Skip to content

A Healthier Michigan

MDM StPattysDay

Healthy, Kid-approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats

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… 

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 RedDyeLollipop

FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 From Food: Here’s What to Know

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… 

MDM BigGame scaled

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 scaled

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 scaled

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 scaled

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 scaled

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… 

MDM Joys scaled

Focusing on the Joys of the Holiday Season

Expectations to host the perfect holiday party and purchase the perfect holiday gifts can cloud what the holiday season should truly be about. The holidays should be a time for giving, expressing gratitude and bonding with loved ones. A 2023 Harris Poll found that 41% of people experience an increase in stress between November and January compared to other points… 

MDM Graphic Unsafe Gifts for Different Ages scaled

What Unsafe Gifts Look Like for Different Ages

When buying gifts during the holiday season or any time of year, it is important to keep a child’s safety top of mind. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 200,000 emergency department visits for toy-related injuries in the United States in 2022. Nonmotorized scooters accounted for the most injuries for all ages. Before checking… 

MDM HolidayApps 1 scaled

Three Healthy Holiday Appetizers That Sleigh

According to a YouGov survey of more than 1,100 Americans, roast potatoes take the No. 1 spot for the most popular holiday dish, followed by mashed potatoes and turkey. The holiday season often brings an abundance of indulgent foods. While it’s OK to enjoy your favorite foods, it’s a good idea to mix in nutrient-dense and vegetable forward options with… 

MDM DIY scaled

Crafting Joy – 3 Money-Saving DIY Gift Ideas

Pressure to find the perfect gifts can contribute to a lot of stress around the holidays. Shopping can get expensive in a hurry, and store-bought gifts lead to waste created by the packaging and transportation of resources. Each year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Americans throw away 25% more waste, amounting to an extra million tons of trash and waste. Consider…