Alyson Kass

A Success Story: Benefits of the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program

  It only took one cooking demonstration and 10-year-old Nathan Russell was hooked. “He didn’t want to go at first,” says his mother, Martha. “But when he saw them roast peppers, and after I explained to him that we could do it at home—that’s what we did!” Now Nathan cooks dinner at home a couple […]

Grow Benzie – Q&A with Chef Loghan Call

If you’ve tried the scrumptious street tacos from Grow Benzie’s food truck this season, you’ve probably met Chef Loghan Call. His passion for healthy foods shines through his homemade tortillas and use of local produce. Chef Loghan has been busy serving up Michigan brunch tacos and other made-from-scratch street foods across Northern Michigan. He takes a […]

Benefits of Working Out with Your Dog & Exercise Safety Tips for Your Pup

We know dogs add much to our lives. But studies show they not only make us happy, but also keep us healthy—having a dog in your life darn near guarantees increased activity, lower blood pressure, and elevated moods. Dogs can also be the ultimate motivators too. A long run seems better with a little company. […]

Traverse City Track Club is 55 Years and Running

In 1962, George Kuhn started the Traverse City Track Club with a weekly summer race. Today, the non-profit organization still maintains that tradition and over the years has added on races, training programs, and charitable events. We chatted with Lisa Taylor, the executive director of the Traverse City Track Club, to learn more about Northern Michigan’s largest and oldest […]

Kale, the Wonder Green

Of the dark-green leafy vegetables—like collard greens, spinach and kohlrabi—kale is a nutritional standout. Munson Medical Center named kale on its Top 10 list of healthy foods, placing it in the ranks with carrots, pumpkin, red bell peppers and other fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants like beta-carotene. Keeping up on […]

Building a Child-Focused Health and Wellness Culture in Northern Michigan

Shape Up North (SUN) is a regional collaborative dedicated to helping our communities achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Coordinated by Munson Medical Center (MMC), the overall goal of this project is to change the culture for elementary school aged children to one of health, wellness and fitness by focusing on children’s’ sphere of influence […]

TBAISD Farm to School

During the 2017–2018 school year, the TBAISD Farm to School team partnered with nine area elementary schools. And at each school, they developed action plans for district needs. While each were different, they all revolved around one like-minded concept: promoting student health and wellness through engaging activities. These activities were centered around nutrition, fresh foods, and local […]