Kristin Coppens

As the weather begins to slowly warm, Michiganders come out of hibernation in droves to celebrate spring. As the sun sets a little later each day…

Brooke was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma in November of 2010 at the age of three and a half. This type of cancer is in the nervous system and had spread…

“Put good food to good use.” This motto is the driving force behind the Empty Bowls fundraiser, which supports fighting hunger and food shortage in several…

One of this year's 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan awardees is heavily involved in providing a strategic foundation for impressive growth to West…

Participating in the 10K Steps Challenge leading up to the Fifth Third Bank River run is a structured way for beginners and experienced participants alike to…

Sugar consumption can be a tricky beast, as our bodies actually need sugar to function properly. However, sugar overconsumption leads to a host of different…

The Fifth Third River Bank Run, America’s largest 25K road race, takes place in downtown Grand Rapids this May 10, 2014. The race incorporates the West Michigan…

LaughFest 2014 is here. The 10-day festival kicks off this Thursday, March 6th in Grand Rapids. This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is sponsoring the…

I am definitely the type of person who says ‘yes’ to everything and tends to overload her schedule. While this typically works out well and allows for me to…

Flavor can be a huge deterrent when trying to eat cleaner, healthier and simpler meals. I can attest to this, as I always feel like I want to add a dipping…

As the popularity of snow biking surges in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, Lakeshore Bike Shop in downtown Marquette aims to capitalize on the…

As February is all about red and love, it’s only fitting that this month is also American Heart Month. Whether you participate in one of the many statewide Go…

Cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder, affects over 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone. The chronic disorder causes thick…

It can be hard to really see where your blood donations will go and who they will impact, yet that notion helps individuals understand the necessity and…

Does this bitter Michigan cold have you down? The winter months commonly put a wrench in a fitness routine, as well as stifling motivation. This weekend…

With a base of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, these dishes provide protein and nutrition while filling you up.

Knock, knock. Who's there? Organic food. It sounds like the beginning of a lame joke, but it's a reality for an ever-growing number of West Michigan residents.

The 2013 Live Healthy Live United 365 Challenge recently came to a conclusion in Northern Michigan and celebrated both the community’s success as a whole and…

In its fourth year, LaughFest promises even more belly laughs at the 10-day festival, spanning March 6th to March 16th. As laughter provides positive benefits…

This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit http://www.

As we move into February, the color red, hearts, Valentine’s Day, and love surround us. You can’t go anywhere the entire month without being reminded of love…

The idea behind a ‘runner’s high’ never made much sense to me. Personally, I’m not a runner, and I hate that form of exercise. What I have come to appreciate…

LaughFest in Grand Rapids kicks off in just less than two months, from March 6 to March 16th across West Michigan. The lineup features big names like Jim…

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Looking as beautiful as ever, our great mitten-shaped state is turning 177 this year. As the tenth largest…

On January 25th, 2014, St. Cecilia Music Center in downtown Grand Rapids will play host to the inaugural Whole U GR Expo. The Expo runs from 10am to 4pm and…

As the entire state of Michigan is under a snow pile at the moment, some Michiganders are taking the opportunity to celebrate the snow and embrace winter…

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is quite the land of its own. With culture, weather, and scenery incomparable to the rest of the Mitten state, the U.P.

Hard to believe how fast the Fifth Third River Bank Run is approaching us, but the kick off is merely days away. Though the race itself takes place in May…

Trying to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle can be a frustrating endeavor for some individuals. One can eat healthier, exercise…

Grand Rapids continues to shine on the national stage as the city makes list after list of “Top” rankings. Just last year, Forbes Magazine ranked Grand Rapids…

In Northern Michigan there is a trend taking hold of the cycling community–not a new product per se, but definitely an adventure gaining momentum.

