Metro Detroit Mommy strives to have an overall balanced out-look on family and personal life; which we believe includes personal health, nutrition and fitness. Healthier, happier moms equates on healthier, happier families! As moms our personal free time is in short supply, but we hope we can share some of our tips for meal planning and easy healthy recipes the whole family will love. Along with quick & easy ways to fit in exercise for busy moms. We will share tips, tricks and motivation in order to educate & inspire our readers. Lastly, sharing our personal journeys and struggles on how to “fit it all in” and to find balance in your life which will lead to an overall healthy outlook on your life.
The Importance of Unstructured Play Time for Kids
About a month of summer has passed and it’s getting to the dreaded “I’m bored” statement from kids. With long, empty days to fill their time with different activities, it becomes more and more…
Ways to Spring Clean Your Morning Routine
With spring in the air you may be thinking about doing some cleaning, whether it’s packing away the winter clothes from your overfilled closet, doing a deep scrub of the…
Think Outside the Basket: Creative Easter Ideas
Easter is not only a celebrated religious holiday, it’s also been known as a time for chocolate, candy, jelly beans and Easter basket treats. Trust me, I am…
What You Can Do Now to Prepare for Spring Allergies
While it’s true that pollen and mold levels haven’t hit their peak yet—that doesn’t happen until the beginning of June for Michigan—you shouldn’t just sit back and wait for your spring…
Sweet Dreams: Recent Sleep Studies Reveal Health Risks Of Sleep Deprivation
Humans are meant to get about seven hours of sleep per night, meaning that we supposedly spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. It doesn’t often feel that way. Whether…
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress and The Body’s Response
Though stress never feels good, it can serve a useful purpose. Stress is a signal to the brain and body that can help us identify physiological and psychological issues. Chronic…
Rainbow Meal Planning
In the U.S., only eight percent of children consume dark, leafy greens. Many children are tempted by sugary and carb-dense foods, rather than colorful produce that offers phytochemicals and antioxidants. The…
Let The Light In: Why Your Home’s Windows Are So Important
Studies show that people interpret the definition of a happy home multiple ways: it is a place where you feel secure (69%), a place you can relax in (64%), and…
How to Read Food Labels
Food labels are confusing. I hear it all the time. The key to nutrition label reading is to ensure you are aware of the serving size and servings per container. From there,…
New Scalp Cooling Cap Prevents Hair Loss In Breast Cancer Patients
The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day — hardly noticeable on a scalp carrying 100,000 strands. To cancer patients, however, total hair loss (including the eyebrows…
Is the Opioid Epidemic Making America’s Roadways More Dangerous?
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…
12 Forgotten Winter Fruits and Veggies
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…
New Year’s Resolution Check-In: Get Back on Track!
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…
The Dangers of Crash Dieting
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…
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit Pistons to offer 50 kids unique gameday experience
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Pistons have teamed up to offer 50 Michigan kids a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, Mar. 10….
A Beginner’s Guide to Exercise
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…
Avoid Winter Workout Woes with These Safety Tips
Michigan winters mean snow, ice, freezing temperatures and darker days. Even though staying active during these conditions may not seem ideal, there are many health benefits, both physical and mental, to working…
National Soup Month: Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Warm up this winter and celebrate National Soup Month with our healthier version of lasagna. This soup recipe will still satisfy your pasta cravings and leave you feeling full…
Staying Active in the Winter in Metro Detroit
It’s a New Year. Have you made a New Year’s Resolution this year? Was it health related? My goal is to be more active and spend more time outside with…
No Gym Membership? No Problem! 5 Exercises That Don’t Cost You a Dime
Let’s admit it, not everyone has the extra $20 a month or more to spend on a gym membership. But don’t let the cost hold you back from exercising —…
How Children with Disabilities can Benefit From Yoga
Yoga benefits everyone. Centuries ago, men in India were only doing yoga. It has slowly become available to everyone and once it hit developing countries in Europe and North America,…
Michigan January Bucket List: 10 Healthy Ideas to Make the Most of the New Year
If you live in Michigan, your feelings about January probably depend on whether you love or hate the snow. Snow bunny or hermit, there’s plenty of ways for you to…
Winter Water Safety Tips
It’s getting colder outside and outdoor swimming is probably not on your to-do list in the next few months. Water safety is still a concern in the winter months. Keep…
Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipe Roundup
Holiday parties are filled with family, friends and usually a range of desserts from cakes and cookies to ice cream and candy. This holiday season, try a healthy dessert that will…
Your Holiday Budget Game Plan
A recent survey found that 82 percent of adults in the U.S. find holiday spending stressful. Holiday parties, gift-giving, and the urge to vacation all add up to a less-than-happy bank account….
