Jake Newby

Health and Wellness

8 Ways to Stop Holiday Stress Before It Starts

The holidays are as stressful as they are joyous. When it comes to shopping, traveling, decorating and family time, here are ways to mitigate the stress.

5 Ways to Stop Holiday Stress Before It Starts  
Community

Find Your Fit: Barre Fitness Keeps Your Joints ‘Nice and Happy’ With Low-Impact Strength Training

Barre is a blend between ballet-inspired movements, Pilates, yoga and weight work. It's a strength training exercise that promotes flexibility and functional strength. And as one Southeast Michigan trainer can attest, it also creates a sense of community.

Community

Foodie Focus: Bell Peppers are the Hero at the Detroit Pepper Company

Every stuffed pepper option at the Detroit Pepper Company starts off meat-free. Guests have the option to add cheese or meat to any of the signature stuffed peppers or entrées found on the East Detroit fast casual restaurant's menu.

Prevention

How Weather Affects Your Lungs and COPD  

COPD exacerbations occur most often when people living with the condition experience extremely cold or extremely hot and humid temperatures.

How Weather Affects your Lungs and COPD
Health and Wellness

What is Sharenting? The Risks and Dangers of Oversharing Online

We all love to document moments with our children that mean a lot to us, but oversharing pictures and information about our kids online carries serious risk. The term for this habit is "sharenting."

Health and Wellness

What are the Benefits of Breathwork?

The basic principle of breathwork practices is to view the breath as a calming tool that accesses deeper states of awareness, healing and relaxation. Here are some techniques and benefits.

Community

Veteran’s Day: Michigan Events, Ceremonies and Celebrations in 2024

More than 550,000 veterans of the United States Armed Forces call Michigan their home. Across the state, many cities, towns and municipalities will celebrate Veteran’s Day with parades, fairs, races and more.

Michigan veterans participate in the annual Detroit Veteran's Day Parade.
Community

How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Michigan

November is Native American Heritage Month. These Michigan sites and landmarks celebrate the rich and important history of Native Americans. Check out this list of Native American-owned businesses to support as well.

Community

Find Your Fit: Bounce Your Way to a Great Cardio Workout Using a Mini Trampoline

Bounce is a cardiovascular-based, mini trampoline workout offered at fitness studios across Michigan. You can also do it at home. Before trying it, read what Ypsilanti-based fitness instructor Sarah Kreiner has to say about Bounce as a workout, and what beginners should know before they try it.

Community

Foodie Focus: First Bite Endears Itself to Ann Arbor with Vegan, Organic and Gluten-Free Breakfast and Lunch Options

Locals and out-of-towners alike form a line out the door at First Bite each weekend. The breakfast and lunch restaurant's fresh, organic offerings mesh well with anyone's diet, and is popular among vegans and vegetarians.

Food and Recipes

Does Apple Cider Have Health Benefits?

Apple cider is a beloved fall beverage, but is it healthy? Learn more about its pasteurization process and nutrition value, here.

cider
Food and Recipes

Detroit’s Pie-Sci Pizzeria Builds a Vegan Following with Plant-Based Pizza Options 

Pie-Sci pizzeria on Trumbull in Detroit challenges the notion that vegan pizza fails to stack up to its meat and dairy-based counterparts.

The Vegan Cha Shao Slide: Caramelized onion, fresh pickled jalapeño, house fried shallot and scallions, with Cha Shao jackfruit and agave drizzle.
Health and Wellness

The Benefits of ADHD Management Tools

Whether you respond better to digital resources like smartphone apps or materials like planners and sticky notes, ADHD management tools can help in a variety of ways.

Community

Foodie Focus: Summertown Fresh Bar Fills a Fast and Healthy Restaurant Void in Corktown

Summertown Fresh Bar's additive-free smoothies and juices, and ever-expanding healthy breakfast and lunch programs, have endeared the restaurant to its Corktown neighbors since 2023.

Community

Find Your Fit: Sneak a Full-Body Workout in at the Playground With These Tips

If you are one of those people that struggle to fit a workout into your busy schedule, you can be efficient and accomplish two things at once by working out on the playground while looking after your kids.

Health and Wellness

“I Had to Get Comfortable with the New Me.” Michigan Woman Reflects on Breast Cancer Battle 

Rebecca Adams’ HER2-positive, stage 3A breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock. Extensive research and lifestyle changes helped her persevere.

Rebecca Adams' HER2-positive, stage 3A breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock. Extensive research and lifestyle changes helped her persevere.
Community

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails Settles in As One of Detroit’s Most Beloved Farm to Table Restaurants

Chartreuse was ahead of the "farm to table" curve when it opened in 2015. Clean, quality food, innovative dishes and an emphasis on hospitality have made it one of the most successful "new" restaurants to open in Detroit in the past decade.

