To Mary Amsbury, a physical education teacher with Comstock Public Schools, February means one thing: time to jump rope. Jumping rope is a staple of the Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide effort by the American Heart Association to teach children about the importance of their heart health and to raise money for children with special hearts. The week-long event looks different at every…
Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world and whether the reason be religious, cultural or a tradition – it’s perfectly okay to indulge once in a while. However, having more than one sweet treat can quickly rack up the calories from sugar and fat. In Michigan, Paczkis put the fat in Fat Tuesday by packing in 25 grams of fat…
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Instead of flowers and chocolates, why not make a heart-healthy meal for your significant other or family? The following recipes should give you some inspiration. This three-course meal is tasty, easy to make and is good for you too. Here are some details about each course and you can find the recipes below! First Course:…
There are many reasons to consider shifting to a plant-based diet. A big one is heart health. Even people who have eaten poorly much of their life can dramatically reduce heart disease risks by shifting to a whole-food, plant-based diet. Even without becoming a vegetarian or vegan, shifting eating habits to include more fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and other plant…
When the pandemic hit, gyms closed and — just like toilet paper — fitness equipment became scarce online and in stores. As COVID-19 disrupted people’s fitness routines of working out at gyms or in groups, there has been more of a focus on home-based exercise equipment. There are many options for interactive home workout equipment. Many companies put out their…
Every year, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always preventable and when diagnosed early, it is nearly 100 percent curable. January is the perfect time to talk to the women in your life about getting screened, but the conversation shouldn’t end there. Learn more about cervical cancer awareness and become an advocate because protecting the…
As the holidays wind down, your kids may be pretty wound up thanks to the time off of school. Instead of letting them zone out in front of the TV or spend hours playing video games, plan some fun family projects that will get their minds going and spark their creativity. For kids 3 years old and under: Inspire imagination…
One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been disrupted routines. As offices emptied, schools closed and gyms were shuttered to slow the spread of the virus, work-life balance fell to the wayside and levels of anxiety and stress climbed. Research shows a link between work-life balance and health, reporting high job demands can increase the risk of illness by 35%.…
Mindfulness is the simple act of paying attention and being present in all our actions. Like meditation, mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing feelings of calm and relaxation. This wellness technique can make a difference during the holidays when dealing with stressful situations heightened by COVID-19, financial worries, grief, loneliness and unrealistic expectations. Taking a mindful approach…
If you’re celebrating this holiday season with babies, toddlers, or small children, you’ll want to take extra precautions to keep them safe. You already know to keep household cleaners and medications locked out of reach and to cover outlets, but there are some hidden holiday dangers you might not know about. Here are six holiday staples that could pose a…
The holiday season is synonymous with family, fun, and of course, food. Between opulent dinners, professional gatherings and holiday parties it can feel difficult to achieve a healthy balance. But dietary concerns shouldn’t dampen your holiday spirit. It’s possible to indulge in celebratory offerings without the added guilt. Here are some tips: Be Rational Be realistic about your food choices…
Today, more than 12 million U.S. children are obese. Nationally, one out of every six kids is considered overweight or obese, while nearly one in three Michigan children face the same dilemma. These kids face an increased risk of having chronic health conditions and diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and more. The typical American diet has shifted to favor convenience foods…
Enjoying food-centered holidays can be challenging for people with diabetes. They might find themselves torn between wanting to enjoy traditional carbohydrate-heavy recipes and trying to eat healthy to keep their blood sugar at a safe level. Stress from this internal tug-of-war can push blood sugar levels even higher. The good news is, there is a solution. People with diabetes…
If you’re like most people, the stretch of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a free-for-all where you can guiltlessly indulge. But you don’t have to sabotage your waistline for the sake of delicious holiday food. In fact, with some creative cooking and substitutions, you and your guests won’t be able to tell that you’re filling your plates…
What does it mean to be masculine or manly? For many, it means conforming to stereotypes related to providing, protecting, procreating and not showing your feelings. But being strong all the time often comes with stuffing down anxiety, sadness, weakness and vulnerability. Research shows these habits can lead to negative health outcomes ranging from digestive problems to heart concerns when emotions spill out in the form…
