Physical Health
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.
What are Lifetime Sports?
Lifetime sports are those you can play for your whole life at any age. Regular exercise is important for people of all ages and has been shown to reduce and prevent many health conditions.
Natural Caffeine Replacements: Energize Your Day the Healthy Way
Energy drinks are everywhere these days, promising to relieve fatigue and help you power through your day. Energy drinks can also lead to jitters, crashes and dependence. Luckily, there are plenty of natural alternatives that can give you the boost you need without the negative side effects.
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.
The Benefits of Joining a Running Group
Learn how joining a running club can help you with your physical and mental health.
Common Athletic Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Don't get sidelined by an injury. Here's how to build strength and prevent injuries in the first place.
Malnutrition: The Difference Between Undernutrition and Overnutrition
Malnutrition is often associated with being severely underweight. However, anyone whose body is deprived of the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function is malnourished.
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.
The Benefits of Silk Pillowcases and Accessories for Your Hair
Silk pillowcases and other silk accessories such as wraps, scarves and bonnets have become increasingly popular for their benefits for hair and skin. These silk head accessories have been a cornerstone of Black hair experiences to protect natural and braided hairstyles long before they were more widely adopted as a healthy hair technique. Now the use of silk material has become more popular regardless of hair type.
Is a Gluten-Free Diet Right for You?
Whether it's for health reasons or a curiosity, you might be wondering if a gluten-free diet is right for you. Going gluten-free is a commitment and requires both dietary and lifestyle changes. For some, consuming gluten can lead to serious health concerns, while others may choose to avoid it in hopes of better health.
What To Know About Powdered Greens
Powdered greens have become a popular trend to add fruits and vegetables into your diet through a blend of freeze-dried and ground fruits, vegetables and greens mixed with water or a smoothie. Are they a good substitute for eating fruits and vegetables? Learn more about powdered greens and their benefits and drawbacks.
“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.
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.
5 Homemade Salad Dressings to Try at Home
It can be easy to make a habit of buying storebought dressing to save time, but they are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, but it’s easy, inexpensive and you can put your own spin on it.
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.
Common Food Safety Issues
There are more than 30 million cases of illness cause by food contamination annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of these cases are preventable with proper cooking, handling and storing practices. Learning proper food preparation practices and getting rid of unhealthy habits in the kitchen can prevent food poisoning and safety issues.
Self-Care Habits I Adopted in the Last Year
In the hustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. I know when my schedule picks up, I have a habit of prioritizing my responsibilities over my own wellness. However, I’ve made the conscious decision to incorporate self-care habits into my routine.
Workouts That Work for Me as a College Student
I’ve found that college is a great time to create healthy habits through regular practice of physical activity. While every person is different, here are some workouts that work for me as a college student.
Could Nutrition Help Fight Acne?
Topical treatments and medications are available and can be very effective for some, but acne can be persistent and hard to deal with.
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
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.
How to Train Like an Olympic Athlete
If you watched the Paris Olympic or Paralympic Games this summer, you might have gotten swept away seeing your favorite athlete compete. While they seem to perform with such ease, you know there are hours of work put into their physical training. Let the inspiring efforts of these athletes motivate you to achieve your workout goals this year.
5 Ways I Rely on my Smartwatch
A smartwatch does much more than tell you the time. Using a smartwatch makes it so that you don’t need to always have your phone on you. You can make calls, send texts, and use a GPS from your watch.
Women’s Health: Workouts to do on your period
It can be easy to ignore your workout goals when on your period, but the physical and mental benefits of exercise can help. Although it feels counterintuitive, avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better.
Go-to Dinner Recipes for Busy College Students
Developing a routine in college that works for you is a significant task on its own, but having to weave in time for healthy meals can be intimidating. For college students, newfound independence can feel exciting and refreshing but sometimes daunting.
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.”
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.
Your Phone Screen Is Dirty: Here’s How to Clean It
People with weaker immune systems may find themselves getting sick from common bacteria found on their cell phones. To avoid contracting those germs, get in the habit of cleaning your device on a regular basis.
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?
The Pros and Cons of Running on Different Surfaces
Running is one of the only sports that can be done nearly anywhere, on any surface. The key is finding a route and a terrain that best suits your physical needs. While running is a great form of exercise, there are advantages and disadvantages to running on different surfaces.
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.
Benefits of Sharing Meals
Sharing meals is a great way to spend more time with your family and friends. It turns out there are multiple benefits to health and well-being from sharing meals, including improved eating habits, reduces stress and tension, improved self-image in kids, and improved family relationships.
10 Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Are you looking for an activity that is good for all aspects of your health like physical, mental, and social? We have just the activity. Originating as a mixed martial art from China, tai chi is an activity that involves a series of gentle and slow movements, a meditative state of mind, and physical postures.
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.
Does Heat Affect Blood Pressure?
As temperatures increase, people might notice that their blood pressure is increasing as well. High heat causes blood pressure to increase. It is important to focus on your blood pressure during the summertime because Midwest summers present high temperatures and high humidity.
How to Treat Bee and Wasp Stings
Summer is in full swing, which means people are spending more time outside. It also means that more insects are outside, including bees and wasps. Being stung by a bee or wasp is scary for many people, but it can cause more than pain in some situations.
Tips to Prevent Tick Bites this Summer – 2024 Season
Lyme disease is an emerging disease transmitted by the blacklegged tick in Michigan. In 2024, It has been reported in nearly every county in the state, according to the State of Michigan. Taking prevention measures is one of the smartest ways to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
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.
How Much Water Should You Drink in the Summer?
As temperatures continue to rise this summer, it's important to concentrate on how much water you consume daily. It is estimated that 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration and that issue is especially apparent in the warm summer months.
Foot Safety Tips for Adults and Children
Summertime comes with unique challenges or environments that can harm or endanger foot health and foot safety. With increased time spent active outdoors, in the sun, and barefoot or in open-toed shoes, more care and attention is needed prevent injuries or burns to the feet.
