Health and Wellness

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.

If scrolling and swiping makes you feel less than festive, don’t let social media put a damper on your holiday celebrations.

Celtic salt was a recent TikTok health "hack." It does contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, but does it contain enough of those minerals to make a difference?

This hormone is essential for menstruation, reproduction and overall health. Let’s look at what progesterone does, symptoms of low progesterone, causes and treatments.

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.

Are you looking for an outdoor adventure under the night sky? Michigan is home to numerous dark sky parks perfect for stargazing and viewing the northern lights.

Often, people who experience suicidal ideations aren’t who you’d expect, and the thoughts can happen to anyone.

Blue light glasses have become increasingly popular in the past few years. There has been a growing concern about whether the blue light from screens is unhealthy for the human eye.

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.

Fibermaxxing is a trend rooted in eating more fiber than you may be used to. It's a trend most dietitians can get behind, as more than 90% of American adults fail to reach the minimum fiber threshold.

For many people, cooking may seem like a burdensome chore, especially if you have a busy schedule. Preparing meals ahead of time allows you to enjoy nutritious, home-made dishes without the daily hassle of cooking.

Growing evidence suggests ice may not always be the best remedy for certain injuries. Let’s take a look at icing and when and how you should apply it.

According to the Sleep Foundation, incorporating gentle yoga stretches can release tension held in the muscles, promote deep breathing and ease stiffness, all of which may help you prepare for a restful and restorative sleep.

For centuries, seaweed has been an integral part of coastal diets, known for its unique flavor and rich nutrient value. In recent years, it’s emerged as a popular snack option in stores around the world.

Contributor Monica Drake hated horror films growing up. But some time after receiving mental health treatment for the first time in her life, watching horror films and scary movies began to soothe her nerves instead of making her anxious.

Both perimenopause and menopause can bring noticeable physical and mental changes, due to shifting hormone levels.

From reducing anxiety to strengthening relationships and helping the immune system, this physical act of connection is more powerful than many people realize.

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.

You may add more probiotic foods to your diet or reach for a supplement to help with physical and mental health, but do they work? Here’s a look at probiotics, how they affect health conditions women face and whether you should consider taking them.

Dermaplaning, or shaving your face, is all the rage on social media. It can provide you with a smooth, exfoliated face by removing dead skin cells.

As someone who grew up in a world where cell phones always existed, it is hard for me to imagine a world in which I am not dependent on my smart phone.

My panic attacks give me a sense of impending danger. Here's what I do to manage them.

Digital distractions may not be the sole reason for your diminished attention span, but they surely contribute. Here's what you can do to increase your concentration.

Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in the United States. Here is what to know about potatoes and their association with increased Type 2 diabetes risk.

Deaths by suicide among Americans age 10 to 24 has increased by nearly 60% since 2007. While it is a challenging and painful topic to discuss, talking proactively to children and teens about suicide is a key part of prevention.

College introduces a host of lifestyle and academic challenges for new students, especially those leaving home to live on campus for the first time. A self-care routine can help you maintain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health

Let’s look at the causes of childhood obesity, preventable factors and ways to create healthy habits for children.

Walking indoors can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and help reduce stress. Here are the benefits of indoor walking and a few tips to add fun challenges to your workouts.

Procrastination has a significant impact on mental health, stress and job/academic performance. Here are five steps to get started on your journey to staying productive.

It’s common for people to confuse canker sores and cold sores, but these conditions are actually very different. Understanding their various causes and symptoms is crucial for proper prevention and treatment.

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

A new study found eating a higher ratio of plant to animal protein was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Interested in incorporating more plant-based protein into your diet? Here's what you need to do.

Kids are constantly growing, staying active and burning energy, so they need steady sources of protein to fuel their bodies and brains. Learn more about adding different kinds of protein sources to your child's diet.

There are some at home remedies that can help ease the discomfort and irritation. One is gargling salt water. Learn more about the benefits that saltwater gargling has for your throat.

Being a mom to an 11-month-old, you would think I’d be used to not getting enough sleep. Still, no matter how many times I wake up to my baby’s cries in the middle of the night, I’m not used to it.

