Children are constantly developing new skills as they age, beginning with crawling and walking to speaking, reading, writing and problem-solving. Building confidence and self-esteem is more complex than other life skills but it is something parents can teach. In today’s technology-driven world, the self-esteem of children and adolescents is more vulnerable than ever. It’s important for parents and guardians to…
In many homes, Mom is the heart of the kitchen — juggling grocery lists, meal plans, dinner prep and clean-ups, often while managing countless other household tasks. Parents make sure everyone stays nourished and feels cared for at the table. This Mother’s Day, why not flip the script? Give Mom a well-deserved break from kitchen duty and let the kids…
Teenagers who drink are more likely to die in a car crash, be a victim of a violent crime and more likely to have problems at school and work than their peers who abstain from alcohol. Alcohol is a drug that can have dangerous health consequences for everyone, especially on teens whose brains are not fully developed. One of the…
As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Michigan’s fields and farmers markets begin to awaken with the first vibrant signs of spring. April and May bring an abundance of fresh, nutrient-rich produce—think tender asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, crisp leafy greens and herbs. It’s the perfect time to lighten up your meals while still embracing comfort and nourishment.…
Eggs are a staple food for decorating and eating during the Easter holiday. But this year, consumers may take a different approach to set their holiday table. Egg prices are predicted to increase 41.1% in 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Moreover, a FinanceBuzz survey reports 72% of people say rising food costs will affect their Easter…
Diet and exercise share a well-known relationship, but the connection between diet and sleep can be understated. Nutrition and sleep share a two-way street – poor sleep can promote overeating, while eating too much before bed can inhibit sleep. Improving sleep quality may be a few diet tweaks away. Here’s how food affects the sleep cycle, and which foods may…
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.…
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?…
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…
St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, fun and – of course – green. While the day known for parades, shamrocks and leprechauns, it’s also an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen with little ones. According to WalletHub, 31% of Americans plan to make a festive meal for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as…
Coffee is more than just a drink for most Americans – it’s a daily ritual. It’s part of our morning or afternoon routines and serves as the centerpiece of social get-togethers and work meetings. Coffee is ingrained in American culture, as evidenced by the 73% of Americans who say they drink at least one cup of coffee each day. An…
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…
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…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned Red Dye. No 3 from food, drink and medications, the agency announced Jan. 15. The ban was based on the Delaney Clause, which allows the FDA to revoke authorization of a food or color additive if it causes cancer in humans or animals. Red Dye No. 3 increased the risk of cancer in lab…
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…
