Nurse chooses chiropractic to relieve pain, fuel her health
A typical workday for Keren Nobel is logging 15,000 steps – the equivalent of nearly seven miles. As a registered nurse at Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital, she’s on her feet for 12.5-hour shifts four days a week – longer and more often during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keren’s also an athlete who […]
Try out a World of Flavors this National Nutrition Month
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. Happy National Nutrition Month 2022! Every year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chooses a theme to spread the word about the benefits of living a healthy, nutritious and balanced life. The theme for 2022 is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” Enjoying […]
Mom loses 115 pounds with help from Sports Performance, runs NYC Marathon
Liz Fanco wasn’t a runner for the first 38 years of her life, and she’s been considered obese or morbidly obese since high school. Inspired by her eight kids, Liz decided to try running with her family to support World Vision and raise funds to help people access clean water. For three years she tried […]
Healthy holiday eating: Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. Have you ever pulled out a recipe for a holiday but felt like you shouldn’t make it because it’s “not healthy?” Well, I’ve got some tips for enjoying your favorite holiday foods without the worry or guilt! Remember that our health is […]
Whip up some Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes and a little self-love for Valentine’s Day
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. Along with a delicious and easy pancake recipe just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’ve also got some self-talk tips for showing the person in the mirror some love. Stop “shouldn’t-ing” or “shoulding” yourself: When we say things like “I shouldn’t eat […]
Practice gratitude for your body, and see what it can do!
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. At the beginning of each year, we focus on setting new goals or practicing new healthy behaviors. One thing we may not think a lot about is practicing gratitude. Research shows that those who practice gratitude are thriving psychologically, spiritually, physically and […]
Weight Management Program teaches Rachel lifelong lessons: ‘It’s a chance for real growth and change’
Rachel Webster joined the Mary Free Bed Weight Management Program, because she wanted to improve her lifestyle and overcome fears about her weight. Since completing the 20-week Foundation program, Rachel said she’s learned some lifelong lessons and lost 25 pounds along the way. What are some of the most helpful things you learned? There’s no […]
Focus on building healthy lifestyle habits that last
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. The new year is approaching, and we’re all feeling excitement for a fresh start. It’s understandable to reflect on how we spent our time this year. Many of us were at home due to unexpected circumstances, and guess what? Home is where […]
Add these healthy recipes to your holiday feast
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. The holiday season is upon us, and that means celebratory meals filled with traditional dishes. It’s always fun to try something new, though! These three recipes have become favorites in my home, and if you need vegan- or diabetic-friendly ideas or gluten-free […]
Broaden your palette with Hispanic cuisine
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. Do you ever get in a cooking rut and tire of making the same ol’ meals for dinner? You’re not alone! Instead of diving into the abyss of Pinterest for recipes, narrow your search by focusing on a different culture’s cuisine. Hispanic […]
Energize your morning with these grab-and-go ideas for a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is an important meal. It provides our body with the energy it needs to start the day off with a fueled-up tank. When you balance your energy intake throughout the day, including that morning fuel, you’re less likely to overeat later. When we eat little to nothing for breakfast and a light lunch, we […]
Simple meditation, yoga practice can provide calm, clarity, positive health benefits
From our experts: Dr. Colleen Sullivan is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Mary Free Bed. She’s also a registered yoga teacher. The pace of our lives was exponentially increasing. We were on auto pilot, moving full speed ahead from the moment we woke up to the time we tucked ourselves into bed. Finding […]
Taking care of ourselves means staying connected with those we love
From our experts: Maggie Travin is a psychologist at Mary Free Bed. In times of confusion, fear or panic, the most natural thing to do may be to lean in — both physically and figuratively — to those you love. There are few things more comforting than a warm embrace from a family member. However, […]
Give yourself a break: Keep meals simple during COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. I’ve seen so many posts from social media “influencers” dishing out health and nutrition advice, and pushing us to “use our time at home wisely” during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a registered dietitian and health care professional, I’m qualified to provide advice […]
Barb learns ‘Progress not Perfection’ on journey to health with Weight Management Program
Barb Baker is a recent graduate of Mary Free Bed’s initial Weight Management program, Foundation, and is continuing her journey with Stride for continued support and education. In this Q&A, Barb shares why she chose to participate in the program and the affect it’s had on her health. Not only has Barb lost more than […]
Embrace heart health with these nutrition tips for a healthy lifestyle
