Physical Health
Parents: The Flu Shot Is For You, Too
The more members of your family who receive the flu shot, the greater the effect the vaccine has on your household. Here's how you protecting yourself can actually help protect others.

Are You Washing Your Hands the Right Way?
Germs are spread when you touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, so it's important to wash them the right way. Especially during flu season.
Fighting Breast Cancer With Food
Healthy eating cannot completely prevent every kind of disease and illness. However, a balanced diet featuring these five foods can help fight against breast cancer.
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.

Health Benefits of Yoga
Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.
Sun Protection Needs by Age
Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.
Give it a Rest: The Health Benefits of Doing Nothing
It's a busy world. But when you take time to do nothing, you can passively check in on both your mental and physical health.
What does SPF Mean?
Myths about sun safety and SPF are common. Here’s what SPF really means and how to use it to keep yourself safe in the sun.
Starting College Out-of-State Was Scary. Here’s How I Coped.
Contributor and summer intern Caitlyn Begosa writes about starting her first year of college out-of-state, and how she learned to adapt.
How to Communicate Your Dietary Restrictions with Others
Millions of people have food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Here are some ways to communicate these with others.
Grilled vs Baked: Which is Healthier?
Grilling is a summer pastime in Michigan, and baking is known to be a healthy way to prepare foods. Which is better?
How to Keep Kids Healthy During Summer Sports Practice
Summertime can be a busy season for kids and sports. Here’s a few tips to keep active kids healthy.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Sweet or tart, cherries are packed with what’s good for you. Here are the health benefits of cherries.

Rare or Well-Done? The Meat Safety Debate
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus reviews the benefits and risks to cooking meat rare or well-done, while keeping safety in mind.
Can You Support Hormone Health with Food?
A hormone imbalance can leave you feeling tired, moody or even a little heavier. Here’s how certain foods can help.
Biohacks to Boost Your Health
Ready to use biohacking to improve your mental and physical health? Here are some of the best biohacks to improve your health.
Benefits of Walking After a Meal
Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.
The Fuel, Fitness and Physicals Men Need for Good Health
Getting appropriate and timely preventive care is an important part of a well-rounded, overall health strategy for men.
5 Things You’re Doing Wrong When Preparing to Grill Meat
Grilling is one of the great American pastimes. But cross-contamination of raw or undercooked meats can make people sick. Here’s what not to do.
Home Remedies for Migraines, Headaches
Headaches are a real pain. But before you reach for medication, try these time-tested home remedies to ease the symptoms.
What to Know About Your Blood Type
Some people know more about their horoscope signs than what type of blood they have. Here are a few things you should know about your blood type.
Does Sunscreen Expire?
Sunscreen can lose its efficacy when improperly stored or owned for too long. Soak up this information so you can soak up the sun safely!

