At a young age, our kids are influenced by their peers but even before their peers have clout we set the stage for their social and emotional engagement. I have been doing a lot of work in the field of anti-bullying, relational aggression and friendship. As a therapist, these topics are of interest to my client base and unfortunately, unhealthy…
Roughly 4,000 people each year die from unintentional drowning in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. More children ages 1-4 will die from drowning than any other cause of death, and 87% of kids in that age range drown in home pools or hot tubs. While it’s crucial for parents to brush up on water safety to…
One of the many ways to take advantage of Michigan’s beautiful summer weather is to eat outside. Whether that means dining on a restaurant patio, enjoying a family meal in the backyard or planning a picnic with someone special, tapping into the physical and mental health benefits of eating outdoors should be on everyone’s summer agenda. Eating outside curbs mindless…
With Michigan’s farmers’ markets in peak season, there’s no better opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with ingredients grown close to home. Local markets are brimming with crisp vegetables, vibrant fruits and freshly caught Great Lakes fish — making it easy to create a festive and nourishing holiday spread. This year, consider swapping out some of the heavy, traditional…
Beauty trends for young men are on the rise, and the social pressures that come along with these trends can create self-esteem issues and challenges that aren’t as widely discussed as those for young girls. One such trend made popular through social media and online message boards is “looksmaxxing,” which encourages young men to enhance their appearance to make their…
Grilled Caesar salads are popping up on fancy restaurant menus everywhere, but they’re not difficult to make at home. A light grilling enhances the flavor of the romaine lettuce while the toppings create a nice contrast. By grilling half a head of romaine, the salad body stays intact well and makes for a beautiful presentation. This recipe takes on a…
Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a chance to celebrate the important men in our lives with good food and meaningful. While classic cookout favorites like burgers, creamy sides and decadent desserts often take center stage, they can sometimes come with a hefty dose of saturated fats, excess sodium and refined sugars. Prioritizing…
Americans are consuming more dairy than ever, particularly cheese, yogurt and butter, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. June is National Dairy Month, a good time to look at the pros and cons of dairy milk, how dairy compares to milk alternatives and the dangers of raw milk. Pros and cons of dairy milk There are four common types…
There’s nothing like taking a summer neighborhood walk and taking in the scents of barbecue and grilling. Grilling is a popular cooking technique because of the flavor and caramelization it produces. A good marinade combined with the fire of the grill allows complex flavors develop with a texturally pleasing aftermath. Here’s the perfect formula for a marinade: If short on…
Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes This swordfish is lightly marinated and grilled to perfection. Swordfish is a great selection of fish to grill – it’s meaty enough to hold its texture compared to more delicate options that may fall apart. The salsa verde uses flat leaf parsley as the base herb where a…
Children are constantly developing new skills as they age, beginning with crawling and walking to speaking, reading, writing and problem-solving. Building confidence and self-esteem is more complex than other life skills but it is something parents can teach. In today’s technology-driven world, the self-esteem of children and adolescents is more vulnerable than ever. It’s important for parents and guardians to…
In many homes, Mom is the heart of the kitchen — juggling grocery lists, meal plans, dinner prep and clean-ups, often while managing countless other household tasks. Parents make sure everyone stays nourished and feels cared for at the table. This Mother’s Day, why not flip the script? Give Mom a well-deserved break from kitchen duty and let the kids…
Teenagers who drink are more likely to die in a car crash, be a victim of a violent crime and more likely to have problems at school and work than their peers who abstain from alcohol. Alcohol is a drug that can have dangerous health consequences for everyone, especially on teens whose brains are not fully developed. One of the…
As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Michigan’s fields and farmers markets begin to awaken with the first vibrant signs of spring. April and May bring an abundance of fresh, nutrient-rich produce—think tender asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, crisp leafy greens and herbs. It’s the perfect time to lighten up your meals while still embracing comfort and nourishment.…
