Connect Community

Preventing Stroke in Women of All Ages

BCBSIL Connect Team June 5, 2023

Stroke can happen in an instant, and it can be a life-altering event. It inspires a fair amount of fear and worry in many. And for good reason. A stroke can strike anyone — no matter your age, ethnicity or sex. There is no typical stroke victi.....
- 5714 Views
Who Packed the Salmonella? Preventing Picnic Pitfalls

BCBSIL Connect Team May 26, 2023

Picnics, pool parties and backyard barbeques make summer fun. Naturally, good food is sure to be a big part of the fun-in-the-sun festivities. But before you get your grill on, remember this important bit of info. Hot temps boost the risk for food...
- 5792 Views
Three Things You May Not Know About Skin Cancer

BCBSIL Connect Team May 23, 2023

Even though skin cancer is the most common cancer, many people don’t think they’re at risk. But everyone needs to protect their skin and pay attention to any changes. Protect Your Skin To protect your skin, you need to know the risks. Man...
- 20489 Views
Build Resilience to Manage Stress and Change

BCBSIL Connect Team April 25, 2023

Building mental resilience can help you handle stress and the ups and downs of life. That can lead to improved overall mental and physical health and a better quality of life. Mental resilience is the ability to adapt to change, stressful situations...
- 45932 Views
Movement Snacks Can Help You Live Better and Longer

BCBSIL Connect Team April 25, 2023

If it’s hard for you to find time to get some exercise, there may be a way to make it easier. Think in terms of small bursts of energy, or movement snacks. Start improving your health by adding a few movement snacks to your day. It can make you....
- 14828 Views
Catch Colon Cancer Early with Screenings

BCBSIL Connect Team April 25, 2023

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in Americans. It is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings can catch it early when it’s ....
- 60286 Views
Maternity Services and Screenings

BCBSIL Connect Team March 31, 2023

Preventive check-ups and screenings can help find illnesses and medical problems early and help keep you and your baby healthy. Get the Maternity Services and Screening flier. Originally published 3/31/2023; Revised 2025
- 4007 Views
The Many Benefits of Music in Your Life

BCBSIL Connect Team March 31, 2023

Most people have a favorite song. Do you? Songs and music have been around for centuries as one of civilizations’ first forms of storytelling. But in addition to telling us stories and allowing us to share histories, music can also have a positive...
- 6074 Views
Make No Bones About It: You Could Be at Risk for Osteoporosis

BCBSIL Connect Team March 27, 2023

You count on your bones to support you. But they need your help to stay strong. About 54 million Americans have low bone mass. That increases the risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which your body loses bone mass or doesn’....
- 47330 Views
Diabetes Risks Increase with Certain Prescription Drugs for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

BCBSIL Connect Team March 22, 2023

Many factors can raise a person’s risk for diabetes. Family history, age, weight diet and lack of physical activity are the most common. Some prescription medicines used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can boost the risk, too. It may...
- 3215 Views
10 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Body

BCBSIL Connect Team March 10, 2023

Even small amounts of alcohol can have a big effect on your body. From the very first sip, alcohol enters your bloodstream and quickly travels through your body. Based on your age, gender and health, it may stay there for two hours or longer. During...
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You Have Options for Safely Managing Your Pain

BCBSIL Connect Team March 10, 2023

There are many ways to treat pain so that you can enjoy a better quality of life. Learning your options can help keep you safe while still allowing you to do what matters to you. Start by talking to your doctor about ways to manage your pain th....
- 15283 Views
Boost Your Health with Strength Training

BCBSIL Connect Team March 1, 2023

New research says strength training may help people live longer. While that likelihood requires more study, there is solid proof that building your muscles can help your body and overall health. We already know that muscle-strengthening effort is...
- 16664 Views
Prediabetes Can Be Reversed

BCBSIL Connect Team February 17, 2023

Want to hear some good news about diabetes? For many of us, the disease can be delayed or even prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes. This is important because diabetes affects more than 37 million people in the U.S. That’s about one o.....
- 11975 Views
How Serious is Cirrhosis?

BCBSIL Connect Team January 27, 2023

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) works closely with Loyola University School of Medicine to support research about cirrhosis of the liver. By doing so, we help doctors anticipate and treat the growing number of cases they now see....
- 9282 Views