Recent Wellness Articles
Good sleep habits tend to take a vacation when school is out for the summer. Long lazy days, staying up late, sleeping til noon ... It's all part of the fun. But in the weeks leading up to the first school bell of the year, don't forget to plan an adjustment to...
Although many can't resist an opportunity to interact with animals at zoos, fairs, petting zoos and other exhibits, it's worth remembering that something as simple as washing your hands afterwards can keep you from getting sick. To keep these animal encounters...
We all know the days of Midol and heating pads, curled up on the couch with a bag of fritos in our “fat pants” whining about PMS and the woes of having a uterus. Imagine having all of that, but having it be constant, unrelenting, and/or recurring—even between...
How many times have you apologized this week? What did you apologize for? Did someone bump into you? Did you ask your boss a question? Did the restaurant get your order wrong? Did you offer your opinion? "It's some sort of epidemic," said Adrienne Wallace, strategist...
You know the basics for good sleep: You're not supposed to watch TV or play on your iPad before bedtime, caffeine in the afternoon is a bad idea, a completely dark room is ideal ... And for goodness' sake, put your phone on Do Not Disturb! Good sleep hygiene, while...
In February, West Michigan Woman hosted the Wine Down panel discussion Youth Mental Wellness: Emotions Matter. On the panel were Valencia Agnew, Ph.D., DBTC, Adolescent & Family Behavioral Health Services; Gregory V. Mallis, Psy.D., Pine Rest Christian Mental...
Many people either do not recognize—or are in denial—that they have a mental illness, even though mental illnesses are treatable and commonly widespread in our society. This can be due to fear and anxiety about being judged or stigmatized by others, not being prepared...
As women, we are often well versed in being selfless. We are natural born nurturers. This is one of our best qualities, yet it may not always translate into taking care of ourselves. We sometimes spread ourselves too thin and put our own needs aside. In fact, it is...
You may have heard of vaginal laser therapy and wondered, "What in the world is that and what does it do?" You're not alone. We spoke with Nisha McKenzie, PA-C, IF, CSC, Grand Rapids OB/GYN and Director of the Center for Women's Sexual Health, to learn more. Every...
What's more healthful than a multivitamin and as beneficial as exercise? Fido. Or Cooper. Or Bella. Or any other fur baby. Medical research shows that owning a dog is one of the best prescriptions for reducing your health risk. And dog-owning doctors agree. "People...