Prevention
How to Clear Distractions While Driving
Each year, thousands of traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving and as recently as 2022, distracted driving caused more than 3,000 deaths. Even so, more than 45% of drivers have admitted to texting or reading their phone while driving, and even more eat, talk on the phone or reach around their car while driving.
Managing Thanksgiving Stress
While Americans report finding joy and excitement around traditional holidays, almost 9 in 10 also say they also experience stress leading up to and during holiday celebrations. While you can’t avoid all sources of stress, planning ahead and setting personal or social boundaries can help to manage or minimize stress.
How Weather Affects Your Lungs and COPD
COPD exacerbations occur most often when people living with the condition experience extremely cold or extremely hot and humid temperatures.
Risk Factors for Premature Birth
Nearly 1 in 10 women who give birth experience premature or preterm birth, defined as any birth before the 37th week of pregnancy. There are a variety of inherent health factors, environmental factors and lifestyle factors that heighten the risk of premature birth.
What is Prediabetes?
Pre-diabetes refers to elevated blood sugar levels that aren’t high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. However, pre-diabetes can lead to the development of diabetes without lifestyle changes to lower blood sugar levels.
Do Humidifiers Help with Allergies?
Dry air and dust can wreak havoc on allergies, sinuses and skin. Dry air indoors is more common during the winter. Many people use humidifiers to keep their air more humid in the winter months, but do humidifiers help or exacerbate allergies? It depends on the specific allergens and triggers involved.
Common Athletic Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Don't get sidelined by an injury. Here's how to build strength and prevent injuries in the first place.
Is Running Marathons Healthy for Your Heart?
Regular running and exercise are associated with better overall heart health and other health benefits. Americans who follow the American Heart Association guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week have healthier hearts and avoid diseases at higher rates than those who don’t, and those who get 3-5 times that amount of exercise have the best health outcomes.
Balance Exercises for Falls Prevention
The risk of falls and injuries from falls increases as we age due to loss of bone mass, muscle mass and balance. Balance exercises can lower the risk of falling as well as the risk of injuries. Here are some balance exercises that are helpful for balance training and preventing falls and related injuries.
Common Food Safety Issues
There are more than 30 million cases of illness cause by food contamination annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of these cases are preventable with proper cooking, handling and storing practices. Learning proper food preparation practices and getting rid of unhealthy habits in the kitchen can prevent food poisoning and safety issues.
Self-Care Habits I Adopted in the Last Year
In the hustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. I know when my schedule picks up, I have a habit of prioritizing my responsibilities over my own wellness. However, I’ve made the conscious decision to incorporate self-care habits into my routine.
Here's What I Do to Become Less Dependent on My Phone
I think I can speak for almost everyone when I say that my smart phone runs my entire life. Staying connected with friends, listening to music, and mapping me to my next destination. As someone who grew up in a world where cell phones always existed, it is hard for me to imagine a world in which I am not dependent on my smart phone
Could Nutrition Help Fight Acne?
Topical treatments and medications are available and can be very effective for some, but acne can be persistent and hard to deal with.
Mental Health Conversation Starters: Here’s How I Open Up
Mental health, anxiety and depression are topics many people shy away from because they can be uncomfortable to talk about. Breaking the stigma around mental health is extremely important because someone’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
Your Phone Screen Is Dirty: Here’s How to Clean It
People with weaker immune systems may find themselves getting sick from common bacteria found on their cell phones. To avoid contracting those germs, get in the habit of cleaning your device on a regular basis.
Do Babies and Infants Need Sunglasses?
Putting sunglasses on a baby or infant is sure to be cute – but it’s also an important preventive choice to protect the child from sun damage. Learn when kids start to need sunglasses and how to pick out the right set of sunglasses for a baby or infant.
How to Deal with End-of-Summer Anxiety
You may feel anxiety rising as summer nears its end and autumn and winter get nearer. This end-of-summer anxiety can be tied to a few causes. Learn how to recognize and deal with “August anxiety” or the back-to-school blues.
How to Reduce Your Plastic Use
One of the easiest ways to make a real difference when it comes to the environment is by making simple adjustments to your own lifestyle. As awareness of environmental issues grows, people are looking for ways to reduce their plastic use.
Everything You Should Have in Your Beach Bag
Going to the beach is not only fun, but a great way to spend time outside and connect to the natural sights and sounds of an inland lake or one of the Great Lakes. The best way to make sure your beach day is a success is to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of must-haves to include in your beach bag.
Does Heat Affect Blood Pressure?
As temperatures increase, people might notice that their blood pressure is increasing as well. High heat causes blood pressure to increase. It is important to focus on your blood pressure during the summertime because Midwest summers present high temperatures and high humidity.