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.
‘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.
Shoo Fly: How to Keep Flies Away & Protect Your Health
Most of the time, houseflies are merely annoying, and their bites can be briefly painful. However, these insects can spread bacteria and viruses through their bites.
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.
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.
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.
Societal Expectations and the Impact on Men’s Health Attitudes
When it comes to health care, men tend to be much more reluctant than women to obtain preventive care or seek out medical care when there’s an issue. And this reluctance can increase their risk for health consequences.
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.
Is My Water Bottle Straw Clean?
Water bottles are traveling everywhere with you and collecting the germs from places you go. From errands to work to an outdoor soccer game on the weekends, your water bottle straw is picking up bacteria in those areas.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.
Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Aging Parents
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die, and it worsens with time. The disease is the leading cause of dementia, a decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills.
What Causes Migraines?
A migraine is a headache that causes throbbing pain that is often on one side of your head.
5 Healthy Summer Fruit and Veggie Snacks for Kids
It can be a hassle finding healthy snacks your kids will eat and enjoy. These quick, easy, and nutritious snack options are perfect for your active kids this summer.
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.
Ways to Salvage Your Day After a Bad Night’s Sleep
Chronic loss of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, more illnesses, and cardiovascular events. Practice good sleep habits to prevent one bad day from becoming many bad days.
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.
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.
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.
The Importance of Exercise Variety for Seniors
Exercise is extremely important for building and maintaining a good level of personal fitness and physical health. Regular physical activity – including a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training and balance training – can help seniors live independently longer and with a better quality of life. It can also help in managing chronic diseases.
Precocious Puberty in Children and How it Impacts the Mental Health of Young Girls
Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, refers to the premature onset of puberty in children. The stages of puberty include body and hormone changes that allow the body to reproduce. Early onset puberty can have negative effects on the mental health of children.
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.
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.
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.
How Taking a Break from Alcohol Benefits Your Health
Alcohol negatively affects physical and mental health in many ways, especially if consumed in excess, routinely or habitually. The reverse is also true, however – sobriety or cutting alcohol out of a lifestyle can have significant, positive effects on overall health and wellness.
The Link Between Stress and Nutrition
The link between stress and nutrition is bi-directional, meaning they both affect each other. Stress can affect our eating habits, especially the chances of unhealthy choices or overeating. Additionally, poor nutrition and diet choices can exacerbate or increase levels of stress.
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.
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.
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.
How Caffeine Impacts Your Body
From morning coffee to snacking on chocolate bars or grabbing an energy drink, caffeine is a big part of people’s daily diet in the United States.
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.
Seven Ways to Keep Kidneys Healthy
Chronic kidney disease is a public health crisis that's serious but also preventable. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar are two of the seven ways recommended to keep the kidneys healthy.
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.
Seven Eye-Opening Ways to Save Your Vision
It’s easy to take good vision for granted – until it’s no longer there. Bad lifestyle habits can jeopardize good vision and negatively impact quality of life.
5 Common Household Poisons to Avoid
Someone in the U.S. is exposed to poison every 15 seconds, according to statistics from the National Capital Poison Center. In 2021, more than two million people called Poison Control for help. Children are the most at risk for poisoning, especially those six years and under.
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.
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.
Planning for a Healthy, Sustainable Spring
Make spring your healthiest, most sustainable season yet with these easy tips for your home and outdoor areas.
How Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Your Body
It might seem as simple as updating a few clocks in your home, but Daylight Saving Time can take a toll on some people’s overall health.
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.
The Real Scoop on Colonoscopies
It’s one of those topics people avoid talking about. But the fact is, colonoscopies save lives and it's important to debunk these four common misconceptions surrounding them.
Self-Checks to Do at Home
Breast self-exams, temperature checks and even measuring heart rate are all things that can be indicators of how healthy a person is.
Best Ways to Make Your Diet Heart Healthy
Want to make some heart-healthy changes to your diet? It’s easier than you might think and it starts with some basic meal-planning tips.
Which Cooking Oils Are Best for Heart Health?
Grocery aisles are filled with choices. All oils are a type of fat, so they should be used sparingly compared to other ingredients in your diet. But there are some easy ways to tell which oils are better for your health.
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.
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.
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.
Get Outside in Nature This Winter: Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should stay cooped up inside. A little outside time can lead to big health benefits.
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.
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.
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.
Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread
If you love a thick-cut slice of sourdough bread, you’ll like the health benefits that come with it.
Sun Protection Needs by Age
Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.
Give it a Rest: The Health Benefits of Doing Nothing
It's a busy world. But when you take time to do nothing, you can passively check in on both your mental and physical health.
What does SPF Mean?
Myths about sun safety and SPF are common. Here’s what SPF really means and how to use it to keep yourself safe in the sun.
Starting College Out-of-State Was Scary. Here’s How I Coped.
Contributor and summer intern Caitlyn Begosa writes about starting her first year of college out-of-state, and how she learned to adapt.
How to Communicate Your Dietary Restrictions with Others
Millions of people have food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Here are some ways to communicate these with others.
Grilled vs Baked: Which is Healthier?
Grilling is a summer pastime in Michigan, and baking is known to be a healthy way to prepare foods. Which is better?
How to Keep Kids Healthy During Summer Sports Practice
Summertime can be a busy season for kids and sports. Here’s a few tips to keep active kids healthy.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Sweet or tart, cherries are packed with what’s good for you. Here are the health benefits of cherries.
Rare or Well-Done? The Meat Safety Debate
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus reviews the benefits and risks to cooking meat rare or well-done, while keeping safety in mind.
How to Support Hormone Health with Food
A hormone imbalance can leave you feeling tired, moody or even a little heavier. Here’s how certain foods can help.
Biohacks to Boost Your Health
Ready to use biohacking to improve your mental and physical health? Here are some of the best biohacks to improve your health.
Benefits of Walking After a Meal
Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.
The Fuel, Fitness and Physicals Men Need for Good Health
Getting appropriate and timely preventive care is an important part of a well-rounded, overall health strategy for men.