Infant Ibuprofen Recalled
Tris Pharma, Inc. has announced that it is voluntarily recalling three (3) lots of Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension. The recalled lots of the product may have higher concentrations of…
Recess is Important-No Matter the Weather!
When you ask an elementary aged student what their favorite subject in school is, inevitably the majority will say “recess” or “lunch.” Occasionally you may hear “gym” or another special…
The Rise in Childhood Diabetes
Diabetes is no longer just a problem for adults. In fact, the disease is being diagnosed in children with even greater frequency today than ever before, and is now considered to…
Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey and Stuffing Breakfast Cups Recipe
We’re all so used to having traditional leftovers around Thanksgiving that it can be hard to think of creative ways to repurpose things like turkey and stuffing. This year instead…
Apps and Food Storage Tips to Organize Your Fridge
We all do it. You come home with a load of groceries and cram it all in the refrigerator, pushing older items to the back. Two weeks later, after some…
Five Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been a significant part of many cultures for many centuries. It has been practiced by ancient civilizations in China, Egypt, and Greece. It was originally devised only…
Eight Great Reasons to Give the Gift of Swimming
It’s that time again where we are clamoring to get the BEST gifts for our family members and friends. Grandparents, friends and family are always asking me “What should I get…
How to Practice Gratitude
How often do you reflect on and give thanks for everything that is good in your life? Turns out, taking the time to practice gratitude not only feels great, it’s…
Tips for a Healthier (and Safe) Halloween
Halloween can be a fun time of year for kids and parents alike. As families gear up for parties, trick-or-treating and spooky fun, the Healthier Michigan team has some tips and…
Five Simple Stroller Exercises for New Moms
As a new mom, finding time to exercise can feel almost impossible. How are you supposed to find time to go to the gym when you can barely find time…
Healthy Recipes and Tips for Game Day Tailgating
Fall means it’s time for football, but tailgating food choices aren’t always the healthiest. With a few modifications, it’s easy to make healthier choices without sacrificing the game day fun. Whether you…
5 Healthy Fall Activities for Families
The advent of autumn brings with it so many fun traditions – trick-or-treating, going to the state fair, attending fall carnivals, and let’s not forget Mom’s favorite, sipping on a…
Fighting Breast Cancer With Food
It’s been said before, but the simple truth is that a well-balanced diet is instrumental to long-term health. Though healthy eating cannot completely prevent every kind of disease and illness,…
A Healthier Coffee: 4 Alternatives to Flavored Creamer
In honor of National Coffee Day (Sept. 29), here’s a look at how you can make your coffee healthier with simple alternatives. There are a lot of articles out there telling you…
10 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is arguably one the most magical period of any woman’s life, filled with glorious anticipation, fascinating physical developments, and an overwhelming flood of hormones which crave for the strangest…
Spotting Common Food Allergies in Children
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children under age 18. This equates to one in 13 children suffering from food allergies. Offices, classrooms and…
Cooking with Children: An Age-by-Age Guide
In honor of National Kids Takeover the Kitchen day on Sept. 13, what better way to spark your kid’s interest in healthy eating than to get them involved in the kitchen? Starting…
Ten Benefits of Year Round Swimming Lessons
A majority of swimming programs in the Metro Detroit area offer classes with set start and end dates. Aqua Tots Swim Schools of Michigan is different in that they offer…
Five Easy Exercises New Moms Can Do with Their Babies
One of the biggest challenges that new moms experience is the difficulty that comes with trying to find time to exercise. When you have a new baby who requires your…
Virtual Reality Introduced To Michigan Senior Living Community
Senior living communities offer a plethora of perks: there’s no work to do, no food to prepare, and no stress to manage; it can be surprising to know that nine out…
Back-to-School: Backpack Health
Back-to-school season means new responsibilities for students, and more than likely, an over-stuffed backpack. What many parents may not realize is that a too-heavy backpack can lead to serious back,…
How to Recognize and Avoid Drunk Driving Behaviors This Labor Day
Although the Labor Day holiday should be all about savoring the end of summer with friends and family, it has an unfortunate dark side. The period between Memorial Day and…
Back to School Checklist
By: Dr. Caison-Sorey, associate medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan As summer ends, the thought of back-to-school to-dos can be overwhelming. In fact, a recent study…
How Screen Time Affects the Eyes
By: Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganDr. Gina Lynem-Walker A national survey found U.S. teens spend about nine hours in front of screens every…
Back to School Back Pains
Busy moms everywhere are looking forward to the start of a new school year. The August and September months bring a rush of meet-the-teacher events, back to school nights, school…
Dangerous Levels of Weed-Killer Found in Breakfast Foods
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit and non-partisan environmental advocacy organization, found popular oat cereals, oatmeal, granola and snack bars come with a hefty dose of glyphosate, according to independent…
Back to School Parenting Hacks
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Despite their best effort to prepare for the back-to-school season, more…
What Can I Do if My Child is Afraid of the Dentist?
