Whole Person Health

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

15 million Americans struggle with social anxiety disorder specifically, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This can be an obstacle to regular life and comfort, with most adults with social anxiety reporting moderate impairment from their symptoms or anxiety.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Here are six tips on tackling clutter and organizing. If you’re dealing with items inherited from parents and items your grown children have left behind, these pointers are especially helpful.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Is your space running out of...space? Before you buy more organizational products, consider going the opposite direction and getting rid of some of the clutter. That can be easier said than done, so here are some tips.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about how she is managing the holiday season while grieving a recent loss in her family.

When your weeks feel cyclical and repetitive, try treating a weekend like a vacation. Here's how to unplug, unwind, and get into that vacation mindset.

It may sound a bit silly, but walking backwards is a great way to incorporate varied movement into your workout. When done safely, it's an exercise that works muscles you don't normally work.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Trying Dry January? The month-long challenge can be mentally trying. Some of the people at the forefront of Detroit’s "sober curious" movement have some advice.

This year, trade your big New Year's resolutions for small goals that will make you healthier.

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

Contributor Julie Edgar of the AAA 1-B offers advice on how caregivers of older adults can navigate holiday family gatherings to make them fun and manageable.

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

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

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

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

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

One of the best Michigan winter activities is visiting one of the many extravagant Christmas light displays. Here are some of our favorites.

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

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