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to discuss heart health. Nutrition is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and a vital way to fight heart disease. Here are some ways to ramp up your heart health: 1. […]
Don’t let food stress you out this holiday season
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. In this blog, she shares some tips for managing your health during the holidays. The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for celebration, it also can cause stress. Maintaining your health, physically and mentally, throughout the holidays is about […]
Spinal cord injury study shows promise for increased independence; more participants needed
People with spinal cord injuries who exercise regularly are seeing a positive impact on their health, according to preliminary results of a study by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Michigan. The three-year, collaborative research effort is investigating whether a novel exercise training program affects quality of life for people with spinal […]
Mary Free Bed patients treated to Spa Day
Patients at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital received some extra special pampering ahead of the holidays, thanks to volunteers and the Recreational Therapy department. Mary Free Bed’s recreational therapy gym was transformed into a salon, where students from the Paul Mitchell School in Grand Rapids treated patients of all ages to complimentary manicures, haircuts and […]
Stay safe this winter with these tips for running in cold, snow and ice
From our experts: Todd Buckingham is the Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation team’s lead exercise physiologist and oversees the program’s Performance Lab. A runner himself, Todd works with all levels of athletes, from beginners to NCAA Division I and professional athletes, to fuel their performance safely and effectively. The weather is turning colder, and […]
Learning how to manage emotions a vital part of chronic pain management
From our experts: Dr. Evan Parks is a clinical psychologist in Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation Program. Physical and emotional health are closely linked, and psychology plays a significant role in chronic pain management. We picture our life moving forward, accomplishing goals and enjoying good relationships. When chronic pain enters that picture, many of the […]
Get to work on a healthier lifestyle before January
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. In this blog, she shares 10 small lifestyle changes you can make now. The most common New Year’s resolutions focus on getting healthy – eating better, losing weight or exercising more. We tend to set these goals without outlining the steps to […]
’Tis the season: Blueberry Cucumber Salsa a superfood summer treat
From our experts: Jessi Holden, MS, RDN, CSOWM, is a registered dietitian at Mary Free Bed. In this blog, she shares how healthy food choices contribute to a healthy lifestyle. It’s blueberry season! Now is the best time of year to get fresh, locally grown blueberries – a fruity superfood we love. Did you know: […]
Debbie credits Weight Management Program with new confidence, well-being
When Debbie Erickson’s physician told her she was pre-diabetic, she knew it was time to do something and joined the Mary Free Bed Weight Management Program. Not only did she lose weight, Debbie no longer was pre-diabetic. She gained self-confidence and belief in her ability to maintain her weight loss. Debbie shares her experience here: […]
Five reasons you should add asparagus to your plate
From our experts: Jessi Holden, MS, RDN, CSOWM is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. In this blog, she shares how healthy food choices contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Well, Michiganders, we made it! Spring is here, and that means fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the first veggies of the season, nutrient-packed asparagus, […]
Travis on ‘road to a healthier life’ with help from Bronson, Mary Free Bed
Travis Laws was determined to get his life back and knew it wouldn’t be easy. Bedridden for several years, the 46-year-old from Allegan had significant health issues, including a large mass on his right leg. He weighed nearly 1,300 pounds. Specialists from Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo cared for Travis and developed a diet and […]
Manage holiday stress with these simple tips
The holiday season can be equal parts joyful and stressful. From long to-do lists to strained family relationships and the desire to create the “perfect” holiday, we often put too much pressure on ourselves. When we feel stress, we increase our risk for stress-induced eating. Jessi Boehme, a registered dietitian at Mary Free Bed, has […]
‘Tis the season to holiday-proof your healthy eating goals
The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy family and friends. The season is filled with gatherings that feature festive meals and delectable treats – full of calories. But with a little planning, you can still enjoy yourself and stick to your wellness goals. Jessi Boehme, a registered dietitian at Mary Free Bed, offers […]
Kim finds accountability, education and support with Weight Management Program: ‘I’m in the best place’
Twelve years ago, Kim Murphy decided to work toward a healthier lifestyle. Her journey has included challenges and successes, including a 100-plus pound weight loss. Adding Mary Free Bed’s Weight Management Program to her support circle has helped Kim feel better than ever. Since she joined the program six months ago, Kim has lost an […]
Spring clean your nutrition
Spring cleaning isn’t just for decluttering your closets and clearing out the garage. Spring is a great time to evaluate your weekly meal plan and add a variety of healthy foods. It’s good to change up your weekly meal routine. We get in a rut when the same foods appear on our plates week after […]