It is not always possible to identify why a child has developed a fear of the dentist. It is possible that they have been talking to friends who have had…
Blue Cross Promotes National Sneak Zucchini on Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (Today)
National Sneak Zucchini on Your Neighbor’s Porch Day, which occurs annually on August 8, was created by Pennsylvanian farmers, Tom and Ruth Roy, to help prevent food waste by sharing excess…
Fun Ways to Get Active as a Family for Exercise with Your Child Week
Bring back these classic games and activities to help your family get up and get active while having fun!
Eight Tips for Parents Suffering from Chronic Illness
Are you one of the 133 million Americans who currently suffer from a chronic illness (a disease that lasts longer than three months)? If so, you know how debilitating these…
Tips to Find the Right Extracurricular for Your Child
Help your children explore hobbies and interests through extracurricular activities.
FREE Child Vaccination Event coming to Detroit!
Childhood Vaccination Event Join The Henry Ford Health System at a Childhood Vaccination Event On Monday, August 6 – Tuesday, August 7, there will be an event where parents can learn…
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Cracker Recall
Pepperidge Farm announced that they are voluntarily recalling 3.3 million units of Goldfish Crackers because of salmonella concerns. Pepperidge Farm announced the recall yesterday which includes Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour…
Five Tips for Exercising Outdoors During Summer
To reap the many physical and mental benefits of getting active outdoors, safety should always be top of mind.
Sleep Makeover with AllerEase
AllerEase provided me with (1) AllerEase Maximum mattress protector, (2) AllerEase Maximum pillow protectors, (1) pillow and (1) comforter in exchange for this promotional post. When my daughter was first diagnosed…
Reusable Water Bottle Care and Infused Water Recipes
Get answers to the most common questions about reusable water bottle maintenance as well as yummy fruit and vegetable infused water recipes.
Is Gymnastics Right for Your Child?
Have the school-free summer months reminded you of just how much energy your child has? You might be considering gymnastics as an outlet for them to both exercise, work on…
Benzocaine Teething Products: What You Need to Know
The FDA is urging parents, caregivers, retailers and the general public to take precaution and raise awareness around the risks associated with all benzocaine oral health products.
A Healthier (But Tasty) Independence Day
Everyone is in the spirit to celebrate America’s birthday, but over-indulging in food should not ruin the fun. Check out this list of festive, yet still healthy, recipes to kick your party up a notch:
Summer Safety Tips for the Whole Family
By: Dr. T. Jann Caison-Sorey, associate medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan There are many health benefits associated with being outdoors and enjoying summertime activities. However, the season…
Everything New Parents Need to Know about Repetitive Strain Injuries
Brought to you by Vive Health. There are a lot of things no one warns you about when you become a parent for the first time. If there’s one subject…
Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases
On Friday, June 22nd we were able to interview Jorge Parada, MD, MPH, infectious disease specialist and medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) about mosquito and tick-borne…
Five Summer Safety Tips Every Mom Should Know
Brought to you by Vive Health. Summer is here, and, if you’re like most parents, that means you and your kids are going to spending a lot more time…
Tips to Keep the Family Safe from Ticks
By: Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganDr. Gina Lynem-Walker Michigan’s tick population is reportedly on the rise. While it’s important to spend time outdoors…
#90DaysNoPay? I’m Going on a Getaway!
