Shandra Martinez

Community

Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2024

It’s time to sign up for Turkey Trots. These holiday races offer runners of any level a chance to go outside and get moving with family and friends. The races are a fun way for everyone to have fun and burn some calories before gearing up to celebrate the rest of the day.

Health and Wellness

Best Workouts to Manage Stress

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Here is how tweaking your exercise schedule can help you manage those feelings.

Mind

The Importance of Practicing Gratitude

Feeling thankful for what you have can improve your life in so many ways. We’re sharing some tips for learning the art of practicing gratitude.

Shot of a beautiful young woman practicing yoga at home
Body

Health Benefits of Yoga

Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.

Community

Why Yooperlites Are a Pure Michigan Rock-Hunting Quest 

Ready for a late-night adventure that will land you some rocks that glow in the dark? Then you’re ready to find Yooperlites.

yooperlites_official
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

Brain-Sharpening Exercises and Activities 

Just like our bodies, our brains change as we age. But there are exercises and activities that can slow or even prevent some of that decline.

Old Woman make exercise why she is protected Alzheimer's disease
Health and Wellness

How Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Your Body

It might seem as simple as updating a few clocks in your home, but Daylight Saving Time can take a toll on some people’s overall health.

White alarm clock in the morning. Young man sleeps in the background.
Food and Recipes

Best Ways to Make Your Diet Heart Healthy 

Want to make some heart-healthy changes to your diet? It’s easier than you might think and it starts with some basic meal-planning tips.

Healthy food on a heart shape cutting board. Love of food concept with fruit, vegetables, grains and high fibre foods. Rustic wood textures
Food and Recipes

Which Cooking Oils Are Best for Heart Health? 

Grocery aisles are filled with choices. All oils are a type of fat, so they should be used sparingly compared to other ingredients in your diet. But there are some easy ways to tell which oils are better for your health.

Young woman preparing food at home using olive oil
Health and Wellness

How Sleep Syncing Can Give You a Better Night’s Rest

Have you heard of sleep syncing? This TikTok trend could lead you down a path toward better sleep. Here are the bullet points.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Ice Tree in Gaylord

Michigan is home to many winter marvels, including the “world’s largest ice tree” in Gaylord.

Health and Wellness

4 Reasons Valentine’s Day is Good for Your Heart 

Chocolate, wine and a trip around the dance floor are hallmarks of Valentine’s Day. But they can also be good for your heart.

Shot of a happy young couple playing with cut out red hearts in bed at home
Food and Recipes

Is Peanut Butter Healthy?

Peanut butter lovers may be aware of some of the pros and cons associated with their rich, creamy snack of choice. Let's dive into those, as well as some of the lesser-known peanut butter health facts.

Community

Michigan-Themed Valentine’s Day Ideas 

How do you know you’re from The Mitten State? Maybe it’s because you know just how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun, friends - and a little bit of love.

A mixed race senior couple joyfully embrace a snow shower while out for a walk in the forest. They are wearing snowshoes and warm clothing. The woman has her arms raised and is looking up at the falling snowflakes. The woman's husband is in the background walking towards her. He is smiling and watching her joyous display.
Health and Wellness

How Dancing Can Help Your Heart Health

If having a heart-healthy lifestyle is on your goals list for this year, dancing can help.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Ice Fishing

During the winter, Michigan is known for its world-class ice fishing. Here are 10 lakes that are anglers’ favorites.

Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in Cadillac

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Biggest Sledding Hills in Michigan

If you love sledding, you’re in the right place. Here’s our list of favorite sledding hills across Michigan.

Health and Wellness

Why Tanning Beds Don’t Help with Seasonal Depression

Thinking about popping into a tanning bed to ward off the winter blues? Not so fast.

Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in Tawas City

There’s a lot to discover in this northeastern Michigan community during the winter.

Home and Family

Sledding Hill Safety Tips

The thrill of whooshing down a sledding hill is fun for all ages. But sledding comes with risks, too.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Great Lakes Ice Formations

The Great Lakes delivers some spectacular ice formations during the winters. Here’s what to look for.

Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in Fenton

There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the winter.

Health and Wellness

How Washing Your Face Can Help Your Brain

Cleansing your face each day has bigger benefits than just healthy-looking skin.

Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in Munising

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the winter.

Food and Recipes

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives 

From soy to almond milks, let’s look at the pros and cons of milk alternatives when it comes to your health and the environment.

Health and Wellness

Get Outside in Nature This Winter: Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health 

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should stay cooped up inside. A little outside time can lead to big health benefits.

Father with three kids running in beautiful winter forest. The little girl is aged 10 and her brothers are aged 7. Cold winter day
Health and Wellness

Decluttering for the New Year 

Clutter doesn't always refer to physical items. If your house and your life feel a little messy, it’s time to declutter for the New Year. Here are some tips.

