! Find out when you should plan your color tour to make the most of the autumn splendor.
The Flu Shot: Still Your Best Bet
It’s easy to assume that if you didn’t get the flu shot last year and didn’t get sick, there’s no need to get one this year. But that's one of a few common misconceptions surrounding the flu shot. We address those here.
Microwave Do’s and Don’ts
The last thing you want to do after leaning on a microwave for its convenience is spend a half hour or more cleaning up the mess you made inside of it.
Introducing Our New Look on A Healthier Michigan
Welcome to A Healthier Michigan! We’ve got a fresh new look and new design features that are ready to help everyone in Michigan get healthier – from the inside out.
How Breastfeeding Affects Mental Health
When facing problems with breastfeeding, women may experience feelings of depression or symptoms similar to post traumatic stress syndrome.
Signs and Stages of Perimenopause and Menopause
It is important for women to get enough information about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and side effects.
You Can Do It! The Easiest Way to Prepare for a 5K
This 5K training regimen is for beginners, experienced runners and everyone in between. Training starts two months before race day.
4 Easy Ways for Seniors to Get a Nutrition Boost
Easy ways to pack more nutrition into your meals and snacks.
5 Tips for Making Resolutions Stick
New Year’s Day is the most popular time to kick off resolutions, but most don’t last. Find out how you can make yours a success.
Are Waist Trainers Dangerous?
The search for a slimmer middle or svelter figure has people squeezing themselves into waist trainers, but are they dangerous?
Self-Care Tips During the Holidays
Setting aside time to do good things for yourself is the gift that keeps giving all season long.
How to Be Mentally Prepared for Winter
It can be tough to embrace a season with snow, cold and ice. Here’s how to get mentally prepared for winter.
Best Bedtime for Heart Health
Not sleeping during the right time frame can adversely affect your heart, a new study shows. Here’s the best bedtime for heart health.
Be an Ally for People with Disabilities in the Winter
Something as simple as entering a building can be downright dangerous for someone with a physical disability or other mobility issues.
What to Have at Home for Winter Emergencies
When the snow starts piling up, you need to know what to have at home for winter emergencies.
What Your Acne Could Be Saying About Your Health
Is it what you’re eating, or maybe the weather? Here’s what your acne breakout could be saying about your health.
Are You Making These Five Post-Run Mistakes?
What you do after a run can be as important for your overall health as the miles you just ran. Here's how to avoid the most common post-workout mistakes.
8 Steps to Becoming a Runner
Looking for an exercise that can benefit your mental and physical health? Here are eight steps to kick-start your running journey.
Get Fresher Indoor Air
In the summer, opening the windows to let the fresh air in helps improve indoor air quality, but here are some steps to help you breathe easy all year-long.