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A Healthier Michigan

MDM Redwine

Proven Health Benefits or Wishful Thinking? A Dive into the Science Behind Red Wine

We all desire to lead healthier lives. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a delicious drink served in an elegant glass could help us along the way?  Red wine has long been touted for its heart health benefits. This is because the skin of grapes contains resveratrol, a key antioxidant responsible for the potential health benefits of red wine. Since the… 

MDM Girls

Precocious Puberty in Children and How it Impacts the Mental Health of Young Girls

Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, refers to the premature onset of puberty in children. The stages of puberty include body and hormone changes that allow the body to reproduce. These changes can include the growth of pubic hair, breast development, voice changes and more. Early onset puberty can have negative effects on the mental health of children.   What is early puberty… 

MDM Sleep

Differences in Sleep Needs Between Men and Women

A recent survey showed women are nearly twice as likely (31%) as men (17%) to say they rarely or never wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested. Sex and gender contribute to sleep disparities between men and women, but societal norms and roles play a part as well. Women are more likely to have increased caregiving responsibilities, which can also disrupt… 

MMN Tapas

2 Bite-sized Tapas Recipes to Spoil Mom for Mother’s Day

A 2024 National Retail Federation survey revealed Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year. This is the second highest projection to be released to date behind last year’s estimate of $35.7 billion. But making something for mom is still special – you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special… 

MDM MinorityChildren

Health Disparities in Minority Children

Dr. Angela Seabright, D.O., care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan  Comprehensive studies over the past five years found that Black and Hispanic children in the U.S. receive worse medical care than their white peers. This includes inequitable treatment across pediatric specialties like neonatal care, primary care, emergency medicine, critical care, mental health care, end-of-life care and… 

MDM GrilledCheese

3 Healthy Elevated Grilled Cheese Ideas

Grilled cheese sandwiches have long held a cherished spot in the hearts and stomachs of many, not just kids. In fact, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, grilled cheese reigns as the most popular sandwich among Americans.  When it comes to crafting a healthier grilled cheese, the choices you make regarding cheese and bread can significantly impact its nutritional profile. Opt… 

MDM SpringMocktails

3 Spring-Inspired Mocktail Recipes

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which sheds light on the role of alcoholic beverages in our lives. Alcohol is a central component of social gatherings, celebrations and moments of relaxation. However, as people become more conscious of the effects of alcohol consumption on health and wellbeing, many are turning to alternatives that still provide a sense of festivity and enjoyment.… 

MDM Stress 1 1

The Link Between Stress & Nutrition

The link between stress and nutrition is bi-directional, meaning they both affect each other. Stress can affect our eating habits, especially the chances of unhealthy choices or overeating. Additionally, poor nutrition and diet choices can exacerbate or increase levels of stress. According to a 2020 review study, stress affects nutrition by:  Stress can also affect the metabolism, with higher levels… 

MDM Eastereggs

Three Healthy Sandwich Recipes for Leftover Hard-boiled Easter Eggs

Business Insider says 180 million eggs are purchased for Easter every year. Many families enjoy the tradition of spending creative quality time painting hard-boiled eggs together. But what do you do with the leftover eggs? Eggs are a versatile, nutrient-dense healthy source of protein. In fact, a large egg has about 78 calories and 6 grams of protein. A noteworthy… 

MDM EnergyDrinks

Why Children and Teens Should Avoid Energy Drinks

March is National Caffeine Awareness Month Almost one-third of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age say they regularly consume energy drinks, according to the National Institutes of Health. Energy drinks are highly marketed as offering a boost of energy, improved performance and sharper mental focus. They rely heavily on caffeine and added sugars to produce… 

MDM cavities

Leading Causes of Cavities in Children

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month Close to half of all children aged two to 11 years old develop at least one cavity in their lifetime. Early childhood cavities – identified as those that occur between birth and age six years old – can cause pain and distress, while damaging the primary (baby) teeth. Among children aged six to… 

MDM FatTuesday

Healthier Fat Tuesday: A Paczki-inspired Alternative Recipe

It is a Michigan ritual to celebrate Paczki Day on Fat Tuesday by eating a traditional Polish jelly-filled or cream-filled fried pastry called a paczek (pronounced PON-check). But if you are not in the mood for such a rich treat, there are other options. These fruit-filled delicacies are lighter than the traditional fried treat – significantly lower in saturated fat,… 

MDM Galentines 1

Three Love-ly, Easy Recipes for Your Galentine’s Day

The celebration of Valentine’s Day has been around since the 14th century. In 2010, Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope introduced us to Galentine’s Day. More than a fun play on words, celebrating friendships is important. It gives us a sense of belonging and even offers health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic. Having friendships have been associated with longer life span.…