By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker The average American anticipates spending more than $900 during the holiday season. Despite efforts to set a budget, 58 percent of families go beyond their means and a quarter are willing to withdraw money from retirement funds, emergency…
Holiday parties are filled with family, friends and usually a range of desserts from cakes and cookies to ice cream and candy. This holiday season, try a healthy dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. For example, the no-bake dark chocolate mint snowball treats are easy to prepare with the soothing taste of mint that will have you in…
The average American anticipates spending more than $1000 during the holiday season. In fact, 58 percent of families go beyond their means and a quarter are willing to withdraw money from retirement funds, emergency savings or loans in order to fulfill holiday wish lists. When mapping out your holiday spending, consider the following healthy gifts that are thoughtful, practical and won’t break the…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Throughout the winter months, it’s normal to feel a change in physical and mental well-being—In fact, reports show that Americans practice less healthy habits during the cold season. Though a variety of environmental factors affect this, there are behaviors and routines…
Diabetes is no longer just a problem for adults. In fact, the disease is being diagnosed in children with even greater frequency today than ever before, and is now considered to be one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. So how did this happen, and why? The answer is more complicated than people may expect. Nationally, about…
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, it’s 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 and…
We’re all so used to having traditional leftovers around Thanksgiving that it can be hard to think of creative ways to repurpose things like turkey and stuffing. This year instead of the turkey sandwich, try this recipe for a protein-filled, flavorful breakfast option. This recipe is easy to pop in the oven and prepare a batch to last for the…
We all do it. You come home with a load of groceries and cram it all in the refrigerator, pushing older items to the back. Two weeks later, after some of the clutter has been eaten away, you find spoiled produce, meat that’s past its prime or other items that you can no longer use. Not only does keeping a…
May 13, or Mother’s Day, is an opportunity for us to honor our mothers for all they’ve done, and it’s also the perfect time to just celebrate life with your family. A big shout out to all of the hard-working, patient, forgiving and understanding mommies out there. I’d like to share with you some healthy ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day this…
There never seems to be enough hours in the day for a busy mom. In fact, 56 percent of women find it difficult to balance work and home life. Though it’s easy to let self-care come second to family, work and household obligations, putting it off can do more harm than good. The likelihood of illness, chronic stress, exhaustion and…
Like adults, children can experience physical, mental and emotional stress that impacts how they think and act. Recognizing abnormal stress in a child can prevent him or her from developing more serious, long-term mental health issues early on and as adults. This is especially important knowing that depression, anxiety, and mood disorders were ranked number one among the top five…
Nearly one in five Americans struggle with mental illness each year. While many people know a healthy diet is great for the body, not many are aware it’s also beneficial for the mind. Small dietary changes can boost cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Daily food choices change how the immune system works, the…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Americans spend an average of 400 million dollars on candy the week before Valentine’s Day. Despite the temptation to indulge in sweets and romantic gestures, there are many ways to celebrate this occasion in a healthy and budget-friendly way. Whether planning…
By: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, MD, medical director and physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan The Institute for Women’s Policy Research grades the overall health of Michigan women as a “D+”. Though the below-average score may be surprising, it’s another important reason why females should schedule regular doctor visits and practice healthy habits every day. National Women’s Heath Week,…
