We all know the signs too well: the runny nose, deep cough and warm forehead. Keeping your little one healthy can be one of the toughest aspects of having a toddler—especially if they go to preschool. Small children have an increased risk of coming down with a cold or catching other illnesses because their immune systems aren’t fully matured yet. When…
It would take a 185-pound person an entire workday of non-stop cross country running to burn off the higher end of the 3500-7000 calories from Halloween candy consumed by the average US child. Holidays aren’t exactly known for being healthy, but this year there are more health considerations to keep in mind beyond the usual sugar rush. To prevent the…
It’s fall and you know what that means…pumpkin-flavored everything! If you’re not a pumpkin fan, there’s a plentiful variety of fall produce that is also in season. Based on traditional Michigan crop harvest calendars, here are some of the best fruits and veggies to select in the fall: Apples – with varieties like Macintosh and Honeycrisp available as early as September, apples are great…
As technology continues to advance, it has become more and more difficult for parents to unplug their children from the electronic world. With distractions like cell phones, laptops, television and video games, it is easy for kids to lose themselves in the lure of today’s gadgets. Is there any hope for parents trying to tear kids away from their screens?…
Did you know that in the first few weeks of life, a newborn baby can eat as often as every 45 minutes? Talk about fast food! If you have a nursing mom in your life, you can help her adjust to her new normal with a few helpful tools for her breastfeeding journey. Breast Shields: may help reduce the pain associated…
As kids start a new year of learning, it might be a good time to check on their vision. Whether they’ll be in a classroom or learning virtually this year, your child may not always tell you they have a hard time seeing things. Since it’s best to catch any problems early, be on the lookout for any of these…
You may have had them baked or steamed, but have you had Brussels sprouts grilled? If not, you need to try them. Put the Brussels sprouts on a wooden skewer and grill them over the campfire for a healthy vegetable side. Before grilling, be sure to soak the skewers in water to reduce the risk of a fire. Brussels sprouts…
The Northern Lights have always been a mystical, magical wonder of the world. They appear, then disappear. You might see them, you might not. There is something about chasing down the enigmatic Northern Lights that makes the phenomenon so intriguing. According to Canada’s Northern Lights Centre, the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis in the northern hemisphere or “dawn…
One of the best things to do during a Michigan summer is to head out to your favorite lake and relax on the shore, ride around in a boat or cool off with a swim. So which watering hole should you head to? Don’t just consider the more famous ones like Torch Lake, Lake Fenton and Lake Michigan (the third-largest…
Research shows that without any educational activities over the summer, most kids will lose about two months of math skills. And kids in lower-income families will also lose an average of two months of reading and language skills. Repeating those “summer slides” year after year can really add up, making it tough to keep up with classmates. What’s a parent to…
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…
