Whole Person Health

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

5 Ways to Get Your Garden Ready to Plant in May 

Gardeners, start your green thumbs. It’s almost time to start planting. Here's what you n

Child and mother gardening in vegetable garden in the backyard
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.

Whole Person Health

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives 

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.

Whole Person Health

The Calming Effect of Decluttering

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.

Whole Person Health

Get Outside in Nature This Winter: Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health 

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

Father with three kids running in beautiful winter forest. The little girl is aged 10 and her brothers are aged 7. Cold winter day
Whole Person Health

Improve Your Walking or Running Form in 3 Steps

Simple tweaks to your running or walking form can help you go farther while preserving the condition of your back, joints and other body parts.

An older couple jogs in the park.
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

Decluttering for the New Year 

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.

Millennial man organizing his book collections
Whole Person Health

Whole Foods to Eat in the Winter 

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

Woman shopping in the produce section
Whole Person Health

Why Decluttering Makes Your Brain Happy and How to Start

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.

Whole Person Health

How I Am Managing the Holidays While Grieving

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

Whole Person Health

How to Treat Your Weekend Like a Vacation

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.

Whole Person Health

Benefits of Walking Backwards

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.

Whole Person Health

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

5 Things to Do This Winter in Rochester

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

Whole Person Health

Natural Home Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

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

Whole Person Health

When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree

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

Whole Person Health

How to Start an Indoor Winter Garden

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

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Winter in Spring Lake

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

Whole Person Health

Detroit-Area Entrepreneurs in the Non-Alcoholic Industry Offer Dry January Steps for Success

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.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Winter in St. Ignace

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

Whole Person Health

Caregiving During the Holidays: Tips to Navigate Gatherings

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.

Senior man welcoming family at the front door
Whole Person Health

Winter Break Activities in West Michigan

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. 

Whole Person Health

Foods to Help Digestion and Bloating

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

Whole Person Health

What is a Mocktail?

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

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do in This Winter in Traverse City

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

Whole Person Health

5 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit in 2023

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
Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Light Displays

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

Whole Person Health

How to Raise the Humidity in Your Home

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

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Fall in Bay City

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

Whole Person Health

Healthy & Affordable Gifts to Give this Holiday Season

Stressed out over holiday gift-giving? Fear not: We’ve brainstormed healthy finds that fit all budgets and personalities.

Whole Person Health

‘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.

Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets add a sparkle to the holiday experience. Here is a list of some of the markets taking place across Michigan this season.

Whole Person Health

Benne Anderson to Lead GRPS Turkey Trot as Honorary Race Director

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Fall in Rogers City

There’s a lot to discover in this community along Michigan’s sunrise coast during the fall.

Whole Person Health

Health Benefits of Wallyball

Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.

Whole Person Health

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.

Whole Person Health

Michigan Bucket List: Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

If you love ice skating, you’ll want to check out these outdoor ice skating rinks and enjoy this fun winter activity.

Whole Person Health

5 Everyday Ways to Live Healthier with Diabetes

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t make choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Fall in Three Oaks

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

Whole Person Health

Foods to Avoid with a UTI

Can the foods you eat make urinary tract infections worse? 

Whole Person Health

Health Benefits of Using a Sauna

Superheated environments like saunas have physical and mental health benefits.

Whole Person Health

5 Winter Things to Do in Michigan

Activities are easier to come by in the summer than in the winter. We know this. But exciting winter activities in Michigan aren't as limited as you may think. Here are five fun ideas.

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Fall in Houghton

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

Whole Person Health

Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2023

Turkey Trots are a fun way to offset some of those calories from a Thanksgiving Day meal.

Whole Person Health

Detroit Native Builds ‘Slow AF Run Club’ Community to Bust Stereotypes 

Detroit native Martinus Evans started running at 300 pounds 10 years ago, and has gone on to run eight marathons and founded a 25,000-member online running community called the “Slow AF Run Club.” The community is inclusive, and empowers people to run “in the body they have right now.” 

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

Michigan Islands: What are some of the most popular?

We all know Michigan’s most famous island, but it’s just one of hundreds along Michigan’s coasts.

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

How does your brain keep connected to your gut, and what does it mean for your mental health?

Whole Person Health

Tips for Decoding Egg Labels

Free-range. Cage-free. Organic. What do all these words on your egg cartons really mean?

Whole Person Health

5 Things to Do This Fall in Harbor Springs

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

Whole Person Health

“Jarcuterie” and Individual Serving Ideas at Your Next Tailgate 

Events like tailgating look different during the ongoing pandemic. Individual servings are a great way to reduce germs when groups are dining together.

Jarcuterie
Whole Person Health

Metropolitan Bar + Kitchen Owner Proves You Don't Have to Drink to Run a Successful Bar

Seven years ago, Ashley Price decided to stop drinking. Now the owner of a popular bar in Detroit's West Village, Price is proving you don’t have to drink alcohol to run a successful bar.

Whole Person Health

What I Learned By Shifting to a Different Mirror

integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, and business owner. She's a NASM Master Trainer, PAngela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.

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