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…
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week One in seven men and one in five women in the U.S. will have an eating disorder by age 40 – with the onset occurring mostly during adolescence and young adulthood. Rates of eating disorders among adolescents are on the rise, and they are affecting more than the stereotypical female patient. A recent study of…
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…
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,…
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.…
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients. A soup can serve as a balanced meal with the right ingredients. Carrots, celery and onions are classic choices that add vitamins and minerals to…
January is Healthy Weight Week. One of the most common components of a preventive care screening is being weighed on a scale. This measurement is used by health care providers to calculate a person’s body mass index, a standardized way to quickly evaluate a person’s health status and risk for chronic conditions. The body mass index (BMI) is a value…
As the new year unfolds, many individuals embark on transformative journeys. “Dry January” is a popular trend that involves abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. For some, it serves as a reset button after indulging in holiday festivities, offering a chance to break unhealthy drinking patterns. Others view it as an opportunity to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol.…
January is Walk Your Dog Month Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, and stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship…
New Year’s celebrations are nearly upon us. This means a lot of people will be making resolutions or goals for themselves. These goals often revolve around relationships, finances and health. But instead of setting our sights on hugely ambitious goals that encourage big changes on Jan. 1, it may be better to take a different approach this year. Plan to…