The Downtown Market has become a community favorite in the three months since opening. Numerous community leaders and businesses have leveraged that popularity…

Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, second only to California in variety of crops. Michigan grows over 300 different…

In our society, different diet fads and nutrition plans pop-up and fade-away as fast as the seasons sometimes. It can be easy to be confused by the marketing…

Though going gluten-free has created a bit of the ‘fad’ buzz, there are a large number of individuals with whom eating gluten can cause serious health issues.

This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit http://www.

Headquartered in Troy, the Children’s Leukemia Foundation (CLF) of Michigan has successfully raised and contributed over $6.5 million towards cancer institutes…

As someone with arthritis, I’m no stranger to individuals wanting to give you advice, showing you the latest article they read, or telling you about their great…

Tis’ the season. Michigan’s fall is swiftly passing by and winter months with colder weather are on the horizon. Falling temperatures can mean a number of…

At the final stop on our Kalamazoo farm and foodie tour, we visited the People’s Food Co-Op of Kalamazoo and the Fair Food Matters Can-Do Kitchen.

Many Michigan farms coordinate with farm-to-table locations across the state. Discover farm-to-table restaurants around Kalamazoo with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

In just about a week, Grand Rapids will play host to a community awareness initiative with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Michigan Blood.

Oats are a naturally healthy grain suitable for meals or snacks. In Kalamazoo, one man is working hard to bring the community the healthiest…

A cancer diagnosis is about the worst news a person can receive in their lifetime. There is plenty of bad news and negatives with cancer, so focusing on the…

Michigan weather is as indecisive as they come. After a great deal of Fall-like weather, 80-degree temperatures have finally resurfaced. Terra GR…

This local coffee shop supports local business in more ways than one.

In Grand Rapids, the start-up community has been consistently growing. The community support behind start-up initiatives has been increasing exponentially…

In addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s sponsorship of this year’s ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids downtown office will also become host to one of the…

What was formally Trillium Haven has recently been rebranded and relaunched in the same space in the Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids as Terra GR.

It’s that time of year again. We are little more than three weeks away from the start of the 2013 ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. The international competition boasts…

The arts community is alive and well in Grand Rapids, shown prevalently by ArtPrize. In just over a month, the largest public art prize will swarm West Michigan…

As our country makes strides towards preventative healthcare and wellness initiatives, a common theme arises: workplace wellness programs work.

The Johnny Secreto family brought the taste of real Italian sauces to West Michigan when the family immigrated to the United States in the 20th century.

With the Medical Mile, Grand Rapids has proven itself to be a national and international hub for medical research, health care, and hospitals.

In the United States, breast cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women, trailing only skin cancers. In fact, breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3…

Last week, Grand Rapids played host to the 38th Annual International Herpes-Virus workshop and conference (IHW 2013), the first time the conference has been in…

Greek salad is a staple within any meal with the fresh cucumbers, olives and feta cheeses. Switch the classic up a bit with this Greek Tortellini Salad.

Lisa Rose Starner has been a force in the Grand Rapids community as an herbalist, forager, writer and urban farmer. Featured in publications such as The…

July is African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month. When donating bone marrow, the chances of a successful match rise if the donor and recipient are of the…

As the end of the Body and Soul and the Blues Community Challenge draws near, it’s important to remember lessons learned the past few weeks to keep your healthy…

Every year, without fail, it seems that Michigan seasons are shorter and faster than the year before. Though I’m excited for those cornhusks to be ready for…

The buzz of ArtPrize 2013 has begun to really take hold in the Grand Rapids community as we ramp up for the competition’s fifth year in just over six weeks.

In the quest towards living a healthier lifestyle, understanding diet and healthy foods is just one part of the journey. Equally significant…

Everyone knows what physical pain feels like; we have all stubbed a toe or cut a finger. Now imagine amplifying the intensity of that stubbed toe by ten or more…

A concept around for many years, but made popular by Ray Oldenburg’s book, “The Great Good Place,” ‘third places’ have become an integral part of life.

In the last three installments of our video series with Meijer, we have learned about the NuVal system, reading food labels, and stocking a healthy pantry.

