Connect Community - BCBSIL
Connect Community - BCBSIL
  • User
  • Site
  • Search
  • User
  • Health & Wellness
    • Health Conditions & Prevention
    • Healthy Living
    • Healthy Mind
    • Recipe Book
  • Benefits & Coverage
    • Employer Coverage
    • Individual & Family Coverage
    • Health Insurance Tools
  • Understanding Insurance
    • Insurance Basics
    • How Health Insurance Works
    • Importance of Health Insurance
    • Getting Health Insurance
  • Ask BCBSIL
    • FAQs
    • Ask a Question
    • Send Private Message
    • Visit BCBSIL.com
  • Medicare
    • Health and Wellness
    • Benefits and Coverage
    • Understanding Medicare
    • Medicare en Español
    • Using Digital Tools
  • Español
    • Tu Salud
    • Seguro Para Ti
    • Tu Cobertura
  • Health Conditions
    • Asthma
    • Behavioral Health
    • Breast Cancer
    • Colon Health
    • Diabetes
    • Flu
    • Heart Health
    • Maternal and Infant Health
  • More
  • Cancel
  • 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...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Unlock Savings on Health Care

    Blogs: Unlock Savings on Health Care

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    No one likes to pay for health care. But we need health care to help us stay healthy, manage health conditions and get care when we need it most. Health insurance protects us from the financial burden of unexpected medical costs. There are a few ways...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Medicamentos con receta o de venta libre: Sigue las instrucciones para evitar riesgos

    Tu Salud: Medicamentos con receta o de venta libre: Sigue las instrucciones para evitar riesgos

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect
    Los medicamentos pueden ayudar a tu salud de muchas maneras. Desde medicamentos de venta libre hasta medicamentos con receta que tratan enfermedades que ponen en riesgo la vida, la medicina puede tener un impacto positivo importante. Pero solo si se ...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Staying Healthy Before, During and After Pregnancy

    Blogs: Staying Healthy Before, During and After Pregnancy

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Taking care of your health is always important. But it takes on a new level of importance when a baby enters the picture. It’s important to step up your self-care while you’re trying to get pregnant, during your pregnancy and after you g...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Minutes of Movement Add Up to a Better Life

    Blogs: Minutes of Movement Add Up to a Better Life

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Not being active can be dangerous for your health. Inactivity raises the chance of getting serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Yet 1 in 2 adults — and 77 percent of high school students — don’t get enough physic...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Is Your Blood Pressure Being Measured Correctly?

    Blogs: Is Your Blood Pressure Being Measured Correctly?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health problem that often has no symptoms. Often called "the silent killer" it doesn't always have symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years and not even know it. It’s impor...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Checking Your Blood Pressure Could Save Your Life

    Blogs: Checking Your Blood Pressure Could Save Your Life

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the best things you can do for your health. That’s because high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems. Near...
    • April 2, 2026
  • Need an Explanation of Your Explanation of Benefits?

    Blogs: Need an Explanation of Your Explanation of Benefits?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    You’ve been to the doctor and paid your copay. How are you going to know when your claim is filed and finalized? Simple — you'll get your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Your EOB will break down the services you received, the co...
    • April 2, 2026
  • What Does Your Thyroid Do?

    Blogs: What Does Your Thyroid Do?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that makes and releases certain hormones. Its main job is to control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. Sometimes the thyroid doesn’t work as it should....
    • April 2, 2026
  • Learn About Different Levels of Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

    Blogs: Learn About Different Levels of Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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 d...
    • April 2, 2026
<>
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/Diabetes-and-depression.jpg

    El vínculo entre la diabetes y la depresión

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect August 26, 2025
    La salud mental involucra muchas partes de la vida diaria. Afecta los pensamientos y las emociones, y cómo controlas el estrés, te relacionas con otros y tomas decisiones. La salud general incluye los pensamientos y las emociones. No es...
    • 4993 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/5226.diabetes-and-depression.jpg

    The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025
    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 .....
    • 14986 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/diabetes_2D00_complications.jpg

    Protect Yourself with Careful Diabetes Management

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025
    Everything you do to take care of yourself helps you lead a better life. And if you have diabetes, making healthy life choices and working with your doctor can help save you from bigger health problems later. Diabetes is all about blood sugar and...
    • 16130 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/AdobeStock_5F00_92337021.jpeg.jpg

    Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Child: What You Need to Know

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025
    Parenting 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 nav....
    • 50694 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/WomenCoughing.jpg

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

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team August 26, 2025
    Many people, mostly teens and young adults, think using e-cigs will make them look more stylish. They also often think they are a healthier choice than smoking cigarettes. Whether they look like cigarettes, pipes, pens or lipstick holders, they all...
    • 18912 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/fat-around-middle-banner.jpg

    Watch Your Waist: Fat Around the Middle Can Be Dangerous

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • 36831 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/yearly-health-screenings.jpg

    Have You Had Your Health Screenings This Year?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • 26455 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/cold-flu-allergies-COVID.jpg

    Is It Cold, Flu, Allergies or COVID-19?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • 60493 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-04/everything-prepare-buy-health-insurance.jpg

    Get Ready for Open Enrollment

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team August 25, 2025
    If you want to buy a new individual and family health plan or choose a different one, get the details you need before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1. Break the task into easy-to-handle steps. Keep the Deadlines in Mind Open enrollment ends Jan...
    • 47594 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-11/everything-prepare-buy-health-insurance.jpg

    Prepárate para el Período de inscripción abierta

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect August 25, 2025
    Juntar la información que necesitas antes del inicio del Periodo de inscripción abierta ayuda a simplificar todo el proceso. Si divides la tarea en pasos fáciles de manejar, incluso puedes ahorrarte algunas preocupacion...
    • 5809 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/prostate_5F00_cancer_5F00_screening.jpg

    Información importante sobre las pruebas de cáncer de próstata

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect August 21, 2025
    El cáncer de próstata es el cáncer interno más común en los hombres estadounidenses (con excepción del cáncer de la piel). Sin embargo, es difícil saber cuándo hay que hacerse la pr...
    • 4099 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/prostate_5F00_cancer_5F00_screening.jpg

    What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer Testing

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • 22102 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/DentalMomBabypg.jpg

    Proper Oral Care for You and Your Baby

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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....
    • 5797 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/BrandS_2D00_teen_2D00_teeth.jpg

    Teen Health Includes Healthy Teeth

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • 4409 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-12/id-card.jpg

    Obtener servicios médicos de la red puede ayudarte a reducir los costos

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect August 8, 2025
    Cuando vas de compras seguramente estás atento a los costos, ya que quieres comprar lo que necesitas a un precio razonable. ¿Es este el caso también a la hora de buscar atención médica? Acudir a profesionales m&eacu...
    • 11886 Views
<>
  • Go to Connect Community BCBSIL home
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Health & Wellness
  • Health Conditions & Prevention
  • Healthy Living
  • Healthy Mind
  • Recipe Book
  • Benefits & Coverage
  • Employer Coverage
  • Individual & Family Coverage
  • Health Insurance Tools
  • Provider Finder® leaving site icon
  • Understanding Insurance
  • Insurance Basics
  • How Health Insurance Works
  • Importance of Health Insurance
  • Getting Health Insurance
  • Ask BCBSIL
  • FAQs
  • Ask a Question
  • Send Private Message
  • Visit BCBSIL.com
  • Medicare
  • Health and Wellness
  • Benefits and Coverage
  • Understanding Medicare
  • Medicare en Español
  • Español
  • Tu Salud
  • Seguro Para Ti
  • Tu Cobertura

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation,
a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association


© Copyright 2026 Health Care Service Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Verint is an operating division of Verint Americas, Inc., an independent company that provides and hosts an online community platform for blogging and access to social media for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

Adobe pdf icon File is in portable document format (PDF). To view this file, you may need to install a PDF reader program. Most PDF readers are a free download. One option is Adobe® Reader® which has a built-in screen reader. Other Adobe accessibility tools and information can be downloaded at https://www.adobe.com/trust/accessibility.html. leaving site icon

leaving site icon You are leaving this website/app ("site"). This new site may be offered by a vendor or an independent third party. The site may also contain non-Medicare related information. Some sites may require you to agree to their terms of use and privacy policy.

  • Terms of Use and Privacy Statement |
  • Copyright Infringement Adobe pdf icon |
  • About Us |
  • Non-Discrimination Notice Adobe pdf icon|
  • Language Assistance

Powered by Verint