https://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/A place to gather health informationen-USTelligent Community 12https://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/help-body-and-mindFri, 31 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c1f5cdfe-bcdb-411f-8210-e2db1f114179BCBSIL Connect TeamCan you get more exercise by doing what you already do, without spending extra money or time? Exercise without calling it that? Physical activity without the intimidation factor? Yes. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard, take a long time or cost a lot. And it’s worth the effort. Moving your body can help your physical and mental health. First Steps With the popularity of fitness trackers and apps, many people aim to get more steps each day. Parking farther from the store entrance when you go shopping. Getting up from your desk each hour for a lap around the office. Slapping on the wireless headsets and moving around when you’re on a work call. These are all great ways to move more. To get the most benefit, be sure to walk at a moderate pace or faster for at least part of the time. If you need to get more activity but haven't made it part of your routine yet, remember that some physical activity is better than none. Just trying to do more is a good start. Focus on moving more and sitting less throughout the day. People who sit less and do any amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . Adults should aim for moderate aerobic movement for at least 150 minutes each week and strengthening activity twice a week. It’s best to spread your aerobic activity out over the week. Move at Home If you must do chores at home, you might as well be getting some physical benefits for your time and effort. And if you work at it, you can step up the pace and get a little more exercise than you normally would. Activities like vacuuming and scrubbing count as a workout if you raise your heart rate. And get the outdoor chores done and workout at the same time by: Mowing the lawn Weeding the garden Raking grass or leaves Other no-cost exercise you can do close to home includes joining the kids in a game of tag or kickball, taking a family hike or bike ride, or taking a dip in the pool. Finding a walking buddy or joining a walking club can help you stick with your plan to move more. If you like running, there are clubs for that. You can use public courts for basketball or tennis. For a small investment, you can buy some weights to build up your strength. Get an exercise DVD or app to start a fitness routine. Or get a fitness ball to work your core muscles. If you want to save more money, see if you can borrow equipment from a friend. Back to Basics You can tone your muscles with nothing more than your own body weight. Old-school exercises like lunges, squats, crunches and jumping jacks always work. Check out the online exercise library at the American Council on Exercise for exercise ideas and tips for doing things safely. If you do have a gym membership, you can still work out at home when you can’t get there. Try these 25 at-home exercises to keep from losing ground. Get Going Check with your doctor before you start a new fitness routine. But once you get the OK, what are you waiting for? Moving more can help your body and your mind. Remember, when it comes to movement, something is better than nothing. Try these tips to get started. Be prepared to move. Get your shoes and clothes ready. Find a friend to join you. An exercise buddy will keep you motivated. Set small goals. Need More Help? Move Your Way SM is a resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to promote physical activity. To help Americans get motivated and make exercise more fun, Move Your Way offers information, videos, an interactive tool and fact sheets for adults and kids. Need some inspiration? Check out these videos: Move Your Way: Tips for Getting Motivated Move Your Way: Tips for Busy Days Ready to get started? Use the interactive tool to build your activity plan. Sources: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Move Your Way , DHHS; Exercising on a budget , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms , Mayo Clinic, 2023; Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review , National Library of Medicine, 2023ExerciseHealth and WellnessHealthy LivingHealthy Mindhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/women-cancer-preventionThu, 30 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:31eb4a7c-0c1d-471f-85b2-82241b32473dBCBSIL Connect TeamTaking care of yourself to cut your chances of getting cancer is a great health goal. But how exactly can you do that? Preventive care, including health screenings, is the place to start. The aim is to prevent cancer or find it at an earlier stage, when it is easier to treat. If you catch cancer early, it significantly improves your chances of survival. The cancers that most affect women are breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and skin. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., not counting skin cancer. It's also the second-leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. It can happen at any age, but the risk goes up as you get older. Things like family history can make the risk higher for some women. But every woman should know what they can do to help lower their risk, says the American Cancer Society . What to Do: Having routine screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. Talk to your health care provider about breast cancer , your risk factors and your family medical history.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 and at average breast cancer risk get a mammogram at least every two years. Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in American women. What to Do: If you smoke now, or used to and are over 50, talk to your doctor about screening. Screening for lung cancer can help catch cancer earlier, but it isn’t recommended for everyone. It’s recommended for adults at high risk for getting the disease because of their smoking history and age. Find out more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . To cut your risk: Skip all types of tobacco. Avoid secondhand smoke. Be aware of cancer-causing chemicals at work and home and avoid them or limit your exposure. Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. It usually starts with a polyp, a small growth. Some factors that raise your risk of colon cancer include not being active, eating a lot of processed foods and red meats, and being overweight. Smoking and alcohol use can also raise your risks. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are also at higher risk. What to Do: Talk to your doctor about what type of screening is best for you. Like many other forms of cancer, colon cancer often has no symptoms in its early stage. But when it is caught early, there’s a 90 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, about 1 in 3 Americans who should get tested for colorectal cancer have never been screened. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix, the lower end of the uterus. Routine screenings and HPV vaccines can prevent it. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers. It’s a common infection, but most people don't know they have it. Some types of HPV don't go away and can cause cancer. What to Do: Have routine screenings to find pre-cancers and abnormal cells before they become cancerous. And the American Cancer Society recommends that all children between ages 9 and 12 get the HPV vaccination. That’s when the vaccine works best. But the vaccine is still recommended for children and young adults up to age 26. Endometrial Cancer Endometrial cancer occurs in the inner lining of the uterus. The risk increases with age. The American Cancer Society says women should be especially alert to any signs at menopause. What to Do: Know the signs . For women with average risk and no symptoms, there are no recommended screening tests or exams to find endometrial cancer. So it’s important to report any unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain to your doctor. Ovarian Cancer Other than age, the key risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Inherited gene changes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increase your risk. What to Do: Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer . And talk to your doctor about any signs you notice. There are no recommended screening tests for women who are not at increased risk of ovarian cancer. If you have an increased risk because of family history, talk to your doctor about tests that might be right for you. Skin Cancer Radiation from the sun causes most skin cancers. It is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Those with lighter skin are more likely to get skin cancer, but everyone is at risk. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent and find early. What to Do: Protect your skin from UV exposure and look for changes. Keep track of how all of the moles and spots on your skin normally look. Report any changes to your doctor right away. And ask about having a skin exam done during your regular health checkups. Practice Prevention Thinking about cancer can be stressful. But you can take steps to stay well. Listen to your body. Be sure you have your preventive health care visits . And get your health screenings on time. Sources: Cancer Facts for Women , American Cancer Society, 2026; Screening for Lung Cancer , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Endometrial Cancer , Mayo Clinic, 2025; Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2025; Breast Cancer: Screening , U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024; Screening for Colorectal Cancer , CDC, 2026; Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early? , American Cancer Society, 2024; Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Ovarian Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2025Cancer PreventionPreventive CareHealth and WellnessWomen’s HealthCancerhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/benefits-of-strength-trainingThu, 30 Jul 2026 22:18:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:993f798f-969e-4e96-a6f6-fbf03c86608bBCBSIL Connect TeamNew 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 good for our health in more ways than just making us strong. It can help improve some health issues, like high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and it can help lower our risk for other health problems. A large-scale study that pooled together and analyzed findings from several previous studies found that muscle-strengthening exercise may also lower our risk for death overall. The study looked at how exercise affects health, including the effects of different types and amounts of exercise. Overall, the study found that 30 to 60 minutes of muscle-strengthening activity each week cuts the risk of death from diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. The reason for this effect is not yet well understood, and more research is needed. But there is clear evidence that all physical activity boosts health and wellbeing, says the World Health Organization . It helps prevent and manage disease, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and supports thinking and learning. Benefits of Building Muscles Doing muscle-building workouts, also called strength training, resistance training or weight training, brings many benefits. It makes muscles stronger, but it’s not just done to build big muscles. The goal is to maintain or improve your quality of life. Strength training: Helps keep your bones healthy. Boosts your body’s ability to process food. Increases your body’s resistance to diabetes and related diseases. As part of a broader fitness program, strength training may also help you: Manage your weight. Increased lean muscle mass can help you lose weight by raising your metabolism so you burn more calories. Better control chronic health problems. Strength training can lessen the symptoms of health issues like arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Sharpen your thinking skills. Some research suggests that routine strength training and aerobic exercise may help improve thinking and learning skills for older adults. Continuing to build strong muscles is especially important as we age. Body fat percentage will grow if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time. And that loss of lean muscle mass can also increase your risk for falls, says the National Institutes of Health . Strength training can help you keep and add to your muscle mass at any age. Getting Started It’s recommended that adults do strength training for all major muscle groups twice a week . What fits the bill? Weightlifting Push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises using your body weight for resistance Some types of yoga Resistance training like Pilates Starting strength training isn’t as easy as just adding exercise by walking farther each day. It’s vital to learn how to do it the right way. That might mean signing up for a few lessons with a personal trainer or taking a class for guidance. Some options for where to learn how to safely build muscle include gyms or a recreation, senior or community center. Finding a setting you find comfortable can help you stick with it. Once you know how to safely do strength training exercises, you can even work out at home. Talk to your doctor before starting any new training, especially if you haven’t lifted weights before. Listen to their advice. Start slow, but get started. Sources: Physical Activity Basics and Your Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Relationship Between Muscle-Strengthening Activity and Cause-Specific Mortality in a Large US Cohort , National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020; Physical Activity , World Health Organization, 2024; Evidence mounts on the benefits of strength training , Harvard School of Public Health, 2022; Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier , Mayo Clinic, 2026Healthy AgingExerciseHealth and WellnessWeight ManagementHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/talk-about-suicideThu, 30 Jul 2026 18:29:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bfe9984c-06f3-4037-836e-c342693cce20BCBSIL Connect TeamTalking about suicide can play an important role in helping prevent it. But it’s vital to know what to say. We can all help prevent suicide, says 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . This national network of local crisis centers wants everyone to know that suicide is not inevitable for anyone. Many more people attempt suicide than die from it. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says that supports the idea that many who try suicide want their pain to end, not their life. To help someone who is thinking about suicide, the key message has three parts: hope, healing and help . So how can you help? Recognizing Who’s at Risk Most people thinking about suicide give some sign of their intentions. Learning the warning signs is essential to recognizing people who may be at risk. Some of the major warning signs are: Talking about suicide or death Looking for ways to kill oneself Feelings of anger and despair Big shifts in mood, eating or sleep patterns Other risk factors include: Earlier suicide attempts or self-harm, such as cutting (but not everyone who self-harms is suicidal) History of suicide in family Substance misuse Mood problems like depression and bipolar disorder Facing bullying, trauma or abuse Long-term sickness or pain Loneliness Access to unsecured prescription medicines or guns Helping in Times of Crisis Speak Up Many people think that mentioning suicide to someone who may be at risk may be planting the idea of suicide. But that isn’t true. Openly expressing your concerns is an important way to help. It shows you care and want to understand. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” If the answer is yes, stay with them. Text or call 988, the three-digit dialing code connecting people to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . Care for veterans is also available at 988. Learn What to Say to Help To help someone who is struggling, learn ways you can talk to them openly and with empathy, says the National Child Traumatic Stress Network . Ask if they’d like to talk, and really listen without judging. Ask what would help them right then, without giving possible solutions. The key is to be there and then follow up, which often means helping them reach out to mental health care providers. Encourage them to keep visits with those doctors and to continue with medicines or other treatments. Friends and family can also take steps to make a safe place for someone who is at risk and learn how they might step in during a crisis , says the American Psychological Association. Long-Term Support Build Social Ties Being closely linked to family and community support may decrease someone’s suicidal thoughts and actions, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Everyone can help support others. Build family resiliency by: Helping children learn coping and problem-solving skills Supporting programs that teach social skills Boosting ties to friends, family and community Working on communication skills to improve relationships Encourage Mental Health Care Getting mental health care saves lives. If you know someone who is struggling, encourage them to reach out to their doctor for care. You could even show support by helping them schedule and get to that visit. Talk About It Talking about suicide is also a step toward decreasing the stigma tied to it. Stigma leads to silence, which does not help those touched by the loss. It can leave people feeling alone when facing the tragedy. When someone dies by suicide, there is a chance to talk about suicide as a health issue that affects everyone , says NAMI. Take Action Remember, if you or a loved one is having thoughts of harming themselves now, get help right away . You can call or text 988 or visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . Sources: Promote Hope, Healing and Help to Prevent Suicide , National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2016; Suicide and PTSD , U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2026; Suicide Data and Statistics , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Suicide and suicide prevention , American Psychological Association; Words to Use When Talking about Suicide , National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2021; The Ripple Effect of Suicide , NAMI, 2018; 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA); Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Adults , SAMHSA, 2022; Talking to teens: Suicide prevention , American Psychological Association, 2024Understanding Behavioral HealthMental HealthDepressionBehavioral HealthHealth and Wellnesshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/4-steps-whole-body-fitnessThu, 30 Jul 2026 14:13:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3ee819d8-f0f4-448f-9d04-e4f12a28bae4BCBSIL Connect TeamMost people focus on one or two types of exercise and think they’re getting what their body needs. But there are four types of exercise you need to help your body function at its best: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Many people already know they need endurance, or aerobic, activity and strength training. But flexibility and balance are important, too, especially as you age. And each of these important building blocks of fitness has its own benefits . Each kind also improves your ability to do the other types, as well as all of your everyday activities. And doing all four types of movement not only keeps your body functioning at its best, it can also help you avoid injuries and getting bored with exercise. Balance Better balance becomes more important as people age, but it’s helpful for everyone. Balance training should be a part of your normal routine. Most activities that are done on your feet and moving, like walking, can help your balance. But specific exercises can help even more. Boost your stability by regularly: Balancing on one foot every so often while you're standing Shifting weight from one foot to another Standing up from a seated position without using your hands Walking in a line, heel to toe, for a short distance When you’re ready for more, try these balance exercises suggested by the Mayo Clinic. Flexibility Flexibility exercise, or stretching, goes hand-in-hand with strength, balance and endurance training. Flexibility focused movements stretch your muscles and can help your body move more easily. Being more flexible can help you with your everyday activities and can help you avoid injury and pain. Focusing on flexibility is especially important as we age, since our muscles shorten and don’t work as well. But it’s helpful for everyone, and it’s never too soon to start focusing on flexibility. It’s important to stretch your body the right way to get the most benefit and avoid injury. And if you’re already recovering from an injury, be sure to ask your doctor what stretching activity is safe for you. In general, aim to stretch at least three or four times a week. But you can stretch every day. There’s no need to take days off between sessions. The American Heart Association says the best time to stretch is when your body is already warmed up. If you’re doing other activities like endurance or strengthening, stretch afterward. If you’re just stretching, be sure to warm up your body first with a few minutes of gentle movement, like marching in place. For most stretches, hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds. If you’re just starting out, aim for 10 seconds and work up to longer stretches. Repeat each stretch three to five times per session. A good