Health and Wellness

Shed Calories and Build Friendships: POUND Fitness Combines Cardio, Pilates and Drumming

POUND is a cardio-based workout that incorporates Pilates, core strengthening and arm and leg movements. But you won't just burn calories; instructor and Grass Lake resident Crystal Scott can attest to POUND's mental benefits.

Health and Wellness

Do Prebiotic Sodas Benefit Gut Health?

Low-calorie prebiotic sodas have burst onto the scene in recent years. They claim to promote good gut health, but how credible are those claims?

Community

Ken Hayward Reflects on Opportunities Baseball Granted Him After Induction Into State of Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame

Before he led BCBSM's social mission and community affairs efforts, Ken Hayward was an incredible college baseball player. He didn't realize it at the time, but his years as a ballplayer shaped his future in a major way.

Community

Cooking with Que: Detroit Restaurant Owner’s Cooking Classes Show You How to ‘Eat to Live’ 

Converting to a vegan diet was a gamechanger for Quiana Rice's health. The lifestyle change set her on a career path and mission to help others choose cleaner ingredients and develop healthier cooking and eating habits.

Health and Wellness

‘It’s Not Something That Has to Stop Them:’ Grand Rapids Mother Discusses Daughter’s Tumultuous Journey with Juvenile Arthritis, Offers Advice to Others 

Paisley Taylor of Grand Rapids was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis a few years ago. The diagnosis has sparked a passion for advocacy in Paisley's mother, Taylor, who knows the condition does not define her daughter.

Community

Breadless in Detroit Turns the Afterthought into the Centerpiece with Healthy, Innovative Sandwich Concept

Breadless uses super-green vegetables like Swiss chard and kale to conceal savory, chef-inspired sandwich recipes. The fast casual restaurant has become a much-needed health food option in Detroit.

Food and Recipes

9 Iconic Michigan Ice Cream Parlors to Visit 

From the upper peninsula all the way down to Jackson, Michigan is dripping with iconic ice cream parlors. How many of these classic Michigan ice cream spots have you tried?

There are more than a few iconic ice cream spots that Michigan families flock to each summer. These shops have enjoyed sustained success for their quality and service. How many of these eight have you visited, and how many more would you like to check out?  
Community

Fourth of July Fireworks in Michigan: 10 Displays to Check Out in 2024

Looking for the best fireworks in Michigan in 2024? There are destination fireworks displays and festivals all over the state between June 26 and July 4.

Looking for the best fireworks in Michigan in 2022? There are destination fireworks displays and festivals all over the state between June 24 and July 4.
Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: Badminton is a Full-Body Workout with Mental and Cognitive Benefits

Badminton has been around for centuries, but we don't often think of it as a recreational sport we can play locally. Ann Arbor's Kim Yeow shares tips and discusses the sport's benefits and communal qualities.

Health and Wellness

Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

Music therapy experiences may include singing songs, playing instruments, writing music, or listening to music and analyzing the lyrics. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of health care and educational goals.

Community

Detroit Juneteenth Celebrations in 2024

Metro Detroiters can meaningfully celebrate Juneteenth 2024 in Detroit in a multitude of ways, from festivals to special dinners to educational events.

Juneteenth in Detroit
Health and Wellness

Can Gardening Improve Mental Health?

On top of growing your own food and plants, you could be relieving stress and improving your attention span every time you get in the garden.

Can Gardening Improve Mental Health?
Health and Wellness

5 Tips to Avoid Loneliness While Working from Home

Working from home has obvious benefits, but many of us who work remotely know it can also breed loneliness. These tips encourage movement and socialization. They may help you break up the monotony of the remote work day.

Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: Qigong’s Low-Impact, Full-Body Movements and Mindfulness Techniques Can Benefit Older Adults

Qigong is part mindful activity, part exercise. Its low-impact, repetitive nature has made it an increasingly popular workout for older adults.

Community

Aster Farm to Table Restaurant in Midland Focuses on Seasonality, Sustainability and Community

Beef from Stoney Grove Farm in Rodney. Whitefish caught in Lake Erie. Fresh tomatoes from Good Stead Farm in Hope. Michigan's incredible farming community is highlighted in every dish at Aster.

Community

The Foodie Focus: Spotlighting Michigan Restaurants Focused on Clean Eating

The Food Focus series is coming to AHM this spring. Each month we'll chat with different restaurant owners in Michigan who prioritizes clean ingredients, sustainability or just general healthy eating. Let's dig in!

Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: What is Tabata?

Tabata was originally created as a training method for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team in the early 1990s. But the HIIT-style workout is practiced in gyms all over the United States today. Here's what it's all about.

Community

Opening Day in Detroit: Saginaw Super Fan Sammie Telder Never Misses a Game

Saginaw native Sammie Telder doesn’t miss many pitches, swings or catches during the 162-game regular season. She can't wait to see how her Tigers perform this year.

Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: What You Need to Know About Rucking, from a Michigan Resident Who Fell in Love with it

Osceola County resident Donnie Dwyer gravitated toward rucking for its low-impact, resistance-based nature. More than just a sneaky good workout, rucking's communal element has been a boon to Dwyer's social life.

Home and Family

Mindful Parenting: Celebrating Inchstones

We're used to celebrating our children's big milestone moments. But it can be valuable for both the parent and the child to celebrate the smaller triumphs, too.

Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: WERQ Dance Fitness is for Everybody and ‘Every Body’ 

Fitness instructor Monica Sanders is one of the pioneers of WERQ, a nationally-known style of cardio-based group exercise that originated in the Midwest.

Health and Wellness

Nordic Walking Provides a Full-Body Workout

Nordic walking incorporates hand-held poles that propel you forward. This surprisingly tough workout gets your back, chest, core, shoulders and arms engaged.

Community

50 Black-Owned Restaurants to Try in the Detroit Area

This list of 50 Black-owned restaurants in the Metro Detroit area need to be on your radar, if they're not already. How many have you eaten at?

Courtesy of IVY Kitchen & Cocktails/Facebook
Community

7 Detroit Black History Sites to Visit 

These historic Detroit sites and landmarks document both the triumphs and hardships of Black Americans who have ties to the city.

Second Baptist Church and the Alger Theater represent two of the most historic sites in Detroit in terms of significant Black history.
Community

Get to Know Michigan’s Woody the Woodchuck Ahead of Groundhog Day

Woody the Woodchuck isn't just a Michigan legend; she's known nationwide. With a personality as big as her appetite, it's easy to see why Woody is such a treasure.

Health and Wellness

Why Walking Your Dog is Healthy for You, Too  

Did you know dog owners are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into a week than non-dog owners? The benefits only begin there.

Photo of a smiling senior woman walking her dog outdoors along a foot path
Community

This German Football Fan was a Foreign Exchange Student in Michigan 26 Years Ago. He Returned to Watch Detroit Win a Playoff Game.

Detroit's feel-good playoff run has been a blast for the city to follow. The team even has support overseas, as evidenced by this former Michigan foreign exchange student from Germany's unlikely tale.

Health and Wellness

Find Your Fit: What is the 12-3-30 Workout?

Even the biggest cardio detractors might find some fun in the 12-3-30 routine. This 30-minute aerobic challenge took the workout world by storm in 2023.

Health and Wellness

What is the Goldilocks Rule for Social Media Use?

Many of us can afford to shave down the amount of time we spend on social media. It's also a useful professional tool, and can be a boon to our social lives in small doses. Balance is key.

Health and Wellness

New "Find Your Fit” Series Will Spotlight Fun, New Workouts Every Month

Discovering a new workout can spark motivation when the gym routine gets stale. In 2024, A Healthier Michigan's "Find Your Fit" workout series will feature fun, unique and trending exercises that you can try at your pace.

Health and Wellness

Should I Cold Plunge Before or After a Workout?

Cold plunges can be a complementary recovery method to vigorous exercise. But exactly when should you take the plunge? Here's what the research suggests.

Community

How to Treat Your Weekend Like a Vacation

When your weeks feel cyclical and repetitive, try treating a weekend like a vacation. Here's how to unplug, unwind, and get into that vacation mindset.

Health and Wellness

Benefits of Walking Backwards

It may sound a bit silly, but walking backwards is a great way to incorporate varied movement into your workout. When done safely, it's an exercise that works muscles you don't normally work.

Health and Wellness

Detroit-Area Entrepreneurs in the Non-Alcoholic Industry Offer Dry January Steps for Success

Trying Dry January? The month-long challenge can be mentally trying. Some of the people at the forefront of Detroit’s "sober curious" movement have some advice.

Community

10 Family-Friendly Winter Break Activities in Metro Detroit

Looking for things to do during the kids' winter break? These indoor and outdoor ideas should ignite the holiday spirit in the whole family.

Community

Winter Festivals in Michigan in 2024

Looking for festive winter events to attend? The Michigan winter festivals on this list take place between January and March of 2024.

Woman captures a photograph of another woman during the Grand Rapids World of Winter festival.
Community

5 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit in 2023

Celebrate the Jewish “festival of lights” by attending one or more of these five Hanukkah celebrations happening in or around Detroit.

Menorah in the D
Health and Wellness

‘Alcohol is Not Your Friend:’ BCBSM Medical Director of Behavioral Health Digs into His Passion for Advocating Against Alcohol Abuse

Dr. William T. Beecroft has advocated against alcohol abuse for much of his 40-plus-year health care career. Here, he reflects and shares some candid thoughts.

