Whole Person Health

Dr. William T. Beecroft has advocated against alcohol abuse for much of his 40-plus-year health care career. Here, he reflects and shares some candid thoughts.

Christmas Markets add a sparkle to the holiday experience. Here is a list of some of the markets taking place across Michigan this season.

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

There’s a lot to discover in this community along Michigan’s sunrise coast during the fall.

Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.

Holidays can mean overeating to the point of stretchy pants and undoing some waistband buttons. But they don’t have to.

If you love ice skating, you’ll want to check out these outdoor ice skating rinks and enjoy this fun winter activity.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t make choices for a healthier lifestyle.

There’s a lot to discover in this Southwest Michigan community during the fall.

Can the foods you eat make urinary tract infections worse? 

Superheated environments like saunas have physical and mental health benefits.

Activities are easier to come by in the summer than in the winter. We know this. But exciting winter activities in Michigan aren't as limited as you may think. Here are five fun ideas.

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall. 

What is the Importance of November 11?

Turkey Trots are a fun way to offset some of those calories from a Thanksgiving Day meal.

Detroit native Martinus Evans started running at 300 pounds 10 years ago, and has gone on to run eight marathons and founded a 25,000-member online running community called the “Slow AF Run Club.” The community is inclusive, and empowers people to run “in the body they have right now.” 

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

We all know Michigan’s most famous island, but it’s just one of hundreds along Michigan’s coasts.

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Here is how tweaking your exercise schedule can help you manage those feelings.

How does your brain keep connected to your gut, and what does it mean for your mental health?

Free-range. Cage-free. Organic. What do all these words on your egg cartons really mean?

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

Events like tailgating look different during the ongoing pandemic. Individual servings are a great way to reduce germs when groups are dining together.

Seven years ago, Ashley Price decided to stop drinking. Now the owner of a popular bar in Detroit's West Village, Price is proving you don’t have to drink alcohol to run a successful bar.

integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, and business owner. She's a NASM Master Trainer, PAngela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.

Does it matter if the fish on your plate was pulled fresh from a local lake or flown in from a fish farm?

Worried about not getting enough protein as a vegetarian? There’s actually lots to choose from.

The average kid is likely going to consume between 3,500 and 7,000 calories from candy on Halloween. This is the equivalent of up to three cups of sugar. -- and can be hard for kids to brush off of their teeth. Here are some tips to navigate the sugar rush of Halloween, and how to keep kids' teeth clean and healthy.

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

A tailgate taco bar can consist of a mix of purchased, pre-prepared ingredients and a few easy-to-make recipes at home. We've got you covered on both fronts.

Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.

Knife-related hand injuries soar around Halloween for kids and teens. Here are some safety hacks for pumpkin carving.

The brain is a highly active organ that requires a healthy supply of energy and micronutrients to function at its best.

Ready to find your freshest locally-caught fish? We’ll show you how.

Ready to go vegetarian? Here are some tips to make that first month easier.

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall.  

Healthy eating cannot completely prevent every kind of disease and illness. However, a balanced diet featuring these five foods can help fight against breast cancer.

Are you ready to run this fall? The list of 5Ks happening all across Michigan in October and November is long. Here's where they are and how to sign up.

Leaning toward a vegetarian diet and want to know if you can include eggs? Read on for more details.

Pumpkin patches are a fall treat in Michigan. Find a good one, then stay for a wagon ride, eat a donut and do a little pumpkin bowling.

There’s a lot to discover in this Southern Michigan community during the fall.

While it’s often thought of as an adult wellness activity, kids can realize the same health benefits by discovering their inner “yogi.” Why not start them early?

When you eat intuitively, you listen to your body. You trust it to let you know when you are full and satisfied. You also reject the new fad diet of the month. Here are the benefits and risks.

Booze before bed may seem like an OK way to help you doze off quickly. But the tradeoff is usually fragmented sleep, wakefulness and a very groggy day after.

Located along Michigan's Thumbcoast, Port Huron is a vibrant waterfront community.

Michigan is home to some of the most creative, elaborate and downright horrifying haunted houses in the country. Here are 15 of the best!

From popular coffee drinks to cups of low-fat yogurt, do you know where the extra sugar is hiding in your breakfast foods?

Understanding why seniors are at risk of falling can help individuals, caregivers, friends and families prevent them from happening in the first place.

Full of fiber and other perks, apples come with lots of health benefits.

Building healthy habits at home is a great way to teach children and teens behaviors that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Malnutrition doesn’t just mean undernutrition, when you’re not eating enough nutrient-rich food. It can also mean overnutrition.

Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.

Amanda Koss is showing her paintings "Self" and "Dustbin Timberlake" at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan office in downtown Grand Rapids during the annual art festival.

This Mid-Michigan community is a popular destination for people who like to celebrate Bavarian traditions and Christmas year-round. 

Celebrating the cultures, achievements and traditions of the Hispanic community, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15.

As summer gives way to fall, it’s time for a visit to a cider mill to enjoy apple picking, apple cider and donuts.

Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?

School is back and so is the juggling act that comes with life on campus for college students. BCBSM'S 2023 corporate communications interns recently shared their diet, exercise and self-care regimens.

There’s a lot to discover in this lakeside community southwest of Detroit during the fall.

Nothing says fall in Michigan like filling a bushel basket full of freshly-picked apples. If you want to put a U-pick day on your list this autumn, we can help.

Learn about WAIT, which offers simple suicide prevention advice.

Adaptive kayak launches offer easy in and out designs for paddlers of all mobility levels. Here are some places to find them.

Pickleball is a great sport for your heart health, no matter your age.

Having trouble staying organized at school? Adding structure to our lives can bring out the best versions of ourselves. Here's what a routine-oriented approach can offer.

Whether you don't drink any alcohol or you want to go N/A for a certain upcoming occasion, More or Less in Grand Rapids has something for you. The store's owners built their brand with inclusivity in mind, and it's working.

From the arts and cultural events to recreational activities, there’s a lot to do in Three Rivers during the summer.

Recognizing and addressing the red flags in a friendship can be crucial to your mental and physical well-being. Start an open dialogue with your friend if you encounter these five red flags.

Registered dietician Shanthi Appelö shares five tips for how to shop smarter and healthier in the grocery store.

Since the unknown is one of the biggest triggers for my anxiety, it’s no wonder that dating had such an effect on me.

Swim in a lake, walk in the grass or lay on the sand and you might get the benefits from grounding.

Angela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.

Feeling a little tired or run-down after your last workout? Here’s what you should be eating afterward to speed your recovery.

With its prime location on the AuSable River, there are a lot of things to do in Grayling during the summer.

Working out with friends has its benefits. Added motivation is usually one of them. That was the experience for Maria Cassel, who details her health journey in this first-person writing.

When facing problems with breastfeeding, women may experience feelings of depression or symptoms similar to post traumatic stress syndrome.

There’s a lot to discover in this hidden gem on Keweenaw Peninsula during the summer.

Want to sharpen your child’s cooking skills early? These easy, creative tips can make for a fun family experience in the kitchen.

Most of us spend too much time on our phones. You’d be surprised how much mental clarity you gain by cutting down on your screen time.

Is reaching for a granola bar a healthier choice than a couple cookies? Here’s how reading a label can help.

Ready to find a tastier option for your sandwich spread? Here are some flavorful alternatives to mayonnaise.

A sweet fruit of summer, blueberries have lots of health benefits.

There’s a lot to do in the port city of Escanaba during the summer.

Summer intern Mike Merucci shares how writing one sentence per day helped boost his creativity and his mental health.

If you are a frequent social media user, you might have stumbled upon the latest health trend called a “dopamine detox.” But does it work?

It's a busy world. But when you take time to do nothing, you can passively check in on both your mental and physical health.

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.

Trying to keep your sodium intake in check? Beware of the Salty 6.

Try a U-pick farm for your blueberries this year. It’s a fun way to get these healthy fruits.

This picturesque lakeshore village sits at the foothills of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Between weeding, relocating certain plants and testing soil, your garden needs a lot of maintenance at the end of the summer. These seven tips should help.

Contributor and summer intern Caitlyn Begosa writes about starting her first year of college out-of-state, and how she learned to adapt.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how her pets have helped her mental health.

Reconnecting with an old friend can feel good. You being the one to initiate the contact can be good for both of you.

For Oak Park and Berkley locals, Oak Park Dry is quickly becoming a go-to spot for great music, great coffee and great N/A mixed drinks.

It’s time for a healthy comparison. Which is better for you: broccoli or asparagus?

Bring a blanket, a camp chair and some snacks. It’s time for free summer concerts.

Port Austin is a laid-back harbor town that has a dark sky preserve and is a boat ride away from the famed Turnip Rock.

Iron is an important mineral to keep your body working properly. Here’s how to make sure you are getting enough.

These six areas of social wellness can unlock a better, more well-rounded health profile.