5 Ways to Get Your Garden Ready to Plant in May
Garden lovers, this is the season of so much anticipation. Major gardening activity typically waits until the soil warms up enough to plant the most common crops, and for us in Michigan, this usually means mid to late May.
How to Cook Black Rice
Black rice goes great in a grain bowl, stir-fry or rice pudding. Whether you are using a stovetop or a rice cooker, check out these black rice cooking instructions.
The Science Behind the Perfect Workout Playlist
Upbeat music can make exercise feel easier, and the right collection of songs can put you in the zone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are building a workout playlist.
Bread Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour for Baking
Flours used for baking are differentiated by their protein content. This makes a big difference in how baked goods rise and their texture.
Blue Cross’ Winter Warm Up Event Helps Michiganders Heal, Move and Reconnect, One Step at a Time
The Blue Cross Winter Warm Up helps mid-Michigan residents work their way through a free, walking-based, eight-week training program that culminates in a 5K. Here, two Michiganders who participated this year share their "why."
How Does Caffeine Affect the Body?
Caffeine is a stimulant that has wide-ranging effects on the body. You have to consider its impact on digestion, whether it dehydrates you and how it affects your heart before consuming unhealthy amounts of it.
The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce
Certain fruits and vegetables are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.
This Week’s Featured Recipe
Crunchy Spring Vegetable Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing


This Week’s Featured Podcast
How to Get Deep Sleep
Morning Doomscrolling is Bad For Your Mental Health
The average person spends 4.5 hours a day on their smartphone. And starting your day with a burst of information, comparison culture and breaking news? That can spike stress. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Together, they discuss doomscrolling, your smartphone and whether you should be checking it in the morning. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What happens when you check your phone? What are better ways to start the day? What’s happening in your brain when you wake up? Tips to limit screen time
How to Get Deep Sleep
We all know we should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep. After all, we spend nearly one-third of our lives doing it. But here’s something most people don’t realize: not all sleep is created equal. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Peter Graham, Chief Medical Officer of Blue Care Network. Together, they discuss what deep sleep is, how to get more of it and what happens during deep sleep. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is deep sleep? How to sleep better What happens during deep sleep? How much of our sleep is deep sleep?
How to Stop the Midday Crash
We've all felt it: you’re cruising through your day and suddenly—bam—it’s 3 p.m. and your eyelids get heavy, your focus dips and a nap sounds like the best idea anyone has ever had. Why does this happen? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Crystal Lee, Medical Director in Clinical Decision Support. Together, they discuss the midday crash, what it is and ways to minimize it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The midday crash Why it happens How to prevent it
Healthy Apple Crisp
When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crisp is made with just a few ingredients.
What’s the Healthiest Type of Grill?
Charcoal grills, gas grills and smokers have all seen an uptick in use over the past five years. The question is, what is the healthiest grill to use?

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.


















