If you’ve made the switch from disposable water bottles to a reusable one, give yourself a pat on the back! U.S. landfills are overflowing with two million tons of discarded water bottles, so getting one you can refill again and again is a huge deal. But while reusable water bottles are handy and much better for the environment, they aren’t always…
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris, less than five millimeters in length. Unfortunately, our reliance on plastic in all forms, including microplastics, makes it “the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our ocean and Great Lakes”, again from NOAA. Despite their small size, the effects from microplastics loom large as…
According to a study by Pew Research Center, 57% of American fathers believe fatherhood is central to their identity. Fatherhood poses unique challenges for men. From raising children to keeping themselves healthy, parenting is unlike any other experience. Andy Hetzel, VP of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sat down with other fathers to discuss the joys and struggles…
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children under age 18. This equates to one in 13 children suffering from food allergies. Offices, classrooms and even restaurants often have signs that warn of food allergies. These signs, which were once isolated, are now commonplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence…
From work to household chores and children, it can be difficult for moms to find time throughout the day to focus on their health goals. For many, the easiest time of the day to try and fit in exercise is when the children are sleeping either early in the morning or at night. However, with days already filled with…
From work to household chores and children, it can be difficult for moms to find time throughout the day to focus on their health goals. For many, the easiest time of the day to try and fit in exercise is when the children are sleeping either early in the morning or at night. However, with days already filled with a…
When combined, the average salary of each job a working mom typically does at home would equate to an income of more than $65,000 a year. For a stay-at-home mom, that salary would look more like $119,000. In fact, recent studies show women in America are nearly twice as stressed as men and mothers in general are more stressed and…
About a month of summer has passed and it’s getting to the dreaded “I’m bored” statement from kids. With long, empty days to fill their time with different activities, it becomes more and more difficult for parents to keep their children busy. A great way to keep kids busy is by enrolling them in summer activities like sports camps or music lessons. Some structure, even in the…
Easter is not only a celebrated religious holiday, it’s also been known as a time for chocolate, candy, jelly beans and Easter basket treats. Trust me, I am not against chocolate or candy, but you want to be careful and not overdo it, especially for the kids. With a little creativity, you can come up with some healthy…
While it’s true that pollen and mold levels haven’t hit their peak yet—that doesn’t happen until the beginning of June for Michigan—you shouldn’t just sit back and wait for your spring allergies to hit. In fact, you can cut way down on your future misery if you take certain steps now. Think of this as your pre-allergy season checklist: See an…
Though stress never feels good, it can serve a useful purpose. Stress is a signal to the brain and body that can help us identify physiological and psychological issues. Chronic stress, however, can be a catalyst for depression, anxiety and mood disorders—serious problems that together are ranked number one among the top five national health conditions contributing to poor health in nearly…
In the U.S., only eight percent of children consume dark, leafy greens. Many children are tempted by sugary and carb-dense foods, rather than colorful produce that offers phytochemicals and antioxidants. The nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are essential not only for developmental health, but to fight off disease and chronic conditions and help children establish lifelong, healthy habits. When looking…
Food labels are confusing. I hear it all the time. The key to nutrition label reading is to ensure you are aware of the serving size and servings per container. From there, once you know how much you plan to consume, you can read the label appropriately. Try reading this sample label for macaroni and cheese. Note: The serving size is 1 cup…
Butternut squash and sweet potatoes aren’t the only produce that grow when temperatures drop, try these uncommon fruits and veggies during this chilly winter season to keep you warm and healthy. Artichokes: This savory vegetable can be found fresh twice a year, during the spring and winter seasons. Loaded with folate and fiber, artichokes are a great addition to a winter…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan If diets worked, why do so many people try a new one every year? A crash diet, or a restrictive meal plan focused on fast-turn weight loss, can be dangerous to a person’s physical and mental health. Regardless of short-term results, a deprivation-driven meal plan may lead to more serious, long-term health issues down the…
