Guest Blogger

Community

A 5-Step Action Plan for Caregivers of Aging Parents or Loved Ones

Caring for a loved one can be tough. This simple action plan for caregivers can help you get your bearings and make your caregiving role a little easier.

Caregiver with her mom
Prevention

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.

Older woman holding a cane
Community

10 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Seniors

Find out which habits keep residents of Ikaria, a Greek Island, living well into their 90s.

Older couple riding bikes
Fitness

Encouraging Exercise for an Aging Loved One

Fear, fatigue, chronic pain or just plain lack of motivation might be keeping your loved one stationary. So how do you get them off the couch and on to healthy…

Older woman lifting weights
Home and Family

Caregiving During Coronavirus

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers are finding new ways to navigate their daily responsibilities.

Closeup view mom stroking hands of adult grownup daughter
Community

Even Heroes Need Encouragement

In this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, find out why caregivers deserve our respect as the heroes they are.

Woman pushing her mom in a wheelchair
Home and Family

Protect Your Kids from Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying takes bullying to a new level because it’s far more public and has the capacity to spread fast, far and wide. Find out how to protect your kids.

Teen girl being bullied online
Prevention

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of many illnesses, including breast cancer.

reduce your breast cancer risk
Home and Family

Remembering Brandon Michael: A Story of Infant Loss

Guest blogger Lindsey Clair shares her experience with infant loss in this moving post.

Empty crib
Home and Family

Combating Caregiver Isolation and Loneliness

In this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, caregivers can learn how their duties can lead to isolation and what they can do to stay connected.

Daughter caring for elderly mom
Home and Family

Why Safe Routes to Schools Matter

In this guest post from Ty Schmidt, executive director of Traverse City-based non-profit organization Norte, learn why walkable communities are good for health.

Image of two schoolgirls walking home from school.
Mind

Caregivers: Tips on How to Say “No” and When to Say “Yes”

For some caregivers, it’s hard to find balance between taking care of yourself and the person you’re caring for. Read up on these tips to protect your time.

Caregiver looking at calendar.
Community

Housing Options for Seniors Who Can’t (Or Don’t Want) to Live Alone

What are the options when it comes to senior housing? This guest post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B provides tips and considerations for choosing wisely.

Group of seniors sitting down together at an assisted living facility
Home and Family

What to Expect During Back-to-School Check-Ups

Annual physicals are an important measure in preventing child illness.

help your kids fall in love with a new sport
Mind

Things You Might Not Expect on Your Caregiving Journey

If you’re caring for a loved one, there could be aspects of caregiving that will surprise you. Read on for what to expect and how to cope.

Granddaughter taking care of her grandmother
Prevention

Avoiding Summertime Dehydration

Throughout summer, it’s important to keep in mind the dangers of dehydration and how to enjoy the warmer weather safely.

Mind

Seven Ways to Avoid the Post-Retirement Blues

As they enter retirement, seniors may struggle with their value or sense of purpose. Here are seven meaningful activities for post-retirement life.

Grandfather and grandson working together in the garden.
Mind

How to Help Your Mental Health

Regardless of mental health history, practicing self-care on a regular basis ensures a healthy mind, body and spirit throughout life.

Woman laughing
Community

Long-Distance Caregiving: How Can You Help a Loved One?

Experts from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B share tips on caring for a loved one from afar, including warning signs they might need more help and how to find it.

Elderly woman using Skype to talk to her family.
Community

Keeping Older Drivers Safe

Worried about an older loved one’s ability to drive? Read up on how to approach this delicate subject with tips from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B.

Closeup of an elderly man's hands on a steering wheeel
Community

5 Tips to Help Seniors Stay Independent for as Long as Possible

If you have aging parents or are a senior wanting to stay in your home independently, this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B is full of helpful tips.

Senior woman in her kitchen.
Mind

Tips for Effective Communication in a Relationship

Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean you won’t sometimes disagree. Learn how to keep the lines of communication open without saying something you’ll regret.

Couple talking over coffee.
Community

Midland’s Dow Tennis Classic Inspires Next Generation of Players

Visit Midland during the Dow Tennis Classic, which hosts high-caliber professionals and offers plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to get in the game.

Little girl playing tennis on an indoor court.
Home and Family

Healthier Halloween Treats Your Kids Will Love

Here are a few helpful tips to make this Halloween a bit healthier for your trick-or-treaters.

Image of four kids dressed up for Halloween.
Community

3 Ways to Reduce Your Impact at ArtPrize

An event the size of ArtPrize is bound to create some waste. ArtPrize’s Communications Manager shares tips on how to make your visit environmentally friendly.