There’s an app for that. A part of our daily jargon, that phrase has become an integral part of our tech-centered world. From an app that calls you when your…

An important part of healthy eating is understanding how to properly stock your refrigerator and pantry. Building a healthy pantry will cut down on unhealthy…

In the second installment of our Body and Soul and the Blues Community Challenge video series, we take challenge participants through tips and tricks on proper…

Preliminary findings from the Sustainable Streets Task Force state that by 2018, at least 90% of the roads in Grand Rapids will be in poor condition.

Looking for a new trail to explore? Check out the new trails at the Kalamzoo Rive Valley!

Enjoy a afternoon by the water or trail walk at Riverside Park.

The EPIC Awards were created by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce as a way to recognize individuals and businesses in the Grand Rapids community who support…

Juicing has become somewhat of a fad in recent years. There is debate over whether or not a juice detox, or juicing in general, is healthy for you.

Simpatico Coffee is a Grand Rapids-based coffee shop that provides coffee that keeps your health and wellness in mind.

Diane Devereaux believes in the notion that food is art; therefore, canning is preserving that art. A life-long Michigan resident, in Grand Rapids for over a…

As is the case with any diet, there are certain key points to be aware of in order to get the healthiest outcome. Going gluten-free is an excellent example of a…

Farmers' markets have become a staple in many communities in supporting healthy eating, local farmers, and community development.

In the digital age, most industries have embraced an electronic and technological aspect. There is a Michigan-based company that hopes to make sure agriculture…

During LaughFest, I attended the Strawberry Shortcake kids show with a friend and the little girl she nannies. Not having any kids of my own, this was the first…

Fitness doesn't have to boring and unpleasant. Check out some of this exciting and fun fitness classes in Michigan!

Specifically, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce created the Diversity Visionary Award in 2003 as a way to honor individuals in the community that should…

Rather than reaching for medicine, try yoga to relieve your cold and flu symptoms.

In a recent announcement, Governor Snyder declared April as ‘Michigan Wine Month’ in support of Michigan’s growing wine and grape industry and its impact on the…

How can you get through your workout burnout? Try Tabata training.

Terri Tate embodies what it means to be a comedian disguised as a nurse and teacher. A down to earth woman who has become a truly inspirational humorist amidst…

After a whirlwind ten days of laughter, LaughFest 2013 has come to a close. For the second year in a row, LaughFest put on an emotional health series, LaughteRx…

One of the hardest parts about trying to eat right and exercise is working hard and making the healthy choices, yet still not seeing the exact results that…

The very label of this city may suggest rolling ‘rapids;’ however, it was only until recently that Grand Rapids has promised to restore the city’s namesake…

With no surprise, high fructose corn syrup continues to grace the pages of media outlets nation wide. The usage of high fructose corn syrup has continued to…

Throughout the United States, a movement has begun towards recognizing and honoring the women who make America, or MAKERS. The MAKERS movement is a digital…

Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan granted $200,000 to a collaboration between Metro Health, St. Mary’s Health Care, and Hope Network through their…

LaughFest will take over the city of Grand Rapids with 10 days of comedians, laughter, and awareness from March 7 – 17, 2013. A series titled LaughteRx focuses…

West Michigan has rallied forces for the month of February in support of breast cancer awareness and Susan G. Komen West Michigan.

What do you call a pig that knows karate? A pork chop! Ha! Corniness aside, a silly joke or a ‘punny’ pun can do more for your health than just causing a…

A brand new brewery on Grand Rapids’ west side, The Mitten Brewing Company has paved a way in the Michigan craft beer scene with a love of unique brews, simple…

If you find yourself in Kalamazoo, I highly suggest experiencing Food Dance. Food Dance is a true Michigan culinary experience with wonderful cuisine, drinks…

If you are one of those people who just seem to catch everything that’s floating around (like me), then I’m sure you often wonder if there is a way to prevent…

It's not true that the sun isn't as strong during the winter. Here are the reasons why you still need to use sunscreen in the winter.