5 Things You’re Doing Wrong When Preparing to Grill Meat
Grilling is one of the great American pastimes. But cross-contamination of raw or undercooked meats can make people sick. Here’s what not to do.
Home Remedies for Migraines, Headaches
Headaches are a real pain. But before you reach for medication, try these time-tested home remedies to ease the symptoms.
What to Know About Your Blood Type
Some people know more about their horoscope signs than what type of blood they have. Here are a few things you should know about your blood type.
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!
What’s the Healthiest Type of Grill?
Charcoal grills, gas grills and smokers have all seen an uptick in use lately. But which type of grilling method is one or the other the healthiest?
Best Skin Care Routine Essentials for Men
Cleanse, moisturize and protect are the basic steps, but not all men’s skin care routines are the same.
Best Exercises for Seniors at Home
Seniors looking for ways to get fit or maintain their health have plenty of at-home exercises to pick from.
Foods that Kill Nicotine Cravings
Some types of foods can be really helpful for people trying to curb a craving for nicotine.
When Do You Need an Electrolyte Drink?
Sipping an electrolyte drink can be a trendy thing to do, but when does your body actually need one?
Signs and Stages of Perimenopause and Menopause
It is important for women to get enough information about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and side effects.
Ways to Reduce Allergens at Home
Most indoor allergen sources can be combatted by taking certain measures around the house.
When You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Cramps
For most women, having cramps is part of having your period. But here are some signs to watch for that mean you might need to talk to your doctor.
Michigan Hikes to Get Your 10,000 Steps In
There are big health benefits to getting 10,000 daily steps. Here are some great places to do that with a view.
Health Benefits of Biking
Get on your bike and ride, and reap the health benefits that come pedaling road bikes, mountain bikes and more.
Best Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.
Tips for Highly Productive People: How to Know When to Rest
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares how to know when it's time to take a break from work and rest.
Managing Remote Work Stress
Stress can creep up on all of us, especially if we’re juggling working from home. Here’s how to better manage remote work stress.
Why You Are More Likely to Get a Sunburn in Spring
In the spring, we can’t wait to get outside. But you are more likely to get a sunburn in the spring.
I Always Hated Exercise – Until I Saw How Much it Helped My Anxiety
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.
What’s All the Fuss About Cold Plunges?
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus tries the cold plunge trend and reports back on results.
How to Get Your Steps in Near Michigan’s Soo Locks
If you’re a freighter fan headed to the Soo Locks, check out these nearby trails to get your steps in.
Everything You Need to Know About Stress
Did you know there are different types of stress? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Laughing is Good for You
Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. From a giggle to a guffaw, here are all the ways that laughing is good for you.
Fun Family Activities Perfect for Spring
Warm weather is a great time to get outside with your kids. Give these age-group specific activities a try this spring!
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.
4 Practical Ways to Start Living in the Present
Do you ever ask yourself, “Is it the weekend yet?” If you do, it might be time for you to start trying to find joy in the present.
Winning Pickleball Tournaments in their 70s: How the Sport Keeps Seniors Young
Staying active and making new friends: these seniors are reaping the benefits from pickleball, a sport that surged in popularity during the pandemic.
What is Stiff-Person Syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare, progressive autoimmune disorder that affects how a person’s muscles move. Here are the symptoms and treatments.
Habits to Build a Heathy Relationship with Food
Guilt, remorse, stress: These have no place in our feelings about meals and snacks. Here’s how to improve your relationship with food.
Urban Nature Trails in Michigan to Move Your Workout Outside
Grab a pair of sunglasses and your best workout shoes. It’s time to move your next exercise session outdoors.
Plan a Healthy ‘Yes Day’ With Your Kids
There are plenty of ways to take the carefree “Yes Day” concept into summer for a healthy way to connect with your kids. Here are some suggestions.
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.
Never Mix These Cleaning Products
So many cleaning products are probably sitting in your home. Here is some helpful information about what cleaning products not to mix.
Quick Ways to Make Your Lunch Healthier
If you typically skip your midday meal - or turn to take-out for a fast fix - we’ve got some easy ways you can make your lunch healthier.
6 Things You’re Forgetting to Spring Clean
There may be some parts of your life that may be more cluttered than you realize – and causing you stress. Here are six things to spring clean.
What to Taste Before You Train
Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Sleep
Tired of tossing and turning? If you’re looking for more restful sleep, a weighted blanket might help.
10 Hacks to Make Your Breakfast More Nutritious
Finding new ways to mix protein, healthy fats and good carbs can help get your day off to a good start.
Best Bedtime Stretches to Improve Sleep Quality
Going to sleep with tense muscles is not a recipe for good sleep. Here’s how stretching can improve your zzzz’s.
Five Ways to Prepare for Daylight Saving Time
If the thought of springing your clock forward is not appealing, here are some ways to ease into Daylight Saving Time.
The Importance of a Good Breakfast
Breakfast is important every morning, partly because of its metabolism-boosting properties. Don’t have time? These grab-and-go ideas should help.
Why 7,000 Brisk Steps is the New Daily Fitness Goal
So long, 10,000 steps. A new study talks about why 7,000 steps each day should be your goal.
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?
Mental Tricks to Make Every Run Feel Easier
A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re running, remember these four tips.
Taking Care of Your Heart and Mental Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Writer and mental health advocate Monica Drake offers a reminder for American Heart Month that taking care of your mental health is good for your heart.
Hot Showers vs Cold Showers
Love showers hot? That packs a lot of body benefits - but so do showers that are downright cold.
Can You Out-Exercise a Bad Diet?
Think you can down a bag of potato chips, eat fries, snack on candy and just exercise away all the bad stuff? Think again.
Diving into Competitive Swimming During Retirement
Ask Donna Mc Minn why she took up competitive swimming during her retirement and she’ll grin and say: “In the pool, no one can see you sweat."
