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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...
- 57224 Views
Clear the Air: The Truth About E-Cigarettes, Vaping and Smoking

BCBSIL Connect Team October 20, 2023

Many people, mostly teens and young adults, think e-cigs are cool or a healthier choice than smoking cigarettes. Whether they look like cigarettes, pipes, pens or lipstick holders, they all use a vapor to deliver nicotine without tobacco. This vapor...
- 15671 Views
Be an Advocate for Your Own Care

BCBSIL Connect Team October 16, 2023

Prevention is an important part of being healthy. That can mean having a yearly exam. It can mean having routine screening tests. When an illness can’t be avoided, stepping up to help direct your own health care is critical. Get Involved in You....
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The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

BCBSIL Connect Team October 7, 2023

Your mental health touches so many parts of your daily life. It affects how you think and feel, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Your thoughts and feelings affect how healthy you are. It isn’t surprising that having a mental .....
- 13910 Views
Every Breath You Take

BCBSIL Connect Team October 5, 2023

Your home may be warm and cozy, but is it good for your lungs? People tend to take their lungs for granted. We know we can’t live without them, but we don’t spend much time taking care of them. But as outdoor activities give way to indoo...
- 13433 Views
Healthy Gut, Healthy Life?

BCBSIL Connect Team September 28, 2023

You may have heard that your gut is your second brain. The saying gives a sense of how vital your digestive system is to the rest of your body. But what does it mean? A network of hundreds of millions of nerve cells called neurons line the gut, or...
- 17796 Views
Create a Routine for Better Sleep

BCBSIL Connect Team September 28, 2023

Most Americans have some type of trouble with sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 3 American adults say they’re not getting enough sleep every day. And millions of Americans have chronic sleep disorders....
- 7989 Views
Healthy Eating: Avoid Portion Pitfalls

BCBSIL Connect Team September 7, 2023

Most people know they should eat nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight and avoid serious health problems. Still, there may be a big part of healthy eating you’re not paying enough attention to — portion sizes. What you eat matters...
- 21165 Views
Find Out If a Low-Intensity Workout Is Right for You

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2023

Many people learned how to get their exercise without classes or gym workouts during the pandemic. Some turned to low-intensity workouts, and they haven’t gone back. There are benefits to stepping away from the “no pain, no gain” ap...
- 6662 Views
Does When You Eat Make a Difference?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 29, 2023

When it comes to healthy eating, we know that what we eat matters. So does how much we eat. And research shows that when we eat is important, too. Many studies point to health improvements from making changes to when you eat. That’s because our....
- 12885 Views
What Role Does Food Play in Your Life?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 20, 2023

It’s human nature. Once or twice a year we take stock and think, “You know, I really should take better care of myself.” It might be inspired by a recent health scare. It could be a wedding, reunion or other special event that spurs...
- 11970 Views
Meet your Endocrinologist: Going to the "Diabetes Doctor"

BCBSIL Connect Team August 19, 2023

You just learned you have diabetes. Your primary care provider (PCP) wants you to track your blood sugar, start a workout program and come back for a follow-up visit. It’s a lot to take in. As part of your treatment plan, your PCP may refer yo.....
- 9187 Views
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Living Well

BCBSIL Connect Team August 18, 2023

Our family history and DNA play a large role in our health and well-being. Genetic changes and traits carried by parents often appear in their children —even when the parents don’t have any symptoms of a genetic condit...
- 4891 Views
Fulfilling the Wishes of Loved Ones at the End of Life

BCBSIL Connect Team August 17, 2023

Talking about the end of a life with friends and family members is often a hard conversation. Many of us don’t think we need to think over important final decisions when health is good. For a young, healthy person, these talks a...
- 4474 Views
Wash the Rind to Leave Bacteria Behind

BCBSIL Connect Team August 15, 2023

The peak of summer brings ripe, tasty melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, from the farm to your table. Watermelons are not only refreshing, they’re also a great source of the antioxidant lycopene. What’s so special about lycopene? Lyc...
- 9130 Views