Whole Person Health
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.
Navigating Mother’s Day Celebrations When It’s Hard
Have self-compassion and don’t feel like you need to enjoy or recognize Mother's Day. Allow yourself to feel the emotions you have rather than pressuring yourself to feel happy or joyful.
Tips for Coping with Social Anxiety
15 million Americans struggle with social anxiety disorder specifically, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This can be an obstacle to regular life and comfort, with most adults with social anxiety reporting moderate impairment from their symptoms or anxiety.
Benefits of Healing Gardens
It is common sense that being around nature, fresh air, and pleasant images or aromas from plants can be soothing. But are there actual healing benefits to healing gardens?
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.
Find Your Fit: What is Tabata?
Tabata was originally created as a training method for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team in the early 1990s. But the HIIT-style workout is practiced in gyms all over the United States today. Here's what it's all about.
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.
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.
5 Ways to Get Your Garden Ready to Plant in May
Gardeners, start your green thumbs. It’s almost time to start planting. Here's what you n
Find Your Fit: What You Need to Know About Rucking, from a Michigan Resident Who Fell in Love with it
Osceola County resident Donnie Dwyer gravitated toward rucking for its low-impact, resistance-based nature. More than just a sneaky good workout, rucking's communal element has been a boon to Dwyer's social life.
The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce
Certain fruits and veggies are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.
Brain-Sharpening Exercises and Activities
Just like our bodies, our brains change as we age. But there are exercises and activities that can slow or even prevent some of that decline.
Mindful Parenting: Celebrating Inchstones
We're used to celebrating our children's big milestone moments. But it can be valuable for both the parent and the child to celebrate the smaller triumphs, too.
What I’m Doing Instead of Drinking This St. Patrick’s Day
Mental health advocate and contributing writer Monica Drake shares why she decided not to drink this St. Patrick's Day — and her plans to celebrate the Irish holiday without the alcohol.
Find Your Fit: WERQ Dance Fitness is for Everybody and ‘Every Body’
Fitness instructor Monica Sanders is one of the pioneers of WERQ, a nationally-known style of cardio-based group exercise that originated in the Midwest.
Leading Causes of Cavities in Children
Limiting certain foods and teaching dental hygiene habits at a young age can lead to a lifetime of healthy behaviors while preventing cavities in the process.
How Healthy Are Hot Tubs?
A good soak in a hot tub can make you feel better, but how healthy are they?
How Sleep Syncing Can Give You a Better Night’s Rest
Have you heard of sleep syncing? This TikTok trend could lead you down a path toward better sleep. Here are the bullet points.
Cheese You Can Eat if You’re Lactose Intolerant
If you're lactose intolerant but still crave cheese, there are several kinds that won't upset your stomach and can still satisfy your taste buds.
Nordic Walking Provides a Full-Body Workout
Nordic walking incorporates hand-held poles that propel you forward. This surprisingly tough workout gets your back, chest, core, shoulders and arms engaged.
Michigan Bucket List: Ice Tree in Gaylord
Michigan is home to many winter marvels, including the “world’s largest ice tree” in Gaylord.
4 Reasons Valentine’s Day is Good for Your Heart
Chocolate, wine and a trip around the dance floor are hallmarks of Valentine’s Day. But they can also be good for your heart.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies
Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.
Is Peanut Butter Healthy?
Peanut butter lovers may be aware of some of the pros and cons associated with their rich, creamy snack of choice. Let's dive into those, as well as some of the lesser-known peanut butter health facts.
Michigan-Themed Valentine’s Day Ideas
How do you know you’re from The Mitten State? Maybe it’s because you know just how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun, friends - and a little bit of love.
Get to Know Michigan’s Woody the Woodchuck Ahead of Groundhog Day
Woody the Woodchuck isn't just a Michigan legend; she's known nationwide. With a personality as big as her appetite, it's easy to see why Woody is such a treasure.
Michigan Bucket List: Ice Fishing
During the winter, Michigan is known for its world-class ice fishing. Here are 10 lakes that are anglers’ favorites.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Cadillac
There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.
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.
