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A Healthier Michigan

MDM Suicide

Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death for Michiganders: Here’s How Everyone Can Spread Awareness

Nearly 1,500 people in Michigan died by suicide in 2022, resulting in a suicide death rate of 14.4 deaths per 1,000 in the state. Of these deaths, 78% were men and 56% were firearm-related, according to the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission’s 2024 annual report.  Suicide prevention should be a priority for all Michiganders. Everyone can take part in suicide prevention by… 

MDM FoodSafety

Common Food Safety Issues 

There are more than 30 million cases of foodborne illness annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of these cases are preventable with proper cooking, handling and storing practices. Learning proper food preparation practices and getting rid of unhealthy habits in the kitchen can prevent food poisoning and safety issues.  The importance of preventing foodborne illness… 

MDM Apples

Fresh Picks for Fall : 3 Creative and Healthy Apple Recipes

Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year, according to Michigan State University Extension. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The high fiber content helps regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight, while polyphenols—natural compounds with… 

MDM HealthyKids

The Importance of Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Kids

Healthy foods are advertised less than 3% of the time in comparison to their junk food counterparts, and food and beverage companies spend about $2 billion per year on marketing that targets children. These ubiquitous messages make it more of a challenge for parents to model healthy behaviors for their children. However, there are behaviors parents can model at home to help… 

MDM ThaiRice 1

Thai Rice Noodle Summer Salad

This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings. Ideally, the dressing ingredients are pounded in a mortar, but this recipe features a shortcut version that can be… 

MDM Sharingmeals

Benefits of Sharing Meals

Sharing meals is a great way to spend more time with family and friends. There are multiple health benefits associated with sharing meals. These benefits include improved eating habits, reduced stress and tension, improved self-image and weight in kids and improved family relationships.  Better family relationships Time spent sharing meals provides an opportunity to converse and share stories about the… 

MDM Fallsports

Safely Preparing for Fall Sports During the Summer

Going back to school in the fall means getting back to sports for many children and teens. More than 3.5 million childrenages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities, so focusing on safety when getting back into sports for the fall should be a top priority.  Properly preparing for fall sports during the summer months… 

MDM Summereats

Sizzling Summer Eats – Tips for Grilling Perfect Vegetables

Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Grilling is a healthy cooking method that retains nutrients while bringing out rich flavors from the crops. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars… 

MDM Foot

Foot Safety Tips for Adults and Children

The average American takes more than 5,000 steps a day. Feet must withstand wear from carrying body weight and standing or moving on hard surfaces. Feet put up with even more when someone is being active and playing sports.  Summertime comes with unique challenges that can harm foot health and safety. With increased time spent outdoors, barefoot, or in open-toed shoes,… 

MDM July4

Spark up Your 4th of July Table with 2 Festive Recipes

Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023, 65% of Americans were expected to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic. Some of the most popular foods include burgers, hot dogs and potato salads. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes… 

MDM smoothie

Sip Outside the Box – 3 New Smoothie Recipes

While the word “smoothie” is synonymous with “healthy,” many smoothies may be packed in added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. However, smoothies can be a great vehicle to pack in nutrient-dense ingredients into a snack or meal replacement if made right. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 12.3% and 10% of surveyed adults met fruit and vegetable…