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Healthy Gut, Healthy Life?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 24, 2026

You may have heard that your gut is your second brain. The saying gives a sense of how vital your digestive system is to the rest of your body. But what does it mean? A network of hundreds of millions of nerve cells called neurons line the gut, or...
- 19448 Views
How Fiber Helps Keep You and Your Heart Healthy

BCBSIL Connect Team February 20, 2026

Just about everyone knows eating fiber is a key in keeping you regular in the bathroom. But that's just one benefit of the foods in this essential category. It’s true. High fiber foods make you poop. They also have a role in preventing heart di....
- 9481 Views
Are Your Knees Telling You They Need Help?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 12, 2026

Millions of people deal with aching knees. It’s one of the most common health problems, and it affects people of all ages. Some hope the problem will just go away. And for a minor injury like a strain, time and rest may help. But some people ma....
- 17180 Views
Bipolar Disorder Explained

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

About 6 million adults, teens and children have bipolar disorder (BD) in the U.S. It’s often diagnosed before the age of 25, and it is a lifelong condition. Not All BD Is the Same There are actually four types of BD. With bipola...
- 2306 Views
Children’s Dental Health Month: Make Their Smiles Sparkle

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

Children’s Dental Health Month started as a small, one‑day event in 1941 and has grown into a nationwide effort to show families why oral health matters. After all, your mouth is important for many parts of life — eating, speaking, learni...
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What Is an A1C Test, and Why Does It Matter?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

If you have diabetes, you know you need to check your blood sugar regularly. But do you know you also need an A1C test? Blood glucose numbers only give a quick snapshot of blood sugar control at certain times of day. You may think your blood sugar...
- 25169 Views
Keep Your Child Healthy with Regular Well-Child Visits

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

Parents take their children to the doctor when they’re sick. But regular well-child visits to a pediatrician or other health provider are just as important. Getting those checkups and recommended vaccinations help keep children healthy. What Is....
- 14177 Views
Catch Colon Cancer Early with Screenings

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Americans and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings can catch it early when it’s trea....
- 61107 Views
Why Aren’t You Sleeping?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

Feeling more groggy than usual? You know you’re not waking up refreshed from a good night’s sleep. But what’s keeping you from sleeping? Turns out, there are many potential obstacles to getting and staying asleep. You can improve yo...
- 39509 Views
5 Ways You Can Protect Your Colon Health

BCBSIL Connect Team February 9, 2026

Staying healthy is easier if you take care of the basics. Go to the doctor at least once a year for a wellness checkup. Get your preventive screening tests. Just doing those two things can help you live a longer and healthier life. Annual wellness...
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Ways to Show Support for a Loved One with Cancer

BCBSIL Connect Team January 28, 2026

“I have cancer.” These are three words you may hear from a friend, family member or significant other. Learning that someone has cancer can be very overwhelming and scary. You probably have some questions you want to ask, but are unsure ...
- 13819 Views
Lower Stress with Organization

BCBSIL Connect Team January 20, 2026

Are you stressed because your house is a mess, you’re always late, you don’t eat right and you never get enough sleep? If this sounds familiar, you could probably stand to be more organized. You may think organization sounds great; but it...
- 35511 Views
What Does Your Thyroid Do?

BCBSIL Connect Team January 16, 2026

Everyone is born with a thyroid. It’s the “butterfly-shaped” gland in the lower front part of your neck. It sits right below the Adam’s Apple. The thyroid gland makes two hormones — T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxin...
- 5600 Views
You Can Protect Your Hearing — Here’s How

BCBSIL Connect Team January 15, 2026

Think you’re too young to worry about hearing loss? You’re not. Things like listening to loud music, going to sporting events or working in a loud setting can harm your hearing. Take steps now to protect your hearing — once it&rsquo...
- 10766 Views
Don’t Brush Off Signs that Something Isn’t Right

BCBSIL Connect Team January 14, 2026

Knowing your body can save your life. That means paying attention if you see or feel changes in your body. It means noticing and following up on worrisome symptoms, especially if they don’t go away. And it means seeking help when you need it. D....
- 10624 Views