Best Proteins for Heart Health
You may love a double-stacked bacon burger, but it’s not the best choice when you’re trying to get the highest-quality proteins to boost heart health.
The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
What’s not to love about dark chocolate? It has a rich, flavorful taste and loads of health benefits to make it a good-for-you treat.
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.
Colon Broom Craze: The Health Effects of the Social Media Trend
Laxatives can cause short-term weight loss due to lost water. Overuse or improper use can lead to dehydration and ultimately put you at risk for colon cancer.
Disordered Eating vs. Feeding and Eating Disorders: Signs to Watch For
Learning the different types of eating disorders, as well as the signs of an eating problem, can help as a first step. Here’s what you need to know.
Taming Your Sweet Tooth: How to Cut Back on Excess Sugar
Many adults consume two or even three times the recommended amount of added sugar in a day. But cutting back can be surprisingly easy.
Sound Baths: How to Create One at Home
Surrounding yourself with vibrating and overlapping sounds can be relaxing. Here’s how to create a sound bath at home.
Easy Snacks for Heart Health
Having an unhealthy diet and being overweight put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Switching snacks to include more nutritious foods is one way to eat better for a healthier heart.
Michigan Bucket List: Snowshoeing Trails to Try
Ready to head out on a snowshoeing adventure? Here are some bucket-list worthy trails to try across Michigan.
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?
4 Ways to Burn Calories During the Big Game
The Big Game is an American tradition, whether you’re a football fan or not. But during this big buffet fest, how can you burn some extra calories?
A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing
Ready to try an easy, new winter sport?Snowshoeing could be your next fun adventure.
Preventing Cervical Cancer: Why Pap Test Rules Have Changed
Guidelines on when women should get Pap and HPV screenings for cervical cancer have changed recently. Women should talk to their doctor about options.
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.
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.
Resolve to Make Self-Care a Priority in the New Year
Lose weight. Get a new job. Be happier. Instead of setting hard-to-reach goals, why not let self-care be a New Year’s resolution?
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.
Table Tennis Helps Michigan Man Lose Weight, Stay Active in Retirement
Don’t call it ping pong. This is table tennis. On a recent weekday afternoon several men, aged 50-plus, are breaking a sweat.
How to Start an Exercise Routine that Works for You
Focusing on your target heart rate and switching up your workouts can help unlock an exercise routine that works for you. Here are more keys:
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.
Winter Night Hikes Across Michigan
Walking in the winter can be a hushed, beautiful experience. But what about winter night hikes? Those can be magical.
How to Get Vitamin D Without Sunlight
It’s not always easy to get vitamin D during the winter. A few dietary tweaks can help make up for that lack of winter sunlight.
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.
5 Unusual Health Tips for a Daily Better Life
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus shares five unusual health tips that most people don’t know about.
The Upper Peninsula’s Eben Ice Caves: Winter Hiking 101
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is full of surprises, including winter ice caves. Get helpful tips on how to hike properly in the winter.
6 Healthy Ways to Ring in the New Year
This year, if you’re looking for an alternative to a New Year’s Eve party, try creating a healthier holiday tradition for you and your family.
Are You Physically and Mentally Fit?
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore discusses the importance of talking about mental fitness.
How Restricted Eating During the Holidays Can Backfire
Putting limits on what you eat or when you eat during the holidays can backfire. Here’s why.
How to Clean Your Humidifier – and Why it’s Important
Humidifiers add moisture to the air to help care for our dry skin during winter. But know how to clean these machines to keep the mist healthy.
4 Easy Ways for Seniors to Get a Nutrition Boost
Easy ways to pack more nutrition into your meals and snacks.
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Being an advocate for health is not only important on the field, on the track, in the arena, or on the court; it is even more important in our daily lives.
Preparing to Get Pregnant? 5 Things to Do
Preparation for a healthy pregnancy starts before conception. Here’s how to get your body ready.
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.
Make Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out
How much water people drink, how much sleep they get and other lifestyle choices all factor into making skin glow from the inside out.
Unexpected Side Effects of Having a High Fever
Fevers are a normal immune response to infection, but high fevers can be problematic and can have some unexpected side effects. Here's what you need to know.
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.
Safety Tips for Running in Cold Weather
If you love running outdoors you don't necessarily have to stop when the weather gets cold. But you should adhere to these safety tips.
Planning a Thanksgiving for People Living with Diabetes
Holiday meals don’t have to be put on hold if you are celebrating with someone who has diabetes. We’ve got healthy tips for the special day.
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.
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.
Fitting Homework into a Busy Schedule
It can be tough to prioritize homework in college while juggling so many responsibilities. These four strategies can help.
What’s New About This Year’s Flu Shot – and Why
Each year, the ingredients in seasonal flu shots change. Learn about what’s new with this year’s flu shot – and why it’s different.
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.
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.
Meditative Yoga Flow to Center Your Body and Mind
This centering yoga routine is a great alternative or supplement to the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.
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.
Gracefully Greying: Why Dental Health Matters As You Age
Gracefully Greying correspondent Lila Lazarus talks with a dentist about the importance of regular dental checkups during the aging process.
Are e-Bikes a Good Form of Exercise?
You’ve probably seen them zipping around at high speeds, but are e-bikes really a good form of exercise? It depends on how you use them.
Pregnancy Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Women can experience physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, but some warning signs should not be ignored.
Can You Lower Cholesterol Fast?
High cholesterol affects nearly 40% of U.S. adults. Are there ways to lower it quickly?
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.
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?
The Truth About Breastfeeding and Weight Loss
Breastfeeding does burn a lot of calories, but expecting weight loss can set unrealistic expectations and get in the way of your relationship with your baby.
Why It’s Normal to be Exhausted at the End of the Day
Brain fatigue is real. It’s also a form of mental self-preservation after hours spent doing a lot of concentrating.
Benefits of a Morning Ritual
Having a morning ritual can get your whole day off to a positive start.
High-Protein Breakfast Ideas Without Eggs
If you want to fix some high-protein breakfasts but don’t want eggs, there are lots of choices to keep you full and feeling satisfied all morning long.
