Whole Person Health

Whole Person Health

How Vitamin D Can Help with Healthy Aging

Taking a Vitamin D supplement is associated with better aging, according to a new study. Let’s take a look at the results of this new study, the risks of taking supplements and ways to get more vitamin D into your diet.

Whole Person Health

How to Help Your Kid Prepare for a Medical Emergency at School

Whether or not your kid has a medical condition such as diabetes or allergies, it’s important to ensure kids know what to do in case of an emergency.

Whole Person Health

Lemon Garlic Salmon with Herb-whipped Feta

This delicious summer appetizer strikes the balance between simplicity, nutrition and restaurant-quality flavor.

Whole Person Health

Fostering A Better Understanding of Disabilities for Youth

Children are impressionable. By modeling appropriate behaviors, they can better learn how to appropriately interact with and treat others. These can be meaningful qualities when interacting with members of the disabled community.

Whole Person Health

Hidden Michigan Beaches

If you don’t like your beach time with a side of crowds and noise, check out these low-key beaches across Michigan.

Sunset on the beach
Whole Person Health

What’s the Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt?

Americans are consuming more yogurt than ever. Let’s look at kefir, yogurt and how these dairy products compare.

Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Sleeping Bear Dunes

This summer, take your family on a trip to see the amazing views, forested trails and freshwater lakes to experience this part of our beautiful state.

Whole Person Health

Rating the Health Value of Trendy Sauces and Condiments

From hot honey to Korean gochujang, the sweet and spicy combination is en vogue. But do these sauces and condiments provide any nutritional benefits?

Whole Person Health

Health Benefits of Yoga

Research shows that regularly practicing yoga can benefit our health. Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your physical and mental health in a myriad of ways.

Whole Person Health

Biggest County Fairs in Michigan   

The summer is county fair season in Michigan! These events are always a great way to celebrate community traditions. Many of the largest ones kick off in mid-July. Here are 20 of the most prominent upcoming county fairs in Michigan.

Tulip Carnival VIII
Whole Person Health

What’s a Safe Temperature to Cook Your Meat?

It’s always important to take precautions and educate yourself on proper food hygiene, especially when it comes to cooking meat.

Whole Person Health

The Benefits of Boredom

Games and social media apps, music streaming services and an endless supply of podcasts make it easy to avoid being bored. But do you ever have good ideas for a work or home project when you are in the shower or on a walk?

Whole Person Health

Strawberry Lemongrass Sorbet

While many frozen treats are loaded with added sugars and ultra-processed ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make something indulgent and nourishing at home.

Whole Person Health

3 Healthy Fourth of July Recipes

This year, consider swapping out some of the heavy, traditional dishes for lighter, plant-forward options that don’t sacrifice flavor. Here are three simple, wholesome recipes that spotlight the best of Michigan’s summer harvest.

Whole Person Health

Whitefish Tacos with Red, White and Blue Slaw

Fresh-caught Great Lakes whitefish pairs well with creamy, citrusy slaw for delicious tacos.

Whole Person Health

Barbecue Corn “Ribs”

A playful and healthier take on a backyard staple, these corn “ribs” transform sweet corn into a smoky, satisfying side.

Whole Person Health

When is it Too Hot for Kids to Play Outside?  

The heat has been intense in Michigan over the last week or so. Before letting your kids play outside, it's important to take these tips and advice into consideration.

The National Weather Service (NWS) states that a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit poses a significant health risk to children.  
Whole Person Health

Should You Try Protein Coffee?

Putting protein in coffee is yet another social media trend. Let’s look at “proffee” and whether it’s worth a try.

Whole Person Health

Does Grounding Have Health Benefits?

Grounding is a practice that involves contact with the ground, and practitioners say it has health benefits. Let's look at these claims.

Whole Person Health

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit: The Many Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are packed full of antioxidants, protein, complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. It's no wonder that popular kids jingle suggested to eat them with every meal.

Whole Person Health

Is it a Dairy Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Let’s look at the symptoms of each and how to manage the conditions.