How to Treat Bee and Wasp Stings
Summer is in full swing, which means people are spending more time outside. It also means that more insects are outside, including bees and wasps. Being stung by a bee or wasp is scary for many people, but it can cause more than pain in some situations.
Tips to Prevent Tick Bites this Summer – 2024 Season
Lyme disease is an emerging disease transmitted by the blacklegged tick in Michigan. In 2024, It has been reported in nearly every county in the state, according to the State of Michigan. Taking prevention measures is one of the smartest ways to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
Foot Safety Tips for Adults and Children
Summertime comes with unique challenges or environments that can harm or endanger foot health and foot safety. With increased time spent active outdoors, in the sun, and barefoot or in open-toed shoes, more care and attention is needed prevent injuries or burns to the feet.
What Even Is UV? Your Guide to the Potentially Harmful Ray
UVA, UVB, UVC: What do these all mean? Here’s how to the know difference and protect yourself from their damage.
The One Thing You Aren’t Doing to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
While the sun can be healing, it can also be harmful. Make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen but remember skin protection from sunlight doesn’t stop there.
11 Tips to Keep Your Skin Sun Safe
Summer is here and the sun is shining. While you are enjoying the heat and daylight, you also have to protect your skin and body.
Buzz Off! How to Keep Mosquitos Far Away
You can protect yourself against West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases by avoiding contact with mosquitos. Here are five tips to help you do just that.
Keep Your Hair Healthy this Summer with These Tips
Damaged hair can say a lot about your health – keep your hair healthy in the hot summer with these diet tips and scalp treatments.
Tips to Prevent Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common and painful overuse injury or condition usually caused by running, tennis, pickleball, dancing, or other standing exercises for extended periods of time. With some preparation, there are self-treatment tips for preventing shin splints or minimizing the pain from shin splints.
How I’ve Been Taking Care of My Mental Health During Pregnancy
Six months ago, I found out I was pregnant with my first child — only two months into the “honeymoon stage” of marriage. To be honest, even at 35 years old, I was not prepared at all!
Did You Know: The Connection Between Vision Health and Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to conditions that affect your vision, such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to prevent these conditions by reading these tips.
Is My Water Bottle Straw Clean?
Water bottles are traveling everywhere with you and collecting the germs from places you go. From errands to work to an outdoor soccer game on the weekends, your water bottle straw is picking up bacteria in those areas.
The Needle-Hater’s Guide to Donating Blood
Does your fear of needles keep you from donating blood? Check out these ways to combat your fear and save lives in the process!
Tips to Manage a Skin Breakout
Breakouts on the skin can be frustrating and uncomfortable. When a breakout happens, there are ways to manage the discomfort and the affected areas. There are also some products, behaviors, and foods to avoid for managing breakouts.
What is Summer Anxiety?
The causes for summer anxiety and depression are broad, but some common causes can be found including sleep issues, schedule changes, and even summer onset seasonal affective disorder.
Easy Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens and Improve Air Quality
Allergens can easily find their way into your home and wreak havoc on your allergies or immune system. Learn how to identify how allergens are entering your home and some easy steps to take to avoid indoor allergens and improve the quality of the air inside.
5 Tips to Avoid Loneliness While Working from Home
Working from home has obvious benefits, but many of us who work remotely know it can also breed loneliness. These tips encourage movement and socialization. They may help you break up the monotony of the remote work day.
Warning Signs to Look for in Children After a Concussion
When a child suffers a fall or a blow to the head, concussion is a concern. It’s important to know the signs of a concussion, warning signs that need immediate care, and what to do for a child who may be concussed.
How Re-Watching Movies and TV Shows Helps Me Cope With My Anxiety
I've found that when I'm feeling depressed or particularly anxious, I will revert to that old childhood habit of watching movies and shows I've already seen. And, when I'm feeling like this, sometimes watching something new will actually make me feel worse.
Could your Laundry be Making your Allergies Worse?
Many triggers or allergies or allergens are found in the home or brought into the home from outside and continue to aggravate and trigger allergy symptoms in the supposed comfort of your own home. One of the most common culprits of allergens in the home is laundry and the laundry room.
Why Is My Skin Breaking Out All of a Sudden?
Skin breaking out in acne or a rash can be scary, irritating and confusing especially if you are not sure what the cause is. Acne most commonly occurs during puberty, but up to 15% of adult women develop acne as well.
Skincare Routine Essentials for Chronic Skin Conditions
It is important to know about your skin, allergies or sensitivities, and skin type whether or not you have a chronic condition. Depending on the severity and extent of chronic skin conditions, certain products or medications may need to be added to a skincare routine.
5 Tips for Surviving Allergy Season
While it’s exciting to head outside and enjoy nature, the change in season also means allergies. Here’s how to nip symptoms in the bud.
Can You Have Pets with a Pet Allergy?