Image of hands filling a reusable water bottle from a water fountain.
Mind

Educate Yourself About Mental Health Stigmas

Help stop the stigma surrounding mental health by educating yourself on the topic.

Prevention

Breaking Down the Numbers: Hypertension 101

Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is important to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Salt shakers
Prevention

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Heart Disease

Test your heart disease knowledge as we bust these popular myths.

Prevention

7 Health Conditions That Most Commonly Affect Men

Men's Health Month each November is recognized as a wake-up call for men to get smart about their health. Learn about 7 common conditions that affect men.

Prevention

Is Your Child’s School Prepared for a Cardiac Arrest?

Nov. 6-10, 2017 and Feb. 5-9, 2018 are weeks designated for CPR/AED drills in Michigan schools. Make sure your local schools are participating.

CPR training
Mind

Understanding Mental Health Care Stigmas in African American and Latino Communities

African Americans and Latinos are less likely to seek mental health treatment. Find out why and how to help combat the stigma of mental illness.

Community

Pulse3 Foundation to Host “Sidewalk CPR” Events

Join Pulse3 Foundation to become trained in CPR/AED at one of their "sidewalk CPR" events this year.

Prevention

Eye Health and Safety 101

Get to know the risk factors, methods of prevention and warning signs associated with common eye injuries.

eye
Home and Family

College Students: Get to Know Your Health Plan

Many Millennials don’t understand how health insurance works, where to apply or what’s available to them. Become educated on how to obtain and receive care.

Two college-aged girls studying a stack of books.
Home and Family

End of Summer Safety Tips

With Labor Day right around the corner, don't forget to remember important safety precautions to ensure a fantastic end of summer.

purple and pink fireworks.
Home and Family

Back-to-School Transition Tips

Going back to school can be tough for kids after a summer full of activities. Use these helpful tips to make the transition from summer to school run smoothly.

kids getting on school bus
Home and Family

Your Back to School Wellness Visit Checklist

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a child’s back-to-school physical. Find out what questions you should be asking the doctor.

Child waiting at doctor's office.
Prevention

Here Comes the Sun: Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Help protect kids from sunburn and other sun-related illness this summer.

Young girls by the pool with sunscreen on their faces.
Fitness

Don’t Get Sidelined by a Summer Injury

Now is the perfect time to get out and get active in the sun – just take a few precautions along the way.

stay injury free this summer
Prevention

Seniors: Why Hydration is Crucial as You Age

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration and know how to prevent it, especially in elderly individuals who are at a higher risk.

glasse of infused water
Home and Family

Hidden Gems: Six Michigan State Parks to Visit This Summer

If you're looking to explore Michigan's state parks this summer but want to avoid the crowds, here are six hidden gems to check out.

people swimming in a shallow waterfall
Prevention

Men’s Health Checkup Checklist

Learn more about the common health disparities affecting males and how to recognize the symptoms.

Grandpa sitting on a porch
Mind

Connecting with Nature: Tips to Become More Mindful This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to re-connect to nature and to yourself.

Fence on a beach
Mind

3 Points to Consider When Choosing the Right Therapist for You

Advice from a therapist on choosing the right therapist.

A girl outside who is giving a big smile
Mind

Fidget Spinners: The Facts Behind the Fad

Fidget spinners are definitely a fad, but there are some valid reasons why they are so popular right now.

A hand holds a moving fidget spinner
Home and Family

The Importance of Implementing Healthier Habits Early in Life

Ensuring a child’s nutritional health helps to avoid serious issues later in life, including chronic conditions. Here’s how to get them off on the right path.

teaching healthy habits early
Community

Detroit’s Iconic Renaissance Center Celebrates 40 Years

Did you know the GMRENCEN has its own ZIP code? Celebrate its 40th anniversary with 40 fun facts about this iconic Detroit building.

Renaissance Center
Mind

Changing Bad Habits: How Can a Therapist Help?

When patients believe they can rely on health care professionals to support them, even if they are not ready to change, they’re less likely to hide the truth.

how a therapist can help change bad habits
Mind

Why Your Doctor Might Ask About Your Mood At Your Next Visit

Untreated depression not only can decrease quality of life, but can also affect the well-being of friends and family. Learn more about how your doctor can help.

why your mood matters to your health
Mind

Tired of Not Sleeping? Understanding Insomnia Symptoms and Treatment

You’re tired of not sleeping, and you’re especially tired of being tired. Psychologist Dr. Carol Ellstein discusses how to address a sleep disturbance.

understanding insomnia
Home and Family

A Grandparent’s Guide to Making Your Home Safe this Holiday Season

Hosting for the holidays? Make sure your home is a safe haven for young visitors.

make your home safe for the holidays
Prevention

4 Tips for a Healthy Beard and Skin This Winter

In this guest post, Michael Haddad of Michigan-based Detroit Grooming Co. shares tips for maintaining a healthy beard and skin this winter.

grow a healthy beard this winter
Mind

Understanding Depression: Diagnosis and Treatment

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Dr. Mary Beth Bolton shares insight on how health care providers diagnose and treat depression.

understanding depression
Community

Thank You, Michigan Veterans!