Whole Person Health

Milk Safety Overview: The Dangers of Raw Milk and the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives

June is National Dairy Month, a good time to look at the pros and cons of dairy milk, how dairy compares to milk alternatives and the dangers of raw milk.

Whole Person Health

Why You Should Eat More Flavonoids

A study found those who ate more flavonoids, a plant chemical in many fruits and vegetables, aged better than those who had a lower flavonoid intake. Let’s look at flavonoids, associated health outcomes and how to add more flavonoids to your diet.

Whole Person Health

3 Healthy Father’s Day Recipes

Prioritizing health doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. It’s an opportunity to reimagine Father’s Day favorites with a fresh and wholesome twist.

Whole Person Health

Nutritional Value of Broccoli vs Asparagus: Which is Healthier?

Produce provides essential vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and nutrients. But it is interesting to compare the nutritional value of certain foods. Take broccoli vs. asparagus – which is healthier?

Healthy kitchen
Whole Person Health

What is a Color Walk?

A color walk is a type of walking meditation in which you pick a color and search for items in various shades. This kind of walk combines exercise with meditation.

Whole Person Health

Is Dried Fruit Healthy?

When it comes to convenient snacks, dried fruit has been a staple for centuries. While dried fruit has its benefits, there are some health considerations to keep in mind.

Whole Person Health

What is Brain Rot?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at your screen after a long scroll through TikTok until the early hours of the morning, you might be experiencing what the internet has dubbed “brain rot.”

Whole Person Health

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
Whole Person Health

Navigating Mother’s Day Celebrations When It’s Hard

Have self-compassion and don’t feel like you need to enjoy or recognize Mother's Day. Allow yourself to feel the emotions you have rather than pressuring yourself to feel happy or joyful.

Whole Person Health

5 Tips to Avoid Alcohol in Social Settings

Sidestepping alcohol at social events when you're trying to avoid drinking can be difficult. Consider reading these tips on how to stay sober in social settings and apply the ones that might work for you.

Whole Person Health

The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce

Certain fruits and vegetables are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.

Whole Person Health

Skin Care Products Teenagers Should Not Use

Skin care products promise glowing, healthy skin and anti-aging benefits. However, these luxury and often pricy items are not suitable for children and teens.

Whole Person Health

What is Millet?

If you've wondered what millet is and what millet looks like, you've come to the right place. Millet is a high-fiber food that's part of the cereal grain family. Jump on the millet bandwagon.

Whole Person Health

Grilling vs Baking: Which is Healthier? 

Grilling is a summer pastime in Michigan, and baking is known to be a healthy way to prepare foods. We all know the grilled food is healthier than fried food, but how does the grilling method stack up against baked food?

Midsection of family outdoors on garden barbecue, grilling.
Whole Person Health

Should You Be Concerned About Cortisol?

Trends and posts on social media blame cortisol for a host of problems, including fatigue and puffy faces, and promote diets and wellness drinks to lower your levels. But is this necessary and healthy? Let’s take a look at what cortisol is, when it is unhealthy and what you should focus on when it comes to health and stress.

Whole Person Health

Driving Distractions You Should Curb

Whether a person takes their eyes off the road, removes their hands from the steering wheel or doesn’t pay attention, distracted driving is a danger to everyone on the road. 

Whole Person Health

What is Pebbling?

Pebbling is the practice of sending these memes, or “pebbles,” as an appreciation practice for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who present rocks to other penguins they are bonding with to use in nesting.

Whole Person Health

What’s the Difference Between Vegans and Vegetarians?

There are differences and nuances to both diets. Here are the main points in separating veganism from vegetarianism, including nutritional obstacles people who adopt these diets may encounter.

A person prepares to eat a mixed veggie bowl.
Whole Person Health

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

Between busy schedules and other daily chores, it’s easy to forget or put off changing your sheets as often as you should. Regularly washing your bed sheets is essential to maintain a clean and healthy sleeping environment.

