#MIKidsCan
4 Tips to Handle Halloween Candy in a Healthy Way
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.
Brain Foods for Studying and Exams
The brain is a highly active organ that requires a healthy supply of energy and micronutrients to function at its best.
What is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition doesn’t just mean undernutrition, when you’re not eating enough nutrient-rich food. It can also mean overnutrition.
Healthy Out-of-the-lunch-box Ideas for Kids
Different food groups provide vital nutrients to fuel a child’s day. Here’s how to get at least three of the five groups into your child’s lunch.
5 Fun and Creative Ways to Get Your Kids Involved in Cooking
Want to sharpen your child’s cooking skills early? These easy, creative tips can make for a fun family experience in the kitchen.
Is It Healthier Than a Cookie? Granola Bars Carry Hidden Sugars
Is reaching for a granola bar a healthier choice than a couple cookies? Here’s how reading a label can help.
Shark Week-friendly TV Snacks
Enhance your Shark Week viewing routine with these nutritious themed snacks.
How to Keep Kids Healthy During Summer Sports Practice
Summertime can be a busy season for kids and sports. Here’s a few tips to keep active kids healthy.
A Week of Healthy, Easy School Lunches
Need inspiration for balanced school lunches? These easy options have all the nutrients kids need and some take just a few minutes to make.
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Preschooler Healthy
Keeping your preschooler healthy can be difficult. Check out these simple reminders to help strengthen their immune system and teach healthy habits.
A Parent’s Guide to Dietary Discussions
Knowing how to talk to a child about their health is key to empowering them to make smart choices. Here are tips on how to start a dialogue.
Fight Childhood Obesity with Go, Glow and Grow Foods
The typical American diet favors convenience foods over health. The “go, glow and grow foods” concept can help kids make healthier choices.
Healthy Halloween Snacks to Make with Your Kids
Want to take some of your kids’ focus off of candy? Try these fun Halloween-themed snacks, all built around fruit.
How a ‘Mascot Mindfulness’ Series is Connecting Kids to Healthy Tips
Mascots for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons are featured in these short segments aimed at helping kids learn about mindfulness and meditation.
Helping Children Get Acquainted with a New School
A new school can be a hard transition for children, tweens and teens to navigate. Read up on ways to help your child build confidence this school year.
7 Healthy Lunch Options for Kids
Here are 7 healthy lunch options to incorporate more nutrition into the school day for busy families.
Strawberry Picking in Michigan: Why You Should Go & Tips For When You Do
Fresh Michigan strawberries are a wonderful summer treat, especially when you pick them yourself!
How to Help Your Child Make Healthy Eating Choices at School
How can you help kids make healthy choices when they buy lunch? It’s important to educate children on nutrition and how to make healthy decisions on their own.
Back-to-School: Backpack Health
As kids bring more and more home in their backpacks, make sure their backs stay healthy and strong by following these guidelines.
How to Get Kids Excited About Brushing their Teeth
There are plenty of ways to make kids look forward to brushing their teeth and even start to see it as fun! Here are a few techniques to get you there.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Veggies
Let your kids help with prepping this yummy butter chicken recipe. When they have some control over the veggies you use, they might be more willing to try them.
Activities for Holiday Fun with Your Kids
Children make the holidays brighter. Make sure you set aside some special activities just for them.
How to Prepare Kids for a Different Kind of Holiday
Holidays will be different for many families this year. Helping children understand why and picking new ways to make them festive will make the difference.
Recognizing and Managing Learning Disabilities in Students
Hear from Dr. Amy McKenzie on how to recognize and cope with students who are struggling with a learning disability.
How to Work STEM/STEAM Lessons in at Home Using Household Items
You can encourage your children to do STEM/STEAM projects with things already in your kitchen, pantry and bathroom cupboards.
5 Healthy Desserts Your Kids Will Actually Love
A sweet or savory treat can be healthy with the right recipe. Check out a few of our favorite lighter-but-still-delicious treats.
Alternative Ways to Celebrate Halloween at Home
Health officials recommend we don’t trick-or-treat in the traditional way, but there are some safer alternatives.
Helping Kids Understand Portion Sizes
Teach your child proper portion sizes with these fun tips and recipes!
Cooking with Kids: Apple, Turkey and Cheese Pockets
Get children in the kitchen with this easy recipe. Young kids ages four to six can make this on their own for a quick bite to eat.
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month: Keep Your Kids Healthy This School Year
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month falls within back-to-school season. Here’s how Michigan parents can keep their kids healthy and active all year long.
Coping Tips for Starting School with Uncertainty
Back-to-school is very different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're struggling with the uncertainty, these coping tips might help.
Protect Our National Parks
As the National Parks System celebrates it’s centennial, it’s important for visitors to know a few rules when visiting them.
Three Ways to Keep Kids Active Into Their Teens
Follow these tips to keep kids active in the age of technology.
Celebrate Kids Eat Right Month
August is Kids Eat Right Month, founded by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to emphasize ways to help kids eat right and be more active.
Fun Ways to Boost Summer Learning
Make summer schooling fun with these tips to help your child continue their education on vacation.