Health and Wellness

Health Benefits of Wallyball

Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.

Community

5 Winter Things to Do in Michigan

Activities are easier to come by in the summer than in the winter. We know this. But exciting winter activities in Michigan aren't as limited as you may think. Here are five fun ideas.

Food and Recipes

Vegan Thanksgiving: Metro Detroit Restaurants, Food Trucks With 2023 Holiday Menus

Detroit area vegans rejoice! There’s a long list of metro Detroit and Michigan restaurants offering 100% plant-based Thanksgiving meals.

Vegan Thanksgiving spread from Detroit Street Filling Station
Food and Recipes

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
Community

Metropolitan Bar + Kitchen Owner Proves You Don't Have to Drink to Run a Successful Bar

Seven years ago, Ashley Price decided to stop drinking. Now the owner of a popular bar in Detroit's West Village, Price is proving you don’t have to drink alcohol to run a successful bar.

Community

Falls 5Ks in Michigan

Are you ready to run this fall? The list of 5Ks happening all across Michigan in October and November is long. Here's where they are and how to sign up.

Health and Wellness

What is Intuitive Eating?

When you eat intuitively, you listen to your body. You trust it to let you know when you are full and satisfied. You also reject the new fad diet of the month. Here are the benefits and risks.

Community

15 of the Best Haunted Houses in Michigan 

Michigan is home to some of the most creative, elaborate and downright horrifying haunted houses in the country. Here are 15 of the best!

Some of Michigan’s best and longest-running haunted houses are opening back up for the fall season. Check out this list of 15 of the scariest haunted attractions the state. Happy haunting! 
Health and Wellness

How I Stay Healthy in College

School is back and so is the juggling act that comes with life on campus for college students. BCBSM'S 2023 corporate communications interns recently shared their diet, exercise and self-care regimens.

Community

More or Less Non-Alcoholic Store Brings Inclusivity to Grand Rapids Consumers

Whether you don't drink any alcohol or you want to go N/A for a certain upcoming occasion, More or Less in Grand Rapids has something for you. The store's owners built their brand with inclusivity in mind, and it's working.

Community

Get Your Garden Ready for the Fall with These Tips 

Between weeding, relocating certain plants and testing soil, your garden needs a lot of maintenance at the end of the summer. These seven tips should help.

A woman weeds her garden.
Community

Dry Bars are Rare in Michigan. But There’s One Inside This Oak Park Coffeehouse.  

For Oak Park and Berkley locals, Oak Park Dry is quickly becoming a go-to spot for great music, great coffee and great N/A mixed drinks.

Oak Park Dry is part coffeehouse, part dry bar and part music venue.
Community

Jackson’s Zero Bar & Lounge Brings the Party to Michigan Events and Celebrations Without Alcohol 

One had the dream, one had the drinks: the woman-owned Zero Bar & Lounge adds to the growing list of alcohol-free social options in Michigan.

Jackson’s Zero Bar & Lounge owners pose for a photo in front of their new mobile bar.
Prevention

Does Sunscreen Expire?  

Sunscreen can lose its efficacy when improperly stored or owned for too long. Soak up this information so you can soak up the sun safely!

A woman examines sunscreen brands at the store.
Community

Absence of Proof Detroit Appeals to Detroit’s Sober Curious Crowd with Non-Alcoholic Events 

Absence of Proof offers “a night off of drinking.” The NYC-based company is now in Detroit with pop-up hangout options for the sober curious.

aop2
Home and Family

Mother’s Day 2023: Michigan Events to Celebrate with Mom This Year 

From Detroit to Holland to Kalamazoo, there are Mother’s Day markets, outdoors events and live shows happening all over Michigan in 2023.

A mother and daughter enjoy a meal of chicken wings together.
Community

Sober Curious Series: Spotlighting Michigan Dry Bars, Businesses and Social Networks  

In 2023, AHM will dig deeper into Michigan’s sober curious movement. Dry bars, alcohol-free pop-ups, N/A products and mocktail menus are all on tap.

Young adults toast to a good meal while eating outdoors at a restaurant and drinking mocktails.
Community

5 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Across Michigan in 2023

No matter where you live in Michigan, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebrations are happening across the state between April 29 and May 7.

Notable Cinco de Mayo celebrations across Michigan are regaining full strength after two abbreviated years of balancing safety and fun amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Fitness

Signs You Might Need a Personal Trainer 

Personal training may be worth looking into if you recently recovered from an injury, need help with form or have certain fitness goals in mind.

A woman at the gym has a discussion with a personal trainer.
Community

102-year-old Detroit Baseball Superfan is with Team Through ‘Good and the Bad’ 

The Detroit Tigers may not be a dominant force in Major League Baseball in 2023, but 102-year-old Eva Martin will be watching anyway.