stretch is slow and smooth: Breath normally and stay relaxed. Don’t bounce. Keep your joints bent, not locked. Stretching should not hurt. You might feel a mild pull, but don’t push it past that. As you become more flexible, you can try reaching a bit farther. There are many types of stretching you can do, depending on your level of flexibility and goals. There are basic stretches that are good for most healthy adults. There are some that are especially helpful for older people . And there are stretches you can do to prepare for specific sports and activities, like running . There are even stretches you can do before you get out of bed . Activities like yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates include many different stretches in a typical session. And they have the added bonus of improving your balance and strength, too. Endurance Endurance activity, also called aerobic exercise, is any physical activity that uses your body’s large muscle groups and is rhythmic and repetitive. It increases your heart rate and how much oxygen your body uses. Aerobic exercise helps your whole body in many ways. It strengthens your bones and muscles. It helps your heart and brain work better. And it helps lower your risk of serious diseases, like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It also improves your ability to do daily activities. Aerobic activity can be done at a variety of levels of intensity. Intensity is how hard your body is working during activity. It’s recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of medium intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. You can spread that time out throughout the week. For example, you can take a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. There are many kinds of aerobic activity — everything from walking, mowing the lawn and dancing to swimming, running and cycling. The CDC offers tips for getting started and ways to get past common barriers that may be keeping you from being more active. If you haven’t been exercising, start slow. And remember that aerobic activity should not cause dizziness or pain . If you’re new to aerobic activity or haven’t done it in a while, talk to your health care provider before you get started. They can help make sure you’re doing the activities that are safe for you. Strength Activity to strengthen your muscles and increase muscle mass helps you stay strong for all of the things you do in your daily life. It improves your balance, which helps you avoid injury. And it helps keep your bones healthy. It can also increase your resistance to disease and help better manage chronic health issues like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and depression. It may even help you live longer. It’s recommended that adults do strength training for all major muscle groups twice a week . Some examples include: Weightlifting Push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises using your body weight for resistance Some types of yoga Resistance training like Pilates As with the other types of activity, you should start slow and stay safe. To prevent injury, it’s important to learn how to do strength training the right way. That might mean signing up for a few lessons with a personal trainer or taking a class for guidance. Some other options for where to learn how to safely build muscle include gyms or a recreation, senior or community center. Once you know how to do strength training safely, you have a lot of options for what you can do, how you do it and where. You can do strength training alone, with friends or as part of a group class. It can be done at home, at the gym, at a community center or outdoors. You can do it with no equipment using your own body weight, or with simple, inexpensive weights or resistance bands. Or you can work with specialized equipment at the gym or a Pilates studio. Get Started No matter your age or how fit you are, you can find activities that meet your fitness level and needs. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time , money or special equipment. Get tips for children, seniors and people with physical challenges or health issues from Move Your Way . If you’re new to a type of activity, start slow and make sure you stay safe. And don’t forget to check in with your doctor if you’re not already active and planning to start a new exercise routine. Sources: Balance Exercises , Mayo Clinic, 2024; Flexibility Exercise (Stretching) , American Heart Association, 2024; Three Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability , National Institute on Aging, 2025; Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity , National Institute on Aging, 2025; Move Your Way , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2026; The 4 most important types of exercise , Harvard Health Publishing, 2026; What You Can Do to Meet Physical Activity Recommendations , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Steps for Getting Started With Physical Activity , CDC, 2025; Benefits of Physical Activity , CDC, 2025; Adult Activity: An Overview , CDC, 2023Healthy AgingExerciseHealth and WellnessWeight ManagementHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-do-we-know-now-about-autismThu, 30 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:644e989d-4e30-4511-9bff-97edfa39a980BCBSIL Connect TeamParenting means helping your children grow, develop and navigate the world. It’s no different for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Yet they face a unique set of challenges. Taking action early can make a real difference in navigating those challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 3 percent of 8-year-olds in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder . ASD is over three times more common among boys than girls. What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may act, talk, socialize and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary a lot. For example, someone with ASD might have strong communication skills, while someone else might be nonverbal. One person might need help with everyday activities. Another might live, work and go to school with little to no support. Signs and Symptoms of ASD Trouble connecting with others is one of the hallmarks of ASD. This includes social interaction and communication. Even those who do speak often struggle to understand others and make themselves understood. Children with ASD may: Engage in repetitive behaviors or interests. Fail to make eye contact. Not respond to their names. Play with toys in unusual or repetitive ways. Be extra sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or strong smells. Have uncommon eating or sleeping habits. Although ASD appears to be tied to very early brain development, most signs and symptoms tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 3. Other symptoms can appear earlier. The CDC provides examples of communication and interaction traits related to ASD at different stages of a child’s early development. Importance of Early Screening, Diagnosis and Intervention Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for children with ASD can make a big difference in their development. It can lead to major long-term positive effects on symptoms and skills later in life. Early interventions can occur at 2 or 3 years old, says the CDC. A young child's brain is still forming, meaning it is more "plastic" or changeable than at older ages. Because of this plasticity, treatments have a better chance of being effective in the longer term. Parents are often the first to notice their child showing unusual behaviors. You should monitor your child’s development and see if they are meeting important milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving and moving. Check the CDC's Developmental Milestones to see what signs may appear at specific ages. If you notice your child is not meeting milestones or have other concerns, talk with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening. Developmental screening takes a closer look at how your child is developing. Your child will get a brief test, or you will fill out a questionnaire about your child. These are formal tools based on research. The screening can be done by a doctor or other health care professional, an early childhood educator, or in a school or community setting. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening every child for ASD during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. If your pediatrician doesn’t screen your child, you can ask for screening. ASD and Mental Health Disorders When a child or adolescent shows signs of conditions such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it may alert a health care provider to screen for ASD. That’s because these conditions occur more often in people with ASD than in people without, says the CDC. ASD can also share similar symptoms or signs with mental and medical health conditions. It can be hard to distinguish between them. That’s why it is so important to have open communication with your child’s doctor if your child is having social, behavioral or learning challenges. That will help make sure your child gets the right screening and support. What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder? There is no one cause of ASD. Several different factors have been identified that may make a person more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biological and genetic factors, says the CDC. There is still a lot to learn about specific causes, but current evidence suggests the following things may put a person at greater risk for ASD: Having a sibling with ASD Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis Experiencing complications at birth Being born to older parents While there have been concerns that some vaccines may contribute to autism, numerous studies around the globe have concluded that there is no relationship between the two. Treatment and Intervention Options for ASD Current treatments aim to lessen symptoms that can hinder daily functioning and quality of life. ASD affects each person differently, so each person has unique strengths, challenges and treatment needs. Treatments fall into the following categories , though some treatment plans involve more than one approach: Behavioral treatment uses tools based on the science of learning and behavior. It produces noticeable changes in skills and behavior. Developmental treatment includes physical, speech and occupational therapies. Educational approaches include school-based services, such as a 504 Plan, through a local school system when age-appropriate. Social-relational treatment focuses on improving social skills and building emotional bonds. Medicine may be helpful, especially in cases where a child also has a mental health diagnosis such as ADHD, anxiety and/or depression. Psychological approaches can help people with ASD deal with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy. Finding