Located on the outskirts of downtown Grand Rapids, Amore Trattoria Italiana brings you back to the old Italian countryside with a family-owned vibe full of…

Registering and taking college courses online is not necessarily a new concept with the likes of University of Phoenix available. However…

Local Grand Rapids brewery and community advocate, Brewery Vivant has graciously provided us with one of the very best in their delicious food selection.

Renowned Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids has given us another take on a delicious mussels recipe using their delicious and popular craft beers.

Holiday treats and sweets happen to juxtapose themselves into one of my favorite things, yet one of my biggest enemies of the holiday season. Nevertheless…

As we have covered our favorite places to find holiday gifts in Detroit and Milford, we move towards the other side of the state in visiting what West Michigan…

As another installment in our healthy recipes from around Michigan series, Chefs Jeff Finan and Jason Richardson from The Green Well Gastro Pub in Grand Rapids…

At A Healthier Michigan, we support and believe in strengthening healthy communities. In doing so, we have begun a series on placemaking in urban downtown…

In my world, there’s little better than a good book, a blanket, some hot chocolate, and snow falling outside. Wintertime is one of the best settings for curling…

Winter is the perfect time to venture out of your coffee comfort zone with these different flavors that pair perfectly with coffee.

Though the state of Michigan as a whole has begun to support the farm to table movement, Grand Rapids has wholeheartedly embraced the idea of eating and…

Mac & Cheese always reminds me of being a kid and feeling at home in a sort of cheesy, gooey, comfort food bubble. Fast-forward past Easy Mac and college meals…

Structuring your 30-minute elliptical workout depends somewhat on your focus and desired outcome, i.e. fat burning, core, total body, etc. Nevertheless…

The influx of frozen yogurt shops in the United States has created a “fro-yo” craze and debate over health and nutrition factors present in the frozen treat.

Imagine feeling so overwhelmingly exhausted that you cannot think straight, and most likely, cannot get out of bed. No matter how much you sleep…

Nutritional and protein supplements have become increasingly popular in the world of health fitness with many people hoping to become leaner and more muscular.

The emergence of millennials, young professionals, and the start-up community has brought along with it a focus on placemaking and increased urban awareness.

We have all fallen victim to the dreaded food coma, or that after-lunch slump. You feel warm and fuzzy, with an overwhelming urge to crawl into bed and snooze…

Keeping track of a healthy lifestyle has never been easier with these apps.

As an addition to the ongoing focus on health, wellness and sustainability, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) now has a new campaign to promote their focus…

Thanksgiving is upon us already and what better time than now to take advantage of “buy local, eat local” throughout the state of Michigan? This is the second…

Catching a cold can put a damper on your workout progress. Should you still go to the gym if you're sick?

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure “On the Wings of Hope” Survivor Benefit. A night full of inspirational…

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) campus is not quite the style of a busy city or metropolitan area; however, the congestion of cars, students, buses…

With all the new fitness classes available, it's important to be wary of injuries.

In five short years, the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival has grown to become the largest culinary event in the state.

With those slight flurries and cold chills hitting a large number of Michigan regions already, the holidays are creeping towards us fast.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we continue to advocate for the education and awareness of the disease and the support for those affected…

Beer is the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world. Made from just four ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast, beer has integrated itself into every facet…

With 70-degree days sporadically sneaking into our October forecast the past few weeks, it’s not too late to indulge in a summer-like treat.

Halloween is quickly approaching and there are a number of events available to supplement that traditional trick or treating. In Grand Rapids, the John Ball Zoo…

In Grand Rapids, we have come to expect nothing short of the overwhelming success of ArtPrize from entrepreneur, Rick DeVos. His latest venture…

Imagine traversing the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Now imagine doing that in a hollowed out cottonwood log. Well, that’s just what best…

Genetically modified foods are not necessarily a new phenomenon; however, there is still a great amount of information we don’t know about the benefits and…

Swimming can burn calories, boost your metabolism, and firm every muscle in your body, while putting decreased stress on your joints.