Eva Martin poses for a photo with caretakers at Crestwood Village Assisted Living.
Food and Recipes

Is There a Healthy Energy Drink?

Some trendy new energy drinks market themselves as healthier alternatives to the brands we’ve come to know. Are they actually healthy, though?

A man shops for energy drinks.
Community

Forming a Healthy Relationship with Food: West Michigan Dietitian Discusses Keys to Conquer an Eating Disorder

Finding “food freedom” should be a goal for anyone battling an eating disorder, according to an experienced dietician from West Michigan.

Young woman speaks with a counselor.
Home and Family

Do I Need to See a Doctor if I Have a Cold?

Most bouts with a cold can be handled at home, but other times your body may send warning signs that professional medical help is needed.

Do I Need to See the Doctor if I Have a Cold?
Prevention

What is a Food Sensitivity Test?

Food sensitivity tests may give us clues about what causes certain digestive issues. But they are not FDA-approved. So how accurate are they?

A food sensitivity test tube is pictured above a table full of food.
Fitness

Cold Weather Clothing Tips: Gear to Wear and How to Layer  

It might be time to shop for winter hats, scarves, jackets and boots if you haven’t already. Here are the best fabrics out there to keep you warm this winter.

Cold Weather Clothing Tips: Gear to Wear and How to Layer  
Food and Recipes

Transitioning from a Vegetarian Diet to Eating Meat    

Contemplating eating meat again? Ethical and dietary reasons may give you pause, but these tips can help ease the transition.

A woman slices into a plate of chicken breasts.
Prevention

What is a Healthy Weight?  

Determining a healthy weight depends on what is proportionate to a person’s size. BMI is not perfect, but it can help indicate future health risks.

A woman steps on a scale.
Prevention

What Sleep Tracking Can Tell You About Your Health 

Sleep tracking technology can provide valuable information about sleeping patterns, but they’re not the end-all, be-all.

Indoor shot of young woman with dark wavy hair looking at her smartwatch.
Fitness

Why is the First Five Minutes of a Workout So Hard? 

There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.

Young woman plays on her smartphone on a yoga mat indoors
Food and Recipes

Metro Detroit Vegan Restaurants to Try 

Finding tasty, plant-based food in Detroit has never been easier. The vegan restaurants have developed stellar followings and reputations.

The Vegan Cha Shao Slide: Caramelized onion, fresh pickled jalapeño, house fried shallot and scallions, with Cha Shao jackfruit and agave drizzle.
Mind

What is Make Up Your Mind Day?

Make Up Your Mind Day occurs every December. Do you know what it is all about? If you are the indecisive type, observing this day could help.

Shot of a young woman looking thoughtful while studying at home.
Fitness

5 Winter Sports to Try This Year 

You’re probably familiar with ice skating and skiing, but if those don’t move the needle for you, these other Michigan winter sport ideas should.

A woman and young boy snowshoe up a snow-covered hill.
Community

Cold Weather Camping: Tips and Essentials  

Packing the proper layers and a quality tent are crucial to any winter camping trip. So are these hacks. Are you prepared?

A person's first-person-view of the wintertime wilderness from the inside of a tent.
Prevention

Why Binge Drinking Even Once a Week is Bad 

If you make a habit out of binge drinking, you could expose yourself to these specific short and long-term health problems.

A woman drinks a glass of wine while looking at a smart device.
Mind

Rage Rooms: Do They Help or Hurt Your Stress? 

Smashing old dishware with a baseball bat can be cathartic in the moment, but rage rooms may not be a long-term solution for stress relief.

Two people in protective gear pose for a photo inside of a rage room.
Fitness

Are You Doing These Things to Prevent Skin Infections at the Gym?

Read this list of five skin infections commonly caught at the gym and what you can do to prevent catching them.

Man disinfecting workout equipment at the gym.
Fitness

Winter 5ks and Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2022 

Bundle up in your coziest winter fitness gear and take part in some of the Michigan winter 5K’s and Turkey Trots happening this year.

A large crowd participates in the 2021 Grand Rapids Turkey Trot.
Food and Recipes

Planthropie Cheese and Dessert Shop is Michigan’s First Plant-Based Cheesery  

A maternal health issue sparked Rua Francis Oshana’s journey into veganism, which led to the opening of an all-vegan cheese and dessert shop.

A Planthropie vegan cheese box.
Community

How Early is Too Early to Decorate for Christmas?

Is it after Halloween? Is it after Thanksgiving? How early is too early to decorate for Christmas? We dive into it here.

Kids decorate their Christmas tree.
Food and Recipes

Vegan vs. Vegetarian: What’s the Difference?  

There are are differences and nuances to vegan and vegetarian diets, and both face challenges in acquiring certain nutrients.

