We’d probably all like to think of ourselves as safe drivers, but the data tells a different story. Traffic deaths on U.S. roads are still incredibly high — and while more than one-third of the nation’s major roads are in mediocre or poor condition, there might be some other surprising reasons why so many fatalities occur on American streets. According…
We’ve been using the Chicco MyFit for a few months now, and since installed it quite a few in different vehicles, so I thought it’d be the perfect time to review. I want to note that this car seat was not provided to me by Chicco or Metro Detroit Mommy. I purchased it locally at Modern Natural Baby because my…
A friend of mine and fellow CPST was involved in a major crash a month ago. She was driving to the airport with two other adults in the car as well as her 9-year-old son when blizzard conditions caused a crash in front of them. What happened next was unavoidable; they swerved to safety and in doing so were caught…
Butternut squash and sweet potatoes aren’t the only produce that grow when temperatures drop, try these uncommon fruits and veggies during this chilly winter season to keep you warm and healthy. Artichokes: This savory vegetable can be found fresh twice a year, during the spring and winter seasons. Loaded with folate and fiber, artichokes are a great addition to a winter…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan If diets worked, why do so many people try a new one every year? A crash diet, or a restrictive meal plan focused on fast-turn weight loss, can be dangerous to a person’s physical and mental health. Regardless of short-term results, a deprivation-driven meal plan may lead to more serious, long-term health issues down the…
These recipes are a healthier take on Valentine’s Day treats and are easy to make at home. They’re especially great for kids’ classroom parties! Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan Black Bean Brownie Hearts with Powdered Sugar and Cherry Topping Ingredients 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained 2 eggs 3 tbsp. coconut oil, melted 3/4 cup cocoa…
It’s been almost three months since you set your resolutions at the beginning of the year, but don’t lose heart if you haven’t accomplished everything you wanted to! You aren’t alone. U.S. News and World Report says by the second week of February, 80 percent of resolution makers have given up on their goals. Luckily, this time of year is…
You’ve done all the shopping, all the research into the safety of a seat and how to use it… and now comes the fun part: installation! Okay, so my definition of fun may vary from yours. But if it’s gotta be done, it might as well be fun, right? One of the first decisions that must be made is what to…
Chances are you’ll be able to read this entire post because I’ve kept it under 500 words and written it as a listicle. If you get called away to stop a potential disaster, you can jump back in at the next bullet point. I know my audience. We are distracted, pulled in many directions, and looking for tips we can…
As you prepare to send your children to school, if they don’t have life-threatening food allergies, try to take a second to think of us parents who do. I am getting ready to send my son, my only child, off to school and I am relying on his teacher and other parents and students to keep him safe so he…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan According to a recent report, U.S. adults working an average of 47 hours per week struggle to establish a work-life balance. When the kids are headed back to school, managing time can be especially challenging for busy parents. Thankfully, small changes…
In Michigan, when grandparents are denied access to their grandchild they can petition the court for grandparent visitation rights. The process can be an uphill battle because there are restrictions on their ability to do so successfully. The biggest obstacle to grandparents petitioning for visitation rights is that parents have a Constitutionally protected fundamental right to raise their children without…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Knowing that one in three Michigan children are overweight or obese, it’s crucial that parents understand the best approach to discussions around health. The physical, mental and emotional consequences of ignoring a child’s health largely outweigh the discomfort one might feel…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide leaving countless family members and friends behind to piece their lives back together. 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness. Too often individuals avoid treatment due to stigma or lack of resources. Below are resources available in our area for…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Although many people aspire to exercise more in the new year, nearly 80 percent of adults fail to meet the recommendation for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. In order to achieve any fitness goal, it’s important to take a step back and determine what’s possible based on health history, lifestyle, interests and abilities. Consider this step-by-step guide to kick…