5 Easy Hacks for a Healthier Life
When you focus on implementing healthy behavior and changing habits instead of worrying about numbers on a scale, the results will follow.
What to Expect During an Annual Eye Exam
An eye exam is an important part of an overall health assessment and supports the recognition of more than 270 health conditions. Here's what you can expect.
Are You Using Your Non-Stick Cookware Safely?
Pots and pans made with a non-stick coating are the standard option for most American households – but recent research has raised concerns about their safety.
How to Care for Contact Lenses
Millions of people wear contact lenses, but most don’t follow proper care instructions, leaving them at risk for eye infections.
Creative Ways to Get Your Workout In
Want to burn calories and pile up steps without going to the gym? Give these couch workouts and walking tips a try.
Effects of Staying Up All Night for Adults and Teens
Skipping sleep in favor of staying up all night can feel fun at first, but it can come with some serious side effects.
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.
Free Healthy Activities Around Detroit
Looking for some free, fun, family-friendly activities to engage in this summer? These six Detroit destinations could satisfy your itch.
Angela T. Moore: Do Not Get Stressed About Working Out
Health expert and counselor Angela T. Moore shares tips to change our mindset around exercise to view it as a privilege, not a burden.
Sun Safety 101: Sunscreen and Exposure Tips
Want to enjoy the sun but stay protected? Learn about when to put on sunscreen, the difference between SPF and “broad spectrum” and more.
Mia Gallucci: Stuck in a Rut? Challenge Your Daily Routine
Our lives can be dominated by technology and constant updates about the world around us. Mia Gallucci shares her journey to challenge her daily routine.
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.
How to Get Mosquitos to Bug Off this Summer
In Michigan, peak mosquito season typically starts in July. But it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones all year.
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:
The Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
Up to 85 million Americans are affected by food allergies and intolerances. Learn the key differences between them.
Angela T. Moore: I May Be a Woman, But I Care About Men’s Health!
How can you encourage the men in your life to take their health more seriously, as well as support their health journey?
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.
Black Farmer Teaches Benefits of Organically Grown Produce
Bruce-Michael Wilson rarely was sick as a child. He attributes his healthy childhood to eating what was grown on his family’s Michigan farm.
Health Benefits of Jumping on a Trampoline
Whether you love a big trampoline or an efficient mini-tramp, who knew there were so many benefits to bouncing?
Staying Healthy at Work While Transitioning Back to the Office
Many people are preparing to make the back-to-the-office transition. Here are some ways to stay healthy while making that change.
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.
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.
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:
Shopping Smarter: How Women Can Avoid Marketing Traps
So much of the marketing around hair, skin and personal care products is aimed at women. Here’s how to make smarter choices.
Men vs. Women: Why Do They Lose Weight Differently?
Are women truly at a disadvantage to men when it comes to losing weight? Here’s the surprising answer.
Male Life Expectancy: How Men Can Add Years to Their Lives
There are many social, behavioral, and biological factors that impact life expectancy. For men, a few of those factors are particularly key.
What is Aphasia? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
This brain disorder causes loss of speech and comprehension. Here’s what else you should know about aphasia.
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.
Four Reasons Why You’re Hungry In Between Meals
Feeling hungry all the time could be caused by a variety of factors – from the type of food you eat, your stress level, how much water you drink and more.
How to Break the Cycle of Chronic Stress
Preventing and managing long-term stress can lower the risk for serious health conditions.
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:
How to Get Involved in Michigan’s Senior Olympics
From road races to freestyle swim events, Michigan’s Senior Olympics has a spot for all sports enthusiasts 50 and older.
What You Need to Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ten percent of women in their childbearing years develop PCOS, which is why talking to your doctor about the symptoms is so important.
How to Return to a Workout Routine After Illness
Those who exercise regularly may find that they have lost strength and stamina after such an illness.
How Stress-Induced Drinking Impacts Your Health
When does a drinking habit become a drinking problem, and how does stress fuel that vicious cycle? We talk to a medical expert about what impacts it can have on…
Zero-Waste Ways to Manage Your Period
Tired of being tied to the disposable pad, tampon and pantiliner train? Here are some smart ways to manage your period with less waste.
Overcoming Fear of Exercise After a Stroke
Exercise has been key to Julian Garcia's recovery. But first he had to overcome his fears because his stroke was triggered by a move on the soccer field.
14 Ways Your Body Reacts to Stress: How You Can Cope
Here are some common factors to look for to see if your body is reacting to stress.
Signs of a Colon Problem
For some cancers, there are obvious warning signs to pay attention to – like lumps in the breast, or an irregular mole. However, colon cancer is different.
Spring into Health this Spring!
Spring is the perfect season to spring into health. You can do it with these three simple steps.
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.
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.
What are Developmental Disabilities?
More than 17% of children in this country are diagnosed with conditions that affect their learning, speech or behavior. What are developmental disabilities?
Foods to Avoid During Your Period
You may feel like diving into a gallon of chocolate ice cream, but there are certain foods you should avoid during your period.
What Age and How Often Should Kids Get an Eye Exam?
Visiting the eye doctor may seem intimidating, especially to kids, but it could make all the difference when testing for visual development and abnormalities.
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.
What You Should Do Before Drinking Coffee in the Morning
Millions of Americans love their morning cup of joe. But did you realize there are other things you should do first before you take the first sip?
Fun Ideas for Packing More Activity into Everyday Life
A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to an increased risk for chronic illness. Reduce this risk by breaking up spells of sitting with stretching or activity.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Hobbies
Taking time to engage in an activity that brings you joy – like hobbies – can be an incredible act of self-care that has proven benefits for your mind and body.
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 to Become the Healthiest You in 2022
Everyday strategies to become healthy and happy this year!
Winter Self-Care Guide: Time Management
Time management is a tool to give yourself control over what you can – empowering yourself to be able to handle the stresses of the unexpected.
