A Healthier Michigan

Making sure your produce is properly cleaned before you prepare it is essential in avoiding microbes that can make you sick. Here's how to wash fruits and vegetables of all kinds.

Buckwheat is neither wheat nor grain, but a seed known for its nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. Despite its name, it’s naturally gluten-free and a popular addition to a variety of side and main dishes.

It’s Turkey Trot time in Michigan. These holiday races offer runners of all levels a chance to get outside and get moving. They offer a great way for everyone to have fun and shed calories in the weeks leading up to — and in some cases on — Thanksgiving!

Nearly one in 10 women who give birth experience premature birth. There are a variety of inherent health factors, environmental factors and lifestyle factors that heighten the risk of premature birth.

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.

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.

Arborio is a short-grain white rice that originates from Italy. Because of its tendency toward creaminess, arborio isn’t typically cooked on its own but is instead most often used for dishes like risotto or rice pudding.

Want a healthy start to your day, but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these easy recipes for microwaved poached eggs, scrambled eggs and a few other egg variations for a protein-packed breakfast.

What is it about getting scared that is fun or enjoyable for some people? Part of it has to do with the body's physiological response to fear. But other factors are at play, as well.

Did you know Michigan is one of the largest producers of apples in the U.S.? Here are 10 fun facts about our local fall harvest.

Eggs are a great source of complete high-quality protein with few calories. But which is better: the egg white or egg yolk?

Buying store-bought dressing is convenient, but those products are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, it’s easier than you think.

The fall is a great time to build a garden in the window with your kids. Whether you build a window herb garden or plant some veggies, it can make for a great bonding experience with your child that instills healthy eating habits in them.

Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," are a cooking trend that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. Want to learn how to make zucchini noodles? There's a variety of ways to do it, and we list them all here.

The beautiful orange, red, and yellow leaves of fall are almost here! Find out when you should plan your color tour to make the most of the autumn splendor.

Americans are reading for fun less and less. Find your inner bookworm again with these tips for getting back into reading.

Michiganians are known for loving their pasties, but how many of us know the story behind them? Discover the history here.

High in nutritional value, there are many delicious Michigan-based foods that provide amazing health benefits. Here are five of our favorites.

Udon noodles are long, thick wheat-flour noodles that originated from Japan. They are often used in recipes such as soups, stir-fries, noodle bowls and salads, and they pair well with a variety of sauces.

Fall is a wonderful time of year, filled with crisp air, beautiful foliage and plenty of festivals across the state of Michigan. Here are five fall festivals perfect for the whole family to enjoy:

A large network connecting tissues and fluid under your skin? Meet the interstitium.

Social anxiety tends to ramp up for kids and teens in August, when the new school year approaches. Combat those uneasy feelings by creating an anti-anxiety back to school kit.

Access to beaches and waterfront spaces is improving across Michigan as state parks and city beaches become places that people of all abilities can navigate.

Summer is winding down and school bells will be ringing before we know it. It's common for children and parents alike to experience "August anxiety," also known as end-of-summer anxiety. Here's how to combat it.

St. Joe is home to sugar-sand beaches, a giant splash pad and its landmark Silver Beach Carousel. Here are five things to do in St. Joseph before the summer winds down.

Every summer, the Perseid meteor showers grace the night skies above Michigan. Learn more about this celestial display and the best places and times to check them out in Michigan.

Most Americans eat too much sodium. But what is “too much?"

Before you pack for a summer day outing or road trip, read this list of summer-friendly snacks that won't melt, get soggy or spoil under the sun.

Fava beans are versatile legumes that are high in fiber, potassium and magnesium. Serve cooked fava beans as a side dish on their own or in a soup, stew or dip.

Whether it’s a scoop in a dish or cone, some ice cream flavors just scream Michigan.

If you don’t like your beach time with a side of crowds and noise, check out these low-key beaches across Michigan.

Turnip Rock in Lake Huron is a gravity defying rock formation that got its turnip-like shape from gradual erosion caused by waves breaking down its soft, limestone stack.

Basmati rice has less starch than plain white rice and is cooked like most rice types, most commonly on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.

Research shows that regularly practicing yoga can benefit our health. Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your physical and mental health in a myriad of ways.