Whole Person Health

Should I Eat High Protein Ice Cream Instead?

Made with added protein, low-fat milk or milk alternative and sugar substitutes, these pints are marketed as “healthier” and “guilt free.” But are they? Let’s look at high protein ice cream, the claims around the dessert and whether it’s worth buying instead of regular ice cream.

Whole Person Health

Diet Tweaks to Improve Sleep Quality

Want to get better, more consistent sleep? Improving sleep quality may be a few diet tweaks away. Here’s how food affects the sleep cycle, and which foods promote and disrupt a good night’s sleep.

Whole Person Health

How Rewatching 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. 

Whole Person Health

What I’m Doing Instead of Drinking This St. Patrick’s Day

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.

Whole Person Health

Should I Cold Plunge Before or After a Workout?

Cold plunges can be a complementary recovery method to vigorous exercise. But exactly when should you take the plunge? Here's what the research suggests.

Whole Person Health

Is Laughing Good For You?

Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. But why is laughing good for you, exactly? From a giggle to a guffaw, here is why laughing is healthy, including lists of short and long-term benefits.

Laughter is the best medicine
Whole Person Health

I Exercised Without Music for A Week: Here’s What I Learned

For as long as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my workout routine. I decided to put my reliance on music to the test and spent a week exercising in complete silence. The results surprised me.

Whole Person Health

2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With

Many of us are looking for keto soup and high protein soup recipes this winter to complement our fitness goals. Check out these two hearty winter soup recipes, both of which are health and easy to make.

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Are Seed Oils Good or Bad for the Heart?

Seed oils are oils extracted from plants; the eight most common are canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, soy, rice bran, sunflower and safflower. Let’s look at the relationship between seed oils and heart health.

Whole Person Health

The Health 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.

dark chocolate
Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: Thinking About Trying Pilates? Here are 8 Tips for Beginners

Pilates is a low-impact, core-strengthening workout suitable for everyone. Thinking of signing up? First check out these tips provided by Michigan fitness instructor Julia Collins, who has 21 years of experience in the field.

Whole Person Health

Are You Sensitive to Certain Noises? There’s a Name for That

The two primary sound sensitivity disorders are misophonia and hyperacusis. Misophonia causes emotional, physical or behavioral responses to triggering noises, while hyperacusis results in pain or discomfort from noises that are not loud but affect the individual as if they are loud or painful sounds.

Whole Person Health

How to Read Nutrition Labels

Nutrition labels on packaged foods are there to help you understand what’s in them and how you can make healthy choices.

Whole Person Health

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.
Whole Person Health

10 Places to Walk Indoors During Michigan Winters

Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.

Whole Person Health

What is Silent Walking?

Silent walking is the idea of a focused, silent walk without listening to music, podcasts, conversation, or other activities often used during runs or walks. The goal of silent walking is to focus your mind and body on the walk, on the world around you, and to use the walk as a meditative experience.

Whole Person Health

How is Quality of Life Measured?

While it isn’t easy to define in a simple number, taking time to consider our satisfaction with our daily lives, relationships, health and environment can allow us to practice gratitude for what we have and make changes in other areas.

Whole Person Health

5 Health Issues New Moms Should Be Aware Of

In the six to eight weeks following childbirth, women are in the postpartum period. As you transition to motherhood, your body is also healing and recovering after pregnancy and childbirth.

Whole Person Health

2025 Nutrition and Health Trends and Predictions

Expect high protein food products, foods that promote healthy aging and functional water to be among the trendiest food and beverage items of 2025.

Whole Person Health

Is Social Media Influencing Your Health Decisions?

While health content like recipes and workout inspiration can be helpful, it’s a good idea to be mindful of red flags when influencers push products or plans.

Whole Person Health

Are Eggs Vegetarian?

Even though eggs come from poultry, they are still usually included under the broad umbrella of what vegetarians eat. That’s because they don’t contain what’s considered the meat or muscle of an animal.

