Connect Community

Find Out If a Low-Intensity Workout Is Right for You

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2023

Many people learned how to get their exercise without classes or gym workouts during the pandemic. Some turned to low-intensity workouts, and they haven’t gone back. There are benefits to stepping away from the “no pain, no gain” ap...
- 6769 Views
Does When You Eat Make a Difference?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 29, 2023

When it comes to healthy eating, we know that what we eat matters. So does how much we eat. And research shows that when we eat is important, too. Many studies point to health improvements from making changes to when you eat. That’s because our....
- 12945 Views
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Living Well

BCBSIL Connect Team August 18, 2023

Our family history and DNA play a large role in our health and well-being. Genetic changes and traits carried by parents often appear in their children —even when the parents don’t have any symptoms of a genetic condit...
- 4943 Views
Wash the Rind to Leave Bacteria Behind

BCBSIL Connect Team August 15, 2023

The peak of summer brings ripe, tasty melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, from the farm to your table. Watermelons are not only refreshing, they’re also a great source of the antioxidant lycopene. What’s so special about lycopene? Lyc...
- 9358 Views
Back Pain Is Such a Pain

BCBSIL Connect Team August 13, 2023

Its happens to many of us. We move or lift something the wrong way and our back protests. Sometimes it’s just a brief twinge of pain — a reminder to move more carefully. Other times, the pain may be intense and last a long time. The ...
- 4384 Views
From Headache to Heartache: NSAIDs Pose Heart Dangers

BCBSIL Connect Team August 12, 2023

Read the fine print the next time you pick up a bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen. You’ll see a warning about the risk for potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes. These drugs are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs. The U.S.....
- 4367 Views
Mindful Eating with Diabetes

BCBSIL Connect Team August 11, 2023

Learning to be more mindful can help us calmly think through situations. For people with diabetes , the values of mindfulness may even help them practice better self-care. What is mindfulness? It is being tuned in to your thoughts, feelings and body...
- 40021 Views
Do You Know How to Outsmart Viruses?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 1, 2023

Your chances of catching a viral illness are higher at certain times of year: Back to school. When temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors. Before the fall and winter holidays. At the start of the new year. Now’s the time to find t....
- 21031 Views
How Does Stress Affect Your Body?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 1, 2023

If you’re feeling stressed, join the party. The reasons behind that stressed-out feeling differ for each person. Some talk about it, others don’t. But there’s one thing people have in common: When you’re stressed, you’l...
- 25108 Views
Preventive Care Services

BCBSIL Connect Team June 23, 2023

Take Advantage of Preventive Services Preventive check-ups and screenings can help find signs of health problems early, when they’re easier to prevent or treat . Your health plan covers some screenings and services with no out-of-pocket costs like...
- 15150 Views
Do One Thing for a Longer, Healthier Life

BCBSIL Connect Team June 23, 2023

Better health can be yours at any age. And it may be easier than you think to make the changes that will have a positive effect on your health. We all know we should eat a healthy diet. But you may not know just how big an impact what you eat and...
- 15608 Views
Help Your Skin Help You

BCBSIL Connect Team June 23, 2023

Your skin has a big job. It shields your body and keeps out germs. And that’s just the start. It’s your body’s largest organ, and it deserves careful attention. Help Your Skin Help You Taking care of your skin is taking care of your...
- 12719 Views
What Happens When Your Doctor Recommends Physical Therapy

BCBSIL Connect Team June 22, 2023

You probably do your best to stay in shape. Maybe a burst of new motivation inspired you to ramp things up a bit — even add another activity to your regular workout routine. In your enthusiasm, maybe you charged full speed ahead instead of star....
- 33325 Views
Food Poisoning: Meaty Madness

BCBSIL Connect Team June 9, 2023

Summer fun often includes outdoor cookouts. Who doesn’t like good food grilled to perfection? Sadly, food poisoning can make things less appetizing — fast. When temps and spirits are high, so is the risk for food contamination at your wee...
- 4072 Views
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.....
- 5700 Views