A person prepares to eat a mixed veggie bowl.
Fitness

10 Everyday Ways to Maintain Strong Lungs 

Avoiding cigarettes and keeping indoor pollutants out of our homes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining strong lungs.

A woman has her lungs checked by a doctor.
Fitness

The Difference Between Static and Dynamic Stretching 

Certain stretches should be done before workouts and certain stretches should be done after workouts. This guide should provide clarity.

Man practices static stretching
Fitness

Best Health Apps for My Smart Watch  

If you’re a smart watch owner with the fruit-shaped logo, these apps can help you track your physical activity, sleep, calories and more.

If you’re a smart watch owner with the fruit-shaped logo, these apps can be a big help in tracking your physical activity, sleep, calories and more.
Mind

Virtual Reality for Mental Health and Anxiety  

Virtual reality exposure therapy helps you face your fears in a safe, no-stakes environment. Here’s what to know about this relatively new treatment method:

Virtual reality exposure therapy helps you face your fears in a safe, no-stakes environment. Here's what to know about this relatively new treatment method:
Food and Recipes

How Much Protein is Too Much?

The amount of protein we need is based on our body weight and activity levels. Consuming too much protein could present health risks.

Generally, people should consume 15 to 30 grams of protein during each meal. Higher intakes of more than 40 grams are no more beneficial than the recommended 15–30 grams at one time, according to most studies.
Food and Recipes

What’s Better: Juicing or Blending? 

When deciding between juicing and blending, you have to weigh factors like caloric intake, digestion and whether you want to build muscle.

If taste is an issue for you, juicing and blending are great ways to hit those benchmarks without enduring the full-on flavors and textures of fruits and veggies.  
Prevention

Fall Allergies: Does Local Honey Help? 

Itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. Fall allergies are a pain, but can eating local honey help alleviate those symptoms?

Itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. Fall allergies are a pain, but can eating local honey help alleviate those symptoms? 
Food and Recipes

Farmington’s Chive Kitchen Keeps Vegan Eating Fun with Diverse Menu 

From western European inspirations to California fusion to all-vegan comfort food, the Chive specializes in fun and flavorful dishes.

Suzy Silvestre, a longtime vegan and San Francisco native, is as inspired by Western European flavor profiles as much as she is influenced by California fusion. At Chive you can grab a pesto panini sandwich for lunch and come back for a spicy fried “chickie” gochujang bowl for dinner.  
Community

2023 Woodward Dream Cruise Preview & Survival Guide 

The Dream Cruise can be a grind if you’re not prepared. Read these packing tips, nearby restaurants, parking options and best viewing spots.

If you’re a Dream Cruise regular, you probably know how to prepare for the day. But if it’s been a while since you’ve been one of the million-plus annual attendees – or you are brand new to it – this survival guide should get you ready to fully enjoy this iconic event.  
Prevention

Calamine Lotion as Makeup Primer: Does the Viral Trend Really Work? 

Some TikTok users claim calamine lotion works well as a makeup primer for people with oily skin. However, health experts have their concerns.

calamine
Food and Recipes

Don’t Knock it ‘til you Try it: Detroit’s First Vegan Coney Island Thrives

The menu at CMO is like a mash-up between a greasy spoon diner and a fast-food restaurant, only every single bit of it is vegan.

Community

6 West Michigan Parks You Need to Visit

West Michigan cities like Holland, Ferrysburg and Fennville are home to some of the most beautiful, under-the-radar parks in the state.

West Michigan cities like Holland, Ferrysburg and Fennville are home to some of the most beautiful, under-the-radar parks in the state.
Community

Wing Foiling is Taking off on Lake Michigan

Wing foiling is really catching on in Michigan. The wind-surfing sport involves riding a hydrofoil board while holding an inflatable wing.

One of the major appeals of wing foiling is it can be fun to do even if the waves aren’t high and the wind isn’t overbearing, because of its versatility. The board and wing do some of the work for you.
Prevention

9 Places You’re Forgetting to Put Sunscreen 

We cover our arms, legs and face in sunscreen, but stopping there and forgetting these nine places could result in some unsuspecting burns.

We cover our arms, legs and face in sunscreen, but stopping there and forgetting these nine places could result in some unsuspecting burns.
Community

10 Tips for Staying Healthy at Summer Music Festivals  

Summer music festivals can be a blast, but if you don’t plan ahead a lot can go wrong. Here are some precautions to take and items to bring:

If you want to know what to bring to a music festival and how to stay safe and healthy during the marathon day, read these tips before showtime.   
Food and Recipes

How Oak House Deli Became One of Metro Detroit’s Favorite Vegan-Friendly Restaurants 

Oak House Deli in Royal Oak has invested heavily in its vegan menu since 2020 and that investment is paying off among Metro Detroit foodies.