Whole Person Health

How to Present a Positive Self-Image While You Try to Lose Weight

Cultivating a positive sense of self while you work on weight loss is an important part of the process as poor body image is associated with anxiety and stress.

Whole Person Health

Processed Food vs. Ultra-processed Food

When it comes to food, “processed” and “ultra-processed” are not interchangeable terms. Products that are processed are also not inherently unhealthy. A better understanding of the difference between these terms may change your approach the next time you shop for groceries.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Give it a Rest: The Health Benefits of Doing Nothing 

Taking breaks to unplug and do nothing shouldn't be associated with laziness. Research shows that carving out time to do nothing here and there can be beneficial to the body and mind.

A woman lying in a hammock enjoying the health benefits of doing nothing
Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: Give These Low Impact Exercises and Activities a Try this Winter

Don't let the icy temperatures deter you from staying fit this winter. Let this list of outdoor and indoor exercises spark some motivation.

Whole Person Health

The Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

Heading outside for exercise is a great way to improve your mental and physical health during the winter. One fun and healthy way the whole family can get winter exercise is cross-country skiing.

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Sledding Hill Safety Tips

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

Whole Person Health

Ways I Mentally Prepare and Cope with the Winter Semester

In my experience, the winter or spring semester of college is more challenging both mentally and physically than the fall. As I prepare for my last semester of school, here are some tips to finish strong.

Whole Person Health

5 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit

Celebrate the Jewish “festival of lights” by attending one or more of these five Hanukkah celebrations happening in or around Detroit.

Menorah in the D
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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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Tips for an Alcohol-Free Holiday Season

More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

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Find Your Fit: Barre Fitness Keeps Your Joints ‘Nice and Happy’ With Low-Impact Strength Training

Barre is a blend between ballet-inspired movements, Pilates, yoga and weight work. It's a strength training exercise that promotes flexibility and functional strength. And as one Southeast Michigan trainer can attest, it also creates a sense of community.

Whole Person Health

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.

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Does Turkey Actually Make You Sleepy?

Let’s take a look at the myth around turkey and the reasons you may want a nap after your Thanksgiving feast.

Whole Person Health

Health Benefits of Using a Sauna

Saunas are small, cozy rooms that are typically heated via wood or electric to reach a high temperature. The exact temperature depends on the individual sauna, but most will hover around 185 degrees. Saunas are set to a level that has people breaking out in a sweat within a minute or two of entering the room.

Whole Person Health

What are the Benefits of Breathwork?

The basic principle of breathwork practices is to view the breath as a calming tool that accesses deeper states of awareness, healing and relaxation. Here are some techniques and benefits.

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Find Your Fit: Bounce Your Way to a Great Cardio Workout Using a Mini Trampoline

Bounce is a cardiovascular-based, mini trampoline workout offered at fitness studios across Michigan. You can also do it at home. Before trying it, read what Ypsilanti-based fitness instructor Sarah Kreiner has to say about Bounce as a workout, and what beginners should know before they try it.

Whole Person Health

6 Tips to Become a Morning Person

Maybe you feel like you’re dragging your feet or a step behind in the morning, or just wish you were more productive or active when you first get up. Becoming a morning person can be a hard adjustment but can be made much easier by setting yourself up for success by getting good sleep and changing some habits.

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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.

Whole Person Health

How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health

The mind-gut connection has been the target of increasing study in recent years. Not only has research shown the connection, but there’s been more awareness by people who battle depression and anxiety that they often have to deal with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and stomach upset.

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The Benefits of Joining a Running Group

Learn how joining a running club can help you with your physical and mental health.

Whole Person Health

How to Create a Personal Mental Health Check-In

Taking time to check in with yourself is a powerful practice for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Follow these tips to create a personal health check in:

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Why Do Some People Love Getting Scared?

Even if getting scared isn’t an enjoyable experience for you, you probably know someone who is a thrill-seeker or enjoys frights and scary movies, haunted houses or rollercoasters. What is it about getting scared that is fun or enjoyable for some people?

