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Wait, That's Sugar, Too?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 5, 2024

If you’re trying to watch your weight, chances are you’ve indulged in something sweet with a sugar substitute. It seems like a good way to enjoy a treat without all the calories, right? These sugar substitutes are often made from high-int...
- 5976 Views
Living with Diabetes? Learn More About What It Means

BCBSIL Connect Team January 19, 2024

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar). Our bodies use this sugar to fuel our cells with the energy they need to work the right way. It’s a fine balance, though. When blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, it ca...
- 5726 Views
Get to Know Blue Bear

BCBSIL Connect Team January 17, 2024

How well do you know Blue Bear? Here’s a not-so-secret secret: Blue Bear likes being a healthy, happy bear. That’s why he eats his vegetables — even the green ones. He wears his helmet to protect his big brain. He brushes his teeth ...
- 6379 Views
Asthma Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

BCBSIL Connect Team January 12, 2024

The number of children with asthma has risen dramatically in the past few decades. With the wheezing comes worrying. Could your child be the one who is touched by this common chronic disease? Here’s what parents need to k...
- 14941 Views
Know Your Numbers for Healthier Living

BCBSIL Connect Team January 10, 2024

If you have high cholesterol, there are ways you can lower it. When you do, you help reduce your risks for heart problems. You also boost your chances for living a longer, healthier life. What’s the first step? Work closely with your doctor. T.....
- 12002 Views
Supporting a Loved One with Cancer

BCBSIL Connect Team January 8, 2024

“I have cancer.” They are three words you never want to hear from a friend, family member or significant other. Learning that a loved one has cancer can be very overwhelming and scary. You probably have a ton of questions you want to ask...
- 13334 Views
Three Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

BCBSIL Connect Team January 2, 2024

Teens are facing more challenges than ever. There’s pressure from school, friends and social media. No wonder their mental health can suffer. You don’t have to wait until your teen is in crisis to talk about it. Talk to your teen early an...
- 8958 Views
Get Big Benefits From a Small Weight Loss

BCBSIL Connect Team December 5, 2023

Some small changes can have a big payoff. That’s true when it comes to losing weight. If you're carrying extra weight, dropping even 5 percent of your weight can be good for your health. That level of weight loss can help lower your risk of chr....
- 68209 Views
How Fiber Keeps Your Brain and Heart in Shape

BCBSIL Connect Team December 1, 2023

Just about everyone knows eating fiber is the key to keeping you, um…regular. That's just one benefit of the food voted “Most Likely to Make a Middle Schooler Snicker.” It’s true. High fiber foods make you poop. They also mak...
- 8801 Views
How to Make New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep

BCBSIL Connect Team November 13, 2023

The start of a new year seems like the right time to set resolutions. We may even make lists of things we’d like to change. Our lists often include “eat healthy” and “exercise more.” Sometimes it's hard to follow t...
- 14274 Views
Are You Dehydrated?

BCBSIL Connect Team October 26, 2023

Your body doesn’t work well when it’s low on fluids. When it loses more water than it takes in, you may have dehydration, which can lead to some serious health problems. You might not know when you’re dehydrated. But it could be beh...
- 15570 Views
Mind Your Food for Better Brain Health

BCBSIL Connect Team October 25, 2023

You’ve probably heard about foods that are good for your brain. But can you also harm your brain with what you eat? Our brains work better when we eat nutrient-rich food. So yes, there are foods that are bad for your brain. The best foods for ....
- 11741 Views
Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?

BCBSIL Connect Team October 25, 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. Knowing the earliest signs of a stroke can be a lifesaver. Every minute that a stroke continues, thousands of brain cells are dying. The faster you get the right medical care...
- 59647 Views
Be an Advocate for Your Own Care

BCBSIL Connect Team October 16, 2023

Prevention is an important part of being healthy. That can mean having a yearly exam. It can mean having routine screening tests. When an illness can’t be avoided, stepping up to help direct your own health care is critical. Get Involved in You....
- 10638 Views
Every Breath You Take

BCBSIL Connect Team October 5, 2023

Your home may be warm and cozy, but is it good for your lungs? People tend to take their lungs for granted. We know we can’t live without them, but we don’t spend much time taking care of them. But as outdoor activities give way to indoo...
- 13517 Views