Connect Community

Watch Your Waist: Fat Around the Middle Can Be Dangerous

BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025

We all know that carrying extra weight is not healthy. But do you know that where you carry your weight matters? It turns out that not all fat is the same. Fat at the waistline can indicate an increased risk for some serious health problems. Visceral...
- 35756 Views
Get a Mammogram: Early Detection Saves Lives

BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025

Finding breast cancer early is the best way to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. About 1 in 8 American women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Each year...
- 84989 Views
Have You Had Your Health Screenings This Year?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025

Your annual wellness visit and health screenings play an important role in catching small health problems before they become big ones. Add your annual exam and health screenings to your to-do list to make sure they get done. If you still need some...
- 25378 Views
Is It Cold, Flu, Allergies or COVID-19?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 25, 2025

If you have sniffles, sneezes, coughing or sore throat, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Until you know for sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s always good to err on the sid...
- 58522 Views
What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer Testing

BCBSIL Connect Team August 21, 2025

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men. But when to get screened for it isn’t an easy decision. Talking with your doctor can help you choose what’s best for you. Testing Recommendations The U.S. Preventive Ser...
- 19789 Views
Proper Oral Care for You and Your Baby

BCBSIL Connect Team August 20, 2025

Pregnancy and welcoming a newborn baby can be an exciting time. It’s easy to be busy making plans and preparations, but one aspect of your health not always discussed during this time is making sure you keep up with good dental care. Good denta....
- 5278 Views
Teen Health Includes Healthy Teeth

BCBSIL Connect Team August 19, 2025

Teens throw a whole set of unique challenges every parent’s way. A lot of focus for teens is on the physical and emotional changes they are experiencing. For their overall health though, it’s also important to keep good dental health in m...
- 4078 Views
Four Hispanic Medical Pioneers Who Made Our Lives Better

BCBSIL Connect Team August 8, 2025

They were pioneers, risk takers and dedicated physicians determined to contribute something to the world that was greater than themselves. During Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), we celebrate the lives and legacies...
- 4569 Views
Shingles: The Sleeping Virus

BCBSIL Connect Team August 6, 2025

You may have heard shingles is a painful rash that is more common among older adults. What you may not know is what causes it, how many people suffer with it and how you can protect yourself. An estimated 1 million Americans will have a bout with...
- 10776 Views
Good Gum Care May Help Manage Diabetes

BCBSIL Connect Team July 30, 2025

If you have diabetes, even your mouth is affected. Regular dental care and managing your blood sugar level go hand in hand to keep both your body and mouth healthy. Gum Disease and Blood Sugar Levels Gum disease — also called periodontal diseas....
- 13762 Views
Women Can Lower Their Risk for Cancer

BCBSIL Connect Team July 25, 2025

Taking 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 early, when it is...
- 42285 Views
How Talking About Suicide Can Help

BCBSIL Connect Team July 25, 2025

Talking about suicide is an effective way to help 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 t...
- 35972 Views
Protect Your Skin While Enjoying the Sunshine

BCBSIL Connect Team July 25, 2025

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Fortunately, most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early. And the best news is that you can take steps to prevent them. That involves protecting your skin and being on the lookout for sk...
- 20005 Views
Don’t Let the Flu Sneak Up on You

BCBSIL Connect Team July 25, 2025

Many 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 increas...
- 39840 Views
Tired of Allergies? Take These Steps

BCBSIL Connect Team July 25, 2025

Are the sneezes, sniffles, scratchy throat and itchy eyes from seasonal allergies getting you down? It may be time to step up your treatment. Fighting Fall Allergies Seasonal allergies are always around. But based on what triggers your allergies...
- 58926 Views