What’s the Healthiest Type of Grill?
Charcoal grills, gas grills and smokers have all seen an uptick in use lately. But which type of grilling method is one or the other the healthiest?
Best Skin Care Routine Essentials for Men
Cleanse, moisturize and protect are the basic steps, but not all men’s skin care routines are the same.
Best Exercises for Seniors at Home
Seniors looking for ways to get fit or maintain their health have plenty of at-home exercises to pick from.
Foods that Kill Nicotine Cravings
Some types of foods can be really helpful for people trying to curb a craving for nicotine.
How to Find the Right Squat Exercise for You
Find the best squat exercises to build muscle and burn calories.
When Do You Need an Electrolyte Drink?
Sipping an electrolyte drink can be a trendy thing to do, but when does your body actually need one?
Signs and Stages of Perimenopause and Menopause
It is important for women to get enough information about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and side effects.
Ways to Reduce Allergens at Home
Most indoor allergen sources can be combatted by taking certain measures around the house.
When You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Cramps
For most women, having cramps is part of having your period. But here are some signs to watch for that mean you might need to talk to your doctor.
Michigan Hikes to Get Your 10,000 Steps In
There are big health benefits to getting 10,000 daily steps. Here are some great places to do that with a view.
Health Benefits of Biking
Get on your bike and ride, and reap the health benefits that come pedaling road bikes, mountain bikes and more.
Best Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.
Tips for Highly Productive People: How to Know When to Rest
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares how to know when it's time to take a break from work and rest.
Managing Remote Work Stress
Stress can creep up on all of us, especially if we’re juggling working from home. Here’s how to better manage remote work stress.
Why You Are More Likely to Get a Sunburn in Spring
In the spring, we can’t wait to get outside. But you are more likely to get a sunburn in the spring.
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.
What’s All the Fuss About Cold Plunges?
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus tries the cold plunge trend and reports back on results.
How to Get Your Steps in Near Michigan’s Soo Locks
If you’re a freighter fan headed to the Soo Locks, check out these nearby trails to get your steps in.
Everything You Need to Know About Stress
Did you know there are different types of stress? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Laughing is Good for You
Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. From a giggle to a guffaw, here are all the ways that laughing is good for you.
Fun Family Activities Perfect for Spring
Warm weather is a great time to get outside with your kids. Give these age-group specific activities a try this spring!
Signs You Might Need a Personal Trainer
Personal training may be worth looking into if you recently recovered from an injury, need help with form or have certain fitness goals in mind.
4 Practical Ways to Start Living in the Present
Do you ever ask yourself, “Is it the weekend yet?” If you do, it might be time for you to start trying to find joy in the present.
Improve Your Walking or Running Form in 3 Steps
Simple tweaks to your running or walking form can help you go farther while preserving the condition of your back, joints and other body parts.
Winning Pickleball Tournaments in their 70s: How the Sport Keeps Seniors Young
Staying active and making new friends: these seniors are reaping the benefits from pickleball, a sport that surged in popularity during the pandemic.
What is Stiff-Person Syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare, progressive autoimmune disorder that affects how a person’s muscles move. Here are the symptoms and treatments.
Habits to Build a Heathy Relationship with Food
Guilt, remorse, stress: These have no place in our feelings about meals and snacks. Here’s how to improve your relationship with food.
Urban Nature Trails in Michigan to Move Your Workout Outside
Grab a pair of sunglasses and your best workout shoes. It’s time to move your next exercise session outdoors.
Plan a Healthy ‘Yes Day’ With Your Kids
There are plenty of ways to take the carefree “Yes Day” concept into summer for a healthy way to connect with your kids. Here are some suggestions.
You Can Do It! The Easiest Way to Prepare for a 5K
This 5K training regimen is for beginners, experienced runners and everyone in between. Training starts two months before race day.
Never Mix These Cleaning Products
So many cleaning products are probably sitting in your home. Here is some helpful information about what cleaning products not to mix.
Michigan Bucket List: Public Golf Courses
Ready to break out your clubs? You’re not alone. Here are some popular public golf courses to check out across the state.
Quick Ways to Make Your Lunch Healthier
If you typically skip your midday meal - or turn to take-out for a fast fix - we’ve got some easy ways you can make your lunch healthier.