For as long as Tony Maisano has owned Rocket Printing at 605 S. Washington Ave. in Royal Oak, he’s craved a centralized, quality, no-frills sandwich spot that he could get in and out of quickly during lunch hours.  
Home and Family

When is it Too Hot for Kids to Play Outside?  

Children cannot regulate their body temperature the way adults can, so parents should be proactive this summer when kids play outside.

The National Weather Service (NWS) states that a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit poses a significant health risk to children.  
Mind

How Does Trauma Impact the Body?  

Acute, chronic and complex trauma can have damaging effects on the body if not treated. Therapy, lifestyle changes and a few other options can help.

The effects of trauma on the body vary from person to person, but treatment methods are available.   
Fitness

8 Ways to Maintain Your Diet on Vacation  

Eating out is one of the many joys of vacationing. Instead of depriving yourself, practice these calorie-cutting tips the next time you’re on a trip.

Eating out is one of the many joys of vacationing, so depriving yourself doesn’t have to be the answer. There are ways to cut back on calories in the name of balance. That way, you’re not losing too much of the ground you gained before your trip.  
Home and Family

Cheap or Free Summer Activities for Michigan Families 

If you want to create family memories at every turn this summer without breaking the bank, here are 12 family-friendly activities you can enjoy on the cheap:

The weather is about to heat up and the kids are about to be home from school, so parents may want to start filling up the calendar with fun things to do this summer.   
Fitness

What is Assisted Stretching and How Does it Help?  

Assisted stretching helps with mobility and flexibility. That way, everything from running 5ks to hoisting grandkids can be done without pain.

What is Assisted Stretching and How Does it Help?  
Food and Recipes

Lactose Intolerant? Here’s How to Get Calcium Without Dairy Products 

The RDA for calcium in adults is about 1,000 daily milligrams. If you are lactose intolerant, these non-dairy foods can help you get there:

If you are lactose intolerant and your body disagrees with dairy, reaching that calcium threshold can become challenging, since dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt contain significant calcium.    
Food and Recipes

Aratham Gourmet to Go Brings Diverse Vegan Cuisine to Multiple Metro Detroit Locations 

One of metro Detroit’s fastest growing vegan grab-and-go shops, Aratham Gourmet to Go makes fresh and diverse breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

One of metro Detroit's fastest growing vegan grab-and-go shops, Aratham Gourmet to Go makes fresh and diverse breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Mind

How to Talk to a Loved One About Hoarding 

Before broaching the topic with a loved one, consider educating yourself on hoarding disorder, which impacts approximately 2.6% of people.

How to Talk to a Loved One About Hoarding
Food and Recipes

What Does the Latest USDA School Lunch Nutrition Standards Update Mean for Children’s Health?  

Schools will implement nutrition changes centered around milk, sodium and whole grains in July. What do those changes mean for your child?

School Lunches Get a Healthy Boost from USDA Update
Food and Recipes

Food Alternatives: Powdered Nut Butters & Their Health Benefits 

You may be surprised at some of the nutritional advantages powdered nut butters have compared to peanut and almond butter.

Food Alternatives: Powdered Nut Butters & Their Health Benefits 
Community

Detroit Tigers Vendor ‘Excited’ for 61st Opening Day with Team

When Amzie Griffin first became a vendor for the Detroit Tigers, Dwight Eisenhower was the U.S. President. Six decades later, Griffin is still there.

Amzie Griffin can remember the team the Detroit Tigers played, the final score and even members on the roster during his very first opening day as a vendor.
Prevention

Cold Water Therapy and Cold Water Immersion: Do They Work?  

Is cold water therapy effective? In some circles it is thought to reduce swelling and inflammation, which is why athletes take to it. But it's not for everyone.

Cold Water Therapy and Cold Water Immersion: Do They Work?  
Food and Recipes

Peanut Butter Alternatives: Tree Nut and Nut-Free Options to Consider 

If you have a peanut allergy but don’t want to nix peanut butter, there are plenty of healthy substitutes out there to help you get your fix.

If you have a peanut allergy but don't want to nix peanut butter, there are plenty of healthy substitutes out there to help you get your fix.
Home and Family

Five Danger Zones in Your House for Pets and Children  

Are you aware of the danger zones in your home? Areas like the laundry room, medicine cabinet and garage can pose serious threats if not properly secured.

Are you aware of the danger zones in your home? Areas like the laundry room, medicine cabinet and garage can pose serious threats to your family if not secured.
Prevention

Managing Sleep Loss Caused by Daylight Saving Time  

Does daylight saving time throw off your sleep schedule? Get ahead of the curve in the days leading up to the change by trying a few of these tips.

How to Manage Sleep Disruptions Caused by Daylight Savings Time
Community

Hamtramck’s New Palace Bakery Spreads Pączki Love Nationwide   

New Palace Bakery is pączki paradise for anyone craving a little authenticity on Fat Tuesday. Even those who live outside of Michigan.

