Jillian Berndtson
Stopping the “Summer Slide”
Kids lose up to two months of education in the summer months. Use these tricks to keep them sharp all summer long.
Race to Recess: How Unstructured Play Helps Kids
One-third of children are overweight or obese, leaving room for a host of other health complications. So what can be done to help?
Get Grounded: How To Reconnect with the Earth Through Yoga
Those who believe in the science of grounding support connecting individual bioelectromagnetic fields with the earth’s electromagnetic field.
How to Plan a Scavenger Hunt
You can create a hunt that is kid-friendly or opt for a more difficult set of clues for adults. It really is whatever you decide.
How To Throw a Virtual Party
You can still have plenty of fun and enjoy the company of your loved ones by throwing a virtual party.
Little Life Skills Everyone Should Know
Of course education is important and school learning should be a priority, but there are also plenty of lessons kids can learn outside of the classroom.
Pantry Stocking Staples
If you’re like us, you always want to maximize your trips to the grocery store by buying food items that have a long shelf life and are versatile.
In a Rut? 12 Ways to Move Forward with Positivity
From creative outlets to health and wellness changes, there are plenty of ways to work on yourself. Here are our favorite ideas.
YouthWork: Connecting Youth to Community Service
YouthWork aims to answer “what’s next?” by empowering youth of all backgrounds through community service projects.
Helping Kids Navigate Academic Stress
The drive to succeed academically may be good to an extent, but it can also lead to an insatiable desire for perfection where a B can be devastating.
The Science of Love
What happens in our body when we believe we’re falling in love? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve Cupid and his bow and arrow.
MI Sporting Events to Inspire You in February
While we can’t change the weather, we can choose to make the most of it. In fact, there are plenty of events all around the state to take part in.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in Empire, Michigan and has many natural wonders. Read about plans to celebrate this popular attraction’s 50th anniversary.
The Best Advice We’ve Received From Mentors
Some pieces of advice tend to resonate with us more than others. Here are some of the best pieces of advice members of our team have received:
Taking Caution with Food Allergies
Allergic reactions range from a mild skin rash to anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical attention.
Stopping Health-Related Stigmas
Unfortunately, many illnesses and conditions, both physical and mental, are stigmatized in society.
Small Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day
Sometimes even the slightest action can make someone happy. Here are some of the ways we participate in random acts of kindness during the holidays:
The Best Gift of the Holiday Season: Tradition
Ultimately, it’s not the gifts you remember, but the people and experiences you shared that live on for years to come.
How to Stay Safe Using Ride-Hailing Apps
You can minimize the risk by taking basic precautions. Here are some tips to keep you safe in your next ride-hailing service.
Kevin’s Song: Providing Support to Those Seeking Solace
Kevin’s Song is a Michigan-based organization focused on educating the community about suicide. Learn more about their efforts.
Comedy, Caution and Caregiving: Breeda Miller’s Journey
Caregiving can be stressful, but there are small ways to embrace the journey. Read about Breeda Miller's experience and what she learned from it.
Eat Your Way to Better Skin
Skin care doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, you can easily take care of your skin by changing what you eat.
Special Challenges Adopted Children Face
Adoption is a life-changing experience that may bring about some unique challenges for the child that manifest in a variety of ways.
Just Start Swimming: Why Everyone Needs to Know How to Swim
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending kids start swim lessons when they are one year-old.
How to Walk for a Cause
Participating in these charity walks is a win-win. You get the health benefits of walking while also funding a great cause.
Long-Term Life Planning Blueprint
While it’s easy to only look at the not-so-distant future, it’s incredibly important to plan for your long-term needs. It’s never too early to be prepared.
Camp Casey: Providing Help, Horses and Happiness
Camp Casey is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 with the mission of bringing smiles to kids with cancer and rare blood diseases.
Table Talks: Managing Mental Health
Mental illness can impact everything from work to social lives. It is often viewed differently because it can not be physically seen.
Medals4Mettle: Rewarding Life’s Hardest Races
Medals4Mettle collects old earned medals from long-distance runs such as half-marathons, marathons and triathlons and gives them to kids in the hospital.
The Power of Saying “No”
You may feel obligated to say yes all the time, but one of your greatest tools is the word “no.”
How To Keep Your Health in the Game
Sports are beneficial to mental and physical health and offer a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Sports also require dedication from the parents.
Small Steps to Simplify Life
Simplification looks different for everyone and each person has their own method that works for them. Here are some of our tips on how we keep things simple.
The Concealed Truth: What Your Makeup is Made Of
Using cosmetics to enhance appearance is extremely common across the United States. One study found 31 percent of people ages 18 to 29 wear makeup everyday.
Accessibility at Michigan State Parks
The state of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources have teamed up to make state parks and recreation more accessible for people with disabilities.
Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Festivities
While fireworks have become a Fourth of July tradition, for some, they may not make for the ideal night.