Millennial man organizing his book collections
Food and Recipes

Whole Foods to Eat in the Winter 

In the colder months especially, using whole foods to create nourishing and satisfying meals is one way to give ourselves a delicious health boost. 

Woman shopping in the produce section
Health and Wellness

What is a Disney Rash?

What is a Disney Rash? It looks like a rash, but it’s really not. 

Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in Rochester

There’s a lot to discover in this Southeastern Michigan community during the winter.

Home and Family

Activities for Holiday Fun with Your Kids

Children make the holidays brighter. Make sure you set aside some special activities just for them, like the five ideas listed here.

Cute 5 years old girl making cookies for Christmas with her mom.
Home and Family

Natural Home Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

Ready to make your own natural cleaners? We’ll show you how.

Home and Family

When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree

Do you love to let the holidays linger? When is the right time to take down your Christmas tree?

Home and Family

How to Start an Indoor Winter Garden

If your green thumb needs a new project, try starting an indoor winter garden.

Health and Wellness

3 Tips to Ease Travel Anxiety

If stress has become an uninvited guest on your vacations or work trips, you may have travel anxiety.

Things To Do

5 Things to Do This Winter in Spring Lake

There’s a lot to discover in this West Michigan community during the winter.

Community

Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide 

Ready to save money and go easy on the Earth this season? Buy your friends and family sustainable gifts.

Smiling young woman wrapping Christmas presents with recycled paper
Community

5 Things to Do This Winter in St. Ignace

There’s a lot to discover in this community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the winter.

Health and Wellness

5 Meditations to Try

Ready to add a little more zen to your life? Try these 5 kinds of meditations.

Community

Winter Break Activities in West Michigan

Step into a warm-water splash zone, join a museum mini camp, or skate away through a lighted forest trail. Winter Break activities are all about adventure. 

Food and Recipes

Foods to Help Digestion and Bloating

The foods we eat, even our history with food, can impact our daily digestion.

Food and Recipes

What is a Mocktail?

Call it a mocktail, a virgin version or a non-alcoholic drink. They’re the hottest things on the beverage menu right now.

Community

5 Things to Do in This Winter in Traverse City

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.

Home and Family

How to Raise the Humidity in Your Home

Cold weather means your furnace is kicking on, and drying out the air in your home.

Community

What are Blue Zones?

Blue Zones are all the buzz when it comes to healthy living - and living longer.

Health and Wellness

Overcoming Post-Vacation Blues

If getting back from a trip gives you the blues, here’s how to overcome post-vacation depression.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Bay City

There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the fall.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets add a sparkle to the holiday experience. Here is a list of some of the markets taking place across Michigan this season.

Community

Benne Anderson to Lead GRPS Turkey Trot as Honorary Race Director

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Rogers City

There’s a lot to discover in this community along Michigan’s sunrise coast during the fall.

Home and Family

Real vs. Artificial Trees: What’s Best for You? 

It comes down to personal choice, but there’s a lot to consider when deciding between a real Christmas tree and an artificial one.

A boy with Downs syndrome decorates a Christmas tree
Community

Michigan Bucket List: Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

If you love ice skating, you’ll want to check out these outdoor ice skating rinks and enjoy this fun winter activity.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Three Oaks

There’s a lot to discover in this Southwest Michigan community during the fall.

Food and Recipes

10 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes More Nutritious

It’s time to push aside the gravy boats and heavy sauces for healthier holiday options.

Health and Wellness

Foods to Avoid with a UTI

Can the foods you eat make urinary tract infections worse? 

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Houghton

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall. 

Food and Recipes

Best and Worst Ways to Cook a Turkey 

There are so many different ways to cook a turkey. Let’s look at some of the best - and worst - ways to get this big bird onto your holiday table.

Preparing table for New year dinner
Community

What is the Importance of November 11?

What is the importance of Nov. 11, and what does it have to do with military service? Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is marked each year on Nov. 11. On that day, we honor and thank all those who are currently or have been a part of our United States Armed Forces.

Things To Do

Michigan Islands: What are some of the most popular?

We all know Michigan’s most famous island, but it’s just one of hundreds along Michigan’s coasts.

Food and Recipes

Tips for Decoding Egg Labels

Free-range. Cage-free. Organic. What do all these words on your egg cartons really mean?

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Harbor Springs

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

Community

Triathlete with Cerebral Palsy Writes about “Impossible Mile”

Johnny Agar, who competes in triathlons with his dad, is the author of the bestseller, "The Impossible Mile: The Power in Living Life One Step at a Time."

Johnny Agar with his dad, Jeff.
Food and Recipes

High-Protein Meat Alternatives that Vegetarians Love

Worried about not getting enough protein as a vegetarian? There’s actually lots to choose from.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Northport

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

Health and Wellness

Exercises for Joint Health

Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.