While no furry friend can truly be hypoallergenic, there are some dog breeds or types of pets are better choices for hopeful pet owners who have pet allergies. The cause of most pet allergies is not the pet itself, but the dust and dander that gets trapped in their fur, or allergens they carry inside on their fur.
Are Allergies Affecting My Skin?
When the body encounters allergens or foreign substances that trigger an immune response, it is known as an allergic reaction. The immune response that is triggered affects the skin, manifesting as irritation, redness, scaliness, hives, swelling, and more symptoms of an allergic reaction on the skin.
How Do Skin Allergy Tests Work?
Skin allergy tests can help care teams determine what allergies or sensitivities a patient may or may not have, based on the reactions and results to the test. There are three main types of skin allergy tests given: skin prick tests, intradermal skin tests, and patch tests.
Immunization 101: The Vaccines Your Child Needs to Stay Healthy
Vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year and protect not only those receiving the vaccine, but also everyone around them, particularly those with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Seven Ways to Keep Kidneys Healthy
Chronic kidney disease is a public health crisis that's serious but also preventable. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar are two of the seven ways recommended to keep the kidneys healthy.
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.
The Real Scoop on Colonoscopies
It’s one of those topics people avoid talking about. But the fact is, colonoscopies save lives and it's important to debunk these four common misconceptions surrounding them.
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.
Leading Causes of Cavities in Children
Limiting certain foods and teaching dental hygiene habits at a young age can lead to a lifetime of healthy behaviors while preventing cavities in the process.
PPO vs. HMO: What is the Difference?
The right healthcare plan varies from family to family and person to person. As with any big decision, knowledge is power. Whether you receive insurance through your employer or you’re self-insured, you typically have a choice between the two most common types of managed care plans – health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
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.
Melting Away Winter Health Myths
Not everything you hear about how the winter affects your health is true. As the dead of winter approaches, it's important to be as informed as possible.
Winterize Your Home for a Healthy Season Indoors
As you cozy up at home during the long winter months, take these simple precautions to keep the flu bug and other illnesses at bay.
Shovel Snow Safely: 12 Tips
You shouldn't dive right into snow shoveling without first taking your health into consideration, especially if you have preexisting conditions. These tips should help.
Healthy New Year: Take Baby Steps to Improve Your Health
This year, trade your big New Year's resolutions for small goals that will make you healthier.
‘Alcohol is Not Your Friend:’ BCBSM Medical Director of Behavioral Health Digs into His Passion for Advocating Against Alcohol Abuse
Dr. William T. Beecroft has advocated against alcohol abuse for much of his 40-plus-year health care career. Here, he reflects and shares some candid thoughts.
3 Ways to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays
Holidays can mean overeating to the point of stretchy pants and undoing some waistband buttons. But they don’t have to.
5 Everyday Ways to Live Healthier with Diabetes
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t make choices for a healthier lifestyle.
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.
Preventing Falls at Home: Ways to Reduce the Risk for Seniors
Understanding why seniors are at risk of falling can help individuals, caregivers, friends and families prevent them from happening in the first place.
The Flu Shot: Still Your Best Bet
It’s easy to assume that if you didn’t get the flu shot last year and didn’t get sick, there’s no need to get one this year. But that's one of a few common misconceptions surrounding the flu shot. We address those here.
Know this Acronym to Help Prevent Suicide
Learn about WAIT, which offers simple suicide prevention advice.
Sun Protection Needs by Age
Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.
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.
5 Ways to Choose a Safer Sunscreen
The summer sun can do serious damage to your skin if you are not proactive. These five tips can keep you safe, healthy and unburnt.
How to 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.
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.
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.
Ways to Protect Your Brain Health Through a Healthy Lifestyle
Aging experts say diet, exercise, sleep and social habits play a big role in protecting brain health and preventing mental declines and dementia.
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!
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.
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.
Finding Relief: Who to Talk to When Allergies Strike
Learn how to spot the telltale signs of a new allergy’s development and where to go to receive qualified care and advice.
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.
What’s All the Fuss About Cold Plunges?
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus tries the cold plunge trend and reports back on results.
Everything You Need to Know About Stress
Did you know there are different types of stress? Here’s what you need to know.
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.
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.
Boost Your Brain with These Healthy Foods and Habits
It’s never too early to think about your brain health. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, these tips can help keep your mind young.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Sleep
Tired of tossing and turning? If you’re looking for more restful sleep, a weighted blanket might help.
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.
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.
What is the Best Bread for You?
If you’re looking to pick the healthiest bread for your daily toast, sandwiches or snacks, the good news is, you’ve got a lot of choices.
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.
Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving
If you live at a distance, here are tips for maximizing your caregiver effectiveness – and maintaining your peace of mind.
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.