You’re always grilling meat and vegetables, but have you ever thought about grilling your fruit? Fruit isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when firing up the grill. But it’s super easy and will enhance the taste. Fruit consists of water and sugar. When grilled, the water is reduced and the sugar caramelizes, making the flavor more concentrated. Grilled…
The sun can damage unprotected skin in just 15 minutes – and sun damage can build up over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer. That means protecting your skin from the sun is important to your long-term health and wellness. Yet the array of sunscreen products on the market can be intimidating as you search for the right one – especially…
It’s all fun and games on the water until someone gets hurt. Or worse, a water accident proves to be fatal. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 76 percent of boating and water fatalities could have been prevented if users had been wearing personal flotation devices, or lifejackets. In Michigan, every person on board a 16-foot boat, whether it be…
Children returning to school is always a special time of year. But due to COVID-19, this fall may be particularly challenging. The transition from in-school classes to online learning has been abrupt. It’s been a major adjustment for parents, children and their teachers alike. Here are some tips on how everyone can better prepare themselves for what’s ahead. Establish a…
Every year more than 285 million pounds of fireworks are bought on the Fourth of July. While fireworks have become a Fourth of July tradition, for some, they may not make for the ideal night. Certain health conditions can be aggravated by fireworks’ sounds, sights or smoke. The sound of fireworks for some may trigger mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress…
Creating a window garden with kids can be a fun project to help get them involved in healthy eating habits. The joy of watching a seed grow into something delicious can also help encourage children to try new foods. If you’re ready to try a DIY window garden at home, here’s a step-by-step guide from A Healthier Michigan with a little help…
This recipe is great for children who do not like a traditional sandwich in their lunch. The sweet taste of pineapple and berries in this recipe pairs perfectly with the tart taste of Greek yogurt. If the fruit in this recipe is not to you or your child’s liking, it can be modified to include any fruit. Including fun recipes…
Michigan winters mean snow, ice, freezing temperatures and darker days. Even though staying active during these conditions may not seem ideal, there are many health benefits, both physical and mental, to working out during the winter months. Of course, adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Running is one of the simplest and most popular forms of exercise. It doesn’t require expensive equipment or a gym membership to start. It’s a full-body workout that can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help manage weight. Here are eight…
Looking for a sweet treat to celebrate the summer? Look no further! This yummy parfait tastes just like a lighter cheesecake with healthier benefits. The mousse is made with Greek yogurt, which is packed with protein, and lemon juice, which contains vitamin C. Cheesecake is never not in season, so you can enjoy this treat all year round. Ingredients Strawberries,…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan A home garden can be more than meets the eye. It can be a decorative space that adds color, fragrance and years to a person’s life. Maintaining flowers, fruits or vegetables provides health benefits to people of all ages. It’s a…
This recipe, as the name suggests, is loaded with flavors and nutrition. On their own, sweet potatoes provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that also eases inflammation. Greek yogurt provides protein while the onions help to reduce cholesterol levels. Enjoy! Loaded Sweet Potato Bites Recipe Ingredients • 3-4 pounds sweet potatoes• 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil• 2 tsp. garlic…
How often do you reflect on and give thanks for everything that is good in your life? Turns out, taking the time to practice gratitude not only feels great, but it’s also actually beneficial to your overall health. Research shows people who have a grateful outlook experience a wide range of health benefits, including better physical and mental health, improved sleep,…
You’re likely familiar with the symptoms of stress — a pounding heart, increased perspiration, tight neck and shoulder muscles, anxiety and even fear. But you may not know how to prevent or relieve these symptoms. We’re here to help! Stress can be triggered by events, ideas, memories, emotions or failed expectations. Different seasons may be especially fraught with challenges to…
Do you ever think about what you were doing when you were kid? When there were no smart phones, tablets, or computers? What did you do during the summer when you were kid? You played! Years ago kids didn’t have the opportunity to dabble in technology and download a game within seconds, they had to come up with games. Thankfully…