A Guide to Summer’s Poisonous Plants
A guide to help identify poisonous plants around Michigan and what to do if you or a family member has been affected.
In Praise of #GirlDads and Empowering Father Figures
A salute to all the dads and father figures raising strong, confident girls.
4 Bike Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe
Follow these four simple tips to keep your little ones safe this bike riding season.
Blast from the Past: Old Throwback Games
A blast from the past that includes old school games that we all use to play outside during the summer and at recess.
Virtual Ways to Help your Kids Go Green on Earth Day
Earth Day, which happens April 22, is the perfect time to educate your little ones about respecting nature and keeping our environment healthy.
Distance Learning Tips from Michigan Teachers
Trying to navigate working from home and teaching your kids at the same time? These veteran Michigan teachers have tips and resources.
Jumping for Heart Health
Jumping rope is a staple of the Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide effort by the American Heart Association.
#MIKidsCan Turkey Day VIP Sweepstakes: Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with the Detroit Lions
Children ages 10-18 are eligible to win a Thanksgiving Day Detroit Lions prize package. Learn more about how you can enter your child this year.
Why Safe Routes to Schools Matter
In this guest post from Ty Schmidt, executive director of Traverse City-based non-profit organization Norte, learn why walkable communities are good for health.
Inspiring Active Communities in Northern Michigan: Norte Expanding to Kalkaska
With support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and other organizations, Norte is expanding its youth-focused programming to Kalkaska in northern Michigan.
Detroit Youth Choir Member Has “High Hopes” for America’s Got Talent Finale
DeAndre “Dre” Elliott has been performing with the Detroit Youth Choir since the 4th grade. Read about his experience performing on America’s Got Talent.
Medals4Mettle: Rewarding Life’s Hardest Races
Medals4Mettle collects old earned medals from long-distance runs such as half-marathons, marathons and triathlons and gives them to kids in the hospital.
Detroit Food Academy: Cultivating Young Leaders and Tasty Treats
Find out how young people in Detroit are learning culinary and life skills, all while running a successful business based on healthy snacks.
Building Healthy Easter Traditions {with recipe}
Easter can be a fun and indulgent holiday. Here are some healthy ideas perfect for the whole family.
Keep Your Family’s Health On Track This Spring Break
While vacation is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s important to remember to pack healthy habits with you this spring break.
Recipe Roundup: St. Paddy’s Day Snack Ideas
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and what better way to spend this holiday then with some fun snacks. Here are four creative snack recipes to try out.
9 Budget-Friendly Family Activities Happening in March
There are tons of family-friendly happenings going on in Michigan in March that are fun and cost effective. Here are a few events worth checking out this month.
Enter the Pistons Kids Day Sweepstakes
Blue Cross and the Detroit Pistons are Offering Children Ages 8-12 A Chance to “Go to Work” on Gameday at Little Caesars Arena…
How Cold is Too Cold for Kids to Play Outside
Although getting the kids outside is important and still an option in the winter, the temperature and wind-chill requires caution.
Midland’s Dow Tennis Classic Inspires Next Generation of Players
Visit Midland during the Dow Tennis Classic, which hosts high-caliber professionals and offers plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to get in the game.
Christmas Tree Pizza
Make your pizza extra-festive this holiday season by making it in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Unique Places to Visit Santa in MI
Still looking to make time for family photos with Santa? Avoid the last minute hustle and bustle at the malls by visiting him at these Michigan destinations.
Michigan Parades and Festivals to Get You In the Holiday Spirit
Make merry and bright memories by checking out these fun Michigan parades and festivals.
Q&A with Grand Rapids Griffins’ Hockey Star Matt Puempel
Catch up with Matt Puempel, a second-season Grand Rapids Griffin on hockey, life and why he loves giving back to the communities he plays in.
MVP to VIP: Noah Kimbrough
Noah Kimbrough won the #MIKidsCan Turkey Day VIP sweepstakes, earning a ride on a parade float and greeting Detroit Lion Matthew Stafford on game day.
When “Boo!” Becomes “Boo-Hoo”
Before you take your kids to the haunted house or watch a scary movie together, make sure they're emotionally equipped to handle it.
Eyeball Pasta Dinner
This spooky and savory meal will definitely be an "eye"- ful at any Halloween party.
Having a Safe, Happy and Healthy Halloween
Halloween can be a spooky time for your children's health. Use these tips to ensure a fun and healthy experience!
Scare Up Some Fun With Crafty Halloween Pumpkins
The Jack-o-Lantern may be one of the most iconic representations of Halloween, but pumpkin carving has evolved into a form of artistic expression.
Healthier Halloween Treats Your Kids Will Love
Here are a few helpful tips to make this Halloween a bit healthier for your trick-or-treaters.
The Teal Pumpkin Project™: A Halloween Treat for Kids with Food Allergies
Candy might be the most traditional treat to give out on Halloween, but it’s not the only option. Here are some non-sweet hand-outs that all kids will love.
How Family Dinners Help Kids Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
Research shows sitting down and sharing a meal can help kids and teens resist the temptations of drugs and alcohol.
