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A Healthier Michigan

MDM ChocolateDates

Chocolate-drizzled Coconut Date Cookies

Serves: 4 Difficulty: Medium Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 2 hours These three-ingredient cookies’ natural sweetness comes from fiber-rich dates. Dates are placed in a blender with coconut flakes to create the base, which is then formed into cookies, frozen, dipped and drizzled with melted dark chocolate. These are a more wholesome, nutrient-dense alternative to the door-to-door sold cookies.… 

MDM TeenSelfHarm

Signs of Self-Harm in Teens: Self-Injury Awareness

Between seven percent and 24% of teens engage in acts of self-harm. Self-injury is intentionally causing harm to one’s skin or body to alleviate feelings of overwhelming emotional distress. Teens are most at risk of such behaviors. Let’s look at self-injury, the symptoms and causes and how to help teens who self-harm. What is self-harm and what are the causes?… 

MDM PeanutButterNoodles

Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles with Tofu and Veggies

These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and antioxidants content. For an easy plant-based protein, these noodles feature pre-made tofu which can easily be substituted with edamame or crunchy chickpeas. Simply get garlic and green onion whites fragrant… 

MDM TypesofHeartFailure

What to Know About the Different Types of Heart Failure

The term, “heart failure” can be confusing to many people and cast an air of immediate doom. Yet, depending on the type, heart failure can be a chronic condition lasting many years. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, individuals may experience fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. Risk Factors… 

MDM ChickenHeartHealth

5 Ways to Make Your Meals Heart Healthier 

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 15% of the U.S. population will have developed cardiovascular disease by 2050, up from 11.3% in 2020. While genetic factors play a role in heart health, lifestyle choices—especially diet—are critical in managing risk. Heart-healthy eating can improve cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure.   Here are five science-backed… 

MDM BigGame

3 Healthy Big Game Recipes

The Big Game is a time for football, friends, family and, of course, food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Big Game day is America’s second largest food consumption day after Thanksgiving. Popular dishes include wings, chips and dips – the latter being a particular Midwest favorite. An analysis of search volume data from 2023 and 2024 tells… 

MDM Thyroid Issues and Disorders

Identifying Different Thyroid Issues and Disorders

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that converts iodine into various hormones which control the body’s metabolism, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Metabolism is the process by which the body transforms food into energy, making the thyroid one of the most important glands in the human body. Thyroid hormones also affect: Health conditions… 

MDM Oat

The Nutrient Power and Versatility of Oat Recipes

Oats were once thought to be weeds. Now, they’re used from all things from common morning oatmeal to skincare routines. Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. The soluble fiber beta-glucan found in oats can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart… 

MDM SocialMedia

Is Social Media Influencing Your Health Decisions?

A search or a single “like” of a health-related post on social media can turn an individual’s feed into a waiting room of targeted content, some of which may be inaccurate or biased. According to the 2024 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council, two in three Americans trust the food and nutrition content they see on… 

MDM Driving

How to Discuss Unsafe Driving with Older Adults

Drivers age 65 and older made up 20% of all fatal crashes in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fatal crash rates increase considerably in drivers age 70 and older and peak among drivers 85 and older. Aging affects vision, reaction time, physical ability, and some medications may impair older drivers. These factors can lead to…