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Michigan Bucket List: Michigan Cider Mills

As summer gives way to fall, it’s time for a visit to a cider mill to enjoy apple picking, apple cider and donuts.

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Benefits of Playing Youth Sports

As of 2020, more than 54% of school-aged children in the United States participated in youth sports. Youth sports are associated with higher levels of physical activity and improved physical and mental health. There are multiple benefits to participation in youth sports.

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Is a Gluten-Free Diet Right for You?

Whether it's for health reasons or a curiosity, you might be wondering if a gluten-free diet is right for you. Going gluten-free is a commitment and requires both dietary and lifestyle changes. For some, consuming gluten can lead to serious health concerns, while others may choose to avoid it in hopes of better health.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: Sneak a Full-Body Workout in at the Playground With These Tips

If you are one of those people that struggle to fit a workout into your busy schedule, you can be efficient and accomplish two things at once by working out on the playground while looking after your kids.

Whole Person Health

How to Support a Family Member in Assisted Living

Having a family member in assisted living can be difficult for everyone involved. People who move into assisted living can struggle with a loss of independence, leaving their home or fears of fewer family visits. Family members of those in assisted living may feel guilt, helplessness and concern.

Whole Person Health

Signs and Risk Factors of Malnutrition

If there is an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs and the nutrients you are able to eat and absorb it can cause malnutrition. Undernutrition is most common condition associated with malnutrition but there can be other causes as well. Malnutrition includes undernutrition as well as overnutrition, or an imbalance of nutrients

Whole Person Health

Practicing Self-Care While Grieving

Taking care of yourself and being mindful of your mental and overall health can be especially difficult when you are grieving. Self-care is important during times of loss, even though it may be difficult. Here are some ideas and tips for taking care of yourself and being mindful of your personal mental health while you grieve.

Whole Person Health

5 Creative Ways to Support Someone with Cancer

It can be difficult to know how to respond when a friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Emotional support and encouragement can be helpful to cancer patients, but often, cancer patients have logistical, physical and financial needs that you can help them with. Here are five creative ways to help someone with cancer.

Whole Person Health

Surprising Health Benefits of Labor Day

You may associate Labor Day with barbecues, fun and the end of summer, but Labor Day has long been tied to public health. The origins of Labor Day include movements for better workplace health protections and improved quality of life for workers. Here are some health benefits from Labor Day that may surprise you.

Whole Person Health

What I Do to Combat Loneliness in College

When I imagined what life would be like in college, I never once considered I would be lonely. I had pictured an ideal movie montage in my head of staying up late, surrounded by friends and going to fun social events whenever I felt like it.

Whole Person Health

Shed Calories and Build Friendships: POUND Fitness Combines Cardio, Pilates and Drumming

POUND is a cardio-based workout that incorporates Pilates, core strengthening and arm and leg movements. But you won't just burn calories; instructor and Grass Lake resident Crystal Scott can attest to POUND's mental benefits.

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How to Pick Out Running and Walking Shoes

It’s easy to ask a friend for a recommendation, but their body, stride and injury-risk are different than yours. Learn how to pick out running and walking shoes that will help you stay healthy and meet your goals.

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Could A Low-FODMAP Diet Be Helpful For Your Sensitive Stomach?

FODMAPS, an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, are a group of carbohydrates in fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy. Foods high in FODMAPs ferment as you digest them, causing gas, abdominal cramps, constipation and diarrhea for some.

Whole Person Health

How to Help Kids Prepare for the First Year of Middle School

The first year of middle school is full of new experiences and challenges. Parents and mentors have an important role in helping kids acclimate and succeed in middle school. Learn some approaches and tips for helping kids prepare for middle school.

Whole Person Health

Benefits of Sharing Meals

Sharing meals is a great way to spend more time with your family and friends. It turns out there are multiple benefits to health and well-being from sharing meals, including improved eating habits, reduces stress and tension, improved self-image in kids, and improved family relationships.

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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