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A Healthier Michigan

MDM Graphics October 12

Beyond the Bell: Navigating Life as a Breast Cancer Survivor

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, reaching remission offers a deep sense of relief and even the high point of ringing the bell to signify the end of treatment. There’s also a much-needed adjustment back to a routine without frequent treatment and doctor appointments. Yet, for many in remission, the concern over potential recurrence turns into an endless “what if”… 

MDM Graphics Oct 5

Why Simple Tasks Can Feel So Hard with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition diagnosed in the United States, with about 7.1 million children and 15.5 adults.  This condition can make seemingly simple tasks difficult, and the mental work surrounding those tasks can be both emotionally and physically draining. Here’s more about why this happens, strategies to manage and how to get an accurate diagnosis.  Why simple… 

MDM Graphics Sept 28

How Long Do Leftovers Actually Last? A Food Safety Guide

Leftovers can save time during the week, reduce food waste and make meal planning easy. But knowing when those leftovers have expired is just as important as storing them in the first place.  Many people rely on the “smell test” or assume any food is fine as long as it looks normal. But harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness… 

MDM Graphics Sept 21 1

Telehealth Myths Debunked: What Patients Need to Know

Online doctor visits, also known as telehealth, have become a standard part of the way people receive healthcare today. People can talk with their healthcare providers via video call for check-ins, follow-ups, sick visits, behavioral health issues and more. Yet, there are those who still harbor some hesitation about telehealth capabilities and have lingering doubts about what virtual care can… 

MDM Graphics Sept 14 1

Worried About Someone? Starting a Conversation That Could Save a Life

According to surveys and public health data, 13% to 17% of people experiencing suicidal thoughts would tell no one or are unsure who to talk to.   Sometimes a person struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts may not ask for help, especially if they don’t have anyone in their life that they truly trust. Some individuals develop suicidal thoughts when they… 

MDM Graphics Sept 7

Beyond the Scale: What Really Shapes Kids’ Health 

Although childhood obesity rates in the United States have risen to about 20%, a scale is not the only way to measure a child’s health.  Weight is complex, and factors in genetics, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and screen time. Here is a look at how these factors work together to shape children’s overall health and well-being.  The importance of nutrition,… 

MDM Graphics August 31 1

Grilled Halloumi Summery Sandwich

This grilled halloumi sandwich packs in some of the season’s best flavors: juicy heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, tangy pickled onions and warm, golden halloumi cheese tucked between hearty bread slices.  Unlike many cheeses, halloumi has a high melting point, allowing it to develop a crispy, caramelized exterior while remaining soft and chewy inside. It also provides protein and calcium.  The… 

MDM Graphics August 24 1

What Kids Eat Matters: Smarter Lunches, Sharper Minds

From solving math problems and reading comprehension to getting active in gym class and participating in classroom discussions, the school day demands a lot out of children. The food they eat during the day plays a huge role in how focused and energized they are between the first bell and the last.   A balanced lunch provides the fuel kids need… 

MDM Graphics August 17

Morning Routines to Win the School Day

Imagine a calm, organized school morning, where everyone gets ready without incident. There are no arguments, all items are accounted for and everyone in the family gets out the door on time.  Does that sound realistic?  While the scenario may seem idyllic, it is possible for families to have less stressful mornings. And studies show that consistent routines can result… 

MDM Graphics August 10 2026

Summer’s Nearing Its End: Why Sunscreen Still Matters

It’s late summer, the sun rises later and sets earlier, and the sun’s rays aren’t as strong as they are in the thick of the summer months, right? Wrong!  The reality is, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays remain strong in late summer and early fall, so the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer is still present.  Those end-of-summer days are prime time for accidental sunburns, particularly because people… 

MDM Graphics August 3rd

How Grief Can Show Up in the Body: The Hidden Signs to Know

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a beloved pet, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or a missed opportunity, everyone experiences grief at some point in life.  Grief can be complex and is different for everyone, causing deep emotional pain that can last for weeks or months. But grief can also cause physical symptoms. Here is a look… 

MDM Graphic July 27

How to Pick a Watermelon

Choosing the right watermelon at the store or market can feel like a guessing game. From tapping the rind to checking the color, there are plenty of tricks people swear by. By paying attention to weight, color and texture, you can greatly increase your chances of bringing home a perfectly sweet melon.  Here’s how to choose a watermelon that’s ripe and ready to enjoy:  Look for the field spot  One of the… 

MDM Graphics July 20

When Drowning Isn’t Obvious: Warning Signs Every Adult Should Know  

Each year in the United States there are 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, and drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four.  Drownings happen in everyday settings, including in backyard pools, lakes, hotel pools and even during group swim outings where adults assume someone else is watching.  Most drownings can be prevented. It’s critically important to understand how drowning happens and recognize the warning signs so lives can… 

MDM Graphics July 13

The Cherry on Top of Summer: Fresh Seasonal Recipes

July is cherry season in Michigan, and there may be no better time to celebrate one of the state’s most iconic crops.   Cherries are packed with nutrients that support overall health. Both sweet and tart cherries provide vitamin C, potassium, fiber and a variety of plant compounds called polyphenols. These naturally occurring antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, processes that contribute… 

BCBSM MDM Graphics July 6

Beyond the Burger: Unconventional Ways to Use the Grill

When most people think about firing up the grill, they picture burgers, hot dogs and steaks. But grills are capable of so much more and can be a major cooking asset during the summer when it’s too hot to crank up the stovetop.  Even novice grillers can expand their culinary options, find creative ways to meal prep and even prepare delicious drinks with these tips. This summer is the perfect time to explore just how versatile the grill can be.  Thinking beyond traditional grilling  Modern…