It’s a new year, which means new goals and new experiences. Whether you want to spend more time outdoors, immerse yourself in the unfamiliar, or take that long-awaited family vacation, now is the time to start planning. Travel is a great way to accomplish any of these goals—from wellness retreats to cultural adventures. But planning a full trip yourself can be intimidating.

In 2026, family life in the Greater Flint area looks both familiar and very different from what it was a decade ago. The winding Genesee County backroads, tree-lined neighborhoods, and blue-water lakes remain a comforting backdrop—but inside many homes, a very different kind of noise has grown louder. Families report more daily stress, less time together, and a constant digital hum: notifications, streaming services, school portal pings, remote-work emails, online friendships, and algorithm-shaped hobbies.

Most people think of the gut as simply the place where food is broken down and absorbed, but the truth is far more fascinating. Your digestive system quietly supports almost every aspect of your well-being. It communicates with your brain, regulates inflammation, produces key nutrients, and serves as home to trillions of microbes that shape your health in ways many overlook. When your gut is thriving, your body is more resilient. When it is out of balance, everything from your mood to your immune defenses can be affected.