This German Football Fan was a Foreign Exchange Student in Michigan 26 Years Ago. He Returned to Watch Detroit Win a Playoff Game.
Detroit's feel-good playoff run has been a blast for the city to follow. The team even has support overseas, as evidenced by this former Michigan foreign exchange student from Germany's unlikely tale.
Michigan Bucket List: Biggest Sledding Hills in Michigan
If you love sledding, you’re in the right place. Here’s our list of favorite sledding hills across Michigan.
Find Your Fit: What is the 12-3-30 Workout?
Even the biggest cardio detractors might find some fun in the 12-3-30 routine. This 30-minute aerobic challenge took the workout world by storm in 2023.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Tawas City
There’s a lot to discover in this northeastern Michigan community during the winter.
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.
Sledding Hill Safety Tips
The thrill of whooshing down a sledding hill is fun for all ages. But sledding comes with risks, too.
Ways to Combat Winter Restlessness
Did you know emotions associated with the “winter blues” can affect 10% to 20% of people this time of year? These tips can help you combat those emotions.
2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With
There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients.
Roasted Garlic, Pepper and Tomato Tortellini Soup
The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.
Creamy Curry and Veggie Soup
This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.
Michigan Bucket List: Great Lakes Ice Formations
The Great Lakes delivers some spectacular ice formations during the winters. Here’s what to look for.
Benefits of Owning a Dog
Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship has lots of perks for the owners, too. Four-legged friends bring their owners both mental and physical benefits as part of their relationships.
10 Places to Walk Indoors During Michigan Winters
Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Fenton
There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the winter.
What is the Goldilocks Rule for Social Media Use?
Many of us can afford to shave down the amount of time we spend on social media. It's also a useful professional tool, and can be a boon to our social lives in small doses. Balance is key.
How Washing Your Face Can Help Your Brain
Cleansing your face each day has bigger benefits than just healthy-looking skin.
New "Find Your Fit” Series Will Spotlight Fun, New Workouts Every Month
Discovering a new workout can spark motivation when the gym routine gets stale. In 2024, A Healthier Michigan's "Find Your Fit" workout series will feature fun, unique and trending exercises that you can try at your pace.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Munising
There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the winter.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives
From soy to almond milks, let’s look at the pros and cons of milk alternatives when it comes to your health and the environment.
The Calming Effect of Decluttering
Here are six tips on tackling clutter and organizing. If you’re dealing with items inherited from parents and items your grown children have left behind, these pointers are especially helpful.
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.
Decluttering for the New Year
Clutter doesn't always refer to physical items. If your house and your life feel a little messy, it’s time to declutter for the New Year. Here are some tips.
Whole Foods to Eat in the Winter
In the colder months especially, using whole foods to create nourishing and satisfying meals is one way to give ourselves a delicious health boost.
Why Decluttering Makes Your Brain Happy and How to Start
Is your space running out of...space? Before you buy more organizational products, consider going the opposite direction and getting rid of some of the clutter. That can be easier said than done, so here are some tips.
How I Am Managing the Holidays While Grieving
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about how she is managing the holiday season while grieving a recent loss in her family.
How to Treat Your Weekend Like a Vacation
When your weeks feel cyclical and repetitive, try treating a weekend like a vacation. Here's how to unplug, unwind, and get into that vacation mindset.
Benefits of Walking Backwards
It may sound a bit silly, but walking backwards is a great way to incorporate varied movement into your workout. When done safely, it's an exercise that works muscles you don't normally work.
Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?
Integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, business owner and NASM Master Trainer Angela T. Moore talks about the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions. Are they bad? The answer might surprise you.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Rochester
There’s a lot to discover in this Southeastern Michigan community during the winter.
Natural Home Cleaners You Can Make Yourself
Ready to make your own natural cleaners? We’ll show you how.
When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
Do you love to let the holidays linger? When is the right time to take down your Christmas tree?
How to Start an Indoor Winter Garden
If your green thumb needs a new project, try starting an indoor winter garden.
5 Things to Do This Winter in Spring Lake
There’s a lot to discover in this West Michigan community during the winter.