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

Inflammation is a regular part of the body’s response to injuries and invaders, such as when germs enter the body, triggering an immediate inflammatory reaction.

Could the bag you carry every day be the source of your back pain? Learn more about the effects your bag may have on your back.

While Pilates may not burn as many calories as high intensity workouts, it is known for building lean muscle and boosting metabolism. Will those factors help you lose weight?

Taking a break from work and traveling somewhere else should be something to look forward to. I, however, usually dread going on vacation because I struggle with travel anxiety. 

Performing routine actions with food packaging like unwrapping cheese and cold cuts or steeping tea bags in water could shed microplastics and nanoplastics into your food and drinks, according to a new study.

Children are impressionable. By modeling appropriate behaviors, they can better learn how to appropriately interact with and treat others. These can be meaningful qualities when interacting with members of the disabled community.

There are a myriad of physical and mental health benefits associated with eating outdoors. Here is how getting into the habit of eating outside here and there can improve your health.

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.

Games and social media apps, music streaming services and an endless supply of podcasts make it easy to avoid being bored. But do you ever have good ideas for a work or home project when you are in the shower or on a walk?

It had never crossed my mind that quitting breastfeeding could cause such a visceral reaction, so when I started experiencing these symptoms, I had no idea what was going on. I wanted to share my experience because it’s something nobody ever told me.

A trend known as "looksmaxxing" and the social media activity surrounding it can create unreasonable expectations and pressure to fit in with new male beauty standards.

A study found those who ate more flavonoids, a plant chemical in many fruits and vegetables, aged better than those who had a lower flavonoid intake. Let’s look at flavonoids, associated health outcomes and how to add more flavonoids to your diet.

For many families, summer is a time of relaxation and freedom from the rigid structure of the school year. But for children with learning disabilities, that freedom can lead to frustration or lost progress if not balanced with thoughtful structure and purposeful activities.

A color walk is a type of walking meditation in which you pick a color and search for items in various shades. This kind of walk combines exercise with meditation.

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.

Mental health and suicide awareness have always been important causes to me, but becoming a new mom has given new meaning to how precious life is. Now I know firsthand what goes into bringing a new life into the world.

As you get older, your approach to exercise needs to shift. Strength training isn’t only for athletes, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay strong, steady and independent in your golden years.

When it comes to convenient snacks, dried fruit has been a staple for centuries. While dried fruit has its benefits, there are some health considerations to keep in mind.

Roller coasters are a favorite among thrill-seekers. Learn how the loops, launches and drops affect our bodies.

It's not always easy for parents to get their teenagers to open up to them about how they are feeling. But if you feel like your child's self-esteem is low, here are some tips and conversation starters.

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.

Despite the popularity of social media food trends, living a healthy life isn’t something you can hack your way to achieving. Learn about satisfying foods to add to your meals and snacks and why viral trends are risky.

If you’re feeling sore or battling an illness but still want to power through a workout, you may consider a dose of NSAIDs before exercising. Here's why that might not be a wise idea.

It can be difficult to identify prenatal depression because some women may chalk up signs of depression to the normal ups and downs of pregnancy. Here's what you need to know abut the condition.

If you’ve ever reached for a sugary snack or salty treat after a long, stressful day, you’re not alone. Stress eating is a common way people cope, but it can lead to unwanted habits and health concerns.

Let’s look at the relationship between allergies, asthma and exercise and how to manage the conditions.

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.

High-protein diets have recently gained popularity for their ability to support the aging process. While often associated with fitness or muscle-building, protein plays a much bigger role in our overall health. And for older adults especially, it can be a key factor in preserving strength, independence and vitality.

Sidestepping alcohol at social events when you're trying to avoid drinking can be difficult. Consider reading these tips on how to stay sober in social settings and apply the ones that might work for you.

Since I have generalized anxiety disorder, I usually spiral after I make a mistake. One thing I try to do when I'm feeling this way is remind myself that these everyday mishaps happen to the best of us. 

In a world filled with new diet trends and wellness hacks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Reducing the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding what “processed” really means and why it matters can help you make simple changes that leave you feeling more energized and nourished.

