How I’ve Celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Without Drinking
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.
Healthy, Kid-Approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats
Creating colorful, creative snacks is a good way to foster a love for healthy eating while making memories. Here are two easy-to-make, nutritious ideas.
When Should Kids Have Caffeine and How Much?
About half of teens consume energy drinks and one-third of teens report drinking coffee regularly. But caffeine, something most adults have daily, isn’t as benign for kids.
The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Ultra-processed Meats and Colorectal Cancer
Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, sausages and deli meats are considered Group 1 carcinogens, a classification that links these foods to cancer.
Teaching Kids to Eat with Intention, Not Distraction
Teaching children how to eat intentionally can help provide them with a lifetime of healthy habits when it comes to food, giving them physical and mental health benefits.
Alcohol-Free Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Trying to steer clear of the shots-and-pints crowd on St. Paddy’s Day? We’ve got some non-alcoholic ways to say cheers to the holiday.
5 Common Household Poisons to Avoid
Sources of poison in a household aren’t hard to find – they are used in many everyday activities around the home and garden. Here's what you need to know about the risks of poisons found in the home.

This Week’s Featured Podcast
How to Stop the Midday Crash
How to Stop the Midday Crash
We've all felt it: you’re cruising through your day and suddenly—bam—it’s 3 p.m. and your eyelids get heavy, your focus dips and a nap sounds like the best idea anyone has ever had. Why does this happen? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Crystal Lee, Medical Director in Clinical Decision Support. Together, they discuss the midday crash, what it is and ways to minimize it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The midday crash Why it happens How to prevent it
What Oils Should You Be Cooking With and Why?
Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil and even the classic vegetable oil. With so many options available, which oils should we be cooking with? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss the different types of cooking oils, which you should be using and why. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Healthy ways to cook with oil Calories and fat in oils Smoke point What oils should you have?
Real Solutions to Rising Prescription Drug Costs
Rising drug prices impact premiums and people alike. Hear how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is putting pharmacy innovations to work to reduce costs and expand access for our members and customers.
Healthy Apple Crisp
When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crisp is made with just a few ingredients.
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?

Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?
Integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, business owner and NASM Master Trainer Angela T. Moore talks about the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions. Are they bad? The answer might surprise you.



















