Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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:

Whole Person Health

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?

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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

What is Pebbling?

Pebbling refers to the practice of sending or leaving little day-brighteners or “pebbles” for others in your life. It has been described as a love language, an appreciation practice or a ritual form of communication for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who will present pebbles to other penguins they are bonding with, to use in nesting.

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Tips to Unwind from the Workday Without Alcohol

Alcohol is involved in cultural and social norms, including after-work decompression and socialization, but there are many ways to wind down after work and “chill out” that don’t involve alcohol.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do this Summer in Frankfort 

This picturesque lakeshore village sits at the foothills of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Park Bench on the Bay
Whole Person Health

Ken Hayward Reflects on Opportunities Baseball Granted Him After Induction Into State of Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame

Before he led BCBSM's social mission and community affairs efforts, Ken Hayward was an incredible college baseball player. He didn't realize it at the time, but his years as a ballplayer shaped his future in a major way.

Whole Person Health

Tips to Successfully Set Screen Limits

Grabbing your phone or switching on the TV or YouTube is second nature for many people. When there is a lull in the day or a moment of silence, it can be easy to fill that space with social media, entertainment or news that are always available at our fingertips. It’s important to set screen time limits for yourself.

Whole Person Health

‘It’s Not Something That Has to Stop Them:’ Grand Rapids Mother Discusses Daughter’s Tumultuous Journey with Juvenile Arthritis, Offers Advice to Others 

Paisley Taylor of Grand Rapids was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis a few years ago. The diagnosis has sparked a passion for advocacy in Paisley's mother, Taylor, who knows the condition does not define her daughter.

Whole Person Health

5 Health Benefits of Volunteering at an Animal Rescue

The joy and affection that animals bring can cheer you up, calm you down, and keep your attention focused and in-the-moment. Not everyone can have a pet at home, and even if you do, you may find volunteering at a local animal rescue to be a rewarding experience. Learn five ways volunteering at an animal shelter can benefit your health.

Whole Person Health

5 Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Your Stress

Adopting five new habits can help reduce your overall stress and have a positive impact on your life.

care-free woman in an open field
Whole Person Health

What is Social Wellness?

Social wellness, just like another area of personal health, requires care and attention. Your social health, just like physical or mental health, cannot be ignored until something is going wrong.

Whole Person Health

What is Self-Care & How Does it Benefit Health?

Self-care can help build and maintain mental health and resilience. Mental health is not something that can be ignored until something goes wrong. Just like any other area of your personal health, it needs to be maintained and checked up on.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: Badminton is a Full-Body Workout with Mental and Cognitive Benefits

Badminton has been around for centuries, but we don't often think of it as a recreational sport we can play locally. Ann Arbor's Kim Yeow shares tips and discusses the sport's benefits and communal qualities.

Whole Person Health

What Is the 5 to 9 Before Your 9 to 5 Productivity Trend?

TikTok users are sharing their morning routines before settling down at their laptops at home or heading to work. Those using this trend are getting up earlier – 5 a.m. – to pack more into their days.

The newest workout DVDs
Whole Person Health

Societal Expectations and the Impact on Men’s Health Attitudes

When it comes to health care, men tend to be much more reluctant than women to obtain preventive care or seek out medical care when there’s an issue. And this reluctance can increase their risk for health consequences.

Whole Person Health

Nutrition Differences in Farm-Raised vs. Wild-Caught Fish

Does it matter if the fish on your plate was pulled fresh from a local lake or flown in from a fish farm?

Whole Person Health

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! 

Whole Person Health

The MIND Diet Slows Aging and Reduces Dementia Risk

Combining the strategies of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the MIND diet revolves around healthy combinations of foods that may help reduce inflammation, hypertension and high blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular and neurological diseases and signs of aging.

Whole Person Health

Health Benefits of Yoga

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

Whole Person Health

The Benefits of Unstructured Travel Time

Ditching all the planning and your phone can alleviate stress and restore creativity. Giving yourself time on your vacation to restore your whole body will help you when you’re back home.

Whole Person Health

Understanding Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often associated with the coming of winter and loss of daylight, but it can also be brought on in warmer months and is known as summer onset seasonal affective disorder.

Whole Person Health

Do Memory Exercises Work?

There are many products and games marketed as memory aids or mind-sharpening pastimes explicitly, especially for older Americans. Do these exercises really help with memory or have a noticeable effect?

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Ways to Salvage Your Day After a Bad Night’s Sleep

Chronic loss of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, more illnesses, and cardiovascular events. Practice good sleep habits to prevent one bad day from becoming many bad days.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: Qigong’s Low-Impact, Full-Body Movements and Mindfulness Techniques Can Benefit Older Adults

Qigong is part mindful activity, part exercise. Its low-impact, repetitive nature has made it an increasingly popular workout for older adults.

Whole Person Health

Mental Health Exercises to Help Alleviate Stress

Avoiding stress can be a tall task with the demands of life and everything going on around you. There are lifestyle changes or habits that can help to alleviate routine stressors or triggers for stress or panic.

Whole Person Health

5 Ways to Get Your Garden Ready to Plant in May 

Garden lovers, this is the season of so much anticipation. Major gardening activity typically waits until the soil warms up enough to plant the most common crops, and for us in Michigan, this usually means mid to late May

Child and mother gardening in vegetable garden in the backyard
Whole Person Health

The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Learning another language will open new doors for you in your personal life, professional life, and social life. Learning a new language is a great way to focus on personal growth, stimulate your mind and your senses, and introduce you to new people and new possibilities.

Whole Person Health

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. 

Whole Person Health

What is Wild Swimming?

