Explore the Latest in A Healthier Michigan

Food and Recipes

The ABCs of Marinades and Grilling

Grilling is a popular cooking technique because of the flavor and caramelization it produces. A good marinade combined with the fire of the grill allows complex flavors develop with a texturally pleasing aftermath.

Grilled Food
Health and Wellness

How Roller Coasters Affect Your Body

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

Food and Recipes

Everything You Need to Know About White Strawberries 

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

Ripe White strawberries, pineberries
Food and Recipes

Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the warmer weather and indulge in delicious grilled foods. Try one of these healthy grilled skewer pairings for your Memorial Day celebration.

skewers
Diet and Nutrition

Ways Dehydration is Affecting You That You Didn’t Realize

Did you know 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? Find out the signs and side effects of dehydration as well as ways you can stay hydrated.

Effects of Dehydration on the Body
Mental Health

What is Brain Rot?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at your screen after a long scroll through TikTok until the early hours of the morning, you might be experiencing what the internet has dubbed “brain rot.”

Community

Michigan Road Trip Guide: Farmer’s Markets

Michigan is home to several popular farmer’s markets across the state. Each offers a unique set of produce and hand-crafted goods specific to the local farms and artisans native to the area. These farmers’ markets are worth the road trip.

Health and Wellness

Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Teens and How to Build it Back Up

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.

Health and Wellness

Is Ice Helpful or Harmful in Treating Injuries?

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.

Health and Wellness

What is the Healthiest Way to Cook Steak, Rare or Well-Done?

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.

Steak on the grill
Food and Recipes

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
Diet and Nutrition

Eat Foods that Satisfy You Instead of Following Fads

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.

Health and Wellness

Is it Safe to Take Ibuprofen Before Working Out?

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.

Health and Wellness

What to Know About Prenatal Depression

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.

Things To Do

Michigan Bucket List: Les Cheneaux Islands

Are you looking for a getaway filled with waterfront views, charming small towns and outdoor adventures? On the southeastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Les Cheneaux Islands are an archipelago of 36 small islands nestled along Lake Huron’s scenic shoreline.

Home and Family

How to Help Your Child Build Confidence

Our children's self-esteem can be fragile, especially in a world so driven by social media. Modeling confidence as a parent can help children build their own.

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
Home and Family

5 Simple Ways to Show Your Parents Appreciation

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.

Man with his senior mom
Food and Recipes

How to Cook Dried Beans

Beans are a protein-packed, nutritious and versatile staple of many meals including chili, soup and salad. You easily can cook dried beans in a slow cooker or instant pot.

Food and Nutrition

How to Stop Stress Eating

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.

Prevention

Best Ways to Prevent Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

If you are susceptible to springtime allergies, you'll want to put preventive measures in place to quash symptoms before they start. Here's how to be proactive.

Health and Wellness

Allergies, Exercise and Asthma: How Are They Related?

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

shanthieats

Grilled Swordfish with Caper Salsa Verde

This swordfish is lightly marinated and grilled to perfection. Swordfish is a great selection of fish to grill – it’s meaty enough to hold its texture compared to more delicate options that may fall apart. The salsa verde uses flat leaf parsley as the base herb where a small bit of jalapeño kicks up the heat and capers give it a complex, salty bite.

Home and Family

What is Co-Regulation and How Does it Work?

Through co-regulation, children can learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way from a young age. This helps children understand how to have healthy relationships and learn to self-regulate, skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.

Health and Wellness

Navigating Mother’s Day Celebrations When It’s Hard

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.

Mind

Signs of Depression in People Over 50

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

Depression is a medical condition - sometimes arising out of changing physical and mental abilities. It’s not something to be ashamed of or hide from family or your doctor.
Recipes

How to Cook Millet

Millet is naturally gluten-free, a good source of protein and rich in iron, vitamin B and calcium. Many people around the world enjoy millet and incorporate it as a stable in their breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is popular in dishes such as stir-fries, bowls, salads and cakes.

Community

Hunting for Morel Mushrooms in Michigan? Here's Everything You Need to Know

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

shanthieats

3 Easy Kid-created Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas

This Mother’s Day, why not flip the script? Give Mom a well-deserved break from kitchen duty and let the kids take over with a simple, heartfelt brunch.

Food and Nutrition

Does Protein Promote Healthy Aging?

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.

Food and Nutrition

Spice Up Cinco de Mayo with Two Healthy Recipes

Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Celebrate the occasion with these two creative and healthy recipes.

Health and Wellness

5 Tips to Avoid Alcohol in Social Settings

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.

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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