One of the most common chronic illnesses amongst children is obesity – affecting more than 14.4 million children in the U.S. Rates of childhood obesity have risen in recent decades and are partially linked to an increase in consumption of highly processed low-nutrition foods and sugary drinks. Less physical activity, partially due to increased use of technology, has also played…
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, memory and mood throughout the day, and are less likely to snack on foods low in nutrients. It’s important to provide them with nutrient-dense options that are both delicious and easy to make. Here are two…
Nature’s Playhouse, an-all natural play space and wellness center for children and their families, moved this year to a new location in Ferndale just down the road on Livernois. What Does Nature’s Playhouse Offer? This facility is an all-natural play space and wellness centering offering families and expecting couples a place to connect with their peers in the community. They…
The first month of life is the most vulnerable period for a child’s survival. Globally, 2.4 million newborns died in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Most neonatal deaths, approximately 75%, occur during the first week of life. When newborns die it is usually because they suffered from conditions and diseases associated with a lack of quality care during birth…
It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Research shows eating breakfast is associated with better performance on math tests, vocabulary tests, demanding mental tasks and reaction to frustration. Life gets busy no matter who you are, and for many, whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic…
Childhood obesity is considered a growing and serious health issue in the United States. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising, but obesity is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. Being overweight can not only affect a child’s physical and emotional health, but it can have long-lasting effects into…
Michigan was the first state to have a roadside picnic table in the U.S. This hidden gem, located in West Michigan’s Ionia County, appeared in 1929. But the term ‘picnic’ dates back much further. The French-derived word originally stems back to 1794, 100 years after ‘pique-nique’ first appeared in the French language. Whether you’re visiting a roadside table for a road trip…
Suicide is a complex topic and often results from multiple coinciding factors in a person’s life. When a parent takes their own life, the impact can reach across generations of their family. As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, it offers an opportunity to examine why seeking help for mental health concerns is so important and to understand the lasting…
In the US, two-thirds of children’s calories come from ultra-processed foods. Too many cookies, crackers, snack cakes, pizzas, and ice cream are just a few items on the list of ultra-processed foods that can increase the risk for childhood obesity and health problems down the road. Starting healthy habits early in the year such as packing a healthy lunch and…
It’s no secret the pandemic has shifted family schedules – many parents are working from home, some children are attending virtual school and participating in fewer evening-time extracurricular activities and sports. A silver lining of the pandemic for some are family meals. In fact, research demonstrates a plethora of health benefits associated with consuming meals as a family. Along with…
