Health & Fitness

Raise a Glass, Not the Proof: Mocktail Pantry Staples and Recipe Ideas

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Mocktails are no longer an afterthought. They’ve evolved into a creative category of their own. Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, hosting inclusive gatherings or exploring new flavors, having a well-stocked mocktail setup can unlock complex drinks. From liquor alternatives to alcohol-removed wines, here’s everything you need to elevate your zero-proof game: Essential mixers Every great mocktail starts with high-quality mixers. Stocking a range of these ensures versatility: Sweeteners and flavor enhancers …

Before You Blame IBS: Common Myths and Supporting Your Gut Safely

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

With the flood of information readily available online, it can be tempting for people to type their symptoms into a search engine and instantly receive dozens of potential causes. A 2023 study found that more than 58% of adults consulted the internet to research health and medical information. Social media feeds can magnify the self-diagnosis trend too, because once someone clicks on an ad, video or post about a particular…

Food for Calm: 5 Foods That Naturally Support Your Nervous System

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

About half of Americans experience significant levels of stress weekly. Diet is an essential part of mental health, and eating foods that support the nervous system can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here is a look at the gut-brain connection and foods to focus on for a healthy gut. The gut-brain connection The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The…

The Ultimate Guide to Kids Dance Classes Near Me: Dance Studios and Lessons

30 min read
Health & Fitness (category), 1 Featured (category), Sports/Fitness (category), Ultimate Guides (category)

Discover the top youth dance classes near you where children can express themselves, learn new dance styles, and build confidence. From ballet to hip-hop, these programs offer personalized attention and fun in a supportive environment, ensuring every young dancer shines.

Energy Drink Surge Among Teens Comes with a Health Warning

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Energy drinks may seem harmless, and even helpful. After all, they are supposed to provide the body a boost to help power through a demanding schedule, study session or athletic event. Yet, for teenagers, those energy drinks can have some harmful effects. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against adolescents consuming energy drinks. Teenagers do not seem to be heeding that guidance, however. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease…

3 Flavor-Packed Easter Brunch Ideas

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Spring has officially entered the chat, and with it comes one of the most delicious times of the year: brunch season. As the days grow longer and brighter, many of us feel inspired to hit refresh in all areas of life. We’re cleaning out closets, stepping outside more often and rethinking what’s on our plates. Here are three fresh, better-for-you spring brunch ideas that deliver on both flavor and nutrition. Sundried Tomato…

How to Dress a Salad Like a Pro

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

A great salad isn’t just about fresh greens and tasty toppings ─ it’s about how you dress it. Too much dressing, uneven coating, soggy leaves or flavor pooling at the bottom can turn even the best ingredients into a disappointing bowl. The secret lies in understanding your dressing, your greens and how they interact. Once you know when to dress the bowl and when to dress the leaves, your salads instantly level up. Step 1:…

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Ultra-processed Meats and Colon Cancer

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Convenience is king in the modern food landscape. Though recent nutrition trends indicate an emphasis on healthy eating from consumers, ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and pre-sliced deli meats aren’t going anywhere – they still line supermarket aisles, promising speed and ease. But convenient foods and healthy foods aren’t always one in the same. In the case of the previously mentioned ultra-processed foods, some convenient meals can increase the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. What it means to be a group 1 carcinogen Through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the carcinogenic…

Teaching Kids to Eat with Intention, Not Distraction

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Eating mindfully is associated with many different benefits, including satiation, weight management, better digestion and a healthy relationship with food. Teaching children how to eat intentionally can help provide them with a lifetime of healthy habits when it comes to food, giving them physical and mental health benefits. Here are tips for parents to instill mindful eating habits in their children. What is mindful eating? …

When Healthy Becomes Harmful: How to Identify Unhealthy Eating and Exercise Habits

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

We’re constantly told to eat clean, move more and be the healthiest version of ourselves. On the surface, these seem like positive messages — and they generally are, as a healthy diet and regular exercise are keys to unlocking a long, healthy life and staving off chronic conditions. Eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly are important elements of a balanced lifestyle, but when the pursuit of health becomes rigid or extreme, those same habits can…

How to Make Chili Crunch Oil

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Chili crunch has officially earned its place as a pantry staple. From eggs and noodles to roasted veggies and avocado toast, instantly upgrades just about anything it touches. You don’t have to rely on expensive store-bought jars to get that crunch and heat. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can make your own chili garlic crunch oil at home — customized exactly…

From First Tooth to First Checkup: What You Should Know Before Your Child’s First Dental Visit

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

A child’s first dental visit is a big milestone — right up there with first haircuts and starting solid foods. For many parents, it also comes with questions, nerves and some uncertainty. Parents who prepare for their child’s first trip to the dentist may find it to be a more positive experience than they thought, one that sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here’s what parents should do to prepare for…

Better-For-You Gameday Swaps

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

Game day food is part of the fun — but if you’ve set health goals for the new year, it doesn’t mean you have to sit out the snack table. The key isn’t “perfect” eating. It’s giving yourself options. When healthier choices are actually on the spread, it becomes much easier to enjoy the party and feel good afterward. Try a few lighter and nutrient-dense swaps for classic Big Game favorites without sacrificing flavor or comfort: Chips Instead of traditional fried…

Lemongrass and Coconut Salmon Soup

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

When you’re craving something cozy and comforting but still want it to feel nourishing, this soup strikes the balance. It’s creamy, aromatic and deeply flavorful and built from ingredients that support overall health and satiety. Think warming spices, vibrant vegetables and omega-3-rich salmon all coming together in one simple, weeknight-friendly bowl. The soup base gets its flavor from Thai red curry paste adds complexity without requiring a…

These Diet and Nutrition Trends Shaping 2026: Here’s What to Expect

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan (category)

It’s never been trendier to eat healthy. Building on 2025’s momentum, many of the diet and nutrition trends forecasted for 2026 are driven by “functional foods,” which are foods that contain substances or live microorganisms that may improve health by reducing chronic disease risk. The broader health and wellness food market is projected to grow by roughly $180 billion between 2024 and 2026. Here are the trends predicted to lead the way. The fibermaxxing trend started circulating social media platforms like TikTok in…