Support and Resources for ASD Early intervention can make school and life easier for most kids with autism. Contact your child’s doctor to discuss the screening options available. You may also ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. These specialists may include a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, child psychologist or psychiatrist to guide your child’s treatment. There are also many resources available to parents. Free Evaluations You can request a free evaluation from your state’s public early childhood system . If your child is under 3 years old: Contact your local early intervention system. You can find the contact information for your state through the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Visit the ECTA website . If your child is 3 years old or older: Contact your local public school system. Even if your child is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, you can ask to have your child evaluated. If you’re not sure who to contact, call ECTA. Additional support resources for families may include: Autism Speaks Resource Guide Medicaid waiver programs State-specific resources, such as state departments for early intervention and developmental disabilities Other local resources such as Autism Resource Centers, Easter Seals and Special Olympics If you have a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois health plan, you may also have resources available as part of your benefits. To find providers and check for additional resources, log in to your member account, go to Find Care , then select Behavioral Health. Then look for Additional Programs and select Autism Spectrum . Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping your child reach full potential. If you think your child might be on the autism spectrum, work with your doctor, state and/or school and community to find the right resources. Sources: Autism Spectrum Disorder , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Autism Spectrum Disorder , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2024; CDC’s Developmental Milestones, CDC, 2026; Do vaccines cause autism? , Autism Speaks; Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2024; Early Intervention , CDC, 2026; Accessing Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2025; Resource Guide , Autism Speaks; Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2025; Developmental Monitoring and Screening , CDC, 2026; About Fragile X Syndrome , CDC, 2026; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026; Early intervention for Autism , National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 2021Children’s HealthHealth and WellnessAutismhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/fight-the-flu-one-shot-at-a-timeThu, 30 Jul 2026 09:58:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7435e428-b3c3-40cb-9a8b-6476c1a15e5dBCBSIL Connect TeamMany people don’t know that they can get influenza — the respiratory disease we often call the flu — any time of the year. Flu viruses usually peak between December and February . But cases of flu usually start to increase in October or earlier. To be protected before flu cases start increasing, get your flu shot as soon as it is available in your area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you try to get your vaccine in September or October. But it will still help protect you during peak flu season if you get it after that. The flu kills thousands of people each year and sends hundreds of thousands more to the hospital. That’s why the CDC says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. There are many reasons that this is good advice. You can get the disease from someone who doesn’t know they have it and doesn’t have any symptoms. And avoiding the two to three weeks of fever and severe headaches, muscle aches and pains some people will endure this winter makes the flu shot worth your time and trouble. Your decision to get a flu shot will also help protect other members of your community. That includes older people, children and pregnant women. It also includes people of all ages who have health problems like asthma or diabetes. They’re all among those who have the highest risk of developing serious, even life-threatening, complications if they contract the disease. Preparing for the Flu Season Like they have in previous years, researchers have updated the vaccine. This is to protect you from the flu strains they believe will be the most common during the coming flu season. The result is an effective vaccine you can get from your health care provider or your local pharmacy at low or no cost. In many cases, nearby hospitals or your workplace will also offer flu shots. The vaccine could cause a reaction, but it’s almost always mild. You might have redness, pain and swelling at the injection site or even a brief fever. Both are treatable with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks for the shot to start protecting you. That’s why you shouldn’t wait until the flu season is raging to get your shot. Get it as soon as it’s available in your area. The CDC recommends getting it by the end of October. What If You Still Get the Flu? You may get the flu even if you receive a flu shot, but it’s often milder than if you had not gotten the shot. If you or a family member gets sick, remember these tips: Stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours and until your fever subsides without a fever-reducing medicine. Get plenty of rest. Use over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms. Talk to your doctor about care for young children. Don’t Put It Off Don’t skip the flu shot because you got it last year or because you don’t have time. It will take far less time out of your schedule to get the shot than you’ll spend recovering from the flu. Plan to get your flu shot as soon as it is available so you’ll be protected before peak season hits. Sources: About Influenza , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Flu Season , CDC, 2025; 2026-2027 Flu Season , CDC, 2026; Preventing Seasonal Flu , CDC, 2025VaccinesFlu VaccineFlu PreventionHealth and Wellnesshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-is-heart-diseaseWed, 29 Jul 2026 13:56:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6e1bc67f-84fd-4136-83ad-1721221271f2BCBSIL Connect TeamHeart disease is a leading killer of men and women in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveals one out of every three Americans die of heart disease every year. With so much at stake, it’s smart to know the warning signs — and ways you can reduce your risk. Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease , is several conditions that affect the heart. It includes heart defects a person may have had since birth, damage to blood vessels, along with arteries and heart-rhythm problems. Heart disease boosts a person’s risk for heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked. During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. When the heart stops, blood no longer flows to the brain and other organs. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen after a heart attack. Most people who experience sudden cardiac arrest die within a few minutes without immediate emergency help to restart their heart. Most sudden cardiac deaths occur in men. Could It Happen to Me? The hard truth is that some risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, are unchangeable. Still, there are many risk factors that can be modified — at any age. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one of the three main risk factors for heart disease: High blood pressure High LDL cholesterol Smoking Other risk factors include: Unhealthy weight or obesity Lack of physical activity Heavy alcohol use Diabetes A poor diet and lack of exercise can cause plaque to form in arteries. Plaque buildup can begin as early as adolescence. This paves the way for a possible heart attack. Most people who die from heart disease are 65 or older, but nearly 20 percent are younger. Death statistics are startling for both genders. In the U.S., nearly half of all people who have a heart attack die. The risk for heart attack in men increases after age 45. For women under age 50, heart attacks are twice as likely to be fatal than for men. How Can I Lower My Risk? The Cleveland Clinic recommends lots of ways to help keep healthy: Quit smoking Follow a healthy diet Reduce blood cholesterol Lower high blood pressure Move every day Maintain a healthy weight Manage diabetes Reduce stress Limit alcohol You can also check with the American Heart Association for resources and simple steps to stay on top of your heart health. Always talk with your doctor if you have any concerns. They will help you address any risk factors for heart disease you may have. Together, you can set goals to help manage your health and show your heart the love it deserves. Sources: Heart Disease Facts , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Heart Disease , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Women and Heart Disease , Texas Heart Institute; What can you do today to improve your heart health? Simple steps can make a difference , American Heart Association, 2026Heart DiseasePreventive Care ServicesHeart HealthHealth and WellnessUnderstanding Heart HealthUnderstanding Heart Diseasehttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/no-need-to-overanalyze-just-immunizeThu, 23 Jul 2026 10:28:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fc0a394c-412f-425f-a286-baf14a0bb22bBCBSIL Connect TeamIt’s hard to keep your children safe every minute of the day. Still, there’s one thing you can do that helps protect them 24/7. Make sure they get all the recommended childhood vaccines. What Shots Do Kids Need? From birth, babies and young children need certain shots to help them stay healthy as they grow. Older children — even busy preteens and teens — need vaccines from time-to-time. Your child's doctor will remind you about them during an annual well-child visit . Why Are Vaccines So Important? When your children don’t get their needed shots, they have a greater risk for many diseases. They can also spread these diseases to their friends and family. Vaccines are a reliable way to prevent many diseases that were once deadly. They expose the body to a very small amount of weak or dead germs and viruses. The immune system then builds up the ability to fight these bugs in the future. Vaccines have slowed or stopped the spread of polio, measles, mumps and other diseases in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a quick-reference chart . It lets you know what shots your child needs and when. The safety of vaccines has at times been questioned. Some parents worry and refuse shots for their children. A common fear is an alleged link between autism and vaccines. Research has found no such link. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that vaccines do not cause autism. Measles Makes a Comeback One rare disease made a comeback due to a small number of parents who decided not to get their children vaccinated. It started when several children who visited an amusement park in 2014 came down with measles. That hadn’t happened in the U.S. in 15 years. Another outbreak related to air travel happened in 2019. And the trend has continued for the last several years. Each year has seen numerous outbreaks adding up to over 2,100 cases in 2025 and again in 2026. It’s estimated that 93% of the people who have gotten infected, particularly children, have not been vaccinated. While we are lucky that some diseases no longer exist in the U.S., they are often only a plane ride away. Polio is one example. It still affects some children in certain Middle-Eastern, African and Pacific Island countries. People who are infected with it can spread the disease for weeks — before and after symptoms appear. These examples highlight why the CDC says, “we could soon find ourselves battling epidemics of diseases we thought we had conquered decades ago.” Keeping Everyone Healthy When kids and adults get the recommended vaccines, they help protect whole communities. Along with preventing the spread of disease to friends and family, they help safeguard others, too. Very young babies, pregnant women, cancer patients, people with HIV and other conditions can all have vulnerable immune systems. If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor. That way, you can make the best decision for the health of your family and your community. Sources: AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026; Recommended Vaccines for Young Children , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Common Vaccine Safety Questions and Concerns , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Measles Cases and Outbreaks , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Global Polio Eradication Initiative , Polio Eradication.org, 2026VaccinesPublic HealthChildren’s HealthHealth and WellnessImmunizationshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-is-adhdFri, 10 Jul 2026 22:58:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f4a0d7f6-877b-46bb-8799-212855c0d55aBCBSIL Connect TeamPaying attention, sitting still and curbing urges are good skills for children to learn. But those things are hard for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some signs of the disorder are: Trouble paying attention High levels of action (hyperactivity) Acting before thinking (impulsivity) For children with ADHD, these behaviors happen more often than what is considered normal for children their age. Some children with ADHD only have problems with attention, while others deal only with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most have problems with all three. Keep in mind that all children have short attention spans. And some kids are more active than others. These things are normal and don’t mean that a child has ADHD. A full assessment needs to be done to diagnose ADHD. Get Help Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about ADHD. There is no single test for it, but a full evaluation will help with treatment. Children with ADHD can thrive, but diagnosis and knowing how best to treat it are critical, says the National Resource Center on ADHD . Treatment choices include: Behavior therapy to help children learn positive actions and limit problem behaviors. Medication therapy to help children handle symptoms and control some of the behavioral problems. Blend of both to help children six years of age and older . Treatment must be monitored. Long-term monitoring is vital to successfully handling ADHD. Studies show that children with ADHD who stop treatment are at a greater risk for more serious problems later. Other steps to take may involve parent and child training, school programs that support kids with ADHD and family therapy. Tips for Parents: Set a routine. Try to follow the same schedule each day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Get organized. Encourage your child to put schoolbags, clothing and toys in the same place each day so your child will be less likely to lose them. Handle distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and give a clean workspace when your child is doing homework. Some children with ADHD learn well if they are moving or listening to music. Watch your child and see what works. Limit choices. Offer choices between a few things so that your child doesn’t have too many to choose from. Be clear and specific. Let your child know you are listening by repeating what you heard them say. Use clear, brief directions when they need to do something. Use goals and praise. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors. Let your child know when they have done well. Reward their efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic. Create positive chances. Children with ADHD may find certain situations stressful. Find what your child does well — whether it’s school, sports, art, music or play. That can help create positive experiences. Provide a healthy life. Healthy food, physical activity and sufficient sleep are important. They can sometimes help with ADHD symptoms. What about Adults with ADHD? Adults can also have ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health says adults can organize their life by: Sticking to routines Making lists for activities Using a calendar for events Setting reminders Keeping things like keys and papers in an assigned space Breaking down large tasks into smaller steps Other Things You Can Do? Visit the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder site for facts. Seek help from a mental health professional. If you need any help (including finding a provider), please call us at the customer service number on your BCBSIL member ID card. We are here to help. Sources: Treatment of ADHD , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; The A.D.D. Resource Center , 2019; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , National Institutes of Mental Health, 2024ADHDUnderstanding Behavioral HealthMental HealthHealth and WellnessHealthy MindAttention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/smartphone-protect-skinFri, 10 Jul 2026 18:36:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ae04d1f1-6bb9-496c-851c-08d7f396246eBCBSIL Connect TeamWe use technology in most parts of our lives now. But have you thought about using it to protect your skin? The Skin Cancer Foundation says healthy skin can be as close as your smartphone. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. When caught and treated early, skin cancers are usually curable. And you can use your phone to help you protect your skin and catch any problems early. 7 Ways Your Phone Can Help The Skin Cancer Foundation offers seven easy ways to use your phone to monitor your skin to keep it healthy. Add an alarm . If you’re outdoors, set a reminder to reapply sunscreen. Aim for every two hours — more often if you’re sweating. And reapply right after you get out of the water. Set reminders . Set a reminder to do a monthly skin self-exam. That will help you keep an eye on your skin. Don’t forget to set up a reminder for a yearly exam so your doctor can check your skin. Use your flashlight. Aim the light at any suspicious skin spots to take a good, close look. Get ready for your close-up . Use your phone’s camera to take close-up photos of moles, freckles or spots that stand out. It can help you keep track of their appearance over time. It can even help you see areas like your back that are hard to see clearly in a mirror. Monitor monthly. During your monthly self-exam, take new photos and compare to previous ones. Use your photos to track the way your moles, freckles or spots look over time. You can also show the photos to your doctor. Save the photos with a detailed file name, such as left shoulder mole and the date. Hunt for an app. Check out apps that help you look at, track and monitor skin issues. Just don’t count on an app to protect your health. Reach out to your doctor for help. Share skin safety. You can use your phone to text family and friends, to support them doing regular skin checks of their own. Catch It Early You may think you’re not at risk. But everyone needs to protect their skin and pay attention to any changes. Skin cancer is most easily treated when caught early. Remember, in a self-check, you’re looking for: New moles or skin growths Moles, freckles or growths that have started to change or grow A lesion that itches, bleeds or doesn’t heal See your doctor if you spot anything troubling. Reduce Your Risk Too much sun can raise your risk for skin cancer. That’s why many serious melanoma cancers are found on the face, neck and arms. Those areas get a lot of sun exposure. Here’s what to do to reduce your risk. First, remember that protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all the time. But it’s good to be extra careful when you’re outdoors a lot, including those long summer days. Second, know that the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the late spring and summer are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the U.S. Easy choices for protection: Find shade, especially during midday hours. Wear clothing to cover your legs and arms. Wear a hat with a wide brim. Make sure it shades not only your face but also your neck and ears. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Ones that wrap are best. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Make sure it has both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection. Avoid indoor tanning. Sources: Healthy Skin in Your Pocket , Skin Cancer Federation, 2023; Reducing Risk of Skin Cancer , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Sun Safety Facts , CDC, 2026; What’s New in Melanoma Skin Cancer Research? , American Cancer Society, 2024Skin HealthSummer SafetyHealth and WellnessCancerSafetyhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/cholesterol-doubles-riskWed, 08 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bf9d0ba9-7c6d-419f-9860-60145c90a0f3BCBSIL Connect TeamMillions of Americans have high cholesterol, which can clog blood vessels and lead to serious health problems. People with high total cholesterol are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the U.S. Along with family history, unhealthy diet, weight gain and lack of exercise are contributing factors for most people with high cholesterol. What Is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is the fatty substance in your blood that latches on to particles called lipoproteins. “Lipo” means “fat” or “fatty.” Doctors test the blood for three main types: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) — this is the “good” kind. HDL helps take cholesterol out of your body. It gives your arteries a better chance of being unaffected. