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Health & Fitness

How Children with Disabilities can Benefit From Yoga

Yoga benefits everyone. Centuries ago, men in India were only doing yoga. It has slowly become available to everyone and once it hit developing countries in Europe and North America, it became everyone’s way of finding peace and maintaining health. Even more recently, children have started to become involved in yoga. It can calm the mind and teach kids to… 

Sesame Place® Becomes the First Theme Park in the World to be Designated as a Certified Autism Center

Certification readied for April’s Autism Awareness month and start of new season  Sesame Place®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street®, in conjunction with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), today announced the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training at the theme park.  The completion designates Sesame… 

It’s Probably Time to Clean Out Your Fridge

November 15 is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day – and while you should deep clean your fridge more than annually, this day is perfectly timed ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when many families struggle to find refrigerator space to store side dishes and casseroles.  The refrigerator is one of the most essential household appliances, and often experiences its fair… 

Is Gestational Diabetes Preventable?

Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing among women of all racial and ethnic subgroups in the U.S. Gestational diabetes is relatively common and affects 2% to 10% of pregnancies – but can be connected to short- and long-term risks for women and their babies. The good news is for most pregnant women gestational diabetes is transient and can be safely managed under the care… 

goldfish gift

Eight Great Reasons to Give the Gift of Swimming

It’s that time again where we are clamoring to get the BEST gifts for our family members as well as friends.  Therefore, grandparents, friends and family are always asking me “What should I get your children for Christmas?” There are so many great reasons why swimming lessons are the perfect gift idea for our family. Here are a few reasons why… 

How Pasta Substitutes Measure Up and How to Prepare Them

The National Pasta Association reports the average American consumes about 20 pounds of pasta each year. In recent years, consumers have been increasingly looking for low-carb alternatives to their favorite side dishes. Deciphering the marketing for these products can be challenging, making it difficult to choose the best option. For example, green colored spinach pasta does not necessarily translate to the nutrient value of… 

MDM Halloween

Halloween Treats that Aren’t Scary to Make

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… 

MDM Squash

Three Cozy Fall Recipes Featuring Squash

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.… 

MDM Pizza

Easy Homemade Pizza with Staple Ingredients

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… 

MDM Infant

Reducing Infant Mortality: Ways to Minimize Risks

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… 

MDM Apples

Fall Recipes With Apples to Try

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… 

MDM Breakfast

5 Healthy Breakfast Hacks for Busy Parents 

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… 

MDM Obesity

Obesity Now Affects Children Earlier in Life

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…