Char-boo-terie, char-spook-erie…or scare-cuterie? A charcuterie board is a crowd-pleasing hostess offering, as it is customizable based on party size and offers a variety of options to please various taste buds. It also makes for a festive treat to bring to a Halloween get-together – because walking into a party empty-handed is frightening. Whatever you decide to call it, here are…
Autumn has arrived. Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and with the season comes a fall harvest full of hearty crops. Butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash are only a few on the list of fall squashes offering plenty of nutrients including vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. A versatile crop, squashes make their way into savory soups, cozy drinks and spiced desserts.…
October normally marks the start of the influenza season, when cases of the virus increase significantly and remain high until the spring. However, over the past two years there has been a lower number of flu cases than usual. This reduction is partially due to increased social distancing, mask-wearing and other measures in place to slow the spread of COVID.…
A whopping 98 percent of Americans eat pizza, and according to the Washington Post, approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold each year. It’s that go-to Friday night meal bound to satisfy a crowd with the various toppings, sauces and cheeses there are to offer. But after topping additions, delivery fees and tips – this can lead to a hefty bill. Next time you find…
The first month of life is the most vulnerable period for a child’s survival. Globally, 2.4 million newborns died in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Most neonatal deaths, approximately 75%, occur during the first week of life. When newborns die it is usually because they suffered from conditions and diseases associated with a lack of quality care during birth…
Sometimes known as nature’s toothbrush, apples offer an impressive list of health benefits. Apples offer prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fiber and polyphenol content may reduce the risk for chronic conditions including heart disease, some cancers, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Apples are the most valuable crop in Michigan. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, our state…
It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Research shows eating breakfast is associated with better performance on math tests, vocabulary tests, demanding mental tasks and reaction to frustration. Life gets busy no matter who you are, and for many, whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic…
Childhood obesity is considered a growing and serious health issue in the United States. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising, but obesity is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. Being overweight can not only affect a child’s physical and emotional health, but it can have long-lasting effects into…
Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and parents are busy stocking up on school supplies, tech gear, new shoes and clothes as little kids and teens prepare for the classroom. But don’t forget to come up with some fresh ideas and line your pantry with some grocery staples for the most exciting time of the day for lots of…
According to Smithsonian Magazine, 50% of America eats a sandwich each day. Sandwiches are convenient snacks for outings or meals for a lunch bag. So how can we keep it healthy? The key is to pay attention to the bread, condiments and toppings. Bread is an essential part of a sandwich and can offer important fueling nutrients. But it is best…
August is here, and that means perfectly sweet and juicy peaches in Michigan. This fuzzy stone fruit may be found in cobblers and other sweets, but offers a few health benefits on its own. One peach provides 17 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, and a bit of potassium,…
Children and teens have undergone considerable change and turmoil during the past two years. While student mental health was an existing concern, the pandemic exacerbated the problem and youth mental health has worsened, according to experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic; and…
A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness to dishes in cultures around the world. Whether the curly or flat-leaf variety, parsley offers an impressive nutrient profile. Its bright green color points to its vitamin K content – offering a whopping 547 percent of the daily recommended intake to support blood coagulation and bone health. It also features quite a few antioxidants…
Michigan was the first state to have a roadside picnic table in the U.S. This hidden gem, located in West Michigan’s Ionia County, appeared in 1929. But the term ‘picnic’ dates back much further. The French-derived word originally stems back to 1794, 100 years after ‘pique-nique’ first appeared in the French language. Whether you’re visiting a roadside table for a road trip…
More than 1 in 3 families in the US owns a dog, and most people consider their dogs as part of their family. Some people share their beds with their furry friends, while others let them have table scraps. Some dogs even find their favorite spot in the house during dinner time is under the table, just in case something falls. However,…