Ways to Keep a Healthy Weight Without Dieting
Policing mealtimes is one way Americans watch their figures, but there are ways to keep a healthy weight without dieting.
Signs You Might Not Be Getting Enough Fiber
Feeling a little tired, or constantly hungry? Those could be signs you are not getting enough fiber in your diet.
How to Keep Up With New Year’s Intentions
Sudden changes can be tough to make, mentally as well as physically. There’s a better chance for success if people make gradual progress toward a goal.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Setting Boundaries
It can be easy to get wrapped up what you can do versus what is best for your health. Setting boundaries is a healthy part of any relationship.
Is Napping Good for You?
Does taking a nap really improve your mood, and is there such a thing as too long of a nap?
Training, Racing & Romance
From date nights at the gym to triathlon vacations, Adam and Meghan Russo’s fitness has grown with their love.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Decluttering
How tidy our spaces are around us – in our car, in our homes and in our workspaces – truly can affect our mental health. Clutter can make us feel anxious.
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.
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.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Skin Health
Have you ever washed your face and felt your mood improve? The simple act of caring for our skin can have a big impact on our mental health.
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 Does Age Affect Your Cardio Stamina, Ability to Bounce Back?
If your workouts are feeling a little sluggish lately, could your age be affecting your stamina?
Winter Self-Care Guide: Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest doesn’t start when you hit the lights at the end of the night: you need to lay the groundwork for good sleep throughout the day.
How to Break Bad Habits
From mindless scrolling on TikTok to leaving dirty clothes on your bedroom floor, it’s time to learn how to break bad habits.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Exercise
Daily exercise doesn’t mean spending an hour lifting weights. Moving your body for 30 minutes a day in moderate ways can improve your mental and physical health
Body Mass Index: Use it or lose it?
BMI is a number calculated from a person’s height and weight but doesn’t measure body fat directly.
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.
Ways to Teach Your Kids Sledding Safety
Before they step into a sled, hop into a saucer or snow tube, here are ways to teach your kids sledding safety.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool to help process emotions. It can help you reduce stress, solve problems more effectively and resolve disagreements with others.
Ways to Take Care of the Outdoor Itch in Michigan
Winter doesn’t mean your workouts have to hibernate. Here are some ways to take care of the outdoor exercise itch in Michigan.
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.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Meditation
As we start the New Year, one of the best ways to set your intention for 2022 and ground your thoughts is by starting a meditation practice.
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?
Takeaways From 2021 That Will Help Us Do Better in 2022
The pandemic gave us some new habits. Let’s keep the best ones that will help us do better in 2022.
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?
Don’t Take a Holiday from Your Health During the Holidays!
The holidays are the perfect reason in the season to ramp up and increase your healthy lifestyle efforts.
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.
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.
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.
Secrets to Holiday Success
The holidays can be a tough time to stick to exercise and healthy eating, but it can be done if you take the right approach.
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.
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.
‘Andropause’ and Aging: What Men Should Know
Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause for women. But these hormonal changes can affect men differently.
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.
When Are the Best and Worst Times to Get a Flu Shot?
Still on the fence about getting a flu shot? It’s time to hop off and roll up your sleeve. Here’s the best time to get your seasonal flu shot.
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.
Why Your Pelvic Floor Health is So Important
Have you seen the TikTok video about not peeing before you leave the house? Here’s what it has to do with your pelvic floor.
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.
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 Support Someone Suffering from Invisible Pain
Someone may look good, but not feel well. Here are ways to support people who struggle with invisible pain.
Accessible Trails Where You Can See Great Fall Colors
Make leaf-peeping easy for everyone in your family or friend group this autumn as you try these accessible trails with great fall color views.
Michigan Breast Cancer Survivor Relies on Running to Regain Health
Running helped breast cancer survivor Ellyn Davidson regain her health. She talks about the health benefits with Fitness Over 40 host Ann Marie Wakula.
Supplements May Not Be What They Seem
The FDA has said that while some dietary supplements can sometimes be beneficial to a person’s health, there can also be serious health risks.
7 Signs You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Your Colon
From bathroom issues to belly cramps, here are signs you should be talking to your doctor about your colon.
How to Be a Successful Hybrid Worker
See-sawing between your professional office and remote workspace can be stressful. Here are tips for how to be a successful hybrid worker.
Why You Should Be Eating More Yellow and Orange Vegetables
If you want to lower your cholesterol, have healthy eyes and support your immune system, reach for more yellow and orange vegetables.
Tips for Healthy Aging
The secret to healthy aging is keeping your body and brain in good shape. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself as you age.
Want to Keep Your Colon Healthy? Try These Recipes
Simple dessert swaps, regular exercise and working some high-fiber foods onto your shopping list are all ways to keep your colon healthy.
Back to Work and Back to School: It’s the Perfect Time to Focus on Well-being
As kids return back to school, parents can take action to ensure the health and well-being of their children at home and at school.
Pain-Reducing Methods You Can Do from Home
No one wants to be in pain, whether it’s from a sudden injury or a chronic condition. Here are some pain-reducing methods you can do from home.
Tips for Preventing Senior Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults but there are many ways to avoid them.
Back-to-School: Backpack Health
As kids bring more and more home in their backpacks, make sure their backs stay healthy and strong by following these guidelines.
Fun Ways to Exercise as a Family
Kids’ soccer practice, dance class and your own trips to the gym. What if you could find fun ways to exercise as a family?
How to Reconnect with Family, Friends Once You’re Vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccinations have signaled the return of social freedom for many. Here are tips to safely reconnect with family and friends once you’re vaccinated.
The Many Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the fastest and easiest ways to burn calories. On this episode of Fitness Over 40, learn about the many health benefits of walking.
How Getting Organized Affects Your Mental and Physical Health
Feel like your life is a whirlwind? Organization and your health are related.
How to Clean a Home If You Are Worried about Lead Paint, Dust or Chips
Lead-based paint and fixtures can be a danger to kids living in older homes. Here are some cleaning tips to help keep your family safe.