Who doesn’t wonder as they pay their bills each month what they would do with a little extra money in the bank? If I could skip my car payment for 3…
Ten Exercise Activities for Non-Sporty Kids
My oldest son has never been “sporty”. He never wanted to join soccer and he couldn’t care less about football or baseball. If it’s competitive, he’s not interested. He has…
5 Health Hacks No One Told You About
Health is an important part of our lives. Eating before 8 PM and exercising for 45 minutes on a daily basis may not be the only tips you need in…
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Launches “MI Blue” Skill for Amazon Alexa
Wellness information, one-minute meditations, general information about health insurance, healthy recipes and more are now available for free to all Michigan residents with an Alexa-enabled device thanks to the new…
Five Tips to Help You Lose the Baby Weight
Brought to you by Vive Health Studies show that the majority of new mothers (75 percent) weigh more one year postpartum than they did before becoming pregnant. However, just because…
DIY Spa Recipes to Help You Relax
Balancing work and personal life is stressful; from responsibilities to family time, to meetings and more, we hardly ever have a minute to ourselves. Our days are consistently overscheduled, but…
Eating for Energy and Health | 3 Tips for Moms
brought to you by Vive Health Are you looking for natural, healthy ways to boost your energy levels? With the end of another school year looming over you, you may…
Fitness that Comes to YOU with GymGuyz Personal Training
I received compensation and a free service in exchange for this post. My opinions are my own. I like going to the gym, but it isn’t always EASY to get…
Two Birds, One Mom: 8 Ways to Get Healthier With Your Kids
From work to household chores and children, it can be difficult for moms to find time throughout the day to focus on their health goals. For many, the easiest time…
Five Best Exercises to Help New Moms Avoid Back Pain
As a new mom, your day probably seems like a never-ending stream of bending over and picking up your baby from the floor, their crib, and their car seat. And,…
National Women’s Health Week: Women’s Health 101
By: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, MD, medical director and physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan The Institute for Women’s Policy Research grades the overall health of Michigan women as…
Athlete’s Foot or Something Else?
Heading into summer with kids means lots of sweaty shoes and trips to the pool. It’s tough to know sometimes if an itchy, bumpy foot could be athlete’s foot or…
4 Ideas for a Healthier, Happier Mother’s Day
May 13, or Mother’s Day, is an opportunity for us to honor our mothers for all they’ve done, and it’s also the perfect time to just celebrate life with your family. A…
Five Self-Care Tips for Mom
There never seems to be enough hours in the day for a busy mom. In fact, 56 percent of women find it difficult to balance work and home life. Though…
Five Things Every Parent Should Keep in Their First Aid Kit
Brought to you by Vive Health Whether they’re toddlers or teenagers, there’s no denying that kids are accident prone. While there are, of course, times when accidents require a doctor’s care, the…
Filtered Water Systems: Which Models are Most Effective in Removing Lead?
There’s no disputing that lead is bad for the human body. Unfortunately this was not known when the original water delivery systems were put into place. The result was that…
Identifying Childhood Stress
Like adults, children can experience physical, mental and emotional stress that impacts how they think and act. Recognizing abnormal stress in a child can prevent him or her from developing…
Ten Health Rules You Can Toss!
When it comes to health and diet there is so much information out there; it’s easy to get confused and hard to know what to follow. So many “rules” exist,…
Rochester Farmer’s Market Opening Day – May 5th 2018
Meet at the market – where friends and families can access the freshest, locally grown Michigan-made products. Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market Opening Day, is Saturday, May 5th. Celebrating its 19th…
Three Ways to Help Your Toddler use their Power for Good
Toddlers have a growing sense of autonomy while still needing reassurance from a familiar caregiver. They discover the world through their eyes, at their own pace and rarely within your…
Hit Drums, Not People! Helping Your Child Get in Rhythm
We have all been to playdates, preschool classrooms and playgrounds where one or all children resort to hitting, swatting, pushing and eventually screaming. Emotional regulation is a developing skill in…
How to Get 10,000 Steps a Day
Ever since I started using my Garmin as a step counter, I’ve realized I don’t get as many steps a day as I thought I did. 10,000 steps is a…
Twenty Random Acts of Joy
A smile, card or a bit of active listening could change the mental health outlook of a suffering person. Before someone walks into my office they have to at least…
Managing the Mental Side of a Health Journey
So you’re thinking about getting healthier, but not sure you are ready… You’ve been making healthy changes, but you still feel like you are struggling… Often times it’s the mental…
Sesame Place® Becomes the First Theme Park in the World to be Designated as a Certified Autism Center
Certification readied for April’s Autism Awareness month and start of new season Sesame Place®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street®, in conjunction with…
Assisting Our Senior Loved Ones
Guest Blog article brought to you by SSR Law Office As parents, our goal is to raise children who can provide and care for themselves and their own families just as…
10 Ways to Make a Healthy Habit Stick
It’s 3 months into the new year and many of us start with a resolution to get healthier; whether it’s to start a new workout regimen or eat better. …
How to Choose a Primary Care Physician
Selecting a new doctor, or primary care physician isn’t as easy as it sounds. While you can ask around for recommendations much like you would for a barber or plumber,…
Bathroom Safety Checklist for Busy Moms
Over the years, bath time for babies and kids often transitions from “Oh no, don’t wet my head!” to “Oh yeah! Time to play with my bath toys!”. While necessary…