If your smartphone never leaves your hand, you’re not alone. As much as smartphones have made lives more convenient, there’s a downside that’s becoming more common: hand and finger pain. You may have heard terms like “text claw” or “cell phone hand” tossed around to describe it.

Whether they’re playing recreationally with friends on the playground or in an organized league at school, the safety provided by masks and eyewear should be a top priority for kids this spring.

Beef tallow has been all over social media this year, with many users raving about its effectiveness as a cooking oil and a skin moisturizer. Is this just another viral wellness myth or is there some truth to these claims?

Autism Acceptance Month in April can be a time to learn more about the connection between selective eating and autism. Here are eight tips parents can try to help their kids become less selective.

Trends and posts on social media blame cortisol for a host of problems, including fatigue and puffy faces, and promote diets and wellness drinks to lower your levels. But is this necessary and healthy? Let’s take a look at what cortisol is, when it is unhealthy and what you should focus on when it comes to health and stress.

Alcohol is a drug that can have dangerous health consequences for everyone, especially on teens whose brains are not fully developed. One of the best ways to combat underage drinking is a strong parent-child relationship.

Whether a person takes their eyes off the road, removes their hands from the steering wheel or doesn’t pay attention, distracted driving is a danger to everyone on the road. 

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how she managed her feelings when life felt pointless—and how she got help.

There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.

Your cup coffee has many different benefits, according to a new study. Here’s a look at the health benefits of morning coffee.

Are you seated a lot for work, or do you watch a lot of TV and play video games in your free time? Exercise can help reverse the harmful effects of prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

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.

You may have seen functional water in health stores and grocery chains, boasting claims of antioxidant powers, extra hydrogen, alkaline qualities, protein and more. But what exactly is functional water and why is it gaining popularity?

Research has found laughter to be beneficial to our health in both the short-term and the long-term. From releasing endorphins to increasing your body's concentration of oxygen, laughter does plenty good for the body and mind.

Coffee might be the first thing you reach for when you wake up. However, it might be better to wait a while. Let’s look at the reasons why and when it may be better to enjoy your morning cup.

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.

Okra water is a drink made by soaking okra pods in water for up to 24 hours. The drink is trending for its thought to offer health benefits like reducing blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss and improving digestion. While some research supports the health benefits of the okra plant, research specifically on okra water is lacking.

Most pet owners will have to face the reality of saying goodbye to them in their lifetime. Here is how I coped with the grief after losing my beloved cat, Katniss.

Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Gratitude is a transformative process that when practiced consistently, may improve various aspects of your life.

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

Self-sabotage is a typically unconscious effort to avoid failure or discomfort, causing us to act against our long-term goals. Unfortunately, this can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The term “healthy salt” is a bit of an oxymoron. Here's everything you need to know about the nutritional differences between sea salt and table salt.

Between busy schedules and other daily chores, it’s easy to forget or put off changing your sheets as often as you should. Regularly washing your bed sheets is essential to maintain a clean and healthy sleeping environment.

It is helpful to know the typical timeline for baby teeth falling out and permanent teeth growing in to help your kids navigate this transition. While losing teeth is generally quick and painless, there is value in teaching your kids about the process to avoid unnecessary anxiety around the experience.

Want to get better, more consistent sleep? Improving sleep quality may be a few diet tweaks away. Here’s how food affects the sleep cycle, and which foods promote and disrupt a good night’s sleep.

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.

I've found that when I'm feeling depressed or particularly anxious, I will revert to that old childhood habit of watching movies and shows I've already seen. And, when I'm feeling like this, sometimes watching something new will actually make me feel worse. 

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.

Mental health advocate and contributing writer Monica Drake shares why she decided not to drink this St. Patrick's Day. Here's how she plans to celebrate the Irish holiday without alcohol this year.

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.

Bone broth may offer some health benefits such as supporting gut health and improving joint function. While it’s important to choose high-quality sources, incorporating bone broth into your diet could be a simple way to add a few extra nutrients to your wellness routine.

While I love my son and being a new mom, bawling my eyes out about once a day has put a damper on the whole experience. Here’s what I’ve done when I’ve struggled with my mental and physical health.