Tips to Find the Right Extracurricular for Your Child
Learn about finding the extracurricular that works best for your child.
Head Lice: What You Need to Know
Just uttering the words “head lice” causes parents of young children to shudder. If you’re faced with an infestation, here’s how to deal.
Keep Kids Cool When the Weather Heats Up
Heat exhaustion hits children faster than adults. Here’s how to protect your family all summer long.
Rollerblading: Your Underrated Summer Cardio
Rollerblading is not just for kids’ birthday parties anymore! Here’s why you should break out the blades this summer to help you stay fit.
Pay-to-Play Sports: How One Michigan District Ensures Access for All
At Grand Rapids Public Schools, everyone can participate in athletics, regardless of their ability to pay. Find out how they’re empowering kids through sports.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Best Way to Protect Your Child’s Ears
Hearing-related issues can be avoided with proper protection methods.
Macomb Youth Scores Chance to Skate with the Detroit Red Wings
12-year-old Sarah Myziuk will join the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, April 7 as the #MIKidsCan Youth Skater of the Game.
Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free Meal Ideas
Allergies now affect 18 percent of children in the U.S. Use these recipes to avoid the most common foods prompting allergic reactions.
Healthier Easter Baskets for Every Age
Not all Easter baskets need to be stuffed with sugary treats. Instead, fill baskets with age-appropriate, creative gifts to excite kids.
Have Questions About Your Little One’s Allergies? Here Are the Answers
Before allergy season kicks into high-gear, consider these questions if your little one exhibits signs of a food or seasonal allergy.
Help Brush Away Your Kid’s Fear of the Dentist
It’s completely possible to get your kids to the dentist without screaming or crying. You just need to go about it the right way.
January #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month: Caebre Baty
Blue Cross' #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month is Caebre Baty. He's playing a young Martin Luther King Jr. in Opera Grand Rapids' production of I DREAM.
December #MIKidsCan Champions of the Month
Meet our December #MIKidsCan Champions of the Month, two student leaders from a Lansing #BuildingHealthyCommunities school!
Introducing the Delicious #MIKidsCan Restaurant-to-Table Menu
Bring home dishes from your favorite Michigan restaurants with the #MKC menu. These healthy, kid-friendly meals are sure to be a hit!
Help Your Child Soar with Indoor Rock Climbing
Looking for new ways to keep your kids active indoors? Take them indoor rock climbing!
November #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month Hailey Reighard
Meet our November #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month and Turkey Day VIP winner, Hailey Reighard!
An Age-by-Age Guide to Cooking With Your Children
Get your child interested in cooking at any age! Check out this guide to teaching your little ones the basics.
Zingerman’s Bakehouse Turkey Urfa Chili
Bring the kids to the kitchen and make this delicious (and healthy) meal together.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Little Mustard Seed Café
Bring your favorite local Michigan restaurants to your dinner table with these fall recipes.
A 13-Year-Old’s Unique Take on Healthy Eating
Our kids are our future, and they can help your family stay focused on healthy eating and cooking!
Is Your Child’s School Prepared for a Cardiac Arrest?
Nov. 6-10, 2017 and Feb. 5-9, 2018 are weeks designated for CPR/AED drills in Michigan schools. Make sure your local schools are participating.
Lansing Overpass Gets New Life as #Penn4People Mural
Lansing community members proudly painted a new mural, #Penn4People, in partnership with Lansing Economic Area Partnership.
#MIKidsCan Students Cook up Soul-Warming Autumn Soup
Grab a notepad and watch this #MIKidsCan exclusive, where a classic fall comfort food gets upgraded with the help of local young chefs.
Autumn Minestrone Soup from The Simple Kitchen
Cozy up to a low calorie, easy-to-make fall soup that even your kids will love to make.
3 Michigan-made Smoothies from Malamiah Juice Bar
Whether it’s an after school snack or a morning refresher, these healthful concoctions can be made in minutes.
#MIKidsCan Snack Time! Kid-Approved Smoothies from Malamiah Juice Bar
If your kids need an afterschool pick-me-up or a bit of an immunity system boost, watch #MIKidsCan put together these easy, 3-step juice recipes.
#MIKidsCan Champion of the Month: Aiden Carrithers
Meet our #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month who spent opening night at Little Caesars Arena on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings!
3 Kid-Friendly Ways to Meal Prep for the Week
According to registered dietitians, meal prepping is key for being healthy. Learn how to do it the kid-friendly way this week
Competitive Jump Roping Helps Michigan Youth Soar Higher
Jumping rope as competitive sport? Jumpin’ All-Stars, based in Livingston County, is offering a workshop to teach kids how it’s done.
September #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month: Reed Vanderlugt
Meet our September Champion and Iceman Cometh Contest Winner, Reed Vanderlugt!
8 Tips to Start a Successful Walk to School Day in Your Neighborhood
Walk to School Day takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. Get tips from the organizer of Traverse City’s successful program, which has grown every year.
The Potentially Life-Saving Skill to Teach Your Infant
This life-saving technique can teach young children what to do if they fall in water
#MIKidsCan Champion of the Month: Racing Back to School with Max Zigterman
Meet Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's August #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month, Max!