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…
These recipes are a healthier take on Valentine’s Day treats and are easy to make at home. They’re especially great for kids’ classroom parties! Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan Black Bean Brownie Hearts with Powdered Sugar and Cherry Topping Ingredients 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained 2 eggs 3 tbsp. coconut oil, melted 3/4 cup cocoa…
It’s been almost three months since you set your resolutions at the beginning of the year, but don’t lose heart if you haven’t accomplished everything you wanted to! You aren’t alone. U.S. News and World Report says by the second week of February, 80 percent of resolution makers have given up on their goals. Luckily, this time of year is…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan According to a recent report, U.S. adults working an average of 47 hours per week struggle to establish a work-life balance. When the kids are headed back to school, managing time can be especially challenging for busy parents. Thankfully, small changes…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Knowing that one in three Michigan children are overweight or obese, it’s crucial that parents understand the best approach to discussions around health. The physical, mental and emotional consequences of ignoring a child’s health largely outweigh the discomfort one might feel…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Although many people aspire to exercise more in the new year, nearly 80 percent of adults fail to meet the recommendation for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. In order to achieve any fitness goal, it’s important to take a step back and determine what’s possible based on health history, lifestyle, interests and abilities. Consider this step-by-step guide to kick…
Warm up this winter and celebrate National Soup Month with our healthier version of lasagna. This soup recipe will still satisfy your pasta cravings and leave you feeling full without over-indulging in carbs or heavy amounts of cheese. Bonus: your slow cooker will do all of the work for you so you can have a hassle-free meal ready for…
By: GraceDerocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Nearly one in three Michigan children between the ages of 10 and 17 are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, rates of obesity in U.S. adults have also been on the rise for the last decade. Establishing healthy habits as a family creates a…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan More than 102 million American adults have unhealthy cholesterol levels. Because there are no symptoms, many individuals with high cholesterol remain unaware that they carry a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.…
By: Dr. S. George Kipa, MD, deputy chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Recent studies indicate that nearly half of the 500,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member visits to the emergency room (ER) in 2015 were inappropriate or potentially avoidable. The average cost of a non-emergency ER room visit is $750, but can cost…
If you live in Michigan, your feelings about January probably depend on whether you love or hate the snow. Snow bunny or hermit, there’s plenty of ways for you to embrace this month and start the year off on a positive note. If you’re making resolutions, make sure they’re achievable. Finding an adventurous indoor exercise could help winter not feel quite…
