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What's New
March Brings Important Health Reminders for You and Your Family!
World Obesity Day (March 4, 2026): Childhood obesity is a growing concern, but small changes can make a big difference. Help your family build healthy habits by encouraging kids to eat fruits and vegetables, drink water instead of sugary drinks, and maintain consistent sleep routines. These steps support overall health and well-being. Learn more: CDC Family Action and Tips for Parents & Caregivers.
National Kidney Month: Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Show them some care by eating nutritious foods, staying active, and managing blood pressure to reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease. Even small steps like eating less salt and walking more can make a big difference for your kidney health. Learn more: CDC Kidney Health and Disease and Prevention | National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
Take action today for a healthier tomorrow!
Celebrate National School Breakfast Week (March 2–6, 2026)
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but many students skip it in the rush to get to class. Missing breakfast can leave kids hungry and distracted until lunch. A healthy morning meal helps them stay focused and supports their growth.
Why It Matters
National School Breakfast Week highlights the importance of starting the day with a healthy meal. In Michigan, every student can enjoy free breakfast and lunch through the Michigan School Meals program. This is a great option for busy mornings when eating at home may be hard. School breakfasts also offer more variety than you might have at home, giving kids the chance to try new foods and flavors.
Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Everyone
- Fresh fruit with whole-grain toast
- Yogurt with berries and granola
- Peanut butter on whole-grain bread
- A simple smoothie with fruit and milk
Learn More
- Explore Michigan’s free school meals program: Michigan School Meals
- Learn more about National School Breakfast Week from Action for Healthy Kids
Stroke: Act FAST, Stay Healthy, and Help Raise Awareness
It's always a good time to learn the signs of stroke and how to prevent it. A stroke happens when the brain loses blood supply, either from a blockage or burst blood vessel. Timely detection and treatment can significantly reduce the impact and improve recovery.
Recognize the Signs: BE FAST!
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face: Face drooping or numbness
- Arms: Weakness in one arm
- Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
- Time: Call 911 immediately
Prevention is Key
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle — like eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing health conditions — can lower stroke risk. The American Stroke Association Life's Essential 8 guidelines are a great resource for maintaining brain and cardiovascular health.
The Michigan Stroke Program offers community resources and training to help raise awareness and prevent strokes. Learn more about local programs and how you can get involved through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Michigan Stroke Program.
Visit the American Stroke Association for more information.
Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
Check out this video from American Stroke Association: Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
What Do You Know About Stroke and High Blood Pressure?
A stroke is a medical emergency that can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. Know the facts! You can take steps to reduce the risk of having a stroke by taking some simple steps.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Eat healthy foods that are low in saturated and trans fats.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Get at least 150 minutes of active movement in every week. This will help you to keep a healthy weight and, as a bonus, can help you decrease your stress and help you sleep better too! Check out www.livetothebeat.org
These lifestyle recommendations also work against high blood pressure.
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, as well as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, dementias, and other life-altering conditions.
Regular medical checkups are important to detect and manage blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as directed, measure your blood pressure often, and talk to your doctor about additional things you can do to minimize your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Pregnant? Learn About Preeclampsia
Do you know that pregnancy and the six weeks after giving birth is a time when birthing people are at higher risk of a life-threatening high blood pressure condition called preeclampsia?
From 2015 to 2019, complications related to high blood pressure caused more pregnant Michigan individuals to die than any other reason.
Be sure to keep your prenatal and post-delivery appointments, and watch your blood pressure and blood sugar. Make sure to know the warning signs for preeclampsia, such as increased swelling, headache, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor without delay!
For more information, visit the Preeclampsia Foundation at www.preeclampsia.org.
Did You Know Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Brain Health?
It is normal for your brain to change as you get older. Having healthy blood pressure can lower your risk for memory loss and confusion. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance to manage your blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Do not use tobacco products.
- Practice good sleep habits.
- Be physically active.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Manage stress.
- Take medications as prescribed.
For more information about blood pressure, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention High Blood Pressure website.
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