6 Things You’re Forgetting to Spring Clean
There may be some parts of your life that may be more cluttered than you realize – and causing you stress. Here are six things to spring clean.
What to Taste Before You Train
Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Sleep
Tired of tossing and turning? If you’re looking for more restful sleep, a weighted blanket might help.
10 Hacks to Make Your Breakfast More Nutritious
Finding new ways to mix protein, healthy fats and good carbs can help get your day off to a good start.
Best Bedtime Stretches to Improve Sleep Quality
Going to sleep with tense muscles is not a recipe for good sleep. Here’s how stretching can improve your zzzz’s.
Five Ways to Prepare for Daylight Saving Time
If the thought of springing your clock forward is not appealing, here are some ways to ease into Daylight Saving Time.
The Real Scoop on Colonoscopies
It’s one of those topics people avoid talking about. But the fact is, colonoscopies save lives.
The Importance of a Good Breakfast
Breakfast is important every morning, partly because of its metabolism-boosting properties. Don’t have time? These grab-and-go ideas should help.
Why 7,000 Brisk Steps is the New Daily Fitness Goal
So long, 10,000 steps. A new study talks about why 7,000 steps each day should be your goal.
Is There a Healthy Energy Drink?
Some trendy new energy drinks market themselves as healthier alternatives to the brands we’ve come to know. Are they actually healthy, though?
Mental Tricks to Make Every Run Feel Easier
A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re huffing and puffing, remember these four tips.
Taking Care of Your Heart and Mental Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Writer and mental health advocate Monica Drake offers a reminder for American Heart Month that taking care of your mental health is good for your heart.
Hot Showers vs Cold Showers
Love showers hot? That packs a lot of body benefits - but so do showers that are downright cold.
Can You Out-Exercise a Bad Diet?
Think you can down a bag of potato chips, eat fries, snack on candy and just exercise away all the bad stuff? Think again.
Diving into Competitive Swimming During Retirement
Ask Donna Mc Minn why she took up competitive swimming during her retirement and she’ll grin and say: “In the pool, no one can see you sweat."
Best Proteins for Heart Health
You may love a double-stacked bacon burger, but it’s not the best choice when you’re trying to get the highest-quality proteins to boost heart health.
Self-Checks to Do at Home
Breast self-exams, temperature checks and even measuring heart rate are all things that can be indicators of how healthy a person is.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
What’s not to love about dark chocolate? It has a rich, flavorful taste and loads of health benefits to make it a good-for-you treat.
Do I Need to See a Doctor if I Have a Cold?
Most bouts with a cold can be handled at home, but other times your body may send warning signs that professional medical help is needed.
Colon Broom Craze: The Health Effects of the Social Media Trend
Laxatives can cause short-term weight loss due to lost water. Overuse or improper use can lead to dehydration and ultimately put you at risk for colon cancer.
Disordered Eating vs. Feeding and Eating Disorders: Signs to Watch For
Learning the different types of eating disorders, as well as the signs of an eating problem, can help as a first step. Here’s what you need to know.
Taming Your Sweet Tooth: How to Cut Back on Excess Sugar
Many adults consume two or even three times the recommended amount of added sugar in a day. But cutting back can be surprisingly easy.
Sound Baths: How to Create One at Home
Surrounding yourself with vibrating and overlapping sounds can be relaxing. Here’s how to create a sound bath at home.
Easy Snacks for Heart Health
You’re going to munch on a handful of nibbles throughout the day, so make sure you’re getting heart-healthy snacks.
Michigan Bucket List: Snowshoeing Trails to Try
Ready to head out on a snowshoeing adventure? Here are some bucket-list worthy trails to try across Michigan.
What is a Food Sensitivity Test?
Food sensitivity tests may give us clues about what causes certain digestive issues. But they are not FDA-approved. So how accurate are they?
Which Cooking Oils Are Best for Heart Health?
Grocery aisles are filled with choices. When it comes to cooking oils, what’s the best choice for your heart health?
4 Ways to Burn Calories During the Big Game
The Big Game is an American tradition, whether you’re a football fan or not. But during this big buffet fest, how can you burn some extra calories?
A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing
Ready to try an easy, new winter sport?Snowshoeing could be your next fun adventure.
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 mean big health benefits.
Preventing Cervical Cancer: Why Pap Test Rules Have Changed
Guidelines on when women should get Pap and HPV screenings for cervical cancer have changed recently. Women should talk to their doctor about options.
Cold Weather Clothing Tips: Gear to Wear and How to Layer
It might be time to shop for winter hats, scarves, jackets and boots if you haven’t already. Here are the best fabrics out there to keep you warm this winter.
Transitioning from a Vegetarian Diet to Eating Meat
Contemplating eating meat again? Ethical and dietary reasons may give you pause, but these tips can help ease the transition.
Resolve to Make Self-Care a Priority in the New Year
Lose weight. Get a new job. Be happier. Instead of setting hard-to-reach goals, why not let self-care be a New Year’s resolution?
Why Indoor Plants Are Good for Your Mental Health
Ready to lower your blood pressure and feel more relaxed? Invest in a few new indoor plants.
What is a Healthy Weight?
Determining a healthy weight depends on what is proportionate to a person’s size. BMI is not perfect, but it can help indicate future health risks.
Why Walking Your Dog is Healthy for You, Too
Did you know dog owners are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into a week than non-dog owners? The benefits only begin there.
Table Tennis Helps Michigan Man Lose Weight, Stay Active in Retirement
Don’t call it ping pong. This is table tennis. On a recent weekday afternoon several men, aged 50-plus, are breaking a sweat.
How to Start an Exercise Routine that Works for You
Focusing on your target heart rate and switching up your workouts can help unlock an exercise routine that works for you. Here are more keys:
What Sleep Tracking Can Tell You About Your Health
Sleep tracking technology can provide valuable information about sleeping patterns, but they’re not the end-all, be-all.
Winter Night Hikes Across Michigan
Walking in the winter can be a hushed, beautiful experience. But what about winter night hikes? Those can be magical.
How to Get Vitamin D Without Sunlight
It’s not always easy to get vitamin D during the winter. A few dietary tweaks can help make up for that lack of winter sunlight.
Why is the First Five Minutes of a Workout So Hard?
There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.
5 Unusual Health Tips for a Daily Better Life
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus shares five unusual health tips that most people don’t know about.
The Upper Peninsula’s Eben Ice Caves: Winter Hiking 101
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is full of surprises, including winter ice caves. Get helpful tips on how to hike properly in the winter.