Wave Hello to Open Water Swimming
Swimming engages your entire body, conditioning all muscles needed for any other workout. Here are some of the ways open water swimming benefits your health.
Scenic Summer: Top Picturesque Locations in MI
The weather is warm and summer is here! Capture some of the best pictures at these locations in Michigan.
Taking the First Steps Toward Triathlon Training
Triathlons can be intimidating. Engaging in the three exercises back-to-back-to-back sounds exhausting on its own.
Cadillac’s After 26 Depot Cafe: Serving Up Work Skills and Good Eats
The After 26 Depot provides great food to the Cadillac community and the restaurant employs adults with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities.
Working Out Effective for Reducing Parkinson’s Symptoms
Newer research has also found that exercise may have a neuroprotective effect, meaning it can protect from neuron degeneration.
Rock Steady Boxing: Beating Parkinson’s to the Punch
Did you know you can fight symptoms of Parkinson's disease by boxing?
Table Talks: A Conversation About Caregiving
Angela Hernandez, social media team leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sat down with local caregivers and aging experts to discuss caregiving.
Why Young Adults are Abandoning Alcohol
Younger Americans are drinking alcohol at lower rates than young people 10 years ago. Read about the trend and why it’s growing in popularity.
Overcoming Injury: Vince’s Story
The road to recovery can be draining. Read Vince's story about how he stayed positive after a life-altering injury.
Is My Child Ready for a Sleepover?
The decision to allow a child to go to a sleepover rests solely on the parents and how ready they feel their child is.
Sleep Cycles: What Really Happens When You Sleep
When you sleep your body transitions through different cycles. Learn about what happens at each stage and how each cycle affects your health.
Dreaming of a Good Night’s Sleep? You May Have Sleep Deprivation
A study by the American Sleep Association reported over 35 percent of adults are getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each day.
How Bike Helmets Help Your Head
Bike helmets are extremely effective at preventing injury due to their design and the engineering behind them.
The Big Benefits of a Basic Broth
Emmele Herrold, co-owner and Executive Chef at Hazel, Ravines and Downtown in Birmingham, serves bone broth to customers daily.
Say Goodbye to Food Dye
While it’s easy to sprinkle in some food dye to add to the festivities, you may want to think twice about what you’re really adding to your foods.
Why Weight: The Science Behind Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets look and feel like a normal blanket, but are far heavier. The weight is evenly distributed across them.
What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
NAS occurs when newborn babies experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to drugs or alcohol in the womb.
Michigan: The Cider State
Michigan produces more than 900 million pounds of apples each year. Wherever you live in Michigan, there’s sure to be a local cider-producer nearby.
Healthy Pasta Swaps
Pasta dishes are quick and easy to make. Try these alternatives to noodles as a way to cut carbs or gluten for your next meal.
Healthy Holiday Menu
You can get the proper nutrition and have a flavorful meal at the same time. Here’s a healthy holiday menu for you to use at your next gathering.
How to Have a Healthy Winter
The winter months are often busy with holiday parties, travel and more. Here are some helpful tips on ways you can stay healthy throughout the season.
Beautiful Michigan: Top Picturesque Winter Spots
Winters in Michigan means lots of layers, freezing temperatures and of course- snow. Yes, the winter months are cold, but even in the single-digit temperatures, our state still proves why it’s one of the most beautiful.
Wacky Winter Sports to Try in Michigan
It’s important to continue working out, even when the weather gets colder. Ready to take on the challenge?
The ABCs of T1D: How to Explain Type 1 Diabetes to a Child
Here are the basic terms you need to know if you’re taking care of someone who has Type 1 diabetes, and how to explain it to a child:
Your Holiday Budget Game Plan
Food, wrapping paper, gifts and decorations all can take a toll on your bank account – but they don’t have to.
Growing Up Diabetic: How Parents Can Help
Living with diabetes, or taking care of someone who has diabetes can be a challenge. So, as a parent, what can you do?
In Michigan, It’s Easy to Eat the Rainbow {Videos}
When you live in Michigan, you never have to travel too far to eat every color of the rainbow.
Concussion Care: How To Know When Your Brain Needs A Break
If you’re an athlete or if you care for athletes, make sure you know the warning signs of concussions and when it’s better to be on the bench than the field.
Unplug to Recharge
The overuse of smart devices could have a negative impact on both mental and physical health.
Small Towns, Big Fun
Check out our ten tiny towns to travel to for your next road trip – all right here, in Michigan.
Top Locations for Kids to Stay Active in the Summer
Summer is the perfect time to get outside! Check out these awesome locations across Michigan to keep you active all summer long.
‘Hey, Alexa’: Ways to Use Your Amazon Device For Better Health
Live a healthy life with the MI Blue Skill for Amazon Alexa.
Around the World Recipe Roundup
Check out these recipes to add a little diversity to your meals.