Wild swimming, or open-water swimming, refers to swimming in natural waters, open water, or generally swimming outside and in natural waters. Wild swimming and open-water swimming has become more popular in recent years, especially with Americans looking for a mental health boost, since it ties together exercise and connection with nature.

Whole Person Health

Precocious Puberty in Children and How it Impacts the Mental Health of Young Girls 

Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, refers to the premature onset of puberty in children. The stages of puberty include body and hormone changes that allow the body to reproduce. Early onset puberty can have negative effects on the mental health of children.  

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

How to Deal with Social Anxiety

About 15 million Americans struggle with social anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Learn how to overcome social anxiety.

Whole Person Health

Benefits of Healing Gardens

It is common sense that being around nature, fresh air, and pleasant images or aromas from plants can be soothing. But are there actual healing benefits to healing gardens?

Whole Person Health

Does Ginger Beer Have Alcohol?

Most commercially available and mass marketed ginger beers are simply ginger drinks or fermented ginger drinks without alcohol. Ginger beers that contain alcohol are labeled as alcoholic ginger beers.

Whole Person Health

How Long Does It Take the Body to Recover from Drinking

The long-term effects of alcohol use do not go away as soon as you stop drinking or alter your drinking habits. Some noticeable changes and markers of recovery may show up as soon as days or weeks after beginning abstinence from alcohol.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: What is Tabata?

Tabata was originally created as a training method for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team in the early 1990s. But the HIIT-style workout is practiced in gyms all over the United States today. Here's what it's all about.

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 Gen Z Uses Karaoke as Exercise

Karaoke fits the bill when it comes to many of the preferences Gen Z has for exercise. Karaoke can be a great group workout or exercise, it is a social and communal activity, and it can easily be done at home, at work or in social settings.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: What You Need to Know About Rucking, from a Michigan Resident Who Fell in Love with it

Osceola County resident Donnie Dwyer gravitated toward rucking for its low-impact, resistance-based nature. More than just a sneaky good workout, rucking's communal element has been a boon to Dwyer's social life.

Whole Person Health

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

Certain fruits and veggies 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

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
Whole Person Health

Mindful Parenting: Celebrating Inchstones

We're used to celebrating our children's big milestone moments. But it can be valuable for both the parent and the child to celebrate the smaller triumphs, too.

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 — and her plans to celebrate the Irish holiday without the alcohol.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: WERQ Dance Fitness is for Everybody and ‘Every Body’ 

Fitness instructor Monica Sanders is one of the pioneers of WERQ, a nationally-known style of cardio-based group exercise that originated in the Midwest.

Whole Person Health

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. 

Whole Person Health

How Healthy Are Hot Tubs?

A good soak in a hot tub can make you feel better, but how healthy are they?

A couple in a hot tub
Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Cheese You Can Eat if You’re Lactose Intolerant

If you're lactose intolerant but still crave cheese, there are several kinds that won't upset your stomach and can still satisfy your taste buds.

Whole Person Health

Nordic Walking Provides a Full-Body Workout

Nordic walking incorporates hand-held poles that propel you forward. This surprisingly tough workout gets your back, chest, core, shoulders and arms engaged.

Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Ice Tree in Gaylord

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

Whole Person Health

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
Whole Person Health

Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies

Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.

Whole Person Health

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.

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

Get to Know Michigan’s Woody the Woodchuck Ahead of Groundhog Day

Woody the Woodchuck isn't just a Michigan legend; she's known nationwide. With a personality as big as her appetite, it's easy to see why Woody is such a treasure.

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

5 Things to Do This Winter in Cadillac

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

Whole Person Health

5 Ways to Get Moving with Meditation

Who says meditation has to be solitary, still and boring? Get active in your practice with these five moves. Meditation takes many forms, and these five can be a boon for your physical and mental health.

Whole Person Health

This German Football Fan was a Foreign Exchange Student in Michigan 26 Years Ago. He Returned to Watch Detroit Win a Playoff Game.

Detroit's feel-good playoff run has been a blast for the city to follow. The team even has support overseas, as evidenced by this former Michigan foreign exchange student from Germany's unlikely tale.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Find Your Fit: What is the 12-3-30 Workout?

Even the biggest cardio detractors might find some fun in the 12-3-30 routine. This 30-minute aerobic challenge took the workout world by storm in 2023.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Winter in Tawas City

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

Whole Person Health

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.

Friends having a snowball fight
Whole Person Health

Winter Workout Safety

Adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety tips in mind.

Man running through the snow.
Whole Person Health

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 to Combat Winter Restlessness

Did you know emotions associated with the “winter blues” can affect 10% to 20% of people this time of year? These tips can help you combat those emotions.

Whole Person Health

2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With

There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients.

Whole Person Health

Roasted Garlic, Pepper and Tomato Tortellini Soup

The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.

Whole Person Health

Creamy Curry and Veggie Soup

This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.

Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Great Lakes Ice Formations

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

Whole Person Health

Benefits of Owning a Dog

Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship has lots of perks for the owners, too. Four-legged friends bring their owners both mental and physical benefits as part of their relationships.

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

5 Things to Do This Winter in Fenton

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

Whole Person Health

What is the Goldilocks Rule for Social Media Use?

Many of us can afford to shave down the amount of time we spend on social media. It's also a useful professional tool, and can be a boon to our social lives in small doses. Balance is key.

Whole Person Health

How Washing Your Face Can Help Your Brain

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

Whole Person Health

New "Find Your Fit” Series Will Spotlight Fun, New Workouts Every Month

Discovering a new workout can spark motivation when the gym routine gets stale. In 2024, A Healthier Michigan's "Find Your Fit" workout series will feature fun, unique and trending exercises that you can try at your pace.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Winter in Munising

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

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.