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Health & Fitness

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Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe 

Serves: 2  Difficulty: Medium  Prep time: 10 minutes  Total time: 25 minutes  If there’s one cozy fall dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s this sweet potato gnocchi. But unlike the heavy, butter-drenched versions at many restaurants, this one keeps things light without losing any of the comfort. The gnocchi themselves are wonderfully simple – just two ingredients plus a pinch of salt – letting the natural… 

MDM Graphics October 27

One-pan Spaghetti Squash Pasta Sauce

Serves: 2  Difficulty: Easy  Prep time: 5 minutes  Total time: 55 minutes  If you remember the viral “baked feta pasta” trend from a few years ago, you’ll love this nutritious spin that swaps traditional paste for roasted spaghetti squash. This recipe is wholesome, veggie packed and baked right inside the squash itself – making for minimal cleanup. The result is… 

MDM Graphics October 20

Trick-or-Eat: Balanced Grub for Halloween Night

Halloween night is all about fun, costumes and, of course, candy. But with all the excitement (and sugar), it’s easy to forget about real food. Between getting dressed up and heading out for trick-or-treating, sitting down for a nutritious meal might not seem like a priority, but it can make a big difference.  A balanced dinner before the candy fest… 

MDM Graphics October 13

How Breast Cancer Impacts a Woman’s Body Image and Identity 

Nearly 280,000 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Common cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. This can mean hair loss and/or a mastectomy. Hair loss and surgery can change how women feel about their bodies. Studies have found 56% to 92% of women feel dissatisfied with their… 

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Yes, You Should Have Dessert – The Sweet Side of a Balanced Diet

When that sweet tooth hits, it’s easy to reach for cookies, candy or ice cream. But what if your dessert could satisfy cravings and offer nourishing qualities at the same time? When identifying healthier dessert options, think ingredients like fiber-rich fruits, protein-packed nuts or butters and natural sweeteners like dates over ultra-processed options.   Most of these recipes are surprisingly simple,… 

MDM Graphics October 8

The Difference Between Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is difficult to define because it looks different for every person who experiences it. Generally, suicide ideation involves intrusive, fleeting thoughts of suicide and self-harm and a preoccupation with death.   Suicidal ideation is considered common, as an estimated 10.6 million adults in the United States reported having suicidal thoughts during the previous year, according to the Centers for… 

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Spiced Apple Rings  

These cinnamon sugar apple rings are an easy breakfast addition or treat. Dipped in a batter and seared, they have a soft fluffy outside with a satisfying crunch inside. Apples are a great source of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins like C and A. They support healthy digestion, immune function and healthy vision.  Serves: 4  Difficulty: Easy  Prep time: 5 minutes … 

MDM Graphics September 8

The Importance of Practicing Self-Care in College 

Approximately 35% of college students considered dropping out during their fall semester in 2024, according to a Gallup poll, with 54% of the 6,000 students surveyed citing emotional stress and 43% reporting other mental health reasons.  Academic stress may be the most dominant factor affecting the mental wellbeing of college students, according to a study. Engaging in regular self-care routines… 

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How to Help Kids Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight 

About 14.7 million, or 20%, of children in the United States are obese, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  This figure has risen significantly since the mid-1960s when the childhood obesity rate was about five percent. Let’s look at the causes of childhood obesity, preventable factors and ways to create healthy habits for… 

MDM Graphics August 25

3 Healthy Peach Recipes

Peach season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to celebrate the juicy goodness of Michigan peaches. From mid-July through mid-September, farmers’ markets and grocery stores across the state are overflowing with these sun-kissed fruits. Michigan ranks as the eighth top producer of peaches in the U.S. thanks to the ideal climate and rich soil.  Peaches are more… 

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The Ultimate Syllabus for Healthy College Meals

As college students head back to campus in August, life quickly fills up with new classes, meeting roommates, navigating dorm life and adjusting to packed schedules. Amid all the change, figuring out how to eat healthy can feel like another challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.   Time-Saving Tips for Healthier Meals  You don’t need a full kitchen or hours… 

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How to Ease Kids into the New School Year  

More than 50 million children will start going back to school in August through September.  Summer break can throw off routines, including dietary and sleep habits. Children and teens may stay up late, sleep in longer or enjoy a few extra treats during the summer months. Parents can support a smooth start to the school year by easing children back… 

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Two Sentimental DIY Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Picking out the perfect gift can be a tricky task, especially when it’s for someone you care for. Every year around Mother’s Day, marketing for World’s Best Mom mugs and trinkets fill the ad section of screens country wide. But many moms prefer something made by their children, regardless of their age. Whether you’re someone helping a child prepare a… 

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Try These Simple Asparagus Recipes

Asparagus is among the first of veggies to grow in Michigan’s spring. Though you generally catch asparagus in the produce section in a 10-inch bouquet, the plant can grow a whopping 6 feet length. This impressive crop makes for an excellent side item as it’s low in calories, rich in nutrients, and versatile. Just half a cup of asparagus satisfies…