Detroit-Area Entrepreneurs in the Non-Alcoholic Industry Offer Dry January Steps for Success
Trying Dry January? The month-long challenge can be mentally trying. Some of the people at the forefront of Detroit’s "sober curious" movement have some advice.
Healthy New Year: Take Baby Steps to Improve Your Health
This year, trade your big New Year's resolutions for small goals that will make you healthier.
5 Things to Do This Winter in St. Ignace
There’s a lot to discover in this community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the winter.
Caregiving During the Holidays: Tips to Navigate Gatherings
Contributor Julie Edgar of the AAA 1-B offers advice on how caregivers of older adults can navigate holiday family gatherings to make them fun and manageable.
Winter Break Activities in West Michigan
Step into a warm-water splash zone, join a museum mini camp, or skate away through a lighted forest trail. Winter Break activities are all about adventure.
Foods to Help Digestion and Bloating
The foods we eat, even our history with food, can impact our daily digestion.
What is a Mocktail?
Call it a mocktail, a virgin version or a non-alcoholic drink. They’re the hottest things on the beverage menu right now.
5 Things to Do in This Winter in Traverse City
There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.
5 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit in 2023
Celebrate the Jewish “festival of lights” by attending one or more of these five Hanukkah celebrations happening in or around Detroit.
Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Light Displays
One of the best Michigan winter activities is visiting one of the many extravagant Christmas light displays. Here are some of our favorites.
How to Raise the Humidity in Your Home
Cold weather means your furnace is kicking on, and drying out the air in your home.
5 Things to Do This Fall in Bay City
There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the fall.
Healthy & Affordable Gifts to Give this Holiday Season
Stressed out over holiday gift-giving? Fear not: We’ve brainstormed healthy finds that fit all budgets and personalities.
‘Alcohol is Not Your Friend:’ BCBSM Medical Director of Behavioral Health Digs into His Passion for Advocating Against Alcohol Abuse
Dr. William T. Beecroft has advocated against alcohol abuse for much of his 40-plus-year health care career. Here, he reflects and shares some candid thoughts.
Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets add a sparkle to the holiday experience. Here is a list of some of the markets taking place across Michigan this season.
Benne Anderson to Lead GRPS Turkey Trot as Honorary Race Director
GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.
5 Things to Do This Fall in Rogers City
There’s a lot to discover in this community along Michigan’s sunrise coast during the fall.
Health Benefits of Wallyball
Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.
3 Ways to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays
Holidays can mean overeating to the point of stretchy pants and undoing some waistband buttons. But they don’t have to.
Michigan Bucket List: Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
If you love ice skating, you’ll want to check out these outdoor ice skating rinks and enjoy this fun winter activity.
5 Everyday Ways to Live Healthier with Diabetes
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t make choices for a healthier lifestyle.
5 Things to Do This Fall in Three Oaks
There’s a lot to discover in this Southwest Michigan community during the fall.
Foods to Avoid with a UTI
Can the foods you eat make urinary tract infections worse?
Health Benefits of Using a Sauna
Superheated environments like saunas have physical and mental health benefits.
5 Winter Things to Do in Michigan
Activities are easier to come by in the summer than in the winter. We know this. But exciting winter activities in Michigan aren't as limited as you may think. Here are five fun ideas.
5 Things to Do This Fall in Houghton
There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall.
Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2023
Turkey Trots are a fun way to offset some of those calories from a Thanksgiving Day meal.
Detroit Native Builds ‘Slow AF Run Club’ Community to Bust Stereotypes
Detroit native Martinus Evans started running at 300 pounds 10 years ago, and has gone on to run eight marathons and founded a 25,000-member online running community called the “Slow AF Run Club.” The community is inclusive, and empowers people to run “in the body they have right now.”
Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.
Michigan Islands: What are some of the most popular?
We all know Michigan’s most famous island, but it’s just one of hundreds along Michigan’s coasts.
Best Workouts to Manage Stress
If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Here is how tweaking your exercise schedule can help you manage those feelings.
How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health
How does your brain keep connected to your gut, and what does it mean for your mental health?
Tips for Decoding Egg Labels
Free-range. Cage-free. Organic. What do all these words on your egg cartons really mean?