Explore the Latest in A Healthier Michigan

Prevention

Dry January? Tips to be Successful 

Dry January has gotten so popular that most people have at least heard of it. But have you participated before? If this is the year you plan to give it a go, here are some tips to be successful, including how to navigate social settings without alcohol.

Community

Michigan Bucket List: Eben Ice Caves

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is full of surprises, including winter ice caves near Marquette.

Podcast

Happy Lights: Do They Really Work?

When the daylight hours get shorter, it can really affect our mood. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst Josh McCullough. Together, they discuss the winter blues, happy lights and other ways to improve your mood. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Why we need sunlight Do “Happy Lights” really work? How Vitamin D can help us in winter months What other factors can improve our mood

Health and Wellness

Anxious Avoidant Attachment: What It Is and What to Know

Here is a look at attachment styles, particularly anxious-avoidant attachment style, known as avoidant attachment style.

Food and Recipes

4 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Still Feel Indulgent

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or contributing to a festive potluck, having a couple of elegant, nutrient-forward bites in your back pocket makes entertaining feel less complicated.

Food and Recipes

Cucumber Bites with Whipped Salmon

These bites deliver heart and brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids with refreshing crunch - perfect for balancing richer holiday fare.

Food and Recipes

Herbed Mushroom-stuffed Holiday Pork Tenderloin

Lean pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with a savory mix of mushrooms, aromatics and fresh herbs, while a touch of bacon adds depth without overpowering the dish.

Food and Recipes

Savory Stuffed Pear Halves

Savory meets sweet in this recipe that leans into the natural sweetness of pears and is topped with an aromatic mixture that offers a contrast in texture.

Health and Wellness

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?

Saunas are experiencing a bump in popularity as a health and well-being trend. How long should you stay in one?

Home and Family

What Unsafe Gifts Look Like for Different Ages

Before checking off the holiday shopping list, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind.

Food and Recipes

How to Avoid Getting Sick from Homemade Foods

While enjoying nutritious homemade meals, it’s important to practice proper food handling practices to stay safe and healthy in the kitchen. Follow these helpful tips to avoid getting sick from homemade foods.

Community

Winter Surfing in Michigan: Where are the Best Spots?

If you are interested in tackling a new winter sport this year, this cold-weather surfing guide is for you. 

Health and Wellness

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.

Food and Recipes

Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites

These bites capture that festive peppermint mocha flavor in a more balanced, bite-sized form that provides a bit of fuel.

Health and Wellness

Responsibility Fatigue: What It Is and How to Manage It

Taking on too many responsibilities without adequate rest can lead to fatigue. Let’s look at responsibility fatigue and a few ways to manage it.

Diet and Nutrition

Meal Planning for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

When choosing meals for kids with type 1 diabetes, aim for a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It’s also important to time meals and snacks in accordance with insulin doses.

Community

5 Health Benefits of Volunteering at an Animal Rescue

Looking for reasons to volunteer at an animal shelter? It can be rewarding to look after dogs and cats who need care while also helping out your community. Here are a few other reasons to volunteer.

Recipes

How to Cook Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is not necessarily a type of rice you can buy at the store, but a preparation method often used to make sushi rolls. It's cooked, short-grain white rice combined with rice vinegar and other ingredients.

Food and Recipes

Cold Lunch Ideas

Making a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be complicated or involve time in front of the stove. Cold lunches are quick, customizable and good for busy days on the go while still staying full and energized.

Health and Wellness

How I Set Boundaries During the Holiday Season to Avoid Burnout

When the holiday season gets busy, I remind myself it's OK to skip the event, stay home and prioritize my mental health.

Podcast

Physical & Mental Effects of Stress

Both short term and long-term stress can have a negative impact on our health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they discuss the effects of stress on us both mentally and physically. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How stress affects us How does stress increase risk of disease? Who does stress effect the most? How to manage stress

Health and Wellness

How to Treat Hormonal Acne

Many people think acne is just a teenage result of puberty, menstruation and a changing body. That’s not always the case.

Diet and Nutrition

Are Acai Bowls Healthy?

Acai bowls have been rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their versatility, visual appeal and nutrient-packed ingredients. Here’s what you should know about this trendy dish before grabbing a spoon.

Health and Wellness

Workouts That Work for Me as a College Student

I’ve found that college is a great time to create healthy habits through regular practice of physical activity. While every person is different, here are some workouts that work for me as a college student.

Food Safety

How to Wash Fruit

Making sure your produce is properly cleaned before you prepare it is essential in avoiding microbes that can make you sick. Here's how to wash fruits and vegetables of all kinds.

Food and Recipes

How Fermented Foods Can Support Your Gut Health

Fermented foods are becoming more popular for physical health and well-being. Here is what to know about fermented foods and gut health.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are unleavened dough noodles made from eggs and wheat flour. They are often long and flat, though some are twisted into other shapes. Being versatile in nature, egg noodles can be enjoyed on their own or commonly added to other dishes such as soup.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Cookie Recipes

With just a few ingredient swaps, cookies can get a nutrition boost with fiber, protein and even healthy fats - all while satisfying a sweet tooth.

Health and Wellness

Social Media Can Put a Damper on Your Holiday Spirit

If scrolling and swiping makes you feel less than festive, don’t let social media put a damper on your holiday celebrations.

Food and Recipes

Is Beef Jerky Healthy?

Beef jerky is a popular snack option for road trips, long hikes and busy days on the go. While it’s convenient and packed with protein, you may wonder if it’s actually healthy.

Health and Wellness

Does Celtic Salt Have Benefits?

Celtic salt was a recent TikTok health "hack." It does contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, but does it contain enough of those minerals to make a difference?

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Buckwheat

Buckwheat is neither wheat nor grain, but a seed known for its nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. Despite its name, it’s naturally gluten-free and a popular addition to a variety of side and main dishes.

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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