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 not against chocolate or candy, but you want to be careful and not overdo it, especially for the kids. With a little creativity, you can come up with some healthy…
It is winter once again in Michigan which means parents and caregivers are looking for ways to beat those indoor winter blues. Although it is dark and cold, exploring nature both indoors and out will help foster independence, promote active learning and engage children in creative activities! Get Dressed and Go Out! Getting dressed in all our winter gear…
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 be one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. So how did this happen, and why? The answer is more complicated than people may expect. Nationally, about…
Have a young child? Chances are you’ve used timeouts. Timeouts are considered very effective and one of the few strategies recommended a by the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). However, timeouts only work when used properly-something most parents are failing to do! While three out of four parents use timeout to discipline, almost 85 percent (84.9%) make at least one…
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 them cooking young can develop their passion for watching what they eat and creating healthy meals while teaching them skills they can take into adulthood (plus you’ll get an extra…
According to the National Safety Council, preventable injury-related deaths are more likely to occur in the home than any other area. This is a terrifying thought, but thankfully, most of these can be prevented if you know what to look for. And what’s more, they can also be treated if you know what you are doing. Spend the necessary…
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 found 80 percent of parents experience anxiety during this time of year; many admitting they feel more stressed than they do during the holidays. To make the back-to-school transition less…
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 laboratory tests commissioned by EWG. Glyphosate, the weed-killing poison in Monsato’s Roundup, has been linked to cancer by California state scientists and the World Health Organization. It was found in all but…
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 than 50 percent of parents admit it doesn’t go as planned. Thankfully, small changes in daily routines can make great time-savers and allow the family to practice healthy habits without the…
Picture this. You’re at the park. A child walks up to your little one and joins in constructing the gravel mountain your child has been diligently working at for 15 minutes. They make eye contact. Your sweet little angel swats at the joiner, unleashing tears streaming like Niagara Falls from those beautiful round eyes and parents run frantically over to…
