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Colon Cancer: Know the Warning Signs

BCBSIL Connect Team February 21, 2024

No one likes to talk about colon cancer. And that’s OK, as long as you take action. After all, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. You can take steps to protect yourself. March is Colorectal Canc...
- 6751 Views
Why Aren’t You Sleeping?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 6, 2024

Feeling more groggy than usual? You know you’re not waking up refreshed from a good night’s sleep. But what’s keeping you from sleeping? Turns out, there are many potential obstacles to getting and staying asleep. You can improve yo...
- 39060 Views
Learn About Different Levels of Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

BCBSIL Connect Team February 6, 2024

Would you know what to do if a friend or family member needed help with a mental health or substance use issue? What kind of help would they need? Who could help? Not knowing what to do can be scary and confusing. But there are many things you can...
- 26998 Views
Wait, That's Sugar, Too?

BCBSIL Connect Team February 5, 2024

If you’re trying to watch your weight, chances are you’ve indulged in something sweet with a sugar substitute. It seems like a good way to enjoy a treat without all the calories, right? These sugar substitutes are often made from high-int...
- 6027 Views
Living with Diabetes? Learn More About What It Means

BCBSIL Connect Team January 19, 2024

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar). Our bodies use this sugar to fuel our cells with the energy they need to work the right way. It’s a fine balance, though. When blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, it ca...
- 5770 Views
Get to Know Blue Bear

BCBSIL Connect Team January 17, 2024

How well do you know Blue Bear? Here’s a not-so-secret secret: Blue Bear likes being a healthy, happy bear. That’s why he eats his vegetables — even the green ones. He wears his helmet to protect his big brain. He brushes his teeth ...
- 6484 Views
Asthma Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

BCBSIL Connect Team January 12, 2024

The number of children with asthma has risen dramatically in the past few decades. With the wheezing comes worrying. Could your child be the one who is touched by this common chronic disease? Here’s what parents need to k...
- 14999 Views
Know Your Numbers for Healthier Living

BCBSIL Connect Team January 10, 2024

If you have high cholesterol, there are ways you can lower it. When you do, you help reduce your risks for heart problems. You also boost your chances for living a longer, healthier life. What’s the first step? Work closely with your doctor. T.....
- 12084 Views
Supporting a Loved One with Cancer

BCBSIL Connect Team January 8, 2024

“I have cancer.” They are three words you never want to hear from a friend, family member or significant other. Learning that a loved one has cancer can be very overwhelming and scary. You probably have a ton of questions you want to ask...
- 13406 Views
Three Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

BCBSIL Connect Team January 2, 2024

Teens are facing more challenges than ever. There’s pressure from school, friends and social media. No wonder their mental health can suffer. You don’t have to wait until your teen is in crisis to talk about it. Talk to your teen early an...
- 9025 Views
Get Big Benefits From a Small Weight Loss

BCBSIL Connect Team December 5, 2023

Some small changes can have a big payoff. That’s true when it comes to losing weight. If you're carrying extra weight, dropping even 5 percent of your weight can be good for your health. That level of weight loss can help lower your risk of chr....
- 68828 Views
How Fiber Keeps Your Brain and Heart in Shape

BCBSIL Connect Team December 1, 2023

Just about everyone knows eating fiber is the key to keeping you, um…regular. That's just one benefit of the food voted “Most Likely to Make a Middle Schooler Snicker.” It’s true. High fiber foods make you poop. They also mak...
- 8898 Views
Are You Dehydrated?

BCBSIL Connect Team October 26, 2023

Your body doesn’t work well when it’s low on fluids. When it loses more water than it takes in, you may have dehydration, which can lead to some serious health problems. You might not know when you’re dehydrated. But it could be beh...
- 15643 Views
Mind Your Food for Better Brain Health

BCBSIL Connect Team October 25, 2023

You’ve probably heard about foods that are good for your brain. But can you also harm your brain with what you eat? Our brains work better when we eat nutrient-rich food. So yes, there are foods that are bad for your brain. The best foods for ....
- 11801 Views
Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?

BCBSIL Connect Team October 25, 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. Knowing the earliest signs of a stroke can be a lifesaver. Every minute that a stroke continues, thousands of brain cells are dying. The faster you get the right medical care...
- 60749 Views