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Home and Family

Recognizing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Children

What is PDA and who does it affect? Let’s look at this term and a few ways parents can work with their kids to encourage healthy habits.

Health and Wellness

How to Get Rid of Eye Bags

Here’s a look at some of the causes of eye bags and some remedies to reduce their appearance.

Home and Family

How to Ease Kids into a Healthy Back-to-School Routine

Summer break can throw off routines, including dietary and sleep habits. Parents can support a smooth start to the school year by easing children back into routines ahead of time.

Food and Recipes

Don’t Throw Your Fruit Scraps Away! The Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon Rinds, Orange Peels and More

Since we were kids we discarded the pits, peels and seeds from our fruit while eating the tasty flesh. But did you know the parts of the fruit we usually scrap can have health benefits, too?

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Harbor Springs

From the Tunnel of Trees to local parks, there's a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

Health and Wellness

Here’s How I Worked to Overcome Negativity Bias

Here's how contributor Monica Drake has dealt with the normal human experience of giving more weight to negativity than to positivity, called negativity bias.

Podcast

The Loneliness Epidemic: Is AI Helping?

In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic. People need connection; loneliness can raise our blood pressure, increase the risk of mental illness and even heart disease. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director of Behavioral Health Dr. William Beecroft to explain loneliness and whether AI is doing more harm or good. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is loneliness? Is it the same for everyone? How can it affect us? Can AI help with loneliness?

Food and Recipes

Cottage Cheese and Oats Pancakes

Whether you’re making a weekend breakfast, meal prepping for the week or looking for a nourishing option after a workout, these pancakes are an easy way to enjoy a balanced breakfast that will keep you feeling full longer.

Food and Recipes

What are Postbiotics?

There is a third, less-discussed “biotic” called postbiotics. Here's some information about how postbiotics contribute to a healthy digestive system.

Community

Michigan Apple Harvest Dates

The Michigan apple harvest will be at its peak from early August through late October. With more than a dozen types of apples commercially available throughout the state, there is an apple for every taste and recipe.

Health and Wellness

What are Lifetime Sports?

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.

Mental Health

End-of-Summer Anxiety: How to Recognize and Manage 'August Anxiety'

School bells will be ringing before we know it. It's common for kids and parents to feel "August anxiety" this time of year. Here's how to identify and manage it.

Home and Family

Is Your Kid’s Backpack Too Heavy?

Let's take a look at healthy backpack weight, tips on wearing a backpack properly and a few ways to manage backpacks during the school year.

Mother making school lunch to her children.
Community

MI Bucket List: U-Pick Apple Orchards

Some apple orchards in Michigan allow you to start picking apples from early September. Filling a basket of apples on your own can be a fun outdoor activity with family and friends.

Community

How to Hunt for Petoskey Stones 

Hunting for Petoskey stones along Michigan’s shores is a pastime for many, and it’s fun for adults and children alike. Here are tips for looking for Petoskey stones.

Home and Family

What Kids Eat Matters: Smarter Lunches, Sharper Minds

The first day of school is coming up, which means packing lunches will once again be a priority. Here are some healthy ideas chockful of brain-supporting nutrients.

Home and Family

Morning Routines to Win the School Day

It is possible for families to have less stressful mornings. And studies show that consistent routines can result in improved energy, mood and focus for kids and teenagers.

Michigan Outdoors

MI Bucket List: Turnip Rock

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.

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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