The summer is county fair season in Michigan! These events are always a great way to celebrate community traditions. Many of the largest ones kick off in mid-July. Here are 20 of the most prominent upcoming county fairs in Michigan.

A sound bath is sitting in a calm place with soothing sounds and vibrations. Learn more about how it works, the possible health benefits of sound baths and how to create a sound bath space at home.

Grounding is a practice that involves contact with the ground, and practitioners say it has health benefits. Let's look at these claims.

Produce provides essential vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and nutrients. But it is interesting to compare the nutritional value of certain foods. Take broccoli vs. asparagus – which is healthier?

You already know about Beefsteak tomatoes, but there are many varieties grown in Michigan to try before summer ends.

Michigan is home to many zoos, petting zoos, refuges and specialty animal conservancies that are exciting, fun and educational experiences for the whole family. We’ve compiled some of the best zoos and conservatories from across the state.

White strawberries are sweeter than red ones and can even smell tropical. Here’s what you need to know about this cream-colored fruit.

Is medium rare steak healthier than well-done steak? Or is it the other way around? As grilling season ramps up, check out the answers to these questions.

Michigan has an abundance of beautiful spots spread out across both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. In the springtime, try heading to the corner of Northern Michigan known as the Cherry Capital of the World.

If it’s been a while since you’ve said thanks to your parents, there’s no time like the present. Here are some simple ways to show appreciation.

Knowing the signs and types of depression can help older adults get the treatment they need to feel better.

When late April arrives, so does morel mushroom season in Michigan. Before you get outdoors and start hunting, give this comprehensive guide a read.

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 West Michigan town is known for its spring tulip displays. Here are some insider tips on scenic spots to see them in full bloom.

If you've wondered what millet is and what millet looks like, you've come to the right place. Millet is a high-fiber food that's part of the cereal grain family. Jump on the millet bandwagon.

Walking is extremely beneficial, but it may be enough exercise if you are an adult age 65 or older. Moderate to vigorous exercise is important to maintain a level of health and fitness.

Pebbling is the practice of sending these memes, or “pebbles,” as an appreciation practice for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who present rocks to other penguins they are bonding with to use in nesting.

Enriched flour is a processed food. Here's how it can affect blood sugar and which foods are commonly made with it.

This cruciferous vegetable is related to cabbage and broccoli and is a popular addition to salads or roasted with balsamic vinegar as a side dish. Let's look at the many health benefits of Brussels sprouts and delicious ways to prepare them.

How much exercise do my children need to stay healthy? And what does exercise look like for a child? Walking 12,000 steps a day is a great way to get started.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, which meal should be the heaviest? If you are trying to lose weight, what you eat and the amount is important, in addition to the timing. Read more about when you should eat your biggest meal.

Although getting the kids outside is important and still an option in the winter, the temperature and wind-chill require caution.

Nearly half of American children have had a cavity filled or are dealing with an untreated cavity. While brushing and flossing daily along with regular dental exams are the best preventive measures against cavity, it’s also important to understand how cavities form.

The two primary sound sensitivity disorders are misophonia and hyperacusis. Misophonia causes emotional, physical or behavioral responses to triggering noises, while hyperacusis results in pain or discomfort from noises that are not loud but affect the individual as if they are loud or painful sounds.

Exercise bikes are handy in cases of inclement weather, in cold winter months or when you simply want to get a good workout in the comfort of your own home or at your gym, watching television or listening to a podcast. But are exercise bikes effective at building up physical fitness and endurance?

Most of the differences between steel cut and rolled oats are more of preference details such as texture, flavor, time to cook and ease of use. You may prefer one over the other or use them interchangeably for different uses or recipes. There are some slight differences between the two and how they affect the body nutritionally.

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.

Does your fear of needles keep you from donating blood? Check out these ways to combat your fear and save lives in the process.

If you are looking for an exciting outdoor activity and exercise to enjoy in the beautiful Michigan winter wonderland, you may want to look into ice climbing. Each winter, ice climbers both local to the Upper Peninsula and those that travel for the ice picking locations in the UP scale frozen surfaces that form in winter.

Awareness ribbons for different types of cancer are popular in America to show support and solidarity with those dealing with the issue. The cancer ribbons cover a range of colors, each connected to one of the more than 100 types of cancers.

