Food and Recipes

Beyond the Burger: Unconventional Ways to Use the Grill

This summer is the perfect time to explore just how versatile the grill can be. From grilled salsas and pizzas on the pizza stone to mocktails and desserts, here are some exciting new ways to take advantage of your grill.

Explore the Latest in A Healthier Michigan
Food and Nutrition

Healthy No-Cook Meals for Hot Days

Turning on the stove can make your AC work even harder and make your home even warmer. Here are some low- and no-cook meal ideas to help keep your stove usage minimal this summer.

Food and Recipes

Are Pecans Good for You?

Here is some information about pecans to help you decide whether you want to pick up a bag during your next visit to the grocery store.

Community

MI Bucket List: Sleeping Bear Dunes

This summer, take your family on a trip to see the amazing views, forested trails and freshwater lakes to experience this part of our beautiful state.

Prevention

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.

We cover our arms, legs and face in sunscreen, but stopping there and forgetting these nine places could result in some unsuspecting burns.
Food and Recipes

How to Limit Sodium and Hidden Calories at Cookouts

As more than 70% of dietary sodium is from packaged and restaurant foods, reviewing sodium levels in foods and choosing low-sodium foods before a cookout can help you with a heart-healthy diet.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: U-Pick Cherry Farms 

From Traverse City down to Fennville and South Haven, these 14 U-pick cherry farms are some of the best that Michigan has to offer. Happy picking!

Two Girls Picking Cherries

This Week’s Featured Recipe

Tomato Carpaccio
"Thinly sliced ripe tomatoes are elegantly layered with a sprinkle of salt to bring out flavor and accented with fresh basil, olive oil, thinly sliced shallots, grated parmesan and basil. "

This Week’s Featured Podcast

The Benefits of Heat Therapy
"Whether it’s a trendy workout like hot yoga, relaxing in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub, heat can have some surprising benefits for your health. But is heat really helpful for your body, and how can you use it safely? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director for Provider Engagement, Dr. Jessica Huhn, to explain the science behind heat therapy, its potential health benefits, who may benefit most and when heat should be avoided."

Explore By

Woman doing meditative pose
A bowl of salad
Drawing of Family on a couch
The state of Michigan
A Healthier Michigan Podcast
Podcast

The Benefits of Heat Therapy

Whether it’s a trendy workout like hot yoga, relaxing in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub, heat can have some surprising benefits for your health. But is heat really helpful for your body, and how can you use it safely? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director for Provider Engagement, Dr. Jessica Huhn, to explain the science behind heat therapy, its potential health benefits, who may benefit most and when heat should be avoided. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is heat therapy? What are the benefits? What are the different types of heat therapy? Is heat always the answer?

Podcast

Are Multivitamins Worth it?

Vitamins are essential nutrients our bodies need to function, supporting immune health, energy production and even brain function. But with entire aisles dedicated to multivitamins, immune boosters, gummies and supplements, it’s easy to wonder: what should you really be taking, if anything? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Angela Seabright, Care Management Physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss multivitamins, what’s in them, and who, if anyone, should be taking one. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are multivitamins? Who should consider taking them? Why are they so popular? Are there any risks?

Podcast

Sweet Without Sugar: Smart Swap or Not?

Artificial sweeteners are everywhere; they promise the sweetness we crave without the calories or sugar. But are they better for you or just marketed that way? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss artificial sweeteners, different kinds of sugars and what’s really the best option for you. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are artificial sweeteners? How does your body process artificial sweeteners? What are the different forms of sweeteners? Are these sweeteners safe?

Watch With Us
Video

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?

Young People Having Fun At Barbecue Party.
Video

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.

Apple Crumble For Two
Video

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.

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A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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