One of the most common chronic illnesses amongst children is obesity – affecting more than 14.4 million children in the U.S. Rates of childhood obesity have risen in recent decades and are partially linked to an increase in consumption of highly processed low-nutrition foods and sugary drinks. Less physical activity, partially due to increased use of technology, has also played…
Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up messaging between the brain and body when it reaches the central nervous system. Millions of people all over the world consume caffeine every day to feel more alert during daily activities. Caffeine doesn’t typically pose a health problem, but it’s important to be mindful of its side effects and be ready to cut…
Whether it’s via car, on foot or by boat, Michigan is ripe with stunning locales to be taken in at our disposal. During the summer, nothing beats seeing the state on two wheels. Did you know that we have access to more than 1,300 miles of biking trails? That’s a lot of land, but we’re up for the challenge. Below, we share some of our…
The health benefits of a plant-based diet have been proven by research – but what do you do if you can’t imagine going without some of your favorite foods, like burgers? Fortunately, there are delicious meatless versions, like a black bean burger. Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, calcium and a slew of other nutrients. A cup…
Many people have a complicated relationship with food. Some might characterize how they feel as a love-hate issue: they love eating but feel anxious, guilty, or even ashamed after indulging in something sweet or eating fried foods. Because food can evoke so many different emotions, it’s important for people to understand their relationship with food. Here are some signs a…
St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. The holiday is celebrated all over the world and is known for its festive green attire, parades and drinking. According to WalletHub, St. Patrick’s Day ranks third among the most popular drinking days. Moreover, spirit sales increase on St. Patrick’s Day by 153% compared to an average day. For…
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, memory and mood throughout the day, and are less likely to snack on foods low in nutrients. It’s important to provide them with nutrient-dense options that are both delicious and easy to make. Here are two…
Rates of feeding and eating disorders – especially among teenagers – skyrocketed during the pandemic. Calls to help lines nearly doubled. With routines disrupted and increased isolation, many individuals turned to social media and emotional eating to fill the void. Additionally, many people delayed annual physicals and other preventive health care visits. The uncertainties of 2020 built a perfect storm for eating disorders. …
Everyone communicates and receives love differently. In Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, he suggests five different styles of expressing love. These styles include words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. According to YouGovAmerica, quality time is the love language preferred by most people. If this love language resonates with you,…
Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world for reasons including religious, cultural and traditional, and it’s perfectly okay to indulge once in a while. From Hamtramck to your local grocery store, getting your Paczki fix can mean joining long lines of other Michiganders to get your hands on the popular treat. But if you don’t want to wait in line, or…
With the new year comes an increased emphasis on “wellness” as people make their New Year’s resolutions – including better health, better fitness, and better nutrition. Too often, however, these resolutions can lead to unhealthy habits or choices when in pursuit of a goal. It’s important to understand that the wellness market is an industry with many players and is…
There’s a reason many home cooks wear a protective apron when handling beets. The vibrant root vegetable was used in the 16th century as a red dye, but their vibrant color points do more than stain properties – they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Beets contain a healthy dose of vitamin C, iron, potassium and folate. It’s also a…
It’s no secret inflation has influenced spending habits across the nation. Many Americans have made lifestyle changes to adjust, and food insecurity is becoming more prominent. In fact, food inflation outpaced overall inflation in 2022. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, prices of food bought at the grocery store or supermarket increased 12.4% from October 2021 to October 2022. While food inflation…
It’s a fresh new year and a perfect time to get health screenings, immunizations and annual check-ups scheduled. Preventive care measures, such as yearly exams and screenings, can help identify and monitor areas of concern. Health screenings can detect diseases or chronic conditions in their earliest stages when treatment plans are most successful. If any concerns are detected, physicians can…
When the ball drops on New Year’s Eve many people will be celebrating the start of 2023. It’s also the moment a new season of New Year’s resolutions begin. For many, it’s the time to kick off goals for their health, finances, relationships and more. In fact, surveys have shown around 40% of adults in the United States make at least one…