If you’re looking for a stunning wintertime spectacle, check out some of the frozen lighthouses on Lake Michigan this winter. Frozen lighthouses typically occur from November through January.

Are there any benefits to making New Year’s resolutions, or do they set you up for disappointment and failure? Reframe your thinking around resolutions and new habits or lifestyle changes and you’ll likely see better results.

Many winter sports, such as skiing and hockey, are high-impact or contact sports that may not appeal to many athletes. Here are some low-impact winter sports and exercises to include in your cold weather exercise plans.

Each year, thousands of traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving and as recently as 2022, distracted driving caused more than 3,000 deaths. Even so, more than 45% of drivers have admitted to texting or reading their phone while driving, and even more eat, talk on the phone or reach around their car while driving.

Whether it’s because of colder weather, schedule changes, travel or holiday celebrations, it can be harder to stay active during the winter. Colder weather especially may leave you wanting to stay curled up and indoors rather than exercising. Here are some creative ideas to still get out and get enough physical exercise during the colder winter months.

More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Are your child's toys safe? Each year, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized due to toy-related injuries.

Most people who spend the holidays alone feel more lonely than usual and may struggle to enjoy the festive time of year. Here are some tips on how to get through the holidays alone or without family around.

Thanksgiving may be a meat-centric celebration, but the seasonal flavors of this fall holiday lend themselves well to healthy, hearty and wholesome vegetarian – and gluten-free dishes. Ditch the tofurkey and plan a menu with comfort at the core.

When you have a picky eater in your family, this can cause stress leading up to and during the holiday meal. Here are some ideas and recipes that can help your picky eater join in on the Thanksgiving dinner.

While Americans report finding joy and excitement around traditional holidays, almost 9 in 10 also say they also experience stress leading up to and during holiday celebrations. While you can’t avoid all sources of stress, planning ahead and setting personal or social boundaries can help to manage or minimize stress.

The AHA and USDA both recommend a daily sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon of salt, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg a day for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. However, many Americans get more than 2,000 mg of sodium in an average Thanksgiving dinner.

Saunas are small, cozy rooms that are typically heated via wood or electric to reach a high temperature. The exact temperature depends on the individual sauna, but most will hover around 185 degrees. Saunas are set to a level that has people breaking out in a sweat within a minute or two of entering the room.

Proper nutrition is a must especially when running or exercising, not only to keep a healthy diet, but also to get additional nutrients needed when exercising regularly. Here are some tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid leading up to and following a run.

When choosing meals for kids with type 1 diabetes, aim for a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It’s also important to time meals and snacks in accordance with insulin doses.

Michigan has a long history with Native American communities and traditions. There are 12 federally recognized tribes of Indigenous peoples in Michigan. Many of the state’s natural wonders and historical sites have a history within the Native American cultures predating the state of Michigan.

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.

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.

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.

The mind-gut connection has been the target of increasing study in recent years. Not only has research shown the connection, but there’s been more awareness by people who battle depression and anxiety that they often have to deal with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and stomach upset.

As summer gives way to fall, it’s time for a visit to a cider mill to enjoy apple picking, apple cider and donuts.

Making vegetarian choices throughout the week is much easier if you’ve been able to meal prep ahead of time. Here are some ideas for flavorful, healthy vegetarian meals and snacks that you can prepare, portion and store to eat later.

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.

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.

Grabbing photos of fall foliage here in Michigan makes for a fantastic October activity. So, where are the best places in the state to capture the perfect fall images?

By current estimates, more than 7 million children and more than 8 million adults in the United States have ADHD. Here are 8 tools to better manage ADHD for both adults and children.

Decluttering our digital spaces can become almost as necessary as cleaning and decluttering living spaces and may even need to be done more often. Here are some helpful ways to start digital decluttering and some benefits you may see as a result.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Having a family member in assisted living can be difficult for everyone involved. People who move into assisted living can struggle with a loss of independence, leaving their home or fears of fewer family visits. Family members of those in assisted living may feel guilt, helplessness and concern.

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

Taking care of yourself and being mindful of your mental and overall health can be especially difficult when you are grieving. Self-care is important during times of loss, even though it may be difficult. Here are some ideas and tips for taking care of yourself and being mindful of your personal mental health while you grieve.

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.