On Veterans Day, thank those who have served our country. Read on for some interesting facts about Michigan veterans.

Michigan veterans
Mind

Taking Care of Yourself While Helping a Loved One With Addiction

Are you supporting a family member or loved one who is fighting addiction? Don’t forget to take care of yourself too.

Self-care when helping a loved one fight addiction
Prevention

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer: Detection

Know your warning signs, symptoms and how to get tested for breast cancer.

breast cancer detection
Fitness

Physical Activity Tips for Fall

The arrival of fall brings cool Michigan temperatures, but don’t let the shift in the seasons get in the way of your physical activity!

exercising in the fall
Prevention

Heads Up: How to Minimize Your Child’s Risk of a Sports-Related Concussion

For many families with middle and high school students, back to school means back to sports. Here’s how to make sure your child stays safe out on the field.

reduce your child's risk of a concussion
Home and Family

Your Baby’s Brain is Born to Communicate

Talking to your baby is good for their brain and language development. Speech language pathologist Cindy Sommerfeld explains why.

benefits of talking to your baby
Prevention

Run for Your Heart

There is strong evidence supporting the health benefits of regular physical activity, join us on Sept. 10 for the Run for Your Heart races.

run for your heart
Prevention

CPR Training in Memory of WNEM News Anchor to be held Aug. 24 in Saginaw

Join the Saginaw community for a free CPR/AED training class held in memory of Sam Merrill, WNEM TV5 News Anchor.

CPR training
Fitness

Michigan dad hopes to inspire kids and family to live healthier

One dad’s healthy lifestyle is now a full family affair. They will be at the Riverfront Run, will you? Registration discount code inside.

Carlson Family
Fitness

Detroit Lions Heads Up Football Health and Safety Reminders

Coaches, parents, and teammates can all help make the experience of playing football better and safer.

Home and Family

Michigan’s Beauty Has Much to Offer for Texas Transplant  

In spring of 2012 we made the move from my home state of Texas to Michigan. Here’s how I fell in love with my new home.

Michigan beauty
Prevention

What is Living Organ Donation?

Most people think of organ donation as an end-of-life decision, but it is possible to donate organs another way.

living organ donation
Home and Family

Jackson Mom Found a Way to Help Her Family Get Outside

Hike it Baby is a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to developing communities that get families outside, Here’s one woman’s experience with them.

Hike It Baby
Prevention

Working Toward a World Without Blood Cancers

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s esteemed Man & Woman of the Year campaign is working to raise funds in honor of two Michigan blood cancer survivors.

a world without blood cancers
Mind

3 Ways Women Can Support One Another in the Workplace

Together, women can pull each other up as they climb the corporate ladder. Here are three ways to make sure you’re doing all you can for other women.

help women at work
Community

Why I Race to Stop Pulmonary Hypertension

During one little girl’s battle, the DeWitt community was extremely supportive. Now her mom gives back through Take a Breath for PH and Get Moving for MS.

Why I Race to Stop Pulmonary Hypertension
Prevention

Better Kidney Health For Kids: Seven Golden Rules

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan shares tips to help kids set the stage for kidney health as they get older.

better kidney health for kids
Fitness

Four Reasons to Try Bodyweight Exercises Next Time You Work Out

Bodyweight training removes the limitations of location, time, and cost, which are common setbacks when trying to start an exercise schedule.

reasons to try bodyweight exercises
Home and Family

How to Talk to Your Children about Difficult Topics

Discussing tough issues can be valuable and formative teachable moments for children. Here are some tips for making the most of these difficult conversations.

talk to kids about tough topics
Prevention

Four Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes During the Winter

Sunglasses aren’t just for use in the summer–they are also one of the four ways you can keep your eyes healthy all winter long.

Winter eye protection
Food and Recipes

Tackling Overindulgence on Game Day

Tis the season for football games! When preparing your game-winning treats, consider these ways to make your recipes healthier.

healthy tailgating food
Prevention

Do You Know the “ABCs” of Diabetes Prevention?

Diabetes Month is not only about encouraging people with diabetes to better manage their condition, but to educate those who are at high risk for the disease.

Do you know your risk for diabetes?
Fitness

Shining the Spotlight on Competitive Dance Teams

For young athletes, who have committed to developing their knowledge, technique, and passion for the sport, dance is much more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle.

michigan's competitive dance teams
Prevention

Is Your Halloween Face Paint Safe?

