Flying on two wheels. That’s how some describe the powerful and addictive nature of bicycling, which is gaining in popularity across Michigan’s inner cities. Bicycling is an everyday part of life for the Dickerson family. They began to map out their ride schedules and pump up their tires with the first signs of spring. In […]
Ask any parent about their child’s weight and you are likely to get a strong ” oh no, mine is fine” response. Although more than 40 percent of patients that sit in pediatrician offices today are clearly overweight, many don’t know it and if they do they have a passive attitude. It’s an easy mistake […]
The signs couldn’t be ignored. In addition to being smokers, Stephanie Brown’s parents had been struggling with diabetes and high blood pressure. When her mother suffered a heart attack, the message for Brown and her young daughter Kaija was even clearer. “I said, ‘We better do something to prevent that from happening to us,’” Brown […]
Ride at your own risk. That was the gist of the message Michigan’s roadways seemingly imparted to non-motorists brave enough to attempt to traverse its roadways prior to the passage of Michigan’s Complete Streets legislation in 2010. “Without dedicated lanes, it’s really easy for bikers and pedestrians to get squeezed off roadways by large and […]
For one set of peers who faced a life-altering health issue, tomorrow holds promise. Once a month, a range of 10 to three-dozen participants convene as the Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group, hosted by St. Joseph’s Hospital Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County. Together they reflect on experiences, share encouragement – and, occasionally, have a […]
“Working out allows me to do what I need to do creatively, and it helps keep my weight down, which gives me a little added spring.” “Exercise gives clarity. It frees you from mental congestion and helps you simplify the process of creating a piece of artwork.” Accomplished muralist and sculptor Hubert Massey begins his […]
I walked into the kitchen one day and waded into a sea of suds. I looked up from my suds soaked toes – shocked to see that my dishwasher had exploded. Freeze frame. Just a few days earlier the top of my head would have flown off. But at this moment I was proud of […]
Our parks and playgrounds are our backyards, community fitness centers and nature preserves. Running, jumping and climbing gets the legs moving and the heart pumping. Kids who participate in physically active play at least two or three times a week are twice as likely to be fit than those who stay in the house watching […]
An optimist and advocate, J.J. Tighe offers compelling reasons why we should care passionately about community health. “Improving our health is paramount for us as individuals and as a State,” says Tighe, president and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). “Personal choice and responsibility when it comes to healthy choices is critical, so education […]
The kids can hardly contain their excitement. It’s PE (physical education) time. They’re waiting for the “big” signal. “Baba” Eric Hoffman the PE teacher calls out the words Army, Air Force, or Navy. The kids have to run to each line correctly. Go to the wrong line and they’re out. It’s a warm-up game designed […]