Hamtramck’s New Palace Bakery Spreads Pączki Love Nationwide   
Prevention

How Do I Know if My Blood Sugar is too High?  

There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes, which makes the condition tough to detect. Monitoring your blood sugar decreases that risk.

How Do I Know if My Blood Sugar is too High?  
Food and Recipes

Is a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet Good for the Heart? 

Switching to a plant-based diet can benefit your heart in multiple ways, including lowering your cholesterol and your risk for cardiovascular disease.

How a Plant-Based Diet Affects Heart Health
Prevention

What are the Best Positions for Sleeping?  

Whether you sleep on your back, stomach, right side or left side, studies have found benefits and pitfalls to each position.

What are the Best Positions for Sleeping?
Prevention

How Much Sunlight do I Need to get Vitamin D? 

People deficient in “the sunshine vitamin” may experience muscle weakness and bone pain, and in severe cases, weakened bone structure.

How to get Vitamin D Safely from the Sun
Home and Family

How Cold is too Cold for your Pet? 

Your pet’s size, weight and ability to store body fat should be considered, along with temperature, when taking your fur baby out into the winter cold.

How Cold is too Cold for your Pet?
Fitness

Steps to take for a Safe Return to the Gym  

Statewide COVID-19 cases are on the rise, so if you’re returning to the gym, you should take every precaution possible to keep yourself and others safe.

Tips for a Safe Return to the Gym
Prevention

TikTok Health Trend Fact Check: Does Liquid Chlorophyll Work? 

Tons of TikTok users in 2021 claimed that drinking liquid chlorophyll helped support weight loss, treat acne and boost energy. How valid were those claims?

TikTok Trend Fact Check: Liquid Chlorophyll
Food and Recipes

Five Things to Remove from your Diet in 2022 

New year, new you? Make that mantra a reality by ditching ultra-processed foods, added sugars and these three other taboo food items in 2022.

Five Foods to Remove from Your Diet in 2022
Prevention

Are Flu Outbreaks Connected to Weather Patterns?  

It’s a misnomer that cold temperatures cause the flu, but temperatures and humidity can exacerbate the severity of it and cause it to spread.

Are Flu Outbreaks Connected to Weather Patterns?  
Home and Family

Tips for Talking to Children after a Traumatic Event 

Chatting with your child about traumatic events can be tricky. Discussing such a sensitive topic requires patience and an open line of communication.

Tips for Talking to Children after a Traumatic Event 
Home and Family

Six Tips to Manage your Child’s Epilepsy

An open line of communication and plenty of encouragement are two of the many ways your family can help manage a child’s epilepsy condition.

Six Tips to Manage your Child’s Epilepsy
Fitness

Eight Ways to Power through your Winter Workout Slump

Sometimes we need to break up the workout monotony, especially in the winter. Finding a buddy and enrolling in classes are two of the many ways to do that.

8 Ways to Power through your Winter Workout Slump
Prevention

Can I be Affected by Secondhand Vape Smoke?

Studies show that secondhand vape aerosol can be as dangerous as secondhand cigarette smoke. It presents numerous potential health issues.

Can I be Affected by Secondhand Vape Smoke?
Fitness

Too Cold to Walk Outside? Try These Winter Workday Activity Tips  

Many have relied on outdoor walks to break up the monotony of working from home. Here’s how to replace that activity level during the winter.

Too Cold to Walk Outside? Try These Winter Workday Activity Tips
Food and Recipes

Diabetes-Friendly Recipe Ideas and Tips with Michigan Chef Chris Oliver 

Unburger Grill owner Chris Oliver, a diabetic for the last 21 years, recommends some wintery, diabetes-friendly recipes and shares a few tips.

Unburger Grill owner Christopher Oliver converted to veganism in an effort to better manage his type 2 diabetes.
Prevention

 Is There Radon in Your Home? What to Know 

Homeowners should be be proactive this winter in monitoring the radon levels in their home and taking action if they are elevated.

 Is There Radon in Your Home? What to Know 
Prevention

Natural Cold Reliefs that Might be in Your Cupboard

When you feel a cold coming on, your kitchen cupboard may hold the answers you need. Here are natural ways to soften cold symptoms at home.

Natural Cold Reliefs that Might Already be in Your Cupboard
Mind

How to Help Your Friends be Less Negative

Friends who are constantly negative can drain your energy and influence your mood. But there are approaches you can take to provide all parties with relief.

How to Help Your Friends be Less Negative
Prevention

How to Avoid Buying Toxic Candles

Lighting candles made with natural wax can help us avoid releasing potentially harmful synthetic fumes into our homes this fall and winter.

How to Avoid Buying Toxic Candles

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.