If you’re using face paint to add to your look this Halloween, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right products.

Is Your Halloween Face Paint Safe?
Community

Public Steps Up in Support of Capuchin Soup Kitchen at Annual Fundraiser Dinner

Our largest fundraising event, the SOCK dinner, was an evening of compassion and understanding for others. It was also full of incredible generosity.

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Food and Recipes

Take Your Kids Foraging and Make Easy Sumac “Lemonade”

Teach your kids how to identify and use plants that grow naturally. And then use those finds to create a special sumac “lemonade.”

sumac lemonade
Community

Planning a Staycation? Budget for Better Health

If done with a budget and long-term vision, taking your next great Michigan vacation could be more achievable than you think. Here’s how to do it.

Great Michigan vacations
Mind

If You Miss the Man, You Owe it to Yourself to See ‘Ernie’

If you miss longtime Detroit Tigers’ announcer Ernie Harwell, check out the play that bears his name in Detroit, Traverse City, or East Lansing.

Ernie Harwell
Prevention

Don’t Bug Me: Herbal Spray and Bite Remedies

Love the outdoors but hate the bug bites? Find out how to prevent and treat bites with your own make-it-yourself spray.

all natural bug repellent
Fitness

#MIKidsCan: Upcoming Camp Encourages Kids to Try Out a Triathlon

In the Midland area? Check out this cool camp happening next week, which introduces kids to the basics of completing a triathlon.

Mind

5 Reasons Why Therapy Can Be Good For You

This post discusses the benefits of therapy and how it can help improve people’s lives.

Fitness

iSwim, iBike, iRun Helps Kids Become Triathletes

Did you know, thousands of kids around the world participate in triathlons each year? In fact, USA Triathlon

kid swimming
Home and Family

Tips for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes After Pregnancy

Did you have gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM, during pregnancy? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, it’s

diabetes and pregnancy
Fitness

5 Great Trails to Enjoy Spring in Detroit

This post is from Kristina Williams-Lee, of Blue Care Network of Michigan. It is about this time each year, after seeing the first cherry blossoms open up…

trails
Food and Recipes

5 Essential Ingredients for a Healthy Diet

Do all the parts of a healthy diet seem a bit complicated? Are you scratching your head when it comes to figuring out proper amounts of nutrients,

healthy recipes
Fitness

The Most Important Workout Factor You Might Be Missing

A personal trainer shares his take on the most important factor in determining workout results, and which workout is best.

important workout
Mind

The Benefits of Taking a Mental Health Day

Taking a mental health day is becoming more common in the modern workplace, because a stressed employee negatively impacts performance and morale.

Woman looking out the window writing in journal
Fitness

Olympian Debbie McCormick Shares Her Curling Secrets

Debbie McCormick is an Olympian-level curler. She’ll be in Traverse City this week for the Cherry Bombspiel tournament.

Food and Recipes

5 Simple Steps to Healthy HDL Cholesterol Levels

You have probably heard about how high levels of cholesterol increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. This is true if you have high levels of LDL

work-out
Prevention

You Can Quit Smoking, You Just Need to Know How

Dr. Duane DiFranco wants you to know it is possible to quit smoking. Here’s his list of recommendations to break the habit!

How to Quit Smoking
Food and Recipes

4 Takeaways From My First Week on the Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet™ challenges you to eliminate high-fat and processed foods, dairy, grain, starches and alcohol. Here’s what that really looks like.

trying out paleo diet
Fitness

How This Mom Turned Running Into More Than Just Exercise

This mom took the opportunity to turn running into a bonding experience with her son.

how a mom fell in love with running
Community

5 Life Hacks for the Pregnant Michigan Mom in 2015

If you are looking for ways to minimize your stress and alleviate the anxiety that goes along with having a baby, here are five life hacks for you.

Tips for Pregnant Women in Michigan
Prevention

Preventing the Next Stroke

Having a second stroke can be debilitating. Here’s how to lower your risk:

stroke prevention
Community

Preventing Holiday Drunk Driving in Michigan

Michigan authorities have increased the number of officers checking for drunk drivers. Be safe this holiday season and don’t drink and drive.

prevent holiday drunk driving
Community

Buy Nothing Project Brings Communities Closer Together

About two years ago, I decided I wanted a simpler life so I opted to explore minimalism. This post isn’t about minimalism specifically rather how a desire to…

Hands
Food and Recipes

Making the Choice to Change My Eating Habits to Improve My Health

I was raised in a Puerto Rican household where food equaled love. Rice, beans, fried plantains, and pork, were a standard staple in my home.

Rice beans and plantains

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