Explore the Latest in A Healthier Michigan

Health and Wellness

Is Laughing Good For You?

Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. But why is laughing good for you, exactly? From a giggle to a guffaw, here is why laughing is healthy, including lists of short and long-term benefits.

Laughter is the best medicine
Podcast

What Are Allergies?

It’s that time of the year again: coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Spring not only brings lovely gardens, but also allergies. For some, these can be seasonal. For others, it’s a year-round struggle. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Commercial Markets Dr. Michael Kobernick. Together, they discuss allergies, which ones are common, what they are and how they happen. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are allergies? How do allergies affect our bodies? How do people develop allergies? How can we relieve symptoms?

Community

MI Bucket List: Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan

The tourist town is a few miles north of Sleeping Bear Dunes. With shops, restaurants and inns, Glen Arbor is a fun place for a late spring, summer or fall visit.

Food and Nutrition

A Healthy Edible Bouquet for Mom

According to Drive Research, 81% of moms say thoughtfulness matters more than cost. A DIY edible bouquet becomes both an affordable gift and an activity families can create together.

Health and Wellness

I Exercised Without Music for A Week: Here’s What I Learned

For as long as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my workout routine. I decided to put my reliance on music to the test and spent a week exercising in complete silence. The results surprised me.

Community

Michigan Spring Bucket List: Cherry Blossoms in Traverse City

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.

Cherry Blossom in Traverse City in Michigan
Health and Wellness

Should I Cold Plunge Before or After a Workout?

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.

Food and Recipes

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.
Food and Recipes

Morel Mushroom Season – Where to Look and How to Cook

For foragers and foodies alike, morels are a seasonal prize worth the hunt. Their honeycomb texture also helps them absorb sauces and seasonings making them a favorite in gourmet cooking.

Food and Recipes

Garlic and Thyme Morel Mushroom Toast

Served over crisp, warm toast and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs, it’s an easy dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Fitness

I Always Hated Exercise – Until I Saw How Much it Helped My Anxiety

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.

Monica Drake poses for a photo in her gym.
Health and Wellness

Are Seaweed Snacks Good for You?

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.

Physical Health

Does Ginger Beer Have Alcohol?

Most commercially available and mass marketed ginger beers are simply ginger drinks or fermented ginger drinks without alcohol. Ginger beers that contain alcohol are labeled as alcoholic ginger beers.

Community

Michigan Spring Bucket List: Best Spots to See Holland’s Famous Tulips 

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.

Wooden Windmill in Holland Michigan
Health and Wellness

Navigating Tough Teenage Conversations About Alcohol

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.

Health and Wellness

Should I Do Cardio Before or After Weights?

Whether you do cardio before or after lifting weights depends on your fitness goals. Let’s see what the science says and determine how you should structure your workouts.

Podcast

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Protein is added to everything, including waffles, chips and even your Starbucks drink. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö to discuss protein and whether you are eating the right amount or too much. In this episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is the right amount of protein? What is the best way to get protein? Why is protein in everything now? Do our protein needs change?

Home and Family

How to Spot Common Food Allergies in Children

Offices, classrooms and even restaurants often have signs that warn of food allergies. Here’s how parents can stay ahead of them.

A mother applies a tissue to a child's runny nose outdoors.
Health and Wellness

Before You Blame IBS: Common Myths and Supporting Your Gut Safely

Self-diagnosing yourself with irritable bowel syndrome or another gastrointestinal issue is problematic on many levels. Here's why.

Food and Recipes

Food for Calm: 5 Foods That Naturally Support Your Nervous System

Diet is an essential part of mental health, and eating foods that support the nervous system can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here is a look at the gut-brain connection and foods to focus on for a healthy gut.

African American man smiling and eating fresh salad and chicken meat near tea and smartphone in his kitchen.
Community

Sensory Spaces for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

For people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, spaces that are too-bright or too-loud can be painfully overwhelming. Sensory-friendly activities can help.

Boy exercising at senory gym
Health and Wellness

What Meal Should be the Biggest of the Day?

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.

Food and Recipes

How to Stock a Mocktail Pantry

From liquor alternatives to alcohol-removed wines, here’s everything you need to elevate your zero-proof game.

Food and Recipes

Aperol Spritz Mocktail

With its signature orange glow and sparkle, this alcohol-free version captures that effortlessly chic, patio-ready feeling.

Food and Recipes

Two Easy Spring Appetizers That Look Fancy (But Aren’t)

These two appetizers deliver visual impact with minimal effort. They’re perfect for everything from brunch spreads to garden parties.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Beet with Orange and Walnut Crostini

This appetizer is all about contrast: earthy roasted beets, bright citrus, crunchy walnuts and crisp toasted bread.

Food and Recipes

Herbed Goat Cheese Log

The creamy tang of goat cheese paired with strawberries, honey and a bit of pistachio crunch create a perfectly balanced bite.

Food and Recipes

Berry Basil Smash Mocktail

This mocktail is lightly sweet, a little tart and finished with that subtle herbal note.

Food and Recipes

Peanut Allergies Are Becoming Less Common in Children: Here’s Why the Numbers Have Dropped

In recent years, thanks to new guidelines, peanut allergies in young children have dropped by 43%, according to a new observational study.

A young girl is eating a sandwich with a jar of peanut butter next to her. The scene is casual and relaxed, with the girl enjoying her snack.
Health and Wellness

What’s in Your Food? Enriched Flour Tops List of Unhealthy Ingredients

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

Health and Wellness

Balance Exercises for Falls Prevention

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.

Health and Wellness

Autism and Food Aversions: Tips for Parents with Picky Eaters

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.

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.