A New Approach to Dealing with Chronic Pain
Treating chronic pain shouldn't just focus on physical causes. You also need to look at psychological and social issues.
What Are You Willing to Do for the People You Love?
The reality is that integrating healthy lifestyle habits and maintaining those habits is the best gift that you can give yourself and those that you love.
4 Ways Grief Can Impact Your Mental and Physical Health
From depression to heartburn, there are lots of ways grieving a loss can impact your mental and physical health.
Are You Wearing Your Contact Lenses Properly?
Up to 90% of contact lens wearers are not properly following the instructions they’re given to care for their contact lenses, according to the CDC.
Why Summer Colds Seem So Bad Right Now
It’s not your imagination. A lot of people are coughing and sneezing. Here’s why summer colds are so bad right now.
Kick Your Workout into High Gear with Cardio Boxing
In this edition of Fitness Over 40, host Ann Marie Wakula takes you to a cardio boxing workout. It's a high-energy and fun way to boost your heart rate.
Breastfeeding Benefits Beyond Just Keeping Baby Fed
From bonding to healthier teens, there are lots of breastfeeding benefits beyond just keeping a baby fed.
Dog-tired? A nighttime ritual to help you feel more rested
Check out these tips to help you get into a better bedtime routine so that you wake up feeling better, mentally and physically.
What You Need to Know About Preventing Glaucoma
Often called the silent thief, here’s what you need to know about preventing glaucoma from stealing your eyesight.
6 Great Water Sports to Try This Summer
The Great Lakes offer more than just a relaxing beach trip; try out some of these water sports on your next trip up north.
Dance Fitness Facilitator Gets People Grooving Outside
Dance Fitness Facilitator Heather Winia believes dancing offers physical and mental health benefits not found in other activities.
Beachside Yoga: The Summer’s Hottest Trend
Grab your yoga mat and head for the sand. Beachside yoga has become one of the summer’s hottest trends.
Underwater Explorer Discovers Health Benefits of Diving
Valerie van Heest, an underwater explorer and historian, says scuba diving provides a variety of physical and mental health benefits.
Tips for Better Eye Health
Protecting your eyesight has a lot in common with other good decisions you make for yourself. Here are some easy tips for better eye health.
What’s Your Motivation for Weight Loss?
If you are motivated to be healthy, you will not only look good, but you will also feel good and enjoy the many benefits of a healthier life.
4 Reasons Swimming is Such Great Exercise
Looking for a new low-impact, calorie-burning workout? Swimming is a great exercise to add to your routine.
Why a Growing Number of People Are Getting Active with Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fast growing sports in Michigan, especially in Grand Rapids where tennis courts are being converted to Pickleball courts.
Looking for a heart-pumping workout? Take the stairs
Wherever you are, a workout isn’t far away. Certified trainer Ann Marie Wakula says climbing stairs builds strength, burns calories and improves heart health.
How Altitude, Time, Location Impacts the Sun’s Effect on Our Eyes
Keep your sunglasses on when you’re outside. The time of day and where you live can impact the sun’s effect on your eyes.
Lazy Summer Days: Why It’s Healthy to Rest and Recharge
Americans are notorious for being preoccupied with work, which means they’re missing out on the critical benefits of truly taking a day off to rest.
Bug off: Protect your family from insect bites this summer
Whether camping in the woods or gardening in the backyard, there will likely be mosquitos or ticks. Learn the best way to protect your family from bug bites.
How to Give Your Kids a Safe and Healthy July 4 Celebration
Summer holidays are fun, but the risk of injuries rises on these days. Here are tips for giving your kids a safe, healthy July 4.
Understanding Different Types of Yoga Practices
If you don’t know a downward dog from a child’s pose, you’re not alone. Understanding different types of yoga practices will help you find flexibility.
Suffering From “Quarantine 15” Or “The Covid 19”? Move It To Lose it!
The key is to move the body in an effective way. Ideally, you want to move your body in a way that promotes a healthy body as well as a healthy body image.
Bike Safety: What Drivers and Cyclists Need to Know
Riding your bike is a great way to get to know your community and get in some low-impact exercise. Here are some simple guidelines to follow to stay safe.
Why Walking Sticks Are Good for Hikers of All Ages
You might think they’re just for older people who need help navigating the trails, but walking sticks are good for hikers of all ages.
4 Simple Ways Men Can Improve Their Health
There are lots of ways men can improve their health. Most start as small steps and become daily habits.
Why Men’s Health Matters
Keep the men in your life healthy by learning the facts about men’s health.
5 Ways to Get Healthy with Your Family
Getting in shape and eating right doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Here are some fun ways to get healthy with your family right alongside you.
Why You Should Hit Michigan’s Slopes This Summer
Ski resorts are not just for winter fun. Try hitting the slopes this summer for a fun way to add exercise into your vacation.
Getting Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep Could Increase Dementia Risk
Want to protect your brain as you age? Getting more than six hours of sleep could be a good place to start.
How to Give Yourself a Healthy Summer Reset
New Year’s resolutions may have faded, but don’t despair. There is plenty of time for a summer reset.
Autoimmune Disorders in Women
Autoimmune disorders appear to be on the rise in the U.S. Women make up an overwhelming majority of the diagnoses, as 80% of patients are female.
Athletic Adventures Fuel Longtime Friendship for Women’s Group
The Warmones started out in the 1990s as moms learning soccer. Since then, the group has moved on to other athletic adventures.
8 Destinations Across Michigan That Are Great for Kids
It’s time to plan your next adventure as summer approaches. We’ve found a handful of spots across Michigan that are great for kids.
Differences in Chronic Asthma and Exercise-Induced Asthma in Children
Does your child suffer from chronic asthma or exercise-induced asthma? Read more to find out how you can help manage their symptoms.
Fitness Over 40: The Secrets of Senior Olympians
Michigan Senior Olympians Lisa Hypner and Jeff Ellis are a reminder that fitness has no age limits. They share the stories with Ann Marie Wakula.
