A 2024 National Retail Federation survey revealed Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year. This is the second highest projection to be released to date behind last year’s estimate of $35.7 billion. But making something for mom is still special – you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special…
Dr. Angela Seabright, D.O., care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Comprehensive studies over the past five years found that Black and Hispanic children in the U.S. receive worse medical care than their white peers. This includes inequitable treatment across pediatric specialties like neonatal care, primary care, emergency medicine, critical care, mental health care, end-of-life care and…
Grilled cheese sandwiches have long held a cherished spot in the hearts and stomachs of many, not just kids. In fact, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, grilled cheese reigns as the most popular sandwich among Americans. When it comes to crafting a healthier grilled cheese, the choices you make regarding cheese and bread can significantly impact its nutritional profile. Opt…
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which sheds light on the role of alcoholic beverages in our lives. Alcohol is a central component of social gatherings, celebrations and moments of relaxation. However, as people become more conscious of the effects of alcohol consumption on health and wellbeing, many are turning to alternatives that still provide a sense of festivity and enjoyment.…
The link between stress and nutrition is bi-directional, meaning they both affect each other. Stress can affect our eating habits, especially the chances of unhealthy choices or overeating. Additionally, poor nutrition and diet choices can exacerbate or increase levels of stress. According to a 2020 review study, stress affects nutrition by: Stress can also affect the metabolism, with higher levels…
Business Insider says 180 million eggs are purchased for Easter every year. Many families enjoy the tradition of spending creative quality time painting hard-boiled eggs together. But what do you do with the leftover eggs? Eggs are a versatile, nutrient-dense healthy source of protein. In fact, a large egg has about 78 calories and 6 grams of protein. A noteworthy…
National Poison Prevention Week Someone in the U.S. is exposed to poison every 15 seconds, according to statistics from the National Capital Poison Center. In 2021, more than two million people called Poison Control for help. Children are the most at risk for poisoning, especially those six years and under. However, for adults and teens, poisonings are often more serious.…
March is National Caffeine Awareness Month Almost one-third of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age say they regularly consume energy drinks, according to the National Institutes of Health. Energy drinks are highly marketed as offering a boost of energy, improved performance and sharper mental focus. They rely heavily on caffeine and added sugars to produce…
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week One in seven men and one in five women in the U.S. will have an eating disorder by age 40 – with the onset occurring mostly during adolescence and young adulthood. Rates of eating disorders among adolescents are on the rise, and they are affecting more than the stereotypical female patient. A recent study of…
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month Close to half of all children aged two to 11 years old develop at least one cavity in their lifetime. Early childhood cavities – identified as those that occur between birth and age six years old – can cause pain and distress, while damaging the primary (baby) teeth. Among children aged six to…
It is a Michigan ritual to celebrate Paczki Day on Fat Tuesday by eating a traditional Polish jelly-filled or cream-filled fried pastry called a paczek (pronounced PON-check). But if you are not in the mood for such a rich treat, there are other options. These fruit-filled delicacies are lighter than the traditional fried treat – significantly lower in saturated fat,…
The celebration of Valentine’s Day has been around since the 14th century. In 2010, Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope introduced us to Galentine’s Day. More than a fun play on words, celebrating friendships is important. It gives us a sense of belonging and even offers health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic. Having friendships have been associated with longer life span.…
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients. A soup can serve as a balanced meal with the right ingredients. Carrots, celery and onions are classic choices that add vitamins and minerals to…
January is Healthy Weight Week. One of the most common components of a preventive care screening is being weighed on a scale. This measurement is used by health care providers to calculate a person’s body mass index, a standardized way to quickly evaluate a person’s health status and risk for chronic conditions. The body mass index (BMI) is a value…
As the new year unfolds, many individuals embark on transformative journeys. “Dry January” is a popular trend that involves abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. For some, it serves as a reset button after indulging in holiday festivities, offering a chance to break unhealthy drinking patterns. Others view it as an opportunity to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol.…
