The holidays are approaching, and so many of these celebrations seem to revolve around high-calorie food and drinks. Family parties often feature a big buffet of appetizers, main dishes and a sea of desserts. Work party potlucks have tables crammed with goodies. And meeting friends for the holidays often means a drink or dessert – or both. But there are…
Turkey with stuffing and gravy, creamy casseroles and sweet pumpkin pie for dessert – there are certain dishes that are synonymous with Thanksgiving. Often, these staples have elements full of saturated fat and sugar. While it’s okay to enjoy these comfort foods, it’s great to offer healthy options to create balance at the table. Luckily, fiber-rich root vegetables and crucifers…
November is Prematurity Awareness Month One in 10 babies born in the U.S. was born preterm in 2021. This amounts to nearly 7,400 babies born prematurely each week. Preterm birth means a baby is born early, before the 37th week of a typical 40-week-long pregnancy. Being born prematurely means a baby is not able to fully finish growing and developing…
November is American Diabetes Month More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is about 11% of the population. The most prevalent type is Type 2 diabetes, which is more common in adults. This chronic illness occurs when a person doesn’t produce enough insulin or does not use it well. As a result, the body struggles…
October is National ADHD Awareness Month Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is the most common behavioral disorder in children: about 10% of children ages three to 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD during their lifetimes. ADHD often begins in childhood: in a class of 25 to 30 children, it’s likely that at least one student will have ADHD. People…
The average kid is likely going to consume between 3,500 and 7,000 calories from candy on Halloween. This is the equivalent of up to three cups of sugar. Sugar is particularly bad for oral health because it feeds the bacteria that live in the mouth. Over time and without a daily routine of brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist, these…
With spring in the air you may be thinking about doing some cleaning, whether it’s packing away the winter clothes from your overfilled closet, doing a deep scrub of the house, or feeling some Feng Shui to fill your home with some springtime energy. In the rush to spring clean everything you may have forgotten yourself! Take some time to revamp your…
Winter squashes are more than just decorative doorstep elements during the fall season. This family of diverse squashes includes fall cooking staples like butternut, spaghetti, acorn, delicata and pumpkin. Unlike their summer squash counterparts like zucchini and yellow squash, they have a hard interior and exterior. Rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, they’re nutritional powerhouses that can contribute to overall…
As we enter the fall season, students of all ages are preparing for midterms. Those faced with the daunting task of studying for exams endure long hours of reading, note-taking, and problem-solving. All this work can take a toll on energy levels, therefore eating balanced meals and snacks is essential. The brain is a highly active organ that requires a…
Salmon seasoned to perfection and then grilled on a wooden plank. Thick filets of cod, dipped in egg wash, then breadcrumbs and baked to a golden crisp. Trout caught on a cool fall day and grilled over an open fire. When it comes to eating fish, there are so many delicious possibilities. Reports have shown an increase in fish consumption in recent…
During the fall and winter months of 2022, hospitals across the country were stretched thin due to a peak in patients with respiratory illness. However, it wasn’t due to COVID-19 alone. Last year, there was an epidemic of three respiratory illnesses at the same time – COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Incidences of the RSV virus were particularly…
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15. The celebration honors the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, including their diverse and delicious cuisine. From the spicy dishes of Mexico to the aromatic stews of Cuba, there’s a lot of diversity across Hispanic nations’ cuisine. However, they all share an emphasis…
As we approach the fall solstice, there’s a new crop of fresh, in-season produce to enjoy. Michiganders can look forward to green beans, corn, cabbage, and delicious apples in September. Apples are often referred to as nature’s toothbrush and offer a plethora of health benefits. They have prebiotic effects, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and are rich in fiber and polyphenols.…
Nearly 20% of children ages two to 19 years old could be characterized as obese – that’s about 14.7 million children. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising but is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. The risk for obesity increases when most of an adolescent’s diet includes high-calorie foods, like vending machine snacks, fast…
Sandwiches are such a versatile meal – they can be topped with a wide variety of protein, spreads, veggies, and more. But what they have in common is bread – the sandwich component many people fear because of its mostly carbohydrate makeup. The truth is, not all breads are made the same and there are many healthy options to choose…