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — this is the “bad” kind. LDL is the main type of harmful cholesterol. It can build up and block the arteries. Your risk for heart attack or stroke rises as your LDL level rises. Triglycerides — this is another bad fat. High levels are often found with other heart disease risk factors. Your total cholesterol is a blend of the three. A higher total means a greater risk for heart disease. The aim of treatment is to boost HDL while lowering LDL and triglycerides. Confused about what your cholesterol numbers mean? What is considered a healthy number can vary from person to person. But in general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are healthy and have an average risk of heart disease should aim for these levels : HDL: 40 mg/dL or higher for men, 50 mg/dL or higher for women LDL: 100 mg/dL or lower Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL Total cholesterol: About 150 mg/dL. Total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL is considered high. But remember, targets for LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol vary from person to person, according to the American Heart Association. Your doctor can tell you what your ideal cholesterol numbers should be. Keeping Your Cholesterol in Check Here are some ways to help manage cholesterol: If you’re overweight, make an effort to shed excess pounds. Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Avoid saturated fat. It is found in meats, whole milk dairy products and many prepared foods. Limit or avoid alcohol intake. Quit smoking. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medicine along with these changes. You and your doctor will decide if you need medicine by checking your test results and all your other risk factors. If you do need medicine, be aware that your health plan may not cover all brand name drugs. To try to keep your costs lower, ask if a generic version of a prescribed drug is available. It's also a good idea to check the drug list for your health plan to see what cholesterol drugs are covered and share that information with your doctor. Getting your recommended screenings is an important part of managing your cholesterol. You can take advantage of some important health screenings available at no cost when services are provided by a network provider.* Family History Can Be Critical Some people have a family tie to a severe form of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says this inherited condition, called familial hypercholesterolemia, affects 1 in 200 people in the United States. About 90 percent of them don't know they have it. People with this condition have high cholesterol from birth but may have no symptoms until they have already developed serious heart problems. If left untreated, people with the condition have 20 times higher than average risk of developing heart disease. Inherited conditions like this show the value of knowing your family medical history and sharing it with your doctor. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out whether your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member ID card. Sources: About Cholesterol , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; High Cholesterol Facts , CDC, 2024; Preventing High Cholesterol , CDC; 2024; What is Familial Hypercholesterolemia , American Heart Association, 2026; Cholesterol test , Mayo Clinic, 2025CholesterolHealth and WellnessRisk for Heart DiseaseHeart Health & DietHeart Disease Diet and HealthHigh Cholesterolhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/make-no-bones-about-it-know-your-risk-for-osteoporosisWed, 08 Jul 2026 17:44:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bfe8c3a7-cb13-42f9-ac35-b13914d33adfBCBSIL Connect TeamYou count on your bones to support you. But they need your help to stay strong. Millions of Americans have low bone mass, which increases the risk for osteoporosis. This disease causes bones to become weak and brittle. Even minor falls or activities like bending over can cause a bone to break. Bones are made of living tissue. Your body continuously breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. Osteoporosis happens when your body doesn't create enough new bone to replace your loss of old bone. Osteoporosis most often affects those who are 50 or older. That’s because all adults naturally lose bone mass as they age. But some people have a greater risk than others for the significant loss that leads to osteoporosis. Women are at higher risk than men, but men are also at risk. About half of women and a quarter of men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects people of all races and ethnic groups, but white and Asian people have the highest risk. A family history of hip fractures and other breaks can also increase risk. And certain medicines can cause bone loss, which increases the risk for osteoporosis. Hormone imbalances and dietary factors can also increase your risk. What Are the Signs? Osteoporosis is sometimes called the silent disease because there are often no warnings in the early stages of bone loss. It’s only after your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis that you may show symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says these symptoms can include: Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed spinal bone Loss of height A stooped posture A bone that breaks much more easily than expected Fractures due to osteoporosis can occur in any bone, but they happen most often in bones of the hip, wrist and spine. What Can You Do? It is possible to prevent or delay bone loss. It’s best to start prevention efforts when you’re young: Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Eat a well-balanced diet. Exercise regularly. Don’t smoke. Avoid or limit alcohol. As you age, you can still take steps to prevent or delay bone loss: Continue eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help keep good bone health. Stay physically active as you age. Weight-bearing exercises like walking are especially important for your bones. Avoid or limit alcohol. Don’t smoke. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your health care provider may recommend that you take medicine to help prevent fractures. Talk to Your Doctor If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about prevention strategies that may be right for you. Your doctor may suggest a bone density test to see how your bones are doing. Sources: Overview of Osteoporosis , National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 2022; What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? , Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation; Osteoporosis , Mayo Clinic, 2025; Osteoporosis , MedlinePlus, 2025NutritionOsteoporosisHealth and WellnessWomen’s HealthJoint and Bone Healthhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/adhd-back-to-schoolWed, 08 Jul 2026 16:08:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:33afcd1e-c265-4569-8406-995c117b5a25BCBSIL Connect TeamNew school years offer new beginnings. A chance to learn and grow. But for many children, the first few days or weeks bring change, causing worry and stress. Change is hard for many people, but it can be even more difficult for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The change in schedules and tasks and the attention needed throughout a school day can be especially challenging. But with some planning, this school year can be a success. What Is ADHD? Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention. They may have high levels of action (hyperactivity) and acting before thinking (impulsivity). Or they may have all three issues. For children with ADHD, these behaviors happen more often than for others their age. Many children with ADHD thrive with treatment. Behavior therapy can help children learn positive actions and limit problem behaviors. Medication therapy can help children handle symptoms and control some of the behavioral problems. Success Starts at Home The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says parent involvement is vital to ADHD treatment. Children are often not mature enough to change their own behavior. Your child relies on you to reinforce helpful actions. Here are some ways to help your child have a successful school year. Have a Morning Routine Try to follow the same schedule each day. Mornings can be especially challenging. So set a morning routine and stick with it. Keep all school-related items in a specific place. This takes the guess work out of finding them in the morning rush. Visual prompts can be helpful, so make a list or chart of tasks needed to get ready for school. Your child can then check them off as they go. Another option is to use a timer for specific tasks, which helps them know when to move on to the next task. Set Up Simple Organizational Systems for Schoolwork If your child has trouble keeping track of schoolwork, there are ways to help them stay organized. Set up a system that is easy enough for your child to do at school and home. Try a pocket folder with one side for completed work and one for unfinished work. Use different colored folders for each type of work or subject. Create a System for Getting Homework Done Plan a set time for homework. It is best if this is within an hour of your child getting home. Try to keep this routine as consistent as possible. Find a place that is free from distractions. Start by reviewing assignments with them. Then talk about what next steps they need to take. Timers can also be used to keep kids on track. Build in short movement breaks after each 20 minutes of work. Visit the Doctor If your child is on medication, consider scheduling an appointment with your child’s doctor before the school year starts. Medicines may need to be changed as your child gets older or as school becomes more challenging. A visit before the school year gives the doctor time to make any needed changes. Be sure to go to recommended follow-up visits and share any feedback from teachers. This will help make sure your child is on the best medication plan. Learn What School Resources Are Available If your student with ADHD is struggling in school with behaviors and/or academics, they may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan . If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, take some time to review it. Know the specific components of your plan. Talk to your child’s teachers to make sure they are aware of the plan details. You can also share any feedback from the challenges or successes your child had last year. Keep open communication with the teachers. Share any concerns you may have about your child’s progress throughout the year. Visit the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC) for more information and advice for parents with children who have ADHD. The group also offers resources for adults with ADHD. Help the school year go