In the United States, there are approximately 79 million Americans who are considered to be pre-diabetic, with another 2/3 of individuals overweight.

Living on a college campus is full of germs – plus stress and not getting enough sleep. Find out how to protect yourself from the common cold and flu this year.

Typically, a workout is focused on lifting, tightening and toning a desired area of the body. While these are significant, and important, emphasis points…

Farmers and their crops throughout the state of Michigan have experienced disastrous conditions and damage through the seasons this year.

Fall is a season of iconic bests in Michigan. Color tours, cooler weather, football, apple orchards, Halloween, corn mazes and much more. There are even a…

A Healthier Michigan is a large advocate of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we have put pertinence in educating our readers of the disease.

Whether it reminds you of home, raises your spirits when you’re feeling down, or partners perfectly with a cold, rainy day, comfort food is well known and well…

Arguably the most important, yet the most frequently skipped aspect of a workout, stretching is the key component in preventing exercise related injuries.

Information remains to be prevalent about eating disorders in adults and, on the flip side, the obesity epidemic in America. However…

Have you ever considered including microgreens in your diet? You definitely should.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we’ll be posting Pink Eats, a collection of healthy and yummy recipes that are all pink! And to kick it off…

Different exercise trends and “fads” pop up daily, it seems. Most routines are variations on execution, with generally the same end goal. Nevertheless…

With the recent emergence of minimalist running shoes like Vibram Five Fingers and Nike Free, barefoot running has become the source of popularity, fad, debate…

A month of many celebrations and events, September is also National Literacy Month. An essential skill to the development of our families, children…

Rainy days are sometimes a welcomed relief from the heat, or even snow. They are a perfect excuse to get comfortable, stay in bed and enjoy a good book or a…

There is no better time to test out the benefits of yoga than National Yoga Month.

Fresh off of the West Michigan Policy Forum, there’s a buzz over Michigan’s economy and our core cities. Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans, Dan Loepp of Blue Cross…

A commonly known condition of college is that the freshman 15 is likely to plague most students as a result of the drastic lifestyle change.

In West Michigan, 1 out of 6 of our residents are not sure where their next meal will come from. This notion is even worse at 1 out of 5 for children in West…

Nutrition, meal replacement and energy bars are one of the fastest growing categories in the nutrition industry. With our society’s emphasis on convenience and…

In our culture, avocados play a prominent role as one of the most enjoyed snacks for Americans. In fact, it is said that 13.2 million pounds of avocado…

Do you ever feel like you literally could not continue your day unless you grabbed some chocolate? (I’ll admit it, I do). I have come to find out that those…

Olive oil is typically known for its benefits on heart health and cholesterol. This is due to the fact that the dietary fats found in olive oil are…

As a part of the Healthy Food Hospitals Initiatives, approximately 50 Michigan hospitals have made the pledge to revamp their menus and patient food options…

Originally a product of Chef Pam McKinstry’s café in Nantucket and later debuted in Gourmet Magazine, Morning Glory muffins are a frequent staple in many coffee…

Football has officially begun: bring on the rivalries, tailgates, football parties, and team pride. From finger-foods to heartier dishes, plan your party with…

Not all fats are bad for you. Learn the difference in this blog.

With the hype of new shows on the Food Network and recent news coverage, Food Trucks have popped up all around the country as a fun, on-the-go alternative to…

Honey is not just for the bees anymore. The benefits of this natural sweetener are still being discovered; however, there have been some significant positives…

The upswing of “super-foods” has been shown in virtually every diet and nutrition article as of late. You may remember chia as those funny figurines with grass…

Kids spend the majority of their time, the majority of the year, in our schools. Therefore, kids are eating the majority of their meals at school as well.