Exercise and Your Gut: Move More for Improved Health
While it’s long been known that healthy eating can improve gut health, not as much research has been focused on exercise but recent discoveries are promising.
How to Help Your Kids Create Healthy Habits
For kids to create healthy habits, parents need to be the role models for exercise, eating right and getting enough sleep.
Spending 2 Hours Outside May Be the Next Wellness Trend
You might need a prescription for more Vitamin N. The latest health buzz: spending hours outside in nature just might be the next 10,000 steps.
How to Improve Your Colon Health
Colon health isn’t always at the top of our to-do list. But there are some simple ways to make sure you’re paying attention to it.
Making the Most of Spring
Spring is the perfect time to dig in the dirt. In addition to enjoying home-grown herbs and vegetables, planting a garden can be emotionally satisfying.
5 Ways Sleep is Important for Good Health
Not getting enough sleep doesn’t just affect your day to day life. Sleep has a much bigger impact on your overall health; and most of us aren’t getting enough.
How a Daily Walk Improves Your Health
It’s a free, easy and take-anywhere exercise that has some pretty powerful health benefits. What are you gaining when you head out on your next walk?
Fitness Over 40: Frontline Health Worker Shares Benefits of Yoga
Yoga helps Daria Pernik-Mertz balance her demanding profession. The labor and delivery nurse shares her yoga routine with Fitness Over 40 host Ann Marie Wakula.
How To Combat Allergies
Spring brings the beginning of warner weather, blooming flowers, and allergies. Check out these tips on how to combat them this Spring.
Three Things You Can Do to Feel Healthier Right Now
Feeling sluggish or carrying extra weight? Try these tips to start your healthy turnaround.
Springtime Health Resolutions
Sticking to new years resolutions can be tough. With spring upon us, perhaps its time to refresh your goals and make new, attainable resolutions.
5 Ways to Tell You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep
Whether you shortchange your sleep every week or just occasionally, it can have serious side effects for your health. Here's how to tell if you need more rest.
Don’t Let Blisters Get in the Way of Your Running Plans
Blisters can make running painful. Here's how you can prevent and treat them.
Ignoring Your Eye Health? Ways to Get It In Focus
Age, family history and health issues can all impact your vision. But there are ways to prevent problems before they start.
Why Micro-Adventures Should Be on Your List This Year
A half-day devoted to fun, friends and a little outside exercise can be just what your mind and body need.
When Kids Cut: Understanding Self-Harm
Why do kids harm themselves? In many cases, it's a way to assert control during stressful circumstances. Find out signs to watch for and how to get help.
Know the Basics of Colorectal Cancer-and How to Prevent It
Nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in the U.S. this year. Look at ways to lower your risk.
Best Total-Body Toning Moves: No Gym Membership Required
You don’t belong to a fancy gym, so what? These five at-home moves will tone your entire body without one.
How to Handle High Blood Pressure (and Prevent It in the First Place)
High blood pressure, which is anything above 140/90, can lead to severe health conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Here’s what to do about your numbers.
How to Get Active and Stay Fit in Your Kitchen
Cooking and meal prep are good ways to exercise your brain and body – a bonus, as we are using our kitchens a lot more these days.
Your Healthy Weight Can Mean More Than Just “Skinny”
A healthy weight means to be healthy, happy and comfortable in your moderation.
Using a Plant-Based Diet to Improve Heart Health
Even people who have eaten poorly much of their life can dramatically reduce heart disease risks by shifting to a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Five Steps to Run a 5K
Running a 5K may seem like an unimaginable feat, but every race is completed one step at a time. Here are our five tips to get you to the finish line.
Why Protecting Your ‘Melon’ Is Important When Sledding, Skiing
Each year, thousands of kids are taken to the ER with winter sports-related injuries. Wearing a helmet could help prevent many of those.
What’s New with Wearable Fitness Trackers
From smart watches to fitness trackers, here’s a look at the different types of wearable devices on the market today.
Mango-Peach Workout Recovery Smoothie
Hungry after a workout? This delicious Mango-Peach smoothie has everything you need for optimal recovery.
Fitness Trends for 2021
There are lots of affordable ways to get fit in 2021 from virtual workouts to homemade obstacle courses.
Meat Substitutes: Are They Really Healthy for You?
With more people trying meat substitutes, it is important to understand that some are healthier than others.
Does the Winter Gloom Make You SAD? Here’s How to Treat it
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is believed to be triggered by changes in the amount of daylight during certain seasons.
How to Stay Healthy This Winter
Cold weather arrives with its own lineup of health challenges. With a little planning, you can be proactive in staying healthy when the temperatures drop.
A Resolution is Not Enough for a Healthy New Year
Think beyond the New Year's resolution for a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness Over 40: Get an Early Start on Your Resolutions
Are you starting to think about your fitness resolutions for the New Year? Here are some strategies for getting an early start on your goals.
3 Creative Workouts You Need to Try this Winter
Winter is fast approaching, and that means it is time to get creative about how to keep exercise routines on track and outside.
Setting Goals: Tips from a World Record Holder
Jon Ornée enjoys reaching his ambitious objectives, but advises you don’t have to try to set world records to pursue challenging yet achievable goals.
Fitness Over 40: Struggling to Lose Weight in the Midst of a Pandemic?
Gaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic is not uncommon. If you’re battling the “COVID 15,” Fitness Over 40 offers tips for safe and healthy weight loss.
‘Fitness Over 40’ Series Offers Tips for Staying Active at Home
Certified trainer and mother of three Ann Marie Wakula shows you ways to stay active even when you can’t go to the gym.
See Better Fitness Results with Shorter Workouts
Motivate yourself to take on shorter and more effective workout routines with HIIT—high-intensity interval training.
Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition Tips
Follow these tips to make your workout go smoother and your recovery period less painful.
Prepping for a Race? Why Cross-Training and Form are as Important as Running
If you want to be strong on race day, make sure you’re getting in some cross-training and working on your running form as you log those miles.