smoothly with planning and open communication. Making a plan and having clear communication with your child and their teachers and doctors can help set your child up for a good year. Sources: Your Most Important Back-to-School List: 10 Conversations Every Parent Should Have , ADDitudemag.com, 2022; What Is an IEP? Everything You Need to Know About IDEA, IEPs, and 504 Plans , ADDitudemag.com, 2025; When Your ADHD Medication Stops Working , PsychCentral, 2022; Parent Training in Behavior Management , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; School Mornings Without the Stress, Child Mind Institute, 2025ADHDMental HealthHealth and WellnessHealthy Mindhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/recovery-home-from-hospitalWed, 08 Jul 2026 15:53:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:91f1e2e4-bd9a-4ef0-8d65-a2aabeabde23BCBSIL Connect TeamWhether you’re being treated for physical or mental health issues, it’s vital to continue your health care after discharge from the hospital. Follow-up care is an important part of getting better. What Should I Do After Being Discharged from the Hospital? When you get home after any hospital stay, it’s time to focus on your health. To recover fully, be sure to stay on top of your care: Don’t wait too long to schedule follow-up visits with your doctor. Review your post-discharge care instructions. Watch for signs that could mean you need urgent care (see your post-discharge instructions). Make sure you get any drugs or equipment that have been prescribed for you. Work with your doctor to schedule home health care if needed. Know who to call with questions and concerns. The Family Caregiver Alliance offers tips for caregivers and patients to ease the shift from hospital to home. Many cities have a wide range of resources, such as support groups for caregivers. Help is available if you need it to get the recommended follow-up care. Continue Your Recovery After Mental Health or Substance Use Hospitalization The journey to better mental health doesn’t end with your hospital stay. Health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder do not go away or get better on their own. It’s important to continue your recovery. Professional care, including therapy and medication management, and connecting with supportive resources in your community can help. Continue your care with an outpatient therapist or psychiatrist. This type of follow-up care can: Make you feel better Improve your relationships with friends and family Help you take less time away from work Help you have more energy to do the things you love Lower the chance of another crisis Schedule mental health or substance use follow-up care within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. That will help you maintain the progress you made in the hospital. Bring your hospital discharge paperwork to your follow-up doctor visit so your doctor has the most up-to-date information on your health. To find mental health providers and support groups in your area, make use of resources like findtreatment.gov or SAMHSA’s National Helpline 800-662-HELP (4357). And make sure your family knows they also have options for getting support . Sources: Taking Good Care of Yourself , Mental Health America; Findtreatment.gov , Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); SAMHSA’s National Helpline , SAMHSA, 2023; Helping Families Cope with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders , SAMHSA, 2025; Hospital Discharge Planning: A Guide for Families and Caregivers , Family Caregiver Alliance; Hospital Discharge , Johns Hopkins MedicineMental HealthHealth and WellnessHealthy MindAfter Hospital Carehttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/immunizations-staying-healthyWed, 08 Jul 2026 11:19:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bac6d928-1e05-4b4f-ab71-df22bec10e82BCBSIL Connect TeamAre you and your family up to date on your routine vaccines? They're an important part of staying safe and healthy for people of all ages. Who Needs Vaccines? Vaccines aren’t just for babies or young children. We all need vaccines throughout our lives to help protect against serious diseases, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Different vaccines are recommended for children, teens and adults. The right vaccines at the right time can help keep people of all ages healthy. What vaccines you need depends on factors like age, health problems, jobs and travel. Some examples: Children and young adults should get the HPV vaccine, which protects against some cancers. Healthy adults age 50 and older need the shingles vaccine. It also protects against complications from the disease. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for older adults and all adults who have a health issue that makes their immune system weak. Most people who are six months old or older should get a yearly flu shot. The RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults. Immunizations are a vital step to protect people at risk, such as the very young, the very old, and people with weak immune systems or serious illnesses. Some people who are at risk can’t get immunizations. When people who can get vaccinated do, everyone is better protected. Learn about adult diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Germs Are World Travelers Vaccine-preventable diseases are still around, even the ones that aren’t currently common in the U.S. And they can be spread to people who haven’t been vaccinated. A traveler who hasn’t had the vaccine can get a disease and bring it back to the U.S. with them, where it may spread to others. Are Vaccines Safe? Before a vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., it goes through testing to make sure it is safe and works well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates the results of clinical studies. Safety is closely watched during use. Like other medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. They are mostly mild. What Vaccines Do Adults Need? Check out our Wellness Guidelines to see the recommended vaccinations for adults. The guidelines are available in English and Spanish in a PDF format for easy downloading or printing. Get the latest Adult Wellness Guidelines: English Spanish Children’s and Perinatal Wellness Guidelines are also available. You can see all the latest guidelines any time by logging in to your account . Click My Health in the top navigation menu, then select Wellness . On the Wellness page, click Wellness Guidelines . Adults with chronic health problems like asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes are more likely to get complications from certain diseases. If you have chronic health issues, make sure you know what vaccines you need. Don’t Let Children Fall Behind From babyhood to preschool and beyond, keeping your child healthy means following a vaccine schedule. It’s designed to protect against serious diseases, like polio, whooping cough and mumps. Those diseases can result in a hospital stay, or even death. It’s important to make sure your child is fully vaccinated against these vaccine-preventable diseases. That means finishing the whole series of recommended vaccines at the right time. Don’t put off vaccinations for yourself or your child. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Don't Let the Flu Sneak Up on You While it isn't officially flu "season" yet, you can get the flu any time of year. The number of cases of flu usually start rising in October or earlier, and it takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to be effective. Find out why you should get a flu shot as soon as it's available to protect you year-round. Sources: Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; 5 Reasons It Is Important for Adults to Get Vaccinated CDC, 2024; Preventing Seasonal Flu , CDC, 2025; RSV Vaccine Guidance for Older Adults , CDC, 2026VaccinesCDCHealth and WellnessImmunizationshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/living-with-hypertensionMon, 29 Jun 2026 15:22:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:1659418b-cf0f-42bd-b503-527ea304e797BCBSIL Connect TeamNearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure — also known as hypertension. Only about one in four adults with high blood pressure have it under control. Are you one of them? Learning to manage your blood pressure can be lifesaving — literally. In 2024, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of death for almost 700,000 Americans. The condition increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, the nation's leading causes of death. Often called a silent killer , high blood pressure doesn’t usually have any symptoms. That's why keeping an eye on your levels is so important. The best way to monitor blood pressure is to have it checked regularly and know what your numbers mean. What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure measures how hard blood pushes against the body’s artery walls. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. This pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. Two aspects of blood pressure are measured: systolic and diastolic. Here is a breakdown of the pressure levels: Normal: systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg. Elevated: systolic 120 -129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg. Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130 -139 mmHg or diastolic 80 - 89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension: systolic 140+ mmHg or diastolic 90+mmHg High blood pressure is diagnosed when your levels consistently stay at a measure of 130 mmHg over 80 mmHg. Factors that can add to your risk Certain lifestyle choices and behaviors affect blood pressure and can raise it to dangerous levels, including: Smoking Being overweight Lack of physical activity Eating too much salt in the diet Drinking too much alcohol (more than one to two drinks per day) Diabetes Take steps to help control high blood pressure Get regular checkups so you and your doctor know your blood pressure levels. Talk to your doctor about your personal blood pressure goal. Check your blood pressure regularly. Take any medicine as prescribed by your doctor. If you have uncomfortable side effects, don’t stop taking your medicine. Ask your doctor for another option that is right for you. There are many types of blood pressure medicine. Sometimes it takes trying more than one to find the one for your body type and needs. The important thing is to keep working with your doctor to keep your blood pressure levels in check. Living with high blood pressure is a work in progress While there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help you get control of your blood pressure, keep in mind change takes time. A good mindset for success is to remember that each step toward your goal is progress. Your blood pressure will naturally fluctuate. You will have better pressure levels on some days than others. Don’t let these changes keep you from sticking to your plan for improved health. Here are some things you can do: Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt (sodium), fat and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, talk with your doctor about a weight-loss plan. Limit your alcohol intake. Make physical activity a daily part of your life. If you smoke, work with your doctor on ways to help you quit. Fend off stress. Walk, meditate, try yoga or write in your journal. Lowering your blood pressure happens with daily effort. You can get to your goal levels. It just takes time and some change in your habits. A key is not to get stressed or overwhelmed by the changes you’re making. Stress can cause spikes in your blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. To maintain your progress, remember to keep calm and carry on. Use these resources to learn more about ways to monitor and mange your blood pressure: Measure Your Blood Pressure Going to the Doctor Living with a Health Condition Sources: About High Blood Pressure , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; High Blood Pressure Facts , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; High Blood Pressure Risk Factors , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure , American Heart Association, 2025; Stress and High Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection? , Mayo Clinic, 2024Living with Heart Disease and High Blood PressureBlood PressureHealth and WellnessHypertensionLiving with Hypertensionhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/spf-and-sunscreen-to-useThu, 25 Jun 2026 14:20:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:62f4c44d-170a-4cb2-a301-bf13cb7bd1bfBCBSIL Connect TeamBefore heading out for a BBQ, a day at the beach, or afternoon by the pool, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. You’ve probably seen them displayed in your local store: sunscreens with SPF 15, SPF 30 or even SPF 50. How do you know which one you need? Let’s start with the basics: Sunscreen 101. What’s is SPF? The three-letter acronym stands for sun protection factor . It lets you know the amount of time it will take the sun's UV rays to turn your skin red after you properly apply sunscreen. Coated in sunscreen, your skin is protected from the sun’s burning rays for a period of time. For example, if you slather on sunscreen with SPF 15 it will take you 15 times longer to burn than if you didn't use sunscreen. In general, sunscreen with higher SPF (SPF 30 and SPF 50) offers more protection against sunburn, UV and DNA damage than products with lower SPF values. What type of sunscreen should I use? When you buy sunscreen, look for one with broad spectrum coverage so you are protected from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. If you're indoors most of the day, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetics with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when and where the sun is strongest, choose a water-resistant sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Steer clear of these sunscreen myths. Myth 1: I have dark skin so I don't need sunscreen. False. Even though darker skin tones may not show the classic red coloring of sunburn, the sun’s UV rays will still damage unprotected skin. Myth 2: Sunscreen with SPF 50 protection lasts all day. False. To protect your skin, it’s important to apply two tablespoons of sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. What should I do if I get sunburned? If you do get a sunburn, there's not much you can do to limit the damage to your skin. There are ways to reduce pain and discomfort, though. Use aloe gel or lotion to soothe the skin. Take a pain reliever, take a cool bath or shower or apply a cold, damp towel to the painful area, and drink extra water to help your skin heal. Even though most sunburns heal on their own, talk to your doctor if the burn is severe. Check out this list of ways to treat a sunburn . Sources: How to Treat Sunburn , American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2024; Sunscreen & Your Skin: Understanding SPF & How It Protects You From Skin Cancer , Skin Cancer Foundation, 2026; Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Sunburn , Mayo Clinic, 2024Skin HealthSummer SafetyHealth and Wellnesshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/sunglasses-protect-eyesTue, 23 Jun 2026 16:51:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:548643d0-14e1-4f1c-bf0f-eb8f03104137BCBSIL Connect TeamDark sunglasses are more than a stylish accessory. They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the retinas. Sun protection for your eyes may not be the first thing you think about before you head outdoors, but it’s just as important as putting on sunscreen or wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Why does wearing sunglasses matter? Every day, your eyes are exposed to UV rays. Over time, that long-term exposure can lead to serious eyes conditions. When you wear sunglasses, you help protect your eyes from: Cataracts that cloud and yellow the lens of the eye and cause progressive loss of vision. Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness. Macular degeneration causes vision loss in people over 60 years of age. Caused by damage from UV rays to the center of the retina, it affects the part of the eye that records what we see and sends it to your brain. Corneal keratitis (sunburn) is painful burning of the cornea — the transparent clear surface that allows light and images to pass to the retina. It often affects skiers, hikers and others outdoor enthusiasts when intense sunlight reflects off snow, ice and water. Which sunglasses offer the best protection? Don’t assume dark-color sunglasses offer good UV protection — or expensive sunglasses, either. Instead, pay attention to the things that matter. Choose sunglasses with: UV 400 rating or "100% UVA and UVB protection" or "100% UV protection" on the label or etched onto the frame. These sunglasses block more than 99% of UV radiation and provide the greatest level of protection against UV rays. Large frames that can provide more protection from UV rays because they completely cover the eyes. Polarized lenses that have UV protection. Even if you wear UV-absorbing contact lenses, you still need to wear sunglasses that offer proper UV protection. The contacts alone do not offer enough UV protection for your eyes. Protect your children’s eyes too. There are lots of bright and colorful kids’ sunglasses for sale at all kinds of places. Make sure you outfit your child with sunglasses that really block UV rays — not toy sunglasses that don’t offer any protection. Look for the UV and protection ratings listed above. Yes, sunglasses are a classic part of summer fun. Make sure they are part of your summer safety uniform, like sunscreen and sunhats. Need more inspiration? Check our guide to a safe and fun summer . Sources: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses , U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2024; The Sun & Your Eyes , Skin Cancer Foundation, 2026Eye HealthSummer SafetyHealth and Wellnesshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/too-tired-too-often-your-thyroid-may-be-to-blameThu, 18 Jun 2026 09:18:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:412577e6-d9ec-4af7-ad0e-cb746c04b2c4BCBSIL Connect TeamThyroid disease is common, and many people don’t know they have it. That may be in part because some of the symptoms are surprising. About 30 million people suffer from thyroid dysfunction. And more than half don’t know they have a problem, says the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology . Because many of the signs are subtle, come on slowly and can seem like other problems, many people are not diagnosed and treated. Common signs of thyroid disease are unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, insomnia, and depression or anxiety. But some symptoms of thyroid problems may not seem like they would have anything to do with a thyroid problem: Shaking and nervousness Fast heart rate Changes in memory or ability to concentrate Muscle weakness or aches Joint pain or stiffness Puffy face Dry skin Hoarse voice Trouble swallowing or breathing Changes in menstrual patterns What Does the Thyroid Do? While small in size, the thyroid plays a huge role in your total health. The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck that makes hormones that impact almost all parts of your body. It affects the work of many of the body’s most vital organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Keeping the thyroid gland healthy and working the right way is vital to the whole body. Along with unexplained weight gain, those with an underactive thyroid may have hair loss, fatigue, dry skin and joint pain. Called hypothyroidism , it’s the most common problem. Many people just feel "off," with no clear signs of being truly sick. Sometimes, the thyroid makes too much hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism . Some signs involve nervousness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, shaking hands, sleeping problems and weight loss. Both types are more common in women than in men. Another type of thyroid problem is thyroid cancer. Signs of thyroid cancer include a lump or pain in the front of the neck, swelling in the neck, hoarseness or voice changes that don’t go away, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a constant cough not due to other illness. Most thyroid cancer can be diagnosed early and treated successfully. Think You Might Have Thyroid Troubles? Talk to your doctor. A blood test can measure the amount of thyroid hormone you have. Your doctor will use the results to see if you need to be treated for thyroid disease. Check your neck . A lump or enlargement of the small gland in the lower front part of your neck can be a sign that there’s a problem. Thyroid lumps, or nodules, are common. Most are not cancerous. But if you notice one, it’s important to be checked by your doctor. The American Thyroid Association offers links to patient education materials . How Is It Treated? Most thyroid health problems can be treated with medication. Finding just the right amount of medication to keep levels stable can take time. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Left untreated, thyroid disease can raise the risk for serious health problems. Getting care prevents long-term harm. If you think you may have signs of a thyroid problem, talk to your doctor. Sources: Hyperthyroidism , American Academy of Family Physicians, 2023; Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) , Mayo Clinic, 2026; All About Thyroid , American Association of Clinical Endocrinology; How to check your thyroid , American Association of Clinical Endocrinology; About Thyroid Cancer , American Cancer SocietyNutritionExerciseThyroidHealth and Wellness