Fall ushers in mobile food pantry’s free harvest distribution

Fall ushers in mobile food pantry’s free harvest distribution

Fall might bring weather changes, but it won’t change the neighborhood rounds made by one of Flint’s most reliable sources of fresh, healthy groceries. Supported by the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the mobile food pantry will continue distributing goods rich in calcium, vitamin […]

State child support payment program enlists drugstore

State child support payment program enlists drugstore

Getting much-needed financial resources to Michigan’s children can be as simple as a trip to the drug store. With countless households throughout the state impacted by income challenges, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded its PayNearMe child support payment initiative to include CVS Pharmacy locations. Launched through its Michigan State […]

MDHHS shares FDA announcement about risk of inaccurate results from certain lead tests

MDHHS shares FDA announcement about risk of inaccurate results from certain lead tests

In an effort to reach all Michigan health care providers and the public, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sharing the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning about falsely low blood lead test results from Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare® Analyzers. The FDA believes […]

Tahir Whitehead avatar helps kids get healthy

Tahir Whitehead avatar helps kids get healthy

Getting a kid to make healthy choices can be like pulling teeth, but making it part of a game can turn them on the right habits. The game, called Tahir’s Playbook, is both computer and mobile device based and uses an idea called gamification, where education is pushed through fun activities, to get kids interested […]

Moving Forward: A PE teacher’s perspective on how BHC is making a difference

Moving Forward: A PE teacher’s perspective on how BHC is making a difference

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 […]

Fit Fusion teaches students that regular physical activity can be fun

Fit Fusion teaches students that regular physical activity can be fun

The classrooms at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology have emptied. Nine girls, different shades and sizes, march in single file down the hall, led by Zeina Carla Washington, AKA “Mama Zeina,” who power walks. Washington, who is the family service worker at the school, throws a comment over her shoulder if another teacher asks […]

Building Healthy Communities aims to curb childhood obesity by keeping kids active, eating right

Building Healthy Communities aims to curb childhood obesity by keeping kids active, eating right

Raising a child in the second decade of the 21st century is difficult. The tools and resources they need to succeed are oftentimes overwhelming. There are answers and they start with learning good nutrition and having access to healthy food choices. That is a family issue and community challenge. Something needs to change in our […]

Students at Timbuktu Academy learn how to build a healthy community

Students at Timbuktu Academy learn how to build a healthy community

Becky Burton (Aka Mama Bey), a 3rd grade teacher with Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology, witnesses some pretty unhealthy student behavior daily. What bothers her most is seeing kids dropped off in the early morning with a “breakfast” of hot chips and a liter pop. It happens frequently. Children walk in with Red 40 […]