Home and Family

Safety Hacks for Pumpkin Carving

Knife-related hand injuries soar around Halloween for kids and teens. Here are some safety hacks for pumpkin carving.

Community

How to Find Fresh Local Fish in Michigan

Ready to find your freshest locally-caught fish? We’ll show you how.

Food and Recipes

How to Survive Your First Month as a Vegetarian

Ready to go vegetarian? Here are some tips to make that first month easier.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Marquette

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall.  

Food and Recipes

Are Eggs Vegetarian?

Leaning toward a vegetarian diet and want to know if you can include eggs? Read on for more details.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: U-Pick Pumpkin Patches 

Pumpkin patches are a fall treat in Michigan. Find a good one, then stay for a wagon ride, eat a donut and do a little pumpkin bowling.

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Coldwater

There’s a lot to discover in this Southern Michigan community during the fall.

Food

Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread

If you love a thick-cut slice of sourdough bread, you’ll like the health benefits that come with it.

Michigan Outdoors

5 Things to Do This Fall in Port Huron

Located along Michigan's Thumbcoast, Port Huron is a vibrant waterfront community.

Food and Recipes

Hidden Sources of Sugar in Your Breakfast

From popular coffee drinks to cups of low-fat yogurt, do you know where the extra sugar is hiding in your breakfast foods?

Food and Recipes

What Are the Health Benefits of Apples

Full of fiber and other perks, apples come with lots of health benefits.

Food and Recipes

No-Cook Tailgate Recipes to Make for Game Day

A delicious part of football season is the tradition of a tailgate spread on game day. We've got you covered with these recipes.

Michigan Outdoors

5 Things to Do This Fall in Whitefish Point / Paradise

There’s a lot of natural beauty to explore in the Upper Peninsula community of Whitefish Point / Paradise.

Community

ArtPrize Artist Connects Art, Healing in Piece Made with Robot Vacuum

Amanda Koss is showing her paintings "Self" and "Dustbin Timberlake" at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan office in downtown Grand Rapids during the annual art festival.

Home and Family

Top 10 Scents to Make Your House Smell Good Naturally

Think about the signature scent you would like to create – or even a different one for each room.

Food and Recipes

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Here’s a step-by-step process for making your own version of the autumn classic at home.

Michigan Outdoors

5 Things to Do This Fall in Frankenmuth

This Mid-Michigan community is a popular destination for people who like to celebrate Bavarian traditions and Christmas year-round. 

Home and Family

Simmer Pot Recipes for a Fresh-Smelling Home

Simmer pot recipes are an easy, affordable and natural way to have your home smelling good. Check out our recipes.

Food and Recipes

A Healthy Diet for People with Alzheimer’s

Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?

Community

5 Things to Do This Fall in Belleville

There’s a lot to discover in this lakeside community southwest of Detroit during the fall.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Apple Orchards to Explore This Fall 

Nothing says fall in Michigan like filling a bushel basket full of freshly-picked apples. If you want to put a U-pick day on your list this autumn, we can help.

Michigan Bucket List: Apple Orchards to Explore This Fall 
Mind

Know this Acronym to Help Prevent Suicide

Learn about WAIT, which offers simple suicide prevention advice.

Community

Where to Find Adaptive Kayaking Launches

Adaptive kayak launches offer easy in and out designs for paddlers of all mobility levels. Here are some places to find them.

Food and Recipes

What is Millet?

Looking for a new high-fiber food to add to your diet? Jump on the millet bandwagon.

Community

Why Pickleball is a Heart-Healthy Sport

Pickleball is a great sport for your heart health, no matter your age.

Community

5 Things to Do This Summer in Three Rivers

From the arts and cultural events to recreational activities, there’s a lot to do in Three Rivers during the summer.

Home and Family

5 Insider Tips on How to Shop Smarter and Healthier at the Grocery Store

Registered dietician Shanthi Appelö shares five tips for how to shop smarter and healthier in the grocery store.

Mind

The Health Benefits of Grounding

Swim in a lake, walk in the grass or lay on the sand and you might get the benefits from grounding.

Food

Insects: Are They the Protein of the Future?

Ready for some flash-fried crickets in a cup? How about a serving of steamed silkworms? Insects might be the protein of the future.

Fitness

What’s the Best Diet for Workout Recovery?

Feeling a little tired or run-down after your last workout? Here’s what you should be eating afterward to speed your recovery.

Community

5 Things to Do This Summer in Grayling

With its prime location on the AuSable River, there are a lot of things to do in Grayling during the summer.

Prevention

Sun Protection Needs by Age

Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.

Food

Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich?

It’s meat in between bread. Does that make it a sandwich? And can it shorten your life?

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