In Northern Michigan, we’re surrounded by nature. Water, woods, trails—an abundance of natural resources are at our fingertips and waiting to be explored. An added bonus, exploration enhances our mental well-being as well as our physical health. Our region’s conservancies play a major role in maintaining these natural areas and protect them from future […]
Guide to U-Pick Farms
Spending a few hours at a U-Pick farm doesn’t only land you lots of fresh fruit, it’s a fun, healthy activity the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re on the hunt for strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, or peaches—you name it—farmers in Northern Michigan grow it. We suggest setting a game plan to visit each […]
Great Day Trips for Grandparents and their Grandkids
Summer vacation has started and it’s the perfect time for grandparents to get quality time with their grandkids. Spend a day exploring trails, building sandcastles and trying new activities, and get ready for frame-worthy photos filled with memories! DAY TRIP TO SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND Escape across the Manitou Passage from the Leland Harbor to South […]
Pasta with Ramps, Pea Pods, Radishes,White Beans, and Rosemary
Shredded Salad of Many Greens
Social Determinates of Health
Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. These conditions are known as social determinants of health (SDOH). Poverty limits access to healthy foods and to safe neighborhoods while higher education is a predictor of better health. There are also differences in health among […]
FitKids 360
FitKids360 is a free healthy lifestyle program with the ultimate goal of fighting childhood obesity. The program was developed in 2010 by a team of pediatricians, social workers, dieticians and exercise specialists out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together they designed a comprehensive program that combines basic education about nutrition, behavior and exercise with a wide […]
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program
The Shape Up North Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is designed to help patients with chronic disease create new healthy habits that align with the Dietary Guidelines. A healthy eating pattern that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is an evidence based way to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Through our […]
Moroccan Spring Chicken Soup
Provider Prospective – Fruit and Vegetable Rx Program
Over the past century, essential nutrient deficiencies have dramatically decreased, many infectious diseases have been conquered, and the majority of the U.S. population can now anticipate a long and productive life. However, as infectious disease rates have dropped, the rates of noncommunicable diseases—specifically, chronic diet-related diseases—have risen, due in part to changes in lifestyle behaviors. […]