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  • Healthy Gut, Healthy Life?

    Blogs: Healthy Gut, Healthy Life?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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 yo...
    • February 24, 2026
  • How Fiber Helps Keep You and Your Heart Healthy

    Blogs: How Fiber Helps Keep You and Your Heart Healthy

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Just about everyone knows eating fiber is a key in keeping you regular in the bathroom. But that's just one benefit of the foods in this essential category. It’s true. High fiber foods make you poop. They also have a role in preventing heart di...
    • February 20, 2026
  • Lowering the Risk of Opioid Misuse

    Blogs: Lowering the Risk of Opioid Misuse

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Opioids are helpful when taken the right way. When misused, they can lead to dependence. This can lead to overdose or even accidental death. In 2023, about 76% of all overdose deaths involved opioids. Opioid misuse and related deaths have been consi...
    • February 12, 2026
  • Are Your Knees Telling You They Need Help?

    Blogs: Are Your Knees Telling You They Need Help?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Millions of people deal with aching knees. It’s one of the most common health problems, and it affects people of all ages. Some hope the problem will just go away. And for a minor injury like a strain, time and rest may help. But some people ma...
    • February 12, 2026
  • Everything You Need to Know About Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

    Blogs: Everything You Need to Know About Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Along with acronyms for preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), add two more to your list. Both can help you pay doctor bills and save money. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (...
    • February 11, 2026
  • Bipolar Disorder Explained

    Blogs: Bipolar Disorder Explained

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    About 6 million adults, teens and children have bipolar disorder (BD) in the U.S. It’s often diagnosed before the age of 25, and it is a lifelong condition. Not All BD Is the Same There are actually four types of BD. With bipola...
    • February 9, 2026
  • How to Find In-Network Providers

    Blogs: How to Find In-Network Providers

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    There’s a lot to think about when deciding where to get health care – cost, networks, location and more. Being informed does not have to be tricky. We have resources available to help you make the best decision for you. Your online m...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Population Health: Strategies that Benefit Our Members

    Blogs: Population Health: Strategies that Benefit Our Members

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Population Health has been described as “the overall health of a group of people.” At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, we use different types of partnerships to improve the overall health and well-being of our members. We identify ...
    • February 9, 2026
  • What Is an HMO?

    Blogs: What Is an HMO?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    An HMO — or health maintenance organization — can help keep your costs lower and more predictable compared to other types of plans. With one medical group to coordinate your care, an HMO health plan is easy to use. An HMO health plan off...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Make Your Child's Smiles Sparkle

    Blogs: Make Your Child's Smiles Sparkle

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    A child’s mouth is important for many parts of their life — eating, speaking, learning and even self-esteem. Starting healthy habits early sets kids up for a healthier adulthood. Here are a few ways kids can keep their smiles bright,...
    • February 9, 2026
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    Jumpstart Your Wellness: Review Your Benefits

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team December 3, 2025
    It’s another new year, another chance to start fresh. But if grand New Year’s resolutions aren’t your style, there is one easy way to keep on top of your health: Brush up on the benefits that come with your health plan. It’s a...
    • 91353 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/3107.priority-preventive.jpg

    Make Your Health a Priority with Preventive Care

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team December 3, 2025
    You owe it to yourself to take care of your health. One good place to start is by scheduling your yearly preventive health care exam. Preventive care is very important for people of all ages. Scheduling an annual preventive care visit will give you...
    • 91290 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/Managing_2D00_Diabetes.jpg

    ¿Estás tratando de controlar la diabetes? Tienes un socio que te puede ayudar

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect December 3, 2025
    Si vives con diabetes, piensa en tu doctor de cabecera como tu socio para ayudarte a tomar las riendas de tu salud. Pueden trabajar juntos para controlar con éxito la diabetes y mantener una vida más saludable. Es importante realizarse ...
    • 3196 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/Build_2D00_Resilience_2D00_Manage_2D00_Stress.jpg

    Build Resilience to Manage Stress and Change

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team December 3, 2025
    Building mental resilience can help you handle stress and the ups and downs of life. That can lead to improved overall mental and physical health and a better quality of life. Mental resilience is the ability to adapt to change, stressful situations...
    • 55007 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/WMB_2D00_Cervical_2D00_Cancer.jpg

    Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer: Get Your Screenings

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team December 3, 2025
    We’ve all heard the old proverb: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Translated, it simply means catching health issues early is best. Many preventive services covered under your health plan help do just that. Three&nbsp...
    • 69148 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/Managing_2D00_Diabetes.jpg

    Managing Diabetes? You Have a Partner Who Can Help

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team December 3, 2025
    If you’re living with diabetes, think of your primary care provider as your partner in taking charge of your health. You can work together to successfully manage your diabetes so you can stay healthier. It’s important to get the regular t...
    • 58992 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/7230.weight_2D00_loss_2D00_options.jpg

    What You Need to Know about Your Weight Loss Options

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 24, 2025
    Being overweight or obese isn’t just about how you look. Carrying around extra weight is also bad for your health. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, joint injury and other health issues can come with being overweight. Some 50% of Americans will ....
    • 976 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-12/what-to-expect-next.jpeg

    ¿Tienes cobertura para el 2026? Esto es lo que puedes esperar

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect November 21, 2025
    Al inscribirte en una cobertura médica de Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) para 2026, comienza una reacción en cadena.* Hemos trabajado arduamente durante varios meses preparando una experiencia personalizada. Informaci&...
    • 7004 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/diabetes_2D00_eyes_2D00_smile.jpg

    Beyond Blood Sugar: The Connection Between Diabetes and Your Eyes and Smile

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 18, 2025
    Diabetes can affect more than your blood sugar — it can also cause problems to your vision and oral health. Diabetes and Vision : Diabetes puts you more at risk for diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma and cataracts. These c...
    • 411 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/FamilyWalk.jpg

    Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Living Well

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 14, 2025
    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...
    • 5367 Views
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    What Are Subsidies Based On?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 12, 2025
    Seeing your shopping total get lower at the cash register is a satisfying experience. From coupons to discount codes, many of us use what we can to manage our budget. The health care marketplace has a cost-reducing option too. The Affordable Care...
    • 1863 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/beat_2D00_holiday_2D00_stress.jpg

    Cinco maneras de vencer el estrés de las fiestas

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect November 10, 2025
    Si bien la temporada de fiestas es una época para estar alegre, también puede ser estresante para muchos de nosotros. Con toda la presión de cocinar, reunirse y salir de compras, no es de extrañar que nos sintamos abrumado...
    • 3745 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/stroke_2D00_signs.jpg

    Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 7, 2025
    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...
    • 86061 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/doctors_2D00_talk_2D00_about_2D00_your_2D00_care.jpg

    Help Your Doctors Talk to Each Other About Your Care

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team November 7, 2025
    You and your primary care provider work together to make sure you are in the best health possible. It’s a two-way street. Your doctor uses training and know-how to guide you. But to give you the best guidance, your doctor needs you to share all....
    • 13022 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/young-adult-preventive-care.jpg

    Guía de salud para adultos jóvenes: consejos para los 20 años y más

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect November 7, 2025
    La vida adulta es una etapa emocionante de la vida. Por lo general, la universidad, la carrera profesional y las relaciones románticas empiezan a tomar un lugar primordial. Pero también hay aspectos